Not if, But When
By SMYGO4EVA
The sun shone high in the clear sky, and the cool air shifted.
Kase and Yamada sat on the bench just outside the botanic gardens. They waited for what felt like hours now, even though it had just been ten minutes. Yamada remembered clearly that Kase had friends who also happened to be a couple. Now they were just biding time until their arrival.
It was Yamada's idea for the four of them to go on a double date together. Summer was here, and the botanic gardens were lovely this time of year. She just hoped Kase's friends were nice, kind, and fun too.
Kase was a good person, so in turn, her friends must be good people too. Dwelling on the what-ifs wasn't going to help much.
"Oh, just got a text." Kase said aloud, standing up from the bench, and Yamada leaned over to take a look at her phone.
"What is it? What'd they say?"
Kase opened the text message and a smile grew on her face. "He said they're on the way, and they see us right now."
Yamada straightened up, jumping to her feet. It was a relief to know they weren't being stood up. She was so deep in thought about it all, she nearly forgot how fun it would be to meet new people.
With eyebrows raised, Kase waved her hands up in the air, jumping up and down.
"Hey, over here!"
Yamada held back a laugh, surprised by Kase's exuberant behavior, and she looked forward, her eyes falling on the friends they waited for.
Two boys around their age walked towards them, one tall, with red-orange hair and eyes bright, and the other short with black hair and nervous eyes.
"Hey, Sasaki, over here!" Kase called out, and Sasaki walked over up to them.
"Kase, long time no see." Sasaki replied, catching his breath.
"Sorry we're late." The other boy bowed in apology. "Something came up."
"Schoolwork?"
"Schoolwork."
"No worries, Miyano, we're just glad you made it." Kase said, and motioned towards Yamada, who waved her hand.
"I'd like you to meet Yamada, she's who I've been telling you about."
Yamada felt her cheeks turn red, and she bowed. "Th-that's right, I'm Yui Yamada. It's great to finally meet you both."
Sasaki grinned. "Glad to finally meet you. No need for introductions, but you know, formalities and all that. I'm Shuumei Sasaki."
Miyano straightened himself up and he smiled politely. "I'm Yoshikazu Miyano, nice to meet you Yamada."
"Likewise." Yamada replied, feeling more at ease.
"Great, now that we've all introduced ourselves, let's head in." Kase said, leading the charge, with Yamada walking beside her.
"I've heard the perennials bloomed already." Miyano replied, following Yamada, with Sasaki right next to him.
"How do you know that?" Sasaki asked, curious, arching an eyebrow.
Miyano laughed. "I've kept up to date with what the gardens bring in."
"So do I." Yamada spoke up, smiling encouragingly. "Keeping up with the flora and fauna, it's quite fascinating."
"No kidding?" Miyano inferred.
Yamada nodded. "No kidding. I look after the garden at school."
"Oh, that's neat."
As they kept walking, Kase and Sasaki traded an amused look.
This was going to be a very interesting double date.