I’d like to stay with you.

TL/ED/Proofreader: NaCl

“Here’s the pork cutlet set meal and the mackerel in miso sauce set meal.”

　The waitress, an experienced-looking woman in an aged kappogi, brought our dishes to the tatami room where we are seated. (TN: kappogi is a Japanese apron first created to protect kimonos from staining when cooking)

　I bowed my head with Ren-san, who was sitting across from me.

　The pork cutlet was brightly colored and looked delicious.

　My mackerel simmered in miso also looked very mild, but the aroma wafting through the air was very appetizing.

　Today, Ren and I were at his favorite teishoku restaurant. (TN: A teishoku restaurant is a restaurant which sells mainly set meals)

　Before we started dating, he told me about this restaurant when we were eating at a tendon restaurant we went to after a movie. (TN: A tendon restaurant is one which sells mainly tempura dishes)

　As Ren-san said, the restaurant was quiet inside, but the people working there were very fast and efficient.

　Perhaps because it was lunchtime on a weekday, we were the only young customers.

“Chopsticks are in there, you know. Feel free to use the condiments.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Yes, take your time.”

　The waitress looked alternately at me and at Ren-san across from me.

　Then, for some reason, she left with a grin on her face.

　It was a somewhat odd smile to be called a sales smile …….

　I feel a little embarrassed.

“Rika, here.”

“Oh, thank you.”

　Ren-san handed me a set of chopsticks.

　It was the same when I ordered, but Ren-san seems to be very familiar with this restaurant.

　He must really be a regular.

　Instead, I poured tea into his cup, which was running low.

　”Thank you,” Ren-san’s voice said bluntly.

　I was pleased to hear such words, but I must have been beaten down a bit too much.

“Then, itadakimasu.”

“Itadakimasu!”

　After joining hands together, we started to eat.

　The mackerel stewed in miso was not too thick nor too thin, but exquisitely seasoned.

　I am a fairly confident cook, but I think I have a lot to learn from this.

　Ren-san is very picky about his likes and dislikes, so I have to study him carefully every day.

“It’s delicious.”

“Yes. It’s seriously good.”

“Besides, the price is very reasonable.”

“And it’s almost never crowded.”

　Indeed, all of Ren’s favorite conditions were met.

　It was no wonder he liked it.

“By the way, …… Rika.”

“What is it?”

　When I replied, Ren did not answer immediately, but scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed.

“Well, that…… well, you know, about that thing on the school trip.”

“…… yes?”

“……We have quite a bit of free time. Also, there are the marine activities, and so on.”

“Oh, yes. I thought it was time to decide what I’m going to do.”

“Oh ……”

“…… Ren?”

“……”

　Ren-san was silent there for a while again.

　Then, with great difficulty and embarrassment, he opened his mouth.

“……I was thinking that if possible, I would like to go around with you.”

“Oh.”

“…….”

“……”

　Ren-san’s face turned bright red.

　But surely, it was the same for me.

“But, of course, not all the time, …… if we both have free time. Well, I’m free all the time,…… Rika, if you like,…….”

“…… with you, I’d like to be with you. I want to be …… with you too.”

　When I answered, Ren’s eyes widened in surprise, then he let out a long breath, looking terribly relieved.

“then …… well, let’s decide properly, marine activities.”

“Well, yes. And free time, too, where we can meet …….”

“…… oh.”

　After exchanging a few words, we drank more tea from our cups at the same time.

　My face, which was on fire, cooled down little by little, and all that remained afterward was a pleasant sensation, as if I were fluffy or in a dream.

“……It’s kind of weird, isn’t it? We’re in a relationship, so it should seem normal to do that.”

“It’s ……. But we …… no, at least for me, these things are irregular. ……”

“Me too……!　Besides, I thought you wanted to spend your time quietly over there.”

“Well, if it was just for the sake of it, yeah….”

“…… I see. If that’s the case, by all means.”

　Ren-san nodded at me, and as if on cue, we went back to eating.

　I don’t really like school trips.

　I like the trip itself, but I felt it was not in my nature to go with a large group of people and follow the schedule set by the school.

　……But.

“……I’m looking forward to it, Guam.”

“…… I see.”

“Yes. Thanks to Ren.”

“Well,…… I’m looking forward to it too, thanks to Rika.”

　Ren-san, who said that without looking at me, looked like a child, and his sleepy eyes were fluttering.

　He really is …… adorable.

“Ren-san, are there any marine activities you are interested in?”

“Hmm? To be honest, anything would be nice.”

　The answer was as expected.

　Marine activities and Ren-san. Just imagining this is a combination that makes me a little crazy.

　Maybe I can’t speak for others either.

“What about Rika?”

“I want to do the Seawalker. You wear special equipment and walk in the ocean. It sounds really interesting.”

“Oh, I remember something like that.”

“Yes, that’s what I want to do. Satsuki and Chitose are also going to sign up, so this is a definite decision.

“Then, we’ll decide on the other ones based on that.”

“Yes, that’s right. Let’s choose carefully.”

　Marine sports are physically draining, so we won’t pack too much in.

　It’s safe to plan a schedule with plenty of time to spare so that you can take a break in moderation.

“But I am glad you are motivated to travel. I’m sure this will motivate you to do your work on the committee, too.”

“More so than before. It’s still a hassle, though.”

“Heh. Please cooperate properly with the other committee members. Don’t leave everything to the other person.”

“It’s my job, I’ll do it right. Besides, there’s only one female and male, and there’s a lot of things you can’t just leave to them.”

“…… eh?”

　Ren’s words gave me an unreliable floating feeling, as if the floor had suddenly fallen out.

　……That’s what I thought.

　There is a rule that there must be one male and one female on the school trip committee.

　I had completely forgotten about it, since there is no such restriction for my book club.

　But as soon as I was convinced of this, I somehow felt my body tense up a little.

“And, well, with Susami there, I can’t just skip committee meetings.”

“…… I guess so.”

“Hmm, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, no, no, …… nothing.”

　Ren-san tilted his head curiously at my weird reaction.

　……That is an unnecessary and unwanted concern.

　It’s just a committee, Ren-san is right, it’s his job.

　 I chanted in my heart, as if to push back the sudden recent feeling of uneasiness, and drank up my miso soup that had become completely lukewarm.