At 7:45 PM, the couple left the warmth and view of the Sky Carrot Observatory.
The cold air of Setagaya greeted them again, but the warmth from their previous conversation still lingered between them. With his hand still linked to Tenka's, Naoki led them to the next destination: a romantic dinner.
This restaurant was the definition of a hidden gem. Located in an inconspicuous building, its interior offered a very private dim atmosphere with the aroma of gently burning oak wood. They sat across from each other at a dark wooden table near the window, where candlelight reflected beautifully in Tenka's green eyes.
A waiter in a simple uniform handed them an elegant menu book.
Tenka didn't immediately open her menu. She was more curious about her lover's choice. "What does Naoki-kun want to eat?"
"Hmmm..." Naoki furrowed his brow while flipping through the menu. He then turned to the waiter standing politely beside them. "Any special recommendations from the chef tonight?"
"Of course, Sir." The waiter answered in a calm professional tone. "Our specialty is smoked dishes. For starters, we highly recommend our Kunsei Mozzarella—fresh mozzarella cheese gently smoked with applewood, served with local honey and walnut pieces."
"Then for the main course, Kunsei Wagyu Sirloin is a consistent favorite, the meat is very tender with a balanced smoky aroma. Or perhaps Kunsei Salmon with crispy skin? We also have Kunsei Tamago—perfectly smoked soft-boiled eggs—as a unique side dish."
"Sounds amazing." Naoki listened carefully, then decided. "In that case, we'll have the Mozzarella for starters, then Wagyu Sirloin for me. Medium rare."
Tenka smiled. "I'll order the same."
After the waiter noted the order and left, he soon returned with a bottle of red wine while showing the label.
"Château wine, vintage 1998, perfect to accompany smoked meat."
After Naoki nodded approval, the waiter expertly uncorked the bottle. With trained movements, he poured the maroon liquid into crystal glasses, then bowed respectfully and left, giving them space to enjoy the moment.
Tenka raised her glass, but she paused while glancing at Naoki with doubt. "Wait, Naoki-kun. Aren't you not graduated from high school yet? Are you old enough to drink alcohol?"
Naoki chuckled, raising his glass to return Tenka's gaze. "I'm already 18 years old. Maybe Tenka isn't too updated because you're often in Mato, but the legal drinking age law in Japan has been lowered from 21 years to 18 years, effective at the beginning of this year."
"Oh, is that so?" Tenka looked slightly surprised, then laughed lightly. "Indeed, I often miss news from the real world. That's good then."
She raised her glass higher. "A toast? To our first date."
"To our first date." Naoki gently clinked his glass against Tenka's.
*CLINK!*
The chime of the crystal glasses rang clear. They sipped the wine, letting the complex taste and vintage aroma fill their senses.
While waiting for the dishes to arrive, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Suddenly, Tenka reached into the small bag she brought. Her expression was slightly shy, which was rarely seen in her.
"I have something for you, Naoki-kun."
From inside the bag, she took out a small box wrapped in deep purple wrapping paper with a silver ribbon, about the size of a phone.
Naoki looked at her in surprise. "This... is for me?"
Tenka nodded, sliding the box across the table. "Just open it."
"May I?" Naoki asked once more, receiving a nod of approval from Tenka.
Carefully, Naoki unwrapped the neat gift wrap. Inside, there was a small elegant brown box. When opened, the aroma of premium quality chocolate immediately wafted out. Inside, neatly arranged were several chocolates decorated with gold leaf and berries.
"This... is chocolate?" Naoki asked though the answer was obvious.
"This is Valentine's chocolate, Naoki-kun." Tenka said gently. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, though she tried to appear casual. "And this isn't obligation chocolate. This is true feeling chocolate."
Naoki understood the implication. Valentine's culture in Japan was indeed unique and different from Western countries. Here, it was actually the women who gave chocolate to men. This tradition, which started from chocolate company marketing campaigns in the 1950s, had evolved into a very structured culture.
There were two main types: obligation chocolate, given to male friends, coworkers, or superiors as a sign of gratitude and maintaining good relations professionally. Usually store-bought chocolate at affordable prices, without romantic intent.
And what Tenka gave was true feeling chocolate. This type of chocolate was given specifically to partners, husbands, or someone being pursued. Usually in the form of expensive branded chocolate or, more meaningfully, homemade.
Tenka looked at Naoki who was still gazing at the chocolate box with touched feelings. A question suddenly appeared in her mind, spoken with a somewhat jealous curious tone.
"Ne~ Naoki-kun, I'm curious. Did you receive chocolate from other girls at school today?" She tried to sound casual but failed to hide her curiosity.
Naoki raised his eyes from the chocolate box, then rolled his eyes with an almost comical expression. "Seriously, Tenka? You're asking that? Have you forgotten men's social status nowadays? We're only slightly better than the Dalit caste in India."
"High school girls now have superpowers and bright futures thanks to Peaches. Why would they bother giving chocolate to men considered weak and useless? At school, men are more often considered background than subjects of romance."
Tenka instead smiled widely hearing that honest answer. There was an uncovered sparkle of happiness in her eyes upon realizing she was the first woman to give Naoki chocolate this year—and possibly in Naoki's life in this world.
"Thank goodness then. I'm glad to be the first." Tenka said cheerfully, though a second later she scratched her cheek awkwardly. "To be honest, I didn't make that chocolate myself. I bought it at a store. I didn't have time to learn chocolate-making."
Naoki just shook his head, a small smile gracing his lips. He took a chocolate truffle, examined it, then popped it into his mouth.
The rich, smooth, and slightly bittersweet chocolate taste immediately filled his senses.
"I don't mind at all, Tenka. What's important is the intention behind it. And hey... this is really delicious. The taste of your chosen store is no joke."
Satisfaction and relief radiated from Tenka's face. Naoki's sincere praise was more valuable than anything.
About ten minutes later, the ordered dishes arrived. The rich and tempting aroma of smoked meat immediately filled their table area. The Kunsei Mozzarella with honey and walnuts looked enticing, and two plates of Kunsei Wagyu Sirloin still gently sizzling with roasted vegetables on the side made their mouths water.
They began eating, and the atmosphere became more relaxed and intimate. Then, a sweet scene occurred.
Unexpectedly, Tenka cut a small slice of meat, then directed it toward Naoki's mouth. "Come on, say 'aaah'~"
Naoki hesitated for a moment, but he finally accepted the feeding under Tenka's gentle gaze. Not wanting to lose, he then cut a piece of savory smoked cheese and fed it back to Tenka.
"Try mine."
Tenka smiled, then without hesitation accepted the feeding from Naoki.
"Delicious~"
They continued feeding each other occasionally, laughing softly, sharing flavors from each other's plates.
Several other customers in the restaurant, most of whom were couples of dominant women with their male partners, glanced in their direction. However, instead of cynical looks, the intimacy of Naoki and Tenka that appeared so harmonious and genuine actually drew thin smiles from people around them.
In the midst of the rigid world order, they seemed to give silent blessing to the relationship of a couple who appeared so happy that night.