Yumiko Pov

One week before

What should have been a quiet Saturday was now quite a difficult Saturday, the reason was my mother, I don't want you to misunderstand me: she asked for a day off to spend more time with me, but she's very nosy about my friendship with Raiden.

"Come on Yumiko, tell your mother more about that boy."

What I can do? I would have no problem talking about him, in fact being able to talk about him with someone else makes me happy, but I know my mother will misunderstand everything.

"I'm sure if I tell you, you will only start imagining weird things."

"Of course not, I just want to know more about that friend of yours, after all, a mother's duty is to know about the friends of her children." my mother hit her chest as a sign that it is her duty.

"Okay, but don't come up with any strange ideas, okay?

''Go ahead''

''At lunchtime I go to look for him at his class, from there we go to the parking lot where we have lunch together and we also talk about any topic, whether it is how the classes have been or to the high school we will apply next year ''

To my surprise, Raiden also applied for Sobu High, so if I'm lucky, he might be in the same section.

"And when classes are over, Raiden walks me home. Although sometimes I go to his house since I get along very well with his younger sister and we start talking while we watch some TV shows and when it starts to get dark Raiden walks me home "

I could see a big smile on my mother's face.

"So, Yumiko?"

''Yes?''

''When will you introduce me to my future son-in-law? ''

T-T-Told you not to have weird ideas!''

I broke the eye contact I had with my mother, as for some reason I began to imagine Raiden and myself as a family, so I started to blush.

"You obviously have interests in Raiden, after all how you describe him and the way you smile when you talk about him is something a maiden in love would do."

"I told you we're just friends!"

"Well, I guess that's in the meantime, I have a pretty beautiful daughter after all, so it's only a matter of time until that boy confesses to you."

''Are you serious?!''

I could see a smile on my mother's face

''Look what you made me say! '' I couldn't help blushing.

I had fallen into my mother's trap; I couldn't see her in the eyes.

''Although I am worried that this boy will not take the initiative, after all in most cases it is the men who should take the initiative, in this case, he should be the one who is going to look for you. Although I can attribute it to the fact that he may be a bit shy, in that sense he reminds me of your father. ''

"Of my father?"

''I met your father at university, he was someone very diligent and studious, he did not go to parties or interact with others, I could tell just by looking at him, after all we were in some courses together, of course we did not speak ''

'' So how did they fall in love?''

"That's what I'm going to say. It's not to show off, but your mom in those days was quite popular, so it was not uncommon for several boys to confess to me, although I rejected all of them because they only saw my appearance and not because of what it was, then they weren't worth it. ''

''One day a boy confessed to me, but when I rejected him, he began to behave erratically, violently and started insulting me, so I just ignored him and decided to leave, he took me by the arm. At that moment I started to feel scared, but then your father appeared, took that guy by the arm and told him to let go of me, but to my surprise, the guy hit your father and told him not to meddle in his business. But instead of being scared, that act seemed to enrage him, and, in a moment, your father hit back, breaking that boy's nose on the spot.

I did not think that Dad could be violent, although the day he accompanied me to school he looked quite upset, to the point that the principal seemed to be afraid of him, I guess I know more about him now.

"And that's where you fell in love with him?"

"Maybe if I had been a teenager this would have been enough, but when you are older you start to think about more things than just the moment. I thanked your father for his help, I was hoping he would ask me for something for helping me, but he told me to be more careful and he left, this bothered me, because I expected him to ask me out on a date or something like that, but he just ignored myself, that was a huge blow to my ego, so I started to take an interest in him. ''

"I imagine a my father like that, since as you said, there are very few occasions where he shows emotions"

'' Right, right, I'm glad you understand me. From that moment I started talking to him during the classes we had together, and I accompanied him at lunches, I thought your father would be honored if I kept him company, but he was only indifferent as if my presence bothered him. Can you believe it?''

Mother looked a bit upset saying this, but she in turn had a smile on her face, as if remembering those times brought her joy.

"This is how time passed and months passed since we met, but I felt that our relationship was going nowhere, so one day I cornered him and asked him what he thought of me, his answer surprised me. he told me that i was someone annoying and unbearable and that I shouldn't go out with him as that would only cause the rumors to start running and that would hurt me.''

"At that point I realized that he was acting that way just to protect me from bad comments or gossip that might spread while I was dating him."

Since I can remember, I have spent more time with my grandmother than with my parents, I cannot blame them since thanks to this we have a big house and we don't need anything, that's why there have been few times that I have seen my mother smile, and while she described my father, I could see that she was very happy as well as having a quite charming smile.

''From what I decided, he would be my boyfriend, of course when I told him this, he was in shock, and I also told him that I would not take no for an answer. You would have seen the expression he had at that moment, it was one of the few times that I saw him blush and he told me that if someone like him was enough for me, he would have no problem with that.''

''That's why Yumiko, don't hesitate if you have to be a bit aggressive with that boy, since without you knowing it he could have his reasons for behaving that way."

My mother's words made me think about how Raiden behaves when we are alone and when I go to his classroom, maybe my mother is right, and he is hiding something? Although I can't think of what it could be.

"So now that you know, don't you think you should ask him date?"

''A d-d-date? I already told you we're just friends!" My mother seemed happy as she teased me about it.

"Yumiko, do you know what a date is?"

"Hmm, I think it's when a girl and a boy go to a place." I was not quite sure about that, after all, I had never had a previous experience, and my words were based on the series I saw on television.

''Correct. A date is when two people who are friends or boyfriends spend time together, so you can tell that you and Raiden have been on a lot of dates, right?''

This surprised me, I didn't think that being alone with Raiden could be considered a date.

"So, there's nothing wrong with asking him out on a formal date, right? Also, by your expression I can tell that you are interested in the idea, right?''

Not that I'm against the idea, but I couldn't invite Raiden as easily as my mother said.

"You might be wondering how you could ask him out on a date, right?"

''Can you read minds? ''

"You are very expressive while thinking Yumiko" She said the latter smiling.

I looked away from her, because if my mother realized what I was thinking just by looking at my expression, I wanted to prevent her from doing so.

"So let me give you an idea. If you don't have the courage to invite him directly, you can use an excuse, a serious example that will accompany you to buy some things, also this is perfect since you do not have new clothes, right? Then you can tell him Raiden to accompany you to do it, of course if he refuses just be more aggressive, after all you don't want another girl to come and take it away from you, right?''

"Raiden only talks to me at school, so I doubt he knows other girls, besides the way he is, he is quite similar to my father, so I don't worry about that.''

"If you're so confident, then I don't see a problem with you asking him out on a date, right?"

''Of course, I can.'' We also only see each other on school days, so it would also be something new to see each other on a weekend.

"Looks like you've come to a decision, right?

"By the way mother, aren't parents supposed to be more protective of their children?"

"That's a father's job, a mother's job is to support her children as much as she can, especially if her beautiful daughter has romantic interests."

"I told you we're just friends!"

My mother can actually be quite nosy.

''Now that you have made up your mind, let me give you some tips that will go a long way toward winning Raiden-kun's heart.''

I could only give my mother a look of annoyance as it seemed like she didn't listen to me at all, although just in case I'm going to listen to her advice, I'm not saying this will help me for my date with Raiden, but maybe this can help me in the future, so I'll keep them in mind.

"First, when they agree on a time to meet, it is not good that you arrive on time, since a girl must always be late, you can tell him that you were a little late and if the boy is attentive, he will answer, I just arrived ''

''Secondly, have him indirectly praise your clothes, this is important, but in case he doesn't, you can give him subtle hints to do so.''

''Thirdly, when you see fit, ask him to hold your hand or arm, you can give him the excuse that it is so that you both do not part. With these 3 tips, I'm sure your relationship will move forward, but since you say you're just friends, I guess you don't have to put it into practice, right?

"I think I'll keep them in mind for the future, I'm not saying I'll use them right away, but I appreciate it anyway."

''Don't worry Yumiko, I'm your mother, so I'm here to help you, so if you have any problems or difficulties, feel free to let me know.''

I gave her a hug in assent to her words, after all, although it is a bit annoying, I appreciate her concern for me, as well as the time she takes to speak to me.

Present

I woke up early, after all, today is my date with Raiden.

At first I thought it would be difficult to tell him this, but luckily for me on Tuesday an opportunity presented itself as apparently for some reason Raiden would be busy in the afternoons so we couldn't go home together, of course hearing this made me a little sad, but I quickly thought that this would be a good excuse for him to join me, and luckily it seemed to work, although he didn't look happy at all, but this is fine as Raiden looks like my father.

Although that day when Raiden scolds his teammates, he was upset with one of them, it was interesting to see him upset, and even though he was wearing his contact lenses. I'm sure with his natural eyes he would look scarier. I don't want to insult him, but his natural eye color makes him look better.

I also think that if Raiden was to comb his hair a bit and correct his posture while walking, he could be considered as handsome, but I don't want that either, since then he would get a lot of attention and would not want that.

I still have 2 hours until my appointment with Raiden so I'll have breakfast first and then I'll start studying and in half an hour I'll get ready, after all one of Mom's advice was that I should be a little late, although I don't quite understand the meaning of this, though I highly doubt she came up with any random ideas.

When I made my way to the living room, I could see a note left on the table, as well as a bag.

"Dear Yumiko, I leave you the money for your date, and I'm sure you wanted to impress that boy, so I bought you a set of clothes as an extra. Remember also that when you try on new clothes, always ask that boy for his opinion, so you will have various weapons to use against him.''

Going through the bag, I found a white blouse and a red skirt.

I guess I'll have to thank her when I sees her at night.

I already had everything ready, I had taken a shower and changed with the set of clothes that Mom left me, I also prepared all the things that I would take.

Even though it's still 15 minutes to 11, I could leave, but I don't want to be too early, I also feel nervous, after all according to mom this would be my first formal date with Raiden.

I suppose could read some tips on the Internet, since it would not hurt to know a few more things.

I think now I understand dating a little better and I was also able to find the advice my mother gave me on the internet. If the internet and my mother think alike, I suppose I could use them.

I guess I should be going to the mall by now.

As I set the time, I realized that it was already 11:15.

This is bad, I think I spent too much time reading and did not realize the time.

Although my mother did not specify the time that I should take, but I think 15 minutes will be enough, I also do not want Raiden to think that I am unpunctual.

But at that moment I realized that I was 15 minutes late, but not counting the time it would take me to get to the mall.

I remembered that one of the blogs I read mentioned that sometimes girls invite boys out on a date, but they did not attend on purpose, and this caused the boy to distrust and distance himself from that girl.

I felt a chill through my entire body. Would Raiden stop talking to me because he thought my invitation was a way of making fun of him?

Idiot, idiot, I'm stupid for not realizing it sooner.

I rushed to get to the mall asap.

I was already near the mall, when I realized the time, it was already 11:30, I was half an hour late.

What excuse can I give Raiden? Though on second thought, I'm sure he's gone by now.

Should I go to his house to apologize to him? Although he may be angry for what I did to him.

What should I do? I like Raiden, but I don't want him to stop talking to me about for this stupid mistake I made.

For some reason, I started to get sad thinking about this.

But this is no time for regrets, if this is my fault, I have to take responsibility, so the best thing I can do right now is to go and apologize to him.

But before I could turn me around to head for the train station, I ended up bumping into someone.

''Sorry''

I wanted to head quickly to Raiden's house.

"Yumiko?"

When I saw who the person, I had run into was, I realized it was Raiden, was he waiting for me all this time?

''Sorry for being late!" The first thing I did was apologize to him, as I could tell that Raiden was heading home after waiting so long for me.

Raiden seemed happy for some reason.

"Don't worry, I just arrived too, so there's no reason for you to apologize."

Mother was right, what Raiden replied when I was late was that he had just arrived, but this only made me feel guilty for letting him wait half an hour.

"Seriously, excuse me, I promise it won't happen again."

Raiden looked a bit irritated

''Don't be stubborn, I'm telling you that I just arrived, so you don't have to apologize.''

I hit him on the arm.

''Don't be stubborn and accept my apologies! ''

Raiden gave a long sigh, "How annoying you are." He said this quietly, but I could still hear it.

I hit him on the arm again

''Did you say something?" I gave him a smile along with these words

This seemed to scare him, I can be scary if I put my mind to it.

"I think we should go to the mall, right?" Raiden said

I guess mom was right, I should be a little more aggressive towards Raiden.

''Go ahead''

So, we started heading inside the mall.

"By the way, Yumiko, how long do you think it will take us at the mall?''

"Are you in a hurry to go?" It seemed like Raiden wanted to piss me off on this day

"It's not what you think, it's just that I forgot to tell Rumi that I was going out today, and I didn't leave anything cooked for her lunch either, I also have no way to communicate with her since I forgot my cell phone at home."

Put that way, I guess there is no point in blaming him for worrying about how long it will take, even though I was going to take him to the food court for lunch, since Mom left me a lot of money.

"If you want, I can lend you my cell phone so you can call Rumi-chan." I'm not sure if another opportunity like this will present itself, as it will be very difficult for me to ask Raiden out on another occasion. So for today I will be somewhat selfish, forgive me Rumi-chan, I promise I will make it up to you.

I lent my cell phone to Raiden, he proceeded to call his younger sister, put the cell phone to his ear.

"Hi Rumi, it's me"

(...)

"I'm Raiden, I think it's obvious from my voice, right?"

(...)

"Sorry I'm sorry, you don't have to scold me on the cell phone too." Did Raiden do something to make Rumi scold him?

(...)

''I'm with Yumiko right now, so it'll take a while to get home.''

(...)

"I'm telling you it's not what you think, you should stop jumping to conclusions you know?" What did Rumi say to get Raiden to answer this?

(...)

"Okay" Raiden gave a long sigh "I was calling you because I didn't leave lunch cooked and I probably won't make it by lunchtime" Raiden looked downcast "So you can grab my wallet and order something to eat, it's in my room, so you won't have a problem locating it, but don't spend all the money, okay? ''

(...)

"Don't you think that's a bit expensive?"

(...)

"Okay, take it as an apology for everything that happened today, but if you can, don't spend it all, ok?"

(...)

"So, we won't see you in the afternoon, bye"

With their conversation over, Raiden handed my cell phone back to me, but he looked pretty miserable.

''Thank you for lending me your phone Yumiko ''

''By the way, didn't you bring your wallet or cell phone? I guess sometimes you can be clueless too.'' Raiden makes fun of me sometimes, so I can do the same

''I ran out of my house, so I forgot.'' Raiden looked so cute when he seemed sorry. But why am I thinking about that?

These thoughts aside, I think we should go inside now. But I was forgetting to do something, rather, Raiden was forgetting about this.

''Cof, cof ''

"Is something wrong Yumiko?"

"No nothing" After saying this, I walked in front of him, as if to make him notice my clothes, in case he hadn't already done so.

''Then let's continue.''

Did he just ignore this? My mother had said that boys are somewhat slow in this regard, but I thought Raiden would be different since he is quite insightful.

"Raiden, are you sure you don't have anything to say to me?" I guess I'll have to be more direct with him.

''I do not think''

"Can you try to think about it a bit more?"

''Mmm no''

I hit him on the arm "Idiot"

I started moving forward without him.

What did it cost him to praise me for my clothes? And although he didn't realize it, I gave him several clues, I don't think he was such an idiot as not to notice.

But something held my arm so that I couldn't move forward, when I realized it, it was Raiden who wouldn't let me move forward.

''Is there something wrong?'' I was upset with him

Raiden leaned closer to me, to the point where his face was on the side of mine.

"Wait, are you ...?"

"I thought I didn't need to tell you, but I think I'll have to do it anyway. You look quite beautiful Yumiko; I could even say that there is no woman more beautiful than you in this place right now."

I quickly walked away from him, that action took me totally by surprise. I couldn't see his face because it made me blush, you idiot Raiden.

"What is it, Yumiko-chan?" Raiden said this with a mocking smile on his face. "I guess that's the same because of your previous joke."

Although he had done it out of revenge for the way I annoyed him earlier, that doesn't detract from the importance of his words.

''Baka''

I clung to his arm.

"This is my revenge, and I will not take no for an answer."

"I guess I don't have a choice, right?" Raiden sighed after saying this.

So, we started walking to the mall.

"Raiden, what do you think of this?"

"Is my opinion necessary?"

"Sure, why do you think I brought you?"

"So that I carry all your purchases?"

"Also, but it's not difficult for you to say what you think of this blouse, is it?' '

We had entered a clothing store, since I wanted to buy new clothes, also following my mother's advice, I took the opportunity to find out what Raiden thought, although it is not that I do it especially for him, since this is something that my mother advised me and it would be good if I tried it, it has nothing to do with the fact that I will choose the clothes that he likes the most.

"I think that blouse is fine"

"And what do you think of this other one?"

''It's okay''

''And that?''

''It's okay''

I hit him on the arm. "Could you take it seriously?"

''I'm telling the truth, after all, whatever clothes you wear will fit you.''

He made me blush hearing his words, but for some reason he had a mocking smile on his face.

"So, you buy those, and we go?"

Now I understand, he said all that just to get out of here, if I wasn't upset before, now I am.

"Yumiko, for some reason your smile scares me"

''Is that so?'' I went back to look for several clothes.

I could see the surprised face Raiden had at my words.

"Yumiko-sama, you don't think it's too cruel."

Seeing that side of Raiden isn't bad either.

"Don't worry, Raiden." I put my hand on his shoulder, for some reason he looked happy about this. ''It's only going to take about two to three more hours, so you hang on, yeah?'' Raiden went from surprise to fear, he looks so cute when he gives up.

"Don't you think you bought too much Yumiko?"

'' Mom told me that I was free to choose what I liked, she also left me a lot of money, so no problem.''

We had spent about 2 hours in the clothing store, so I saw that it was punishment enough for him, and since I had already decided what clothes to buy, I decided to pay for them and go to lunch.

"Raiden, where would you like to eat?"

"Since you are inviting me, I have no complaints about the place you choose." Since Raiden hadn't brought his wallet, he felt sorry that I was the one paying for lunch, although I have no problem with that, as he could take it as a thank you for everything he did for me.

"You know I have no problem with that, so you can choose somewhere"

''I don't go out much, so I don't know what to choose, but I guess burgers would be fine. ''

"I haven't tasted them in a long time" The last time I ate them was on my birthday, my grandmother had taken me to eat, it was just the two of us, because my parents were busy at work.

Thinking about her brought back good memories, maybe before I would have been sad to remember this, but I don't gain anything if I clung to the past, besides, she would not have wanted me to remember her sadly.

So, we decided to go order at a restaurant counter.

The food was delicious, and this was the first time I had eaten with someone outside of my family, so it was a new experience for me.

Once we finished eating we decided to take a walk around the mall, although I asked Raiden for some things so he wouldn't have to carry everything, he refused, saying that it didn't bother him, and although I tried to convince him, he was stubborn with this, apparently it had something to do with his pride as a man, I don't understand it, but I decided that he would take care of everything.

As we toured the mall, a drink stand caught my eye, there was a long line, so what they served must be delicious.

"Yumiko, do you want one?"

''Was it that obvious?''

''Just by looking at how you were observing it, it was easy to deduce ''

''But there's a long line.'' I don't want to have to stand in line all the time.

"There are some seats there, so you can wait while I line up, since you bought lunch, it's the least I can do."

I just nodded at his words and gave him the money so he could buy the drink.

While I was waiting, I took some pictures of Raiden, because my mother was quite insistent that she wanted to know what he was like, and if I refused, she would keep insisting until I did.

Sometimes I think she's still a teenager inside.

"Hello beautiful, what is a girl as beautiful as you is doing in these places?"

Looking at the place where the voice was coming from, I realized that it was a boy with brown hair and black eyes, maybe they could say that he was quite handsome, but in my opinion, he was just an idiot trying to flirt with me, like I don't have enough of the stupid people at my school.

"I'm waiting for someone, so if you don't mind, could you please stop bothering me?" I raised my voice on this last part, since the last thing I wanted was to be bothered by an idiot.

"Come on, don't say that precious, why don't you join me and have fun with me?"

"Are you deaf or are you stupid enough not to understand my words?"

"I like difficult girls like you, come on, don't be stubborn and join me, I promise you will have a good time"

As I was about to answer him, I could see Raiden approaching, so I raised my hand and said his name.

Raiden ignored that boy and handed me the drink.

''Here you go Yumiko''

''Thank you, Raiden'' as I said this I clung to his arm.

''Tch!''

I could see how that guy looked quite upset, that's what he deserved.

''I thought that since you rejected me, you expected someone like me, but you only expected this idiot, hahaha, you must have bad tastes''

When I was about to reply, Raiden stopped me.

''Just ignore it Yumiko, he's not worth enough to waste our time dealing with someone like him'' So we decided to continue on our way.

Raiden was right, it was better to just ignore him, but just the same, he was no one to insult Raiden.

''I guess you're just a bitch''

Raiden stopped.

"Could you repeat what you said!?" I had never seen Raiden upset, but the look he gave that boy was quite terrifying.

"I gladly, said she was a bitch."

Raiden rushed over to him and grabbed him by the neck.

''I think you didn't understand me, so I'll explain it to you in detail. IF YOU REPEAT IT AGAIN, I WILL MAKE SURE TO CRASH YOUR FACE AGAINST THE FLOOR, AND I ASSURE YOU THAT I WILL NOT STOP WITH THAT!''

Raiden pushed him away, making the boy sit on the floor.

''Now get out of here before I lose the good mood I have right now!''

That guy looked upset, but he got up and left, I guess Raiden can be scary when he wants too.

''You were amazing'' It was the first time I saw him that way, besides the way he approached him quickly, I guess these are the results of his training that he does at night.

''Its nothing, after all I couldn't allow him to insult you''

His words made me blush.

''So, Yumiko, do we continue on our way?'' Said Raiden.

''Guide the way'' I told him this while smiling.

The rest of the afternoon we spent seeing some things in addition to eating some snacks from some stores.

Being 5 in the afternoon we knew that it was time to go home, after all we had already done everything possible on this day, and we had had a lot of fun.

Raiden accompanied me to my house, I wanted to invite him to come in, but he said that he was a little tired besides that he had to get some things ready, so I was not insistent.

"So, I'll see you on Monday, Raiden."

''See you Yumiko''

After saying this he raised his hand in farewell.

The first thing I did upon entering was to leave my purchases in my room and check my cell phone, I wanted to make sure that this photo was there.

Luckily there it was.

When we took the train back home, Raiden fell asleep, and as we sat together, he ended up leaning on my shoulder, and since I was sure this opportunity would not happen again, I took advantage of it and took a photo of us.

I will definitely treasure this.