After that, it took one other hour and a half for us to reach at our vacation spot. Because it was a vacation, the streets have been extra crowded than traditional. Due to that, we arrived later than scheduled, albeit we did handle to reach safely.

“It’s enormous…”

Trying on the constructing by way of the automobile window, I couldn’t assist however mutter to myself. I knew that buildings like this existed, nevertheless it was the primary time I’ve ever visited it myself, so I used to be virtually struck with awe.

Within the constructing, there was a big comfort retailer that bought a number of meals, a movie show, a public bathtub, a meals court docket with varied quick meals chains occupying it and plenty of extra. It felt like you would spend an entire day right here with out losing interest resulting from what number of issues have been there to expertise.

For the reason that mall marketed its third anniversary by way of varied medias like TV advertisements and newspapers, the parking zone was nearly full after we arrived. Not solely that, there have been additionally individuals who got here in by bus, creating a protracted line that stretched from the doorway of the mall, all the best way to the bus cease.

Although, the gang was nonetheless manageable in comparison with the fireworks competition— Proper, this time for certain, I’d follow Umi carefully…

“Alright, let’s get our groceries first. You two must carry a number of issues, so, I’ll be relying on you, Umi, Maki-kun.”

“Roger. Sorry for dragging you into this, Maki.”

“It’s high-quality. I’ve all the time been in your loved ones’s care. I’m more than pleased to assist.”

After getting out of the automobile, we went to the big comfort retailer to get our groceries. Not like the comfort shops we usually went to, they bought every part by weight right here. These included, however not restricted to recent merchandise like meat, fish and veggies, to processed ones like butter, cheese and sausages. Because you had to purchase them in bulk, in case you have been to reside by your self, getting them right here would really feel just a little extreme, however in case you didn’t, otherwise you needed to put together for a cocktail party or one thing like that, these have been virtually godsend.

There have been additionally varied meals courts contained in the comfort retailer. They bought pizza, hamburgers and different snacks you would munch on to cross time.

“Ah, proper. Mother, for right now’s dinner, how about now we have some yakiniku? Whereas we’re at it, let’s invite Maki as effectively. If we purchase the components from this nook, it gained’t price a lot.”

“Oh, you’re proper. Maki-kun, are you able to assist me get 5 packs from that shelf?

“Are you certain you need to invite me…? Anyway, received it, I’ll get them.”

I adopted the mom and daughter pair, who have been pushing the trolley round, carefully. Often, I’d run round to choose what they wanted from the cabinets and place them contained in the trolley. I assume this was Daichi-san and Riku-san’s responsibility, however since neither of them have been right here, it routinely grew to become mine.

Aside from meat, veggies, rice and different components for right now’s yakiniku dinner, we additionally grabbed some desserts; desserts, pudding and such, together with snacks and a few canned meals… And as you’ve guessed it, the trolley was crammed to the brim in a short while. For the reason that merchandise packages have been fairly huge, it was just a little onerous to suit them inside, however in a means, it was a quite enjoyable expertise.

After that, we went to varied outlets to finish the set of garments for me, all whereas conserving our restricted funds in thoughts.

I placed on varied garments, listening to feedback from Umi that ranged from ‘That one’s fairly good,’ to ‘Nah, no, simply no.’ The preparation for our date tomorrow was going easily.

Earlier than midday, we managed to fill my palms with paper baggage as we walked across the mall facet by facet.

Contemplating that different {couples} round us have been doing precisely the identical factor as us, guess I might say that we blended into the environment effectively.

“Nicely, I assume we are able to say that we’re completed together with your garments for now. Personally, I’d like for us to go round just a little extra, however I’m getting hungry…”

“Proper, it’s nearly lunch, huh? Let’s meet up with Sora-san first earlier than going to the meals court docket. I’m curious concerning the American-sized pizza they’ve.”

“I do know proper? That massive pizza and coloured soda… There’s no means that it’s wholesome, although.”

“Like they mentioned, ‘I’m right here for an excellent time, not a very long time.’”

We loved our buying time collectively, holding one another’s palms whereas making jokes to one another.

Nicely, buying time, extra like a date, however I didn’t actually care about what we known as it since so long as I used to be along with Umi, I’d get pleasure from something.

After that, we contacted Sora-san and determined to satisfy up together with her on the meals court docket, so we went again to the best way we got here from. The place was much less crowded than earlier than, most likely as a result of, like us, everybody was transferring to the meals court docket.

I casually regarded on the surrounding shops, however by way of one of many shops’ home windows, a sure lady caught my eye. Her downcast face regarded acquainted and he or she was holding one thing in her hand.

“…Umi, that…”

“Yeah. That’s Nina for certain. Did she come right here by herself?”

Pondering that she might need come right here with another person, I hesitated to name Nitta-san out. However, as I used to be hesitating, she observed us and set free an ungainly smile.

Now that issues had come into this, we couldn’t simply faux to not discover her.