Chapter 229: Dating?
Before coming here, Kobayashi had already said that this was just a simple visit.
As it turned out, it really was simple.
Because this blue-eyed young dragon, who lived by the motto of "I'm a bit slow," not only ruled among her classmates but also managed to win the teacher's complete favor.
The female teacher, sporting a rather dangerous housewife hairstyle, spent most of the meeting praising Kanna for being "attentive in class," "helpful," and "well-behaved and smart." Only at the end did she briefly mention a few points about studying before letting them go.
As they stepped out of the office, Kouya suddenly felt that there had been no need to call Vigne for help. He could've just stood there, grunted a few times, and it would've gone just as smoothly.
The moment they left the school, a familiar gaze landed on Kouya.
"Staaare—"
Kanna tilted her little face up, said nothing, and just grabbed the corner of Kouya's shirt.
There it was!
The familiar hungry dragon stare!
The one that makes people instinctively empty their wallets, and enjoy it against their will…
Who would enjoy that, damn it!
And seriously, Vigne's right there—why are you staring at me instead?
"What do you want to eat?" Kouya asked helplessly.
"Everything."
Perfect, her usual answer.
"Saikawa-chan, want to come with us?" Vigne invited.
The little girl with the shiny forehead seemed shy. "No, I should go home…"
"It's still early, no need to rush," Vigne said with a smile. "Besides, Kanna-chan will be counting on you at school."
At the mention of Kanna, the little girl puffed her chest proudly. "Don't worry, Vigne-oneechan! I'll definitely take good care of Kanna! I won't let those awful boys steal her away!"
"Eh? What do you mean?" Vigne blinked curiously.
"Because there are so many boys in class who keep crowding around Kanna-chan, giving her snacks and toys. It's obvious they're up to no good."
Vigne coughed lightly. "That might be a bit of an exaggeration. Maybe they just want to play with her."
Saikawa pouted. "No way. They're totally trying to get Kanna-chan to date them! Someone even left a letter in her shoe locker!"
"Pfft—"
Kouya almost spat out his drink.
You're third graders! Third graders! And you're already thinking about dating?
Vigne also broke into a cold sweat. "That's… a bit early, isn't it?"
Saikawa blinked innocently. "But lots of people in our class are already dating."
"..."
Vigne was completely defeated.
Not long after, Kouya and Vigne took the two girls to a nearby food street.
It was only a little past four, the sun still high in the sky. Students were already out of school, and the streets were lively and crowded.
A whiff of sweet cream and pastries floated by. Kanna tugged on Kouya's sleeve and looked up.
"I want Baumkuchen."
Kouya walked into a cake shop and bought a few pieces—handing the first to the blue-eyed dragon, the second to Saikawa, and the third to Vigne.
"Here."
Vigne pressed her lips together. "I don't want any."
What's there to be shy about? Girls love sweets, and it's not like this is your first time. Is it because Saikawa's here, and you're embarrassed?
Kouya said calmly, "If you don't eat, Saikawa might feel awkward."
Vigne glanced at Saikawa, saw her expression, and finally took it. "Then… okay."
Later, when Kouya went to pay for takoyaki, Vigne beat him to it.
She handed a tray of takoyaki to him, raising an eyebrow with a faint smirk. "Here."
Kouya sighed, took one with a bamboo skewer, and tasted it. Crispy outside, tender inside—pretty good, actually.
The taste reminded him of the other night at Kobayashi's place, when he and the blue-eyed dragon had watched Chibi Maruko-chan while eating dinner.
That big-headed elementary school girl—probably suffering from macrocephaly—was named Maruko. Only two kanji away from takoyaki Maruko.
Kobayashi had mentioned watching it as a kid, and later Kouya looked it up online—turns out the show had over a thousand episodes, all about her life as a third grader. That's one seriously long third grade!
Because she'd already eaten cake, Vigne couldn't finish her takoyaki and looked at Kouya. "I'm full… I haven't touched these two yet. You can have them if you want."
Kouya nodded. "Okay."
He'd already finished his own, so he casually picked up one with the skewer and ate it.
"W-wait!"
Vigne's flustered voice rang out.
"Hm?"
Kouya turned to see her face flush bright red, lips trembling as she glared at him in embarrassment.
What the hell? Why are you suddenly glaring at me?
Wait a sec.
He looked at the skewer in his hand… oh.
So this was the one she had just used.
What's there to be embarrassed about? Sharing a skewer doesn't count as an indirect kiss.
"There's still one left…" Kouya cleared his throat.
Vigne said nothing, just placed the last takoyaki into his hand before turning away. Her ears, however, were glowing red.
Meanwhile, Kanna had stopped by a glass window, eyes sparkling.
It was a shop selling small accessories.
Vigne quickly went over and took her hand. "Kanna-chan, let's go take a look."
Saikawa blinked. "But Kou-nii hasn't finished eating yet…"
"Ignore him!"
The blue-eyed dragon had her eyes on two adorable ribbon hair ties, one on each side of her head, making her look even cuter.
When Kouya walked in, he noticed Vigne's gaze linger briefly on a cat-shaped hair clip.
So when paying, he bought it too. Outside the store, he handed it to her.
"Here."
Vigne bit her lip. "What's this for?"
"You seemed to like it," Kouya said with a cough. "Consider it a thank-you gift for helping with Kanna's meeting today."
"I don't want it." Vigne turned away.
"Pfft—"
A soft laugh rang out.
They turned to see Saikawa giggling, pointing a finger. "Vigne-oneechan's blushing!"
Vigne's face turned scarlet. "W-what are you talking about! I-I'm not!"
Saikawa sighed dramatically with her hands on her hips. "Geez, I'm getting anxious just watching you two. It's just dating—what's there to be embarrassed about?"
"Vigne-oneechan, I'm telling you—if you like someone, you should date them fast, or someone else might snatch them away!"
Being lectured on romance by a third grader, Vigne's face burned even hotter. Flustered, she mumbled something about having to get to her café job and ran off in a panic.
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