The bell signaling the end of class gradually rang, and the students in the classroom happily packed up their bags.
Lucas Amaki also put his books into his backpack, slung it over his shoulder, and watched Gotoh Hitori as she packed up her own things.
He remembered that his mother had asked him to invite Gotoh Hitori out on a date after school, but he didn't know how to bring it up.
He planned to ask his mother for advice.
[Lucas Amaki: Mom, how should I invite Hitori on a date?]
At that time, Lucas' mother—who was having dinner with Gotoh Hitori's mother—felt her phone vibrate.
She pulled it out and saw the message from her son.
"Sister, does Gotoh have her phone with her today?" She asked
"She does,"
Aunt Gotoh replied, setting down her chopsticks.
"That's good. Isn't today Valentine's Day? Let the two kids go out and have fun. So send a message to Hitori and tell her you and your husband won't be home today."
Aunt Gotoh nodded—it made sense.
Then she took out her phone and sent a message to her daughter.
[Hitori, your dad and I have something to do today, so we won't be home to cook. We'll be back in the evening. You can take Futari out to eat. Remember, no takeout allowed!]
After Aunt Gotoh sent the message, she put her phone away.
"It's settled, sister. What did you tell Lucas?"
she asked.
"I didn't tell him anything. He's the one who asked me how to invite Hitori out. I just told him back when he left for school."
"He just doesn't know how to ask her out,"
She said with a smile as she picked up a slice of beef.
***
After she finished packing her schoolbag, Gotoh Hitori noticed her phone light up on the table.
Seeing that, Lucas Amaki picked it up and handed it to her.
"Th-thank you,"
Gotoh Hitori said quietly, then checked her phone.
It was a message from her mom.
Her head slowly lowered after reading it.
Seeing her reaction, Lucas looked a little confused.
He glanced at his own phone and realized—he was probably being set up again.
"Gotoh-san, is something wrong?"
Lucas asked.
"Mom said they're not coming home today. And no takeout allowed."
Hitori didn't pause. She managed to finish the sentence in one go.
"..."
Lucas already had a good idea who was behind this.
It had to be his mom.
But seriously, Mom—not even takeout? That's a little harsh.
"What are you going to do for dinner, then?"
Lucas asked.
"She told me to take Futari out to eat,"
Gotoh Hitori replied.
Lucas thought his mom was already pretty bold—but he didn't expect Aunt Gotoh to go even further.
They really set this up perfectly.
"Then let's go together tonight, Gotoh-san. I don't feel like cooking either,"
Lucas said.
"Ah… ah?"
Hitori was stunned.
"Isn't today Valentine's Day? I bet a lot of restaurants are offering discounts,"
Lucas said with a faint smile.
He really couldn't bring himself to trick girls. It wasn't his thing.
"No… no, it's fine. I… I can just take Futari out to eat,"
Hitori said, waving her hands nervously.
If Lucas came along, it would mean he had to spend money again, and she didn't want to burden him.
"It's okay. I've known you for so long, and I don't think I've ever taken Futari out to do anything fun,"
Lucas replied.
"Besides, it's Valentine's Day. Even if we're just in a fake relationship, we should still celebrate it a little."
That line hit the weak spot in Hitori's reasoning.
She lowered her hand into her pocket, feeling the chocolate she had prepared but still hadn't given to Lucas.
"…Okay. Okay,"
she whispered.
***
In the Disciplinary Committee room.
"Do you know? I met my idol's girlfriend!"
Kuriyama Hiara excitedly pulled Sato Koharu over and started recounting what had happened the day before.
"The vice president is already quite handsome, and his grades are good too, so it's not surprising that he has a girlfriend,"
Sato Koharu replied calmly, not showing much reaction as she packed away her notebooks from the past few days.
"Exactly! The vice president really is handsome—way better than our nerdy president,"
Kuriyama Hiara agreed, nodding enthusiastically.
"Actually, you don't need to say that. Even though the president isn't very talkative, he handles things really well,"
Sato Koharu said.
"Koharu, I have to disagree. The president is good at dealing with things, but sometimes he messes up. Like, if Lucas hadn't stepped in, the last student council bullying incident might have dragged on for days. If it had been the president handling it, we might've had to wait two or three more days,"
Kuriyama Hiara argued, speaking bit by bit.
And to be fair, Kuriyama Hiara wasn't entirely wrong.
There was an incident when Nagakuni Tomoki had just joined the Disciplinary Committee.
It was also the first case he took on personally.
It should have been resolved in a single day—but it ended up taking two.
The case was about a third-year student who was dating a second-year.
The boy wanted to end the relationship, so he came to the Disciplinary Committee, hoping they would intervene.
When handling the case, Nagakuni Tomoki said:
"If you don't want to keep dating, then just cut ties with that senior and don't contact her anymore."
What he said wasn't wrong—strictly speaking.
But the senior's behavior had crossed a line.
Was this kind of small personal issue really something for the Disciplinary Committee to ignore?
So, Tomoki chose not to get involved any further.
He thought the matter would quietly resolve itself that afternoon.
Until he heard the news:
Second-year student Kato Muko stabbed third-year student Yuzaki An.
Tomoki regretted it deeply.
He never imagined things would escalate that far.
He believed that being firm and decisive was enough to handle anything.
But he was wrong.
From that point on, he gradually changed his rigid approach.
He started handling matters more carefully—bit by bit.
He never told Sato Koharu or Kuriyama Hiara about what happened behind the scenes.
He just silently carried the burden alone.
So Kuriyama Hiara's understanding of how Nagakuni Tomoki handled things was only one-sided.
Just then, Nagakuni Tomoki walked into the Disciplinary Committee room.
"President."
Sato Koharu and Kuriyama Hiara greeted him in unison.
"Where's our vice president? I have something I need him to take care of."
Tomoki looked around the room but didn't see Lucas Amaki.
Normally, around this time, Lucas would be here eating breakfast.
"President, Lucas is at home taking care of a sick classmate,"
Kuriyama Hiara quickly explained.
"Alright. We'll leave this case for him when he comes back,"
Tomoki said, sitting down in the president's seat.
***
Meanwhile, at the Gotoh residence—
Lucas Amaki was tutoring Gotoh Hitori on the homework from the day before.
This was something their teacher had specifically asked him to do.
But even without the teacher's request, Lucas would have helped her catch up anyway.
"Gotoh-san, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me,"
Lucas said gently, sitting beside her.
"Yesterday's homework is going to be a key focus on this month's exam. You need to fully master it."
"Okay… Okay."
Gotoh Hitori nodded, feeling surprisingly motivated.
"You work on this first. I'll go get you some fruit,"
Lucas said with a warm smile, then stood up.
"N-no, I can get it myself."
"It's fine. If you fail this subject, you'll have to retake it. That's what I asked the teacher about yesterday.
So Gotoh-san, please finish these problems patiently. I'll go grab some fruit."
"Uh-huh."
***
Soon, we arrived at the Gotoh family's house.
Lucas Amaki and Hitori Gotoh entered together.
Lucas looked around and noticed that Aunt Gotoh and Uncle Gotoh weren't home.
He gave a helpless smile.
"Sis, brother-in-law, you're back!"
Futari Gotoh came running out with Jimmy Hen.
"Uh… Futari, you should just call Amaki-san… brother," Hitori said nervously.
"Huh? Sis, why?" Futari tilted her head.
"It's fine, Futari, you can call me whatever you want."
Lucas squatted down and patted her head.
"Brother-in-law, what about Jimmy Hen?"
Futari pointed at the little dog.
"Jimmy Hen? Just give him some dog food. The restaurant we're going to doesn't allow pets," Lucas replied.
"Oh, Jimmy Hen, come with me."
Futari left with the dog.
"Um… Amaki-san, c-can I ask… where are we going to eat?"
Hitori tugged gently at Lucas's sleeve.
"We'll eat whatever you want," Lucas said with a chuckle.
"Uh-huh…"
Hitori was stunned for a moment, but then, seeing Lucas's bright smile, she softly nodded.
"Sis! Brother-in-law! Let's go!"
Futari came skipping over.
"Alright, let's go," Lucas said.
After leaving the house, Futari happily skipped ahead while Lucas and Hitori walked slowly behind.
They didn't speak—they just walked peacefully together.
A gentle breeze stirred the leaves along the roadside under the rising moonlight.
In front, Futari noticed two people who looked like her sister and brother-in-law walking hand in hand.
She was confused. Why weren't her own sister and brother-in-law holding hands?
"Brother-in-law, why aren't you holding my sister's hand?"
She ran back and asked curiously.
Lucas froze.
How does a kid know so much?
Japan really is open-minded.
"Uh, Futari, I think just walking together like this is nice too," he said.
"I… I think so too…"
Hitori responded shyly.
"But Sis, you and Brother-in-law have known each other so long. Are you still shy about holding hands?"
Futari tilted her head again.
Hearing that, Hitori became flustered.
She glanced at Lucas beside her, her heart in disarray.
She wanted to reach out, but she didn't dare.
Just like a procrastinating writer who wants to update but can't bring themselves to do it.
Lucas noticed her hesitation and sighed softly.
Hitori finally mustered her courage and began to reach out—only to pull back.
Lucas saw the hand retreating—and caught it.
"Amaki-san…"
Hitori was stunned.
"Yay!"
Futari grinned as she watched the two of them hold hands.
"Sis, Brother-in-law, I'm hungry."
Futari's stomach grumbled.
"Alright, let's eat first," Lucas said.
"Yay!" Futari cheered.
"Let's go, Hitori."
Lucas smiled.
Hearing Lucas call her Hitori, she was slightly stunned.
Amaki… just called me Hitori?!
Isn't that… too intimate?!
Though she suffered from social anxiety, her mother had once told her: if someone calls you by your first name, it means they care.
So hearing Lucas say Hitori shocked her.
Sorry, Gotoh-san, Lucas thought.
If I keep calling you Gotoh-san, Futari might notice something. So today, just let me call you Hitori.
They soon reached the city center.
The streets were full of couples.
Of course—it was Valentine's Day.
"Hitori, what do you want to eat?" Lucas turned and asked.
"Am… Amaki-san, y-you should keep calling me Go… Gotoh-san…"
Hitori stammered.
"Hitori… Gotoh-san, if it's okay, I'd rather call you Hitori," Lucas said.
"B-but…"
She couldn't continue.
Seeing her flustered, Lucas smiled helplessly. Guess she's not ready yet.
"So, Gotoh-san, what would you like to eat?" he asked.
"I… um…"
"Sis, Brother-in-law, I want barbecue!"
Futari shouted.
"How about barbecue?" Lucas looked at Hitori.
"Y-yes…" she nodded.
"Alright, barbecue it is."
Coincidentally, the second shop on the street was a yakiniku place.
Futari skipped along happily beside Lucas.
Lucas entered the restaurant, still holding Hitori's hand.
"Excuse me, a table for three."
"Ah, young man, would you like to order the Valentine's Day set? I see you're holding hands with the young lady."
"Sure, give me the third set."
Lucas noticed it included fried chicken nuggets.
"Alright, here's your table card. We'll heat up the grill and bring your meats shortly."
"Thanks."
Lucas led Hitori and Futari to their seats.
"A-Amaki… this meal… why don't we split the bill…"
Hitori tugged on his sleeve again.
"No way. I can't let a girl pay," Lucas said, shaking his head.
This was a carefully planned date, thanks to Kiyoyuki Amaki's preparations. Lucas didn't have to worry about money.
Soon, a staff member in a suit came over with a cart.
"Sir, here are your ingredients. I'll heat the grill for you."
"Thanks."
The staff placed the meat and plugged in the grill, turning up the heat.
"Sir, miss, you may start grilling now."
"Got it."
The cart rolled away.
Lucas passed out four portions of fried chicken nuggets to Hitori and Futari.
He also served a few desserts and bowls of miso soup.
"Eat a little first to curb your hunger. Don't get full before the barbecue's ready."
Lucas placed mushrooms, beef, and ribs on the grill.
But—unexpectedly—the Valentine's set included fish?!
He hadn't been to a yakiniku place since returning to Japan.
"Okay, Brother-in-law!"
"Mm!"
Both girls responded happily.
But Hitori didn't eat.
Not even her favorite chicken nuggets.
Lucas gave a small, helpless smile.
"Gotoh-san, eat something while I grill these," he said.
"It's just… Amaki, if you don't eat either, you'll be hungry…"
"Alright, alright, I'll eat too."
He picked up some shrimp with his chopsticks.
Hitori also finally picked up a nugget.
"Futari, wait—the barbecue isn't cooked yet," Lucas warned as she reached for some meat.
He always preferred food well done. No rare or medium-rare for him.
"Okay."
Eventually, they finished their meal.
"Gotoh-san, take Futari out first. I'll go pay," Lucas said.
"O-okay."
Hitori took her sister outside.
"How much is it, sir?" Lucas asked at the counter.
"Since it's Valentine's Day, all our set menus are discounted. The total is 16,000 yen."
"Do you accept mobile payment?"
"Of course."
Lucas opened PayPay and scanned the code.
"Done."
"Thank you, young man. Wishing you and your girlfriend happiness!"
"…Thanks for the blessing."
He didn't expect the owner to be so kind—they'd even brought him a plate of salmon sashimi mid-meal.
He'd definitely come back here again.
"Gotoh-san."
Lucas jogged over.
"Amaki-san…"
"Brother-in-law, you're back!"
"Yeah, I'm back."
"Brother-in-law, I just heard someone say there'll be fireworks later!"
Futari beamed.
"Really?"
"Uh-huh!"
"Gotoh-san, would you like some water?"
"Y-yes…"
"Okay, you and Futari wait here."
He'd drunk the miso soup too soon—it left a greasy aftertaste.
So Lucas went to buy lemonade.
Futari stood on tiptoe, waiting for the fireworks.
She peeked at her sister, who kept glancing behind her.
"Sis, are you watching for Brother-in-law to come back?"
"N-no!"
Hitori quickly waved her hands.
But in the motion, a piece of chocolate fell out of her pocket.
Futari picked it up.
"Sis, why do you have chocolate? Is it for Brother-in-law?"
"N-no… well… yes…"
Her voice grew quieter.
"Then give it to him! He'll definitely want it," Futari encouraged.
"I… just…"
"Gotoh-san, Futari, here's your lemonade."
Lucas returned.
"Thanks, Brother-in-law!"
"Th-thank you…"
"It's nothing."
Just then, the staff announced the fireworks.
Bright lights shot into the sky, bursting into color.
Stunning and delicate.
Hitori held the chocolate in her hand, unable to give it yet.
In her mind, memories of Lucas caring for her played like a film:
When he found out she liked nuggets, they were always in his breakfast.
When she forgot lunch, he gave her his.
When she was sick, he took care of her.
Amaki-san…
If I give you chocolate… will you accept it?
"A-Amaki-san."
Hitori gently tugged at his sleeve.
"Hm? What's wrong, Gotoh-san?"
"This… this is for you."
She took out the chocolate, bending slightly. Her hands trembled.
Lucas smiled as he took the chocolate.
He opened the wrapper and took a bite.
"It's sweet."
He smiled warmly.
Hearing that, Hitori's whole body trembled.
"But… I think it's not as sweet as someone I'm with."
Blushing furiously, Hitori looked like a kitten being gently petted.
"A-Amaki-san, th-thank you for always being so patient with me…"
"Well then, how do you plan to repay me?"
"I… I…"
"Haha, I'm just kidding. Let's go watch the fireworks. You don't want to miss a sight like this."
"Mm."
Gotoh-san / Amaki-san…
If I ever repay you—
Let it be by walking beside you.
A traveler in life.