SH – Chapter 11 – A Man Who Wants to Invite Someone on a Date in a Cool Way

I have temporarily resolved the issue with Irina, but unless I clear my bad reputation, there is a possibility that the “dark factors” will accumulate again.

I decided that instead of using baseless rumors like with Irina to fix my bad reputation, I would show it through my actions instead. Changing their perception won’t be easy, so I can only do it little by little.

For that, I’ll secretly perform good deeds, but in a way that might be somewhat noticeable. At the same time, it’s probably a good idea to gradually spread rumors that I wasn’t actually trying to help Irina during the incident, just in case anyone suspects it.

So, for a week after my confession, I secretly engaged in volunteer activities such as picking up trash and watering flowers to increase my reputation.

But…!

Because of that, I couldn’t find time to spend with Irina!

This is a life-or-death situation.

I finally got to date the heroine of my dreams, but we haven’t been able to do any couple-like things yet!

I want to spend more time flirting with Irina!

There are so many things I want to do with her!

So, on the eve of a holiday, I made the big decision to invite Irina out on a date.

In this school, you need a permit to leave the campus, and that permit must be accepted by the day before, so that’s why I decided on this the day before.

Since I could only be alone with Irina during lunch break, I arranged to have lunch with her in the usual empty classroom.

“*Cough!* Uh, Irina.” (Louis)

“What’s wrong?” (Irina)

A little while after we started eating our bento, I cleared my throat and spoke to Irina.

She noticed that something was different and looked at me with a curious expression.

“Summer is coming to an end soon, right?” (Louis)

“Indeed, it does feel like autumn is approaching.” (Irina)

“S-so, um… don’t you want to get some autumn clothes or something?” (Louis)

After hearing my words, Irina thought for a moment and then, for some reason, wore a mischievous smile.

“Ah, autumn clothes, huh? Well, I actually have the ones from last year, so I think I’ll be fine.” (Irina)

“But, you know, girls usually like window shopping¹ for clothes, right?” (Louis)

“Fufu, I think it depends on the person. There are girls who don’t really enjoy dressing up either, you know?” (Irina)

“Uh… y-yeah, you’re right, but…” (Louis)

I found myself at a loss for words.

No, Irina hadn’t said anything wrong.

However, she had been wearing a mischievous smirk on her face the whole time.

She probably sensed that I was trying to ask her out on a date and was teasing me about it.

Damn… I feel like I’m being played here.

This situation is quite challenging for someone like me with zero romantic experience…

How do invite her in a cool way?

I desperately rack my brain.

“I, um, know a stylish clothing store. Are you interested?” (Louis)

“Oh, really? What kind of store?” (Irina)

“Ugh! W-Well, what kind… It’s a stylish one, a really, really stylish one.” (Louis)

“Hmm, is that so?” (Irina)

Irina glanced at me with a mischievous look, and I could definitely sense the amusement in her eyes.

Damn it… She’s messing with me…

Maybe I should turn the tables and try to make Irina blush instead!

“And besides, you know, don’t you want some new underwear too?” (Louis)

“……Hentai.” (Irina)

Instead of blushing, I received a sharp glare.

It seems like inviting Irina on a date in a cool way was impossible for me after all.

As I stumbled over my words, Irina chuckled softly and apologized.

“Fufu, sorry. I couldn’t help it because it was so cute seeing Louis desperately trying to ask me out on a date.” (Irina)

“Hmph… after all, I’m just a loser who can’t ask someone out on a date.” (Louis)

As I sulked, she suddenly came over to me and placed her hand on my head, and began to pet me gently.

My heart leaped in response to this unexpected gesture, and I could feel my face getting warm.

“But I find the real, down-to-earth Louis very charming too. I can’t help but want to pet you.” (Irina)

I felt happy but also a bit frustrated.

However, I couldn’t think of a counterattack, so I gave up and decided to invite her on a date honestly.

I gently brushed away Irina’s hand that was petting me and looked at her with a serious expression.

“Irina. Let’s go on a date. I want to do more couple-like things with you.” (Louis)

I had originally planned to be much cooler in my approach.

In the end, it seems I can only convey my feelings earnestly.

I can handle other people’s emotions well, but I seem to be quite clumsy when it comes to my own feelings.

Maybe this is part of human nature.

However…

“Eh… Ah, yeah. I also wanted to do couple-like things with Louis…” (Irina)

For some reason, Irina’s eyes began to swim with agitation, and her voice trembled as she spoke.

She even blushed all the way to her ears.

What’s going on…

I couldn’t quite understand her reaction, and as I tilted my head, Irina mumbled something in a barely audible voice.

“Well, if you suddenly say something like that with such a serious expression… I can’t help but become conscious of it…” (Irina)

“Huh? What do you mean?” (Louis)

“Oh, it’s nothing. Anyway, it’s about the date, right? Of course, I’m okay. I look forward to it.” (Irina)

Irina smiled warmly and nodded.

Yahooo!

I’m not exactly sure how it happened, but I’ve managed to secure a date!

All’s well that ends well!

I couldn’t invite her in a cooler way, but I can make up for it during the date!

In any case, I have something to look forward to!

And so, I successfully invited Irina on a date, and somehow, my after-school volunteer activities became more productive than ever.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Honestly MC, you sound cooler when you’re honest.

I swear there is another word for “couple-like” but I can’t put my finger on it. You can’t tell me that hundreds of years of evolution in English have led us to use the word “couple-like”. Does the word “romantic” fit? Idk it seems a bit off somehow.

The raw for this actually said MC wants to invite her in a “smart” way instead of a “cool” way. I figured it might be less confusing if I sub in “cool’ instead of “smart”.