Would you be my girlfriend?

As dawn painted the room in soft hues, an unyielding electronic melody jolted Akira from slumber.

The alarm, a persistent maestro, conducted the morning's awakening.

With a groggy reach, he silenced its rhythmic plea, the room slowly revealing itself.

Amidst the ticking clock and distant city sounds, he reluctantly emerged from the cocoon of dreams. 

Akira stretched and yawned, rubbing his eyes. "Morning already," he mumbled, the fatigue evident in his voice.

He dragged himself to the bathroom, splashing water on his face to shake off the remnants of sleep. He groggily reached for his toothbrush, the bristles dancing against his teeth, and then let the cold water from the tap wake him up.

After a quick shower, he emerged, towel draped over his shoulder, feeling more awake. He headed to the kitchen, ready to face the day.

The sizzle of the frying pan greeted him as he prepared breakfast.

With practiced hands, he assembled two bento boxes, filling them with a carefully balanced mix of flavors.

After slipping into the well-pressed School uniform, he stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar and straightening the tie.

"Another day," he muttered, securing the bento boxes.

Akira slung his backpack over his shoulder, stepped out the door, locking it behind him.

He strolled down the familiar path to school, the weight of his backpack a comforting presence.

As he turned a corner, he caught sight of Saki.

She stood near a cherry blossom tree, her presence blending with the delicate petals.

Spotting Akira, Saki's eyes widened before she offered a timid smile. "Oh, um, good morning."

"Morning, Saki," Akira greeted, his heart racing a bit. He remembered her shy demeanor from yesterday.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Akira reached into his backpack. "I wanted to return this to you," he said, presenting the bento box she had given him yesterday. "Couldn't bring myself to return it empty, you know."

Saki's eyes widened in surprise, a blush dusting her cheeks. "Oh, you didn't have to..."

"It's the least I could do," Akira replied, a warm smile on his face. "Plus, it was delicious. I thought I'd return the favor."

They chatted for a bit longer, the conversation flowing easily.

Akira was careful to keep it light and casual, not wanting to overwhelm the girl as they continued on their way to school.

"Wait for me after school" I said before entering the classroom and heading for my seat.

"H-huh!? W-wai" By the time she came to, I was already chatting with Hiroshi.

**

lessons merged into a blur of notes and lectures.

The day progressed to its climax with the last bell, releasing a collective sigh of relief as freedom beckoned.

Akira gathered his belongings and headed towards the school gate. True to his suggestion, Saki stood there, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Hi," she greeted softly.

"Hey, Saki," Akira replied with a grin.

"Do you enjoy reading books?" he asked as they began walking.

"Hmm, I find solace in books; they're like gateways to different worlds, offering a captivating journey. How about you, Akira? Do books appeal to you as well?" Saki inquired with genuine enthusiasm.

"Well, as long as they're entertaining, let's go to Wired Tokyo 1999," Akira suggested, reaching out to hold her hand.

"Eto... I don't have enough money with me," Saki admitted with an embarrassed tone.

"Silly, I'm the one who invited you, so don't worry about it. I'm happy to provide for my wife" he replied Shamelessly.

"Wi-wife?! A-Akira...Isn't it a little too fast, w-we have only gotten to know each other and be my real boyfriend first!." Saki was blushing hard and her eyes are blinking fast.

"You are too cute Sa~ki~, would you be my girlfriend?" Akira teased her.

Onlookers felt an urge to smack his face, especially the single dogs.

"Akira!" She tried to yell, but her voice came out gentle.

Her face was now beet red, and embarrassment radiated from her.

"Her reactions are adorable; I can't resist teasing her," he mused.

They soon reached Wired Tokyo, a chic multi-floor café and bookstore offering captivating street views along with a menu featuring pizzas, salads, coffee, and cocktails.

Upon entering, they discovered a charming bookshop on the lower floor, leading them to a cozy café nestled upstairs. The atmosphere was inviting, surrounded by bookshelves laden with a variety of titles – some of which were available for free reading during their café visit.

Saki, despite being a Tokyo resident, marveled at the neatly arranged books. She didn't like to go outside, she usually shut herself in her room reading books or studying, stepping into this literary haven was a rare and delightful experience for her.

Fortunately, the place wasn't bustling with patrons.

They selected two books and settled into a quiet corner.

Basking in the gentle glow of the surrounding lights.

As they sat side by side, Saki couldn't help but steal glances at Akira's perfect side profile.

Her heart fluttered, prompting a blush that compelled her to lower her head.

Struggling to regain composure.

Noticing Saki's unusual behavior.

Akira, with a chuckle, inquired, "Is the book good?".

"Um, it's very good," Saki replied softly, her face growing warm once again.

She couldn't shake the feeling of being utterly useless in such situations.

Would Akira mind her constant bashfulness?

Amused, Akira responded, "Let me see what amazing book has you so engrossed that you're reading it upside down."

Saki: "???".

What is called social death, This is it.

Saki wished she could crawl into a crevice in the ground.

Such was the extent of her embarrassment

Akira, on the other hand, sported a wide grin, exuding an infectious cheerfulness.

Perhaps this is what they mean by 'peaceful times.

Having indulged in more reading and conversation over cups of coffee.

They eventually descended to the restaurant floor for a delightful meal before concluding their time and heading out.

"Want to capture the moment with a picture?"

"Picture? Alright."

Saki readily agreed and retrieved her phone from her bag.

Scanning the surroundings, Akira identified a spot with a picturesque backdrop.

Then signaled for her to hurry up.

As she approached, he playfully made a face as soon as the camera app launched.

Akira saw Saki's pupils move towards him on the phone screen.

"Should I move closer? The side of my face is getting cut off."

Lost in her thoughts, Saki stumbled in her response

"Hm? Ah... Yeah... Can you come a little closer?"

He leaned in until his head was almost touching Saki's.

She looked over at him and spoke.

"I'm gonna take the picture ok?".

"Go quickkk..."

Maybe Him being unable to speak properly due to holding a smile was funny.

She let out a small chuckle.

Then, upon seeing that his expression was slowly breaking, she quickly fixed her expression and took the picture.

Click!

And so, with laughter and a quick snapshot, they immortalized their first memorable selfie.