What The Future Holds For Us

Chapter 39: Nagisa and Akari

Nagisa's POV

Work went well today. The students were thrilled with how much fun they had on the retreat. New friends were created on the trip too, Chika and Aoyama were talking much more often than they previously were. It was good to see the kids happy.

I was asked by Mr. Minato to assist the staff and volunteer students with cleaning up the remaining decorations from the retreat. It was a lot of work, and would take probably 2 hours. It sounds like a lot, but it couldn't be more perfect.

I like helping out the school. Mr. Minato, the students, volunteers, everyone makes me happy to be there at school. But they weren't what was making me so excited. Tonight was the night I planned to propose to Akari.

It's been on my mind for weeks, and I saved enough money to get a good ring. I planned for both of us to go to an annual festival tonight. We would be wearing much nicer wear than we typically would on our dates, though we are pretty casual in terms of attire normally. We were going to go out to a restaurant we had reservations at, then walk in the park area nearby. That's where I'll pop the question.

Mr. Minato and I were directing things now. We had dealt with most of the tasks and were now just helping with putting equipment away. There was a large contraption on wheels we would use to get things on and off of the ceiling. It was fun to be on and it was a hassle to move so we didn't use it too often.

My watch read 5:14. Slightly behind schedule, but it wasn't bad, we were having a blast. Mr. Minato looks over at me, smiles and sparks a conversation.

"Are you having fun Nagisa?"

"Lots, thanks" I say, "I'm more so looking forward to what's happening tonight."

"Oh really? Anything special going on?" He asks, slightly raising one eyebrow.

"... I'm proposing to my girlfriend tonight..." I say, a little embarrassed.

Mr. Minato was surprised, but let out a chuckle. "Nagisa, you're making a big move in your life. I hope the best for you and your girlfriend."

Mr. Minato put his hand on my shoulder and shook me a bit. "Thank you very much, sir."

"You've got an important night ahead of you, Nagisa. I'll handle the rest from here, you get going now!" Mr. Minato says.

"Thank you Mr. Minato!" I say, as I go to my classroom to grab my things before going to my car.

But first I need to set everything up. I brought the jacket and other attire I was wearing tonight to work with me. So I was going to change at school, and pick up Akari at home. In order to get Akari ready herself, I wanted to text her without seeming TOO suspicious.

Hey Akari, I'll be home in maybe half an hour. Can you do me a favor and change into some really nice clothes for tonight? There's an area I'd like to go to that involves a fancy restaurant.

Uhhh, sure, I'll be ready for when you get home then.

Thank you!

I put my phone down thinking that everything is going as planned. What I told her was true, and we were going to a nice place for dinner tonight, but there was more to it. I got changed then began the drive home.

We already talked about visiting the festival going on this week, but never solidified anything. It was the perfect excuse to go out to a great place.

Upon pulling into our driveway I got a little nervous. I mean, tonight was THE night. I ring the doorbell and Akari opens it soon after. She had a white medium length dress, her favorite heels, and a black fuzzy coat.