Chapter 381 Play
Uchimaki Subaru's competition piece was created using Usami Mizuki as a model, while Usami's own painting, which everyone had seen these past few days, was a landscape. It was a test for herself after summarizing her year of learning.
While painting, Usami said, "Hmm~~ This is my first time painting a landscape so seriously. Before, it was always still objects, statues and such. With a landscape painting like this, I feel like I have to consider so many things. It's so difficult..."
She said that, but Usami's movements were not at all sloppy, clearly putting all her effort into the painting.
Although Kaede hadn't painted many landscapes, he could tell that Usami was indeed not skilled in this area. However, he didn't stop her; one always has to try new things!
Moreover, the Art Club also had Eriri and the club president, both skilled in landscape painting, so Usami had people she could consult.
Although Uchimaki Subaru and Usami had started dating, due to the art competition, they didn't have much time for dates right now. Even when they met on weekends, they were mostly busy with painting.
On the way home from school, Eriri hugged Kaede's arm and said, "This month's activities, so far, there's only the cherry blossom viewing at the end of the month..."
Kaede looked at Eriri and smiled, saying, "What, thinking of other fun things?"
"Mm..." Eriri nodded and said, "Last week, we were supposed to go to the arcade on the weekend, but we didn't make it."
"Isn't that simple?"
Kaede checked the time and said, "It's past four in the afternoon now, why don't we just go to the arcade for a while, and then have dinner out too."
"Can we?"
"Of course! Do you want to go?"
Eriri agreed without hesitation: "Yes!"
So, the two turned at the next intersection and headed to a nearby arcade, enjoying themselves after a long time.
Typical arcade games were not Kaede and Eriri's first choice. After entering and exchanging for tokens, the two went to a shooting game, picked up the light guns, and started playing. This was their first choice whenever they came to an arcade.
This time, the arcade had also acquired a new shooting game, which Kaede and Eriri were even more eager not to miss.
"Ah, here's another one!"
Looking at the monster that appeared in front of her, Eriri screamed. Kaede quickly aimed and shot, preventing Eriri from losing a life.
After dealing with it, Kaede smiled and said, "Don't panic, aren't you an old hand?"
"Because it's a new game! Who knows where monsters will pop out from, it's easy to get scared!"
Eriri said, while rapidly shooting.
Thinking about Eriri's personality, Kaede wasn't surprised. After all, even after playing two rounds of the Resident Evil 2 remake, she would still get scared.
"But this still won't do, Eriri. You still need to train your courage. When we get back, how about we buy two horror games to play?"
"Eh? No, no, absolutely not!"
Eriri shook her head without hesitation, clearly not wanting to touch the pit of horror games. Her Steam library didn't have a single horror game, and the few she did play were all from Kaede's account.
And as she shook her head, her hand didn't hold the gun steady, and she was directly taken out by two enemies that appeared in front, forcing her to insert another token.
"Kaede-kun, it's all your fault, I died! Another token wasted! This is the third one, and we're only halfway through!"
At their usual skill level, when playing such games together, Eriri would at most spend three tokens to beat the game. But just now, Kaede mentioned horror games, causing Eriri's emotions to fluctuate. It seemed unlikely they would beat this new game without spending two more tokens.
Seeing Eriri's cheeks puff up in annoyance, Kaede smiled and stopped teasing her, focusing on playing.
After a long-awaited and satisfying round at the arcade, the two finally ran out of their exchanged tokens and left the arcade with a few exchanged prize dolls.
"Ahhh, that felt great!"
After completely letting loose, Eriri happily asked, "Kaede-kun, where should we go for dinner?"
"Eriri, where do you want to eat? We had Japanese beef last time, so how about we try something different today?"
"Hmm, we should definitely try something different."
Nodding, Eriri pondered before saying, "We shouldn't eat too much fried food, and we've already had that once. We've also had Japanese beef. How about Thai food today? I really want to drink some Tom Yum Goong soup!"
"Thai food, huh? We haven't been there much."
Taking out his phone and searching, Kaede said, "There are indeed a few restaurants with good reviews. Eriri, which one do you want to go to?"
"Hmm~~ I haven't been to any of them." Looking at the search results on Kaede's phone, Eriri pointed to one and said, "Let's go with this one. It's not far from here, just one train stop away. It looks like an old, popular establishment."
"Then let's go to this one."
Taking the train, the two quickly arrived at the Thai restaurant.
"Welcome~~~ Oh, it's Asakura and Eriri! Come right in!"
As soon as they entered, they heard a familiar, energetic voice.
It was Kushieda Minori. They hadn't expected her to be working here.
Following Kushieda Minori inside, Eriri asked curiously, "Minori, why are you working here? Shouldn't you be at the ramen shop right now?"
"Ahaha, that's because the owner of that ramen shop had something come up back home and sold the place, so I lost one job and naturally had to find a new one!"
Leading the two to their seats, Kushieda Minori smiled as she handed them the menu. "The pay for part-time work at this restaurant is really good! The owner hired me immediately when he found out about my extensive restaurant work experience! Here, take a look and see what you want to eat! Do you need recommendations from me, someone who has worked here for three weeks?"
Flipping through the menu, Kaede nodded. "That would be great. We weren't sure what to order."
"Hehe, then let me introduce them to you! The Curry Crab, Tom Yum Goong soup, and Thai Curry Shrimp here are all delicious!"
Based on Kushieda Minori's recommendations, the two ordered several of the restaurant's best dishes.
Writing down the order, Kushieda Minori smiled and said, "Leave it to me. The food will be served quickly!"
Just as the two were waiting, two more customers arrived at the restaurant.
Eriri widened her eyes, pulling on Kaede's clothes. "Kaede-kun, it's Kaguya-senpai and Shirogane-senpai!"
Kaede saw them too. In his sight, both individuals were blushing and walked in holding hands.