Chapter 12: What If I Made Plans to Hang Out with the Young Lady?

When I got back to my room, I gave Laila a call.

That said, she is an elementary schooler.

I can't talk for too long at night, so I'll have to keep it to some light small talk.

『Kouto-sama, I was waiting for you to call.』

「Yeah, sorry about that. I had some things to take care of, so I just got home now. What were you up to?」

『I had just finished my bath and was relaxing in my room. ...By the way, how are you feeling?』

「Feeling? What are you talking about?」

Don't tell me she noticed my stomachache?

『Well, when we had tea together yesterday, you seemed to be favoring your stomach... I was thinking of calling a doctor.』

「Ahh, that's what you meant. It's okay, I'm all better now, so don't worry.」

I said, reassuring her.

Even though I got carried away and ate ramen, it seems I've more or less recovered.

『Is that so? That is wonderful to hear.』

After that, we chatted idly about trivial things. I love this casual time. There's no need to think about anything unnecessary, just about the person I'm talking to.

...I wanted to spend time like this with Meari, though.

I obviously can't talk to Laila about her. It's just too pathetic to complain about my ex-girlfriend to an elementary schooler. Still, talking like this, it's almost like we're really dating.

「Ah, right. About this Sunday, do you have any plans?」

I voice a sudden thought.

I was thinking we could go out somewhere on Sunday, but I decided so suddenly that I haven't thought of a place for our date. In the first place, I don't even know what Laila likes, so this was poorly planned on my part.

『I have no particular plans for that day. ...Are you asking me on a date? If so, I would be delighted.』

Now that I've gotten her hopes up, I can't back out. Now, where should we go?

Hmm... let's see.

「Alright, wanna go see a movie?」

I decided on the movie theater.

I also wanted to see a movie once in a while to refresh my mind.

A romance movie would be nice, but should I play it safe and pick an action flick? But then again, she's an elementary schooler, so I have no idea what would be good.

『U-Um...』

As I was mulling it over, Laila spoke up a little hesitantly.

『If it is alright, would you mind if I decided?』

「Hm? I don't mind at all.」

I have no idea anyway. It's probably best to leave it to her.

『In that case...』

In the end, it turned out to be a romance movie. Apparently, it's become quite a topic of conversation in her class.

A romance movie that appeals to elementary schoolers, huh... I don't really get it, but I guess it's fine.

◇◇◇

And so Sunday came. Laila and I were at the station. I'd arrived about ten minutes before our meeting time, but I could already see Laila's figure.

「I am so sorry, did I keep you waiting?」

「Nah, I don't mind waiting. ...Aali-san, you came too.」

「I am her maid after all. Please, pay me no mind. Enjoy yourselves, you two.」

Laila and Aali-san. I guess it's not exactly a date with two girls along. But that's fine, we're not officially dating yet anyway. If Meari saw us together, she'd probably hold a grudge.

Besides, both of them look beautiful. Not in a school uniform or a maid outfit, it's a refreshing feeling.

I'd like to think I know a thing or two about girls' fashion, enough to have flipped through magazines for Meari when we were dating.

Laila's outfit has an elementary schooler's charm, but she's conscious of looking more mature.

The length of her skirt gives her an air of innocence, and her long-sleeved top shows little skin. And more than anything, her hair ornament is adorable.

As for Aali-san, she's dressed in a chic outfit fitting for a maid, and I find her even more beautiful than usual.

「Kouto-sama, is something the matter?」

「Ah, ahh... it's nothing.」

I was captivated by the sight of them.

Don't, don't, Laila is one thing, but both of them is a definite no! I'm not like that shitty woman. This isn't a date, we're just hanging out. I have to proceed without any romantic elements.

Alright.

「Let's go then. We have to have a ton of fun today.」

I began to walk towards the movie theater, escorting Laila and her companion.