"Listen Mira, I'm not a stupid and dense guy. We've known each other for a few years although we don't interact a whole lot. But at least I know how you feel about me." Ben said.
"E-Eh?! I don't know what you're talking about." A flustered Mira said.
Ben smirked after seeing that.
"You getting flustered confirms it, so don't try to avoid it. I know you like me as a love interest, otherwise you wouldn't do that to someone you don't like." He said.
Mira blushed and looked down in embarrassment as she remembered kissing Ben's cheek.
"I'll just be frank. I like you too, as a love interest, of course. That means I love you too and want to pursue a relationship with you." Ben stated.
Mira's eyes widen in surprise and she smiled happily.
But Ben wasn't done. "But, before we pursue a relationship, I need to say something first. You know I have a dream to explore the world in the future. I also have many things that I want to do that will take up most of my time. So if you are-"
"I'm fine with that." Mira cut him off.
"Hmm? What are you fine with?" Ben asked.
"I'm fine with your dream and you being very busy. I will support everything you do as long as it's good. I will stay by your side with everything you do and in every happy and difficult time." Mira said seriously.
Ben was left speechless after hearing that. "You sound like we'll get married now."
"I'm not done yet." Mira told him.
"A-alright. Go on." Ben stammered.
"This is a serious step for us, so we need to be serious about this, and I am serious. I have thought about it a lot and I chose you. You were there for some of my most difficult times and gave me support. If you were not there, I don't know what would happen to me and my siblings. That's why if we really assume a relationship, I will be there for you too in your difficult times. We need to support each other." Mira said.
Ben smiled after hearing that and rubbed Mira's hair. "You've really grown up."
"Of course I have. Humph." Mira pouted.
"Ha ha ha, that's not a grown-up woman's answer. But I like it. Then, I think that's a 'yes', right?" Ben asked her.
"What 'yes'? You haven't asked anything." Mira said, still pouting.
Ben blinked in realization before he stands and then romantically knelt beside the table. He took Mira's hand and looked into her eyes.
"Do you want to go on a date with me princess?" Ben asked.
Mira blushed before nodding, "Yes."
CLAP CLAP CLAP WHISTLE*
The other guests clap at them and some even whistle. Ben and Mira look around with surprised expressions. They just remembered that they're in a restaurant full of people.
Both of them turn red in embarrassment and steam came out of their heads. They smile sheepishly as they run out of the restaurant. Ben just left some money on the table to pay the bill.
Everyone in the restaurant laughed at them and thought how good it is to be young. The adults remember their past young love lives and the couples are trying to be more romantic now. Still, there are a few kids here, and they don't understand anything.
Ben and Mira run without any destination in mind. They just want to get away from that restaurant fast. After running for a few minutes, they run onto a bridge. They stop and look around to make sure they're safe.
"I never thought the first thing we'd do as a couple was run away. What an experience." Ben sighed.
"He he, but it's fun and we will always remember it." Mira chuckled.
"I don't know about it being fun, but it surely will be something to remember." Ben said.
Both of them walk along the street beside the river while holding hands. Mira is shy about holding hands, but she doesn't let go of Ben's hand. She's shy, but also happy at the same time because she has waited for this moment for a long time.
They just walk while talking normally like they usually did. Being lovers doesn't mean they need to be different. They love each other the way are, so they just need to be themselves and act normally.
On this first date, they just walk around the town and go to many places. It's a normal activity, but the feeling is really different. Well, it will really be normal if they don't act lovey-dovey on the date.
Even though they try to act like they normally do, they still can't hide their feelings. As a new couple, they can't help but act lovey-dovey. Besides, this is their first date, so that is normal.
The last place they visit is the park. They've gone here before, but they weren't alone as Bella joined them back then. Now Bella is not here, so they can be more open.
They sit on the grass and Ben sat behind Mira while hugging her from behind. She put her head on Ben's shoulder as they enjoy the orange sky. No one in the park minds as there are a lot of couples here.
"Mira, I have something for you. This is not an exclusive gift because I've also given it to my sisters. But I promise you'll only get this from me, at least for now." Ben said.
"Heh, it seems I will never be the first woman in your life, huh? You'll always think of your sisters first before me." Mira said teasingly.
"Well, I met them before you. I love you all, but my love for them and you are different." Ben stated.
"I know. There's no way you'll love your sisters as women. So, what is the gift?" Mira asked.
Ben smiled after hearing that.
"This." He said.
Ben opened his palm and showed the magic circle mark on his palm.
"This is a Spatial Storage Mark that can be used to store items. It has a volume of 1000cm3 but can only store non-living things and it can't be erased. There's also a Spatial Storage Bag with the same function. But it can only store something that can enter the bag's mouth." Ben said while taking out a white furry sling bag.
Mira was very surprised to hear about and see both Spatial Storage tools. She took the bag and looked inside it. The inside was very dark like outer space and she can't see it's bottom.
"Did you make them yourself?" Mira asked.
"Yeah, they're the result of my year long journey. So, which one do you want?" Ben asked.
"The bag of course. It's very pretty. Who made it?" Mira questioned.
"One of my aunts in the village. Our village is good at things like this." Ben told her.
Mira put the bag on her shoulder and looked at it happily. They stay in the park until sunset while enjoying some snacks that they bought on the way. Then they return to Mira's house while holding hands again.
On the way to her house, Mira is very nervous and has many things in her head. They are lovers now and they go to her house. So she can think of lewd things. Ben knows what she was thinking about and smirked.
"Lewd girl." Ben suddenly stated.
Mira jolted up in surprise and got flustered. "I-I do-don't know what you're talking about."
"Ha ha, no need to hide it. I know what you're thinking and it's normal for our age. But there's no need to rush it, we are just getting started, so we still have a lot of time ahead of us. Besides, I know you still have another problem related to your guild to address. Phantom Lord isn't a weak guild, so you should primarily focus on it." Ben advised.
"You know?!" Mira exclaimed in surprise.
"It's not hard to figure that out. The flying iron pillars are the biggest clue. The townspeople also keep talking about it, so I was able to ascertain it quickly. I only know one person capable of that. Gajeel Redfox, the Iron Dragon Slayer. That really piqued my interest." Ben deduced.
"You're very observant, aren't you?" Mira asked.
"That's a must for a S-Class mage." He smirked.
Mira sighed after that statement. "Ben, I have a request."