Even Though I Loved You First

After we finished our meal, we talked for a while before parting ways with Arisa’s parents, giving the two of us some alone time. Of course, we said nothing, granted that both couples benefited from it.

“The food was good wasn’t it?” (Kei)

“Unn. I never really tried that type of high-end meat before, and I must say…” (Arisa)

“Must say…?” (Kei)

“I still don’t know the difference. Does it enable you to win the lottery or…? I mean, it’s way too expensive for that matter…” Arisa said in monotony.

“Welcome to society, I guess…” (Kei)

Arisa couldn’t distinguish the difference between the ‘normal meat’ and the high-end meat which made the meal pricier. Well, neither did I, maybe only Ms. Akina or Mr. Itsuki were able to distinguish between the two.

“Still… I wonder if I could replicate it…” I mumbled.

“Kei’s inner chef is breaking out again…” (Arisa)

“Felt like I’ve heard that before…” (Kei)

The meal was indeed delicious, so delicious that I began to question whether I could replicate the taste of the meat. Of course, expensive meat isn’t necessarily required, some spices should do the trick.

“?!” Suddenly, I felt a familiar warmth as a sweet scent enveloped me.

“A-Arisa…?” (Kei)

“Shh, let me stay like this for a while.” Arisa, who had her arms wrapped around me, said in a low voice.

Areh… This is weird… Arisa’s being way more needy than usual… No, she never gets like this when we’re out in public does she?!

“What’s wrong all of the sudden? You usually hold back whenever we’re in public.” I gently said as I composed myself and wrapped my arms around her.

“No, it’s nothing. It’s just, I kind of had the urge to do it, you know?” Arisa’s mumbled voice could be heard as she still had her face buried on my shoulder.

“Couldn’t hold it anymore?” I teasingly said, but Arisa took my words to heart.

“Seems like it…” She then surprised me by stealing my lips.

↤⨳↦

“So, where are you taking me?” I asked Arisa as I walked beside her.

“It’s getting late, I know. However, that makes it better!” (Arisa)

From our last destination, it took us a fifteen-minute walk to reach the place Arisa motioned me too. The establishment seemed to be still open and accepting customers, it was quite hard to discern due to the darkness but the place had some vibrant colors on the outside.

“This is an ice cream-smoothie parlor that opened not too long ago. According to the advertisement, not only are the products good, but they are also open twenty-four-seven.” (Arisa)

“Heh, I see. Then, we’re entering, I assume?” (Kei)

“Yes! Let’s go!” (Arisa)

Entering through the glass doors, a chime rang and notified the left-over staff that a customer had arrived. There was only a man-woman duo taking orders and making them altogether, along with some customers here and there. Well, I bet that during the day there’s more staff.

We both placed our orders and went over to a table by the corner of the store, we sat down facing each other as we looked out the window with our products in hand.

Then we started talking in a low voice.

“It feels somewhat weird to be out this late at night, right?” (Arisa)

“Unn. Well, it’s summer, so I guess we are able to enjoy moments like this.” (Kei)

Holidays are things to enjoy, from sleeping all day, even to doing the opposite, and staying up late all night, talking with family, a friend… a lover.

“Do you have any plans for the rest of the summer?” I asked.

“Hmm. Not really, I have all the time in the world, so do invite me out on a date more often… Actually, why don’t I invite you out this time?” (Arisa)

“Huh?” Perplexed, I stopped drinking my smoothie and stared at Arisa wide-eyes.

“What are you so surprised about?” She giggled, “Dating is a give-and-take relationship. If I want to date you, shouldn’t I also have something to give? I can’t be the only one taking from you, can I?” She smiled.

She had a point, taking their lover out for dinner, giving them gifts… such things aren’t something only one person in the relationship should do, that was what I was taught by my parents.

It seems Arisa also had the same ideal, so naturally, she would feel awful about giving nothing back to me even though I am usually the one to spend money on our dates.

I never really had any hobbies, so I have quite a lot of money stacked though…

“I mean… that’s true but…” My voice trailed off.

“Oh, come on. During half of our dates this summer, it’s my treat. How about it?” (Arisa)

I don’t really want to make her go through it… If anything, I’ve come to learn how stressful planning a date for me and my girlfriend could be… However, I’ve also come to learn that Arisa isn’t easily stopped.

“S-sure, I don’t mind. I’ll be in your care then… I guess?” (Kei)

She cutely giggled, “Don’t worry, I’ll give you the time of your life.” She excitedly said in a low voice.

“Even if you think you’re leading the relationship, don’t let your guard down! Before you know it, you’ll be the one being turned into a good for nothing!” Mr. Itsuki’s words, from when we first met, flashed rapidly through my mind.

Is that what he meant at the time?