As dawn came, Tomoe made her way to the train station earlier than intended, only to find that she and Tetsuo arrived at the exact same time.
"I didn't expect you to get here before ten," said Tetsuo.
"I was restless last night, so I decided to leave a little earlier than planned and wait for you. But I guess we thought the same thing, huh?" said Tomoe as she chuckled.
"Well, since we're here, let's kill some time at the new café that recently opened," said Tetsuo as he led the way.
"Welcome to our café! Please sit down and order whatever you like from the menu," said a waitress wearing a maid outfit as she smiled.
"Order whatever you want, Tomoe. It's my treat," said Tetsuo.
"Okay, if that's the case, I'll go for this chocolate-flavored ice cream sundae with a cherry on top."
"Alright, and what would you like, young man?" asked the waitress as she wrote down the order on a piece of paper.
"Just water is fine," said Tetsuo.
"Okay, coming right up," said the waitress.
"Why didn't you order something for yourself from the menu?" asked Tomoe, concerned.
"It's okay. I'm not really a fan of sweets, so..."
"Here you go—one chocolate ice cream sundae and a glass of water for the young man."
"Well, time to give it a taste," said Tomoe as she took a spoonful. "Amazing! It's actually really good," she said, a warm smile appearing on her face.
After finishing the sundae at the café, Tetsuo took her to a local library to browse the countless shelves.
"Wow, I didn't know this place existed," she said in awe as she stared at the books.
"Yeah, me either, since I just recently moved back here," said Tetsuo.
"Go ahead and read whatever book you like. We still have plenty of daylight," said Tetsuo.
"Okay, I'll do just that," she said as she picked out five books, sat down, and started reading them.
After reading for about two hours, they both decided to get something to eat.
"Look, there's a bakery over there. Let's go check it out," she said as she pulled Tetsuo toward the bakery.
"Wow, it's really not that busy today, is it?" said Naomi.
"Yeah, Mom, business is really slow today," replied Naomi.
"It's too bad, and your friend even came out this Sunday to help us out too," said Naomi's mother, disappointed.
"Cheer up, Mom. We'll be getting some customers soon. Nobody can resist the taste of your baking, right, Sachiko?" asked Naomi.
"Yes! We'll get these cakes sold, don't worry," reassured Sachiko.
The doorbell rang as the door opened, signaling the arrival of customers.
"I knew we would get more people. Sachiko, you can go out there, greet them, and take their order," said Naomi.
"Right! I'll do that now," said Sachiko as she took a deep breath.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to Nakamura Pastries and—"
As Sachiko lifted her head, she was shocked to see Tetsuo with a girl. As they both sat down, Sachiko quickly went back to Naomi before he could spot her face.
"Hey, what's wrong, Sachiko? Did you take their orders already?" asked Naomi.
"Just come over here and look," Sachiko said as both she and Naomi peeked at Tetsuo and Tomoe talking to each other.
"Do you know that girl?" Sachiko asked curiously.
"No, not a clue. But I guess she might be the reason he's leaving class so quickly—you know, his girlfriend. Not gonna lie, she has a cute face, but I can see she shares the same blank expression he has, so I guess that's his type," said Naomi.
"There's no way I can face him out there and take his order, not while wearing this," Sachiko said to Naomi.
"Hello? Is anyone here?" Tetsuo called out as he walked up to the counter.
"They must have stepped out or something," he said. "Wow, these cakes look delicious—especially the cheesecake. I bet Usagi would want some. I'll buy a slice for her," said Tetsuo.
"Come on, quit your worrying and get out there, girl. Remember, you were the one who offered to help me and my mother out today. You can't back out now," said Naomi as she chuckled.
"It's not funny, Naomi! Why are you enjoying this?" asked Sachiko, blushing.
"I'm not. It's just that your face is so cute when you're jealous."
"What do you mean? I'm not jealous!" said Sachiko, blushing even more.
"The guy you like is on a date with another girl. I'd be jealous. Well, since you're not in the slightest bit worried about them being together, there's no need to be all flustered and embarrassed, hiding out in here. Just go take the order. We can't afford to lose any customers," said Naomi.
"Alright, fine! I'll do it," said Sachiko as she mustered up the courage to go back out to the counter.
"Good day! Welcome to Nakamura's Pastries and Cakes. What can I do for you today?"
"Oh, Sachiko! That's a surprise—I didn't know you worked here," said Tetsuo.
"No, I'm actually just helping out. Naomi's mother owns this bakery," said Sachiko.
"Do you guys know each other?" asked Tomoe.
"Yes, she's my classmate and also the vice president of the student council," he replied.
"Oh, you don't say. Do you mind cutting a slice of that cheesecake for me?" asked Tomoe.
"A slice for me as well," said Tetsuo.
"Okay, just give me one moment," said Sachiko as she cut the cake, packaged it, and gave it to them.
"Thank you for stopping by, and be sure to come back and savor our delicious desserts," said Sachiko.
"Sure, I'll definitely come by next time," said Tomoe as both she and Tetsuo left.
After she finished eating the cake on a bench, Tetsuo brought her to a bookstore.
"Wow! It's the next volume of Read Between the Lines, a great detective story filled with mysteries and unresolved plot holes from the previous volumes. I didn't get the chance to buy this one yet. I should have brought enough money for it," said Tomoe.
"I'll go ahead and buy it for you since you want it."
"Are you sure, Tetsuo? It's really not a big deal. I can buy it next time I come here," she said.
"Just think of it as a gift from me to you," said Tetsuo as he picked up the book, handed it to the cashier, and bought it.
After leaving the bookstore, Tetsuo took her to a flower shop, and then they went to the residential park.
Upon arrival, a basketball came flying Tetsuo's way, and he caught it.
"I'm so sorry about that, sir," said a little boy as he ran over to Tetsuo.
Tetsuo then spun the ball on his hand, started dribbling, drove to the small court, and took a shot that swished through the hoop.
"Whoa, amazing! That shot was great, bro!" said the kids in awe.
"How did you learn that?" asked one of the little boys.
"I play basketball at Toshigawa Academy," said Tetsuo.
"That's great! Come on, play with us, mister!" said the kids as they smiled and dragged Tetsuo off.
After some time playing with them while Tomoe watched, they both sat down on a bench to enjoy the cool breeze.
"Thank you so much for today, Tetsuo. I was reluctant to go on this date before, but now I'm glad I did because it's the first time in a long time that I've had so much fun. I'm so happy," said Tomoe as she smiled.
"I'm glad you feel that way. Your eyes aren't as gloomy as before—that's good."
"There you go again about my eyes. You're kind of weird, you know that?" said Tomoe as she chuckled.
"I'm going to get something to drink. Do you want anything?" asked Tetsuo.
"Water is fine."
"Okay, be right back," he said as he left.
Tomoe then took out the book Tetsuo bought her, smiled, and started reading. After immersing herself in the story, she suddenly sensed a shadow standing behind her.
"I'm back, Tomoe. Did you miss me?"
She immediately recognized the voice and turned around in fear and shock.
"Oh no… it can't be…"