Soraji Yukio's Genius Date Plan

“Here’s your omurice, sir, enjoy!” I present the dish to the customer sitting alone at the terrace, as I go back to the kitchen, starting up a new order.

A day in the life, of the best (and only) waiter in Natsu café…

Managing the café alone during the morning hours, has become the norm for me, during these 2 weeks that I’ve lived here in this island.

Some days can get really hot, causing my ethic for work to take a nosedive, but I have to admit this business is starting to grow on me. From morning till lunch hours, we get around 10 to 20 customers, and the terrace is never really crowded, like in the night, so I can handle everything on my own.

Not to mention how the locals, and the tourists alike, are so laid back, that they never demand a fast delivery or anything, so I can make the orders and serve them at my own pace.

Despite the laidback feel of these mornings though, today I feel like doing everything in a rush.

Truth be told, I can’t wait to get off work!

Because today, I have my first OFFICIAL date with my girlfriend, Hana!

After we had dinner over at her place, I thought I should take the lead next time, and organize a full date plan for the both of us! In fact, I have the whole day planned out!

“Why are you in such a rush for?” My grandma inquires, looking slightly irritated as I zip from the terrace to the kitchen and back as fast as a track athlete.

“Oh, no reason in particular!” I give her a smile, which she waves off like it’s poisonous, and proceeds to sit down on the unoccupied couch.

“Just don’t break a leg or something!” She concludes our conversation, and I continue working in the same hasty fashion.

Three hours later…

“Finally! It’s time…” I draw a breath, and release it, trying to calm myself down, as I look in my reflection in the mirror.

Since today is special, I decided to go all out with my outfit, which took me quite a while to pick out, truth be told.

I am currently wearing a light pink summer shirt, over a plain white tee, and a black pair of chino pants that reach just above my ankles. For shoes I have dished out the regular and versatile all-white leather sneakers that I just washed the hell out of, and now I’m ready to head on over to my girlfriend.

Before I go, I give myself another once over.

Looking sharp, looking good… Okay…

After adjusting the collar of my shirt, I turn to look over the schedule of the day I’ve written on a piece of paper (no budget for smartphone notes).

“Okay, off we go!” I voice somewhat loudly, trying to give myself a confidence boost.

As I walk out of the café, I can see Hana waiting for me over by the entrance of her house.

Today she looks so different, I almost didn’t recognize her!

Wait! Is that a dress?! HANA IN A DRESS! ASNDCSJ WJWQX WX

Instead of her usual sleeveless hoodie and swimsuit, today Hana has gone all out for our date, which suddenly makes me gulp nervously.

Hana’s wearing a light blue off shoulder camisole dress, with a mess sunflower pattern, that compliments both her figure and tanned skin. As for shoes she’s wearing similar blue canvas style ballerinas, and also has a greyish cross body bag over her shoulder. Her hair is tied up in the same ponytail fashion, but even that seems extra attractive today. As for accessories, the one that stands out completely is the light blue scrunchie strapped around her left arm.

Okay I don’t know why but THAT just gives me butterflies in my stomach…

Realizing I may have a silly accessory fetish, I speak up to greet my gorgeous girlfriend, who looks even more nervous than me.

“Hey, Hana.” I try not to let my nervousness show.

“Hey…” She voices, a bashful smile and a rosy color on her face.

Embarrassed Hana, is a 10/10 today as well!

“Do I look… funny? I’ve never wore something like this before…” Hana smooths out the hem of her dress, avoiding meeting my gaze.

I take it back! It’s a 100/10 for me!

“Funny?! You look amazing!” I step forward, taken over by sheer passion. “Seriously, you look absolutely stunning, Hana!” I voice as loudly as I need to, in order to get my point across, as my girlfriend’s face heats up so much in just a short time span, I’m worried she might pop a blood vessel.

“Keep it down, you brat!” My grandma opens her window and tosses a shoe out the window over at my direction, clearly having had her sleep disturbed.

Only then do I realize how loud I was, and I feel the heat rise to my face in an instant.

“Thanks, Yukio… You look great too… Hehe” Hana on the other hand, chuckles to herself, face as red as a tomato still.

I didn’t know that being complimented could feel so good…

Invigorated by Hana’s sweet compliment and even sweeter face, my confidence and sense of duty return, like they never left.

“Okay, Hana! Today, leave it all to me!” I declare with a burning passion as strong as before, as I grab her hand.

“Whoa, hey!” She giggles as I drag her out to a new adventure, this time.

First part of Yukio’s genius date plan:

Cold drinks on the best, sorry grandma, seaside café in the island!

We enter the café in our usual good mood, and pick out a table overlooking the ocean. The whole café is built as a terrace, with a wooden flooring, and is practically next to the ocean, overlooking it from the perfect height.

I got this recommendation from Emi, who’s a frequent customer just cause of its good Wi-Fi connection.

Despite the café being fairly crowded by tourists, the seats we found were the best around. Lucky…

“Wow, the view is great!” Hana smiles sweetly, as she tugs a loose strand of her behind her ear, looking over at the enormous body of water spreading out before us.

First point of the day!

Smiling both at my predetermined success and my girlfriend’s delighted expression, I ease up in my seat and take in the views.

“How come you wanted to take the lead today?”

“Well you cooked dinner last time, so I thought I’d repay the favor.” I shrugged, causing Hana to chuckle.

“Well it wasn’t that big a deal…”

“It was to me, at least.” I voice looking over at her, earning myself a massive Hana blush of the cutest kind.

“Welcome, are you ready to order?” A waiter came up to us, cutting me off as I was about to follow up on the compliment.

I look over at Hana to confirm that she’s ready and speak up…

“Wow, is that you Izumi-san?! I didn’t recognize you!” But the waiter cuts me off yet again, as he looks towards my girlfriend, wide-eyed.

“Uhm… yeah… It’s me, haha!” She replies nervously, clearly embarrassed to be seen in such an unusual, for her standards, outfit.

“Wow, you’re one luck- wait are you that Soraji Yukio?” The waiter now turns to me. He looks about our age, and considering he’s using Hana’s surname, I’m guessing they are classmates.

“Yeah, in the flesh.” I shrug, not sure how to respond to something I’ve heard a million times since I came here. Feels like I’m some sort of celebrity around these parts. I guess every day in Ryusejima is so similar to the next one for most locals, that they can’t help but gossip.

“Wow, I never thought Izumi-san would find a boyfriend! Back at sch-”

“O=One strawberry milkshake please! Extra ice!” Hana stutters, as she cuts her confirmed classmate off before he can say anything else.

“One iced tea, please.” I follow after her, eager to finally have some alone time with Hana.

“Oookay! Coming right up!” Unfazed by the sudden change of topic, he writes our order down on his notepad and walks back over to the staff area of the café.

“Back at school…?” As soon as the waiter is out of sight, I grin towards Hana’s direction.

“It’s nothing! I just didn’t talk to guys much, is all! I mean they were all really boring! Really!” Hana voices in her usual nervous and speedy fashion.

“Okay? If you say so.” I hold back a laugh, turning back towards the sea.

A small silence crosses us and our order arrives.

“Here you go!” This time, a waitress walks over to our table, placing our drinks in front of each one respectively.

“You’re really cute today, Izumi-san!” She voices before trotting off.

Hana on the other hand, flinches like she has just been shot, and averts her gaze to look at her fidgeting fingers instead.

We spent a couple minutes, making small talk as we sip our drinks, but a silence keeps hanging between the two of us, making it clear Hana is feeling uncomfortable about something.

“Yukio… You sure this isn’t too much for me? I mean I’m not used to wearing dresses like that… Maybe I-“

Before Hana can start putting herself down over her outfit, I cut her off, and get up to emphasize my point.

“No you-“ As I try to explain how good she looks, I realize I stood up so hastily, I forgot that my leg was caught underneath the table, causing it to shake violently.

In a split second, Hana’s drink topples over, spraying all its contents onto the table… and onto Hana’s dress.

Uh oh

…

Can somebody PLEASE kill me now?!

Hana gasps, taken completely by surprise.

“Oh crap, I’m sooo sorry!” Overcome by immense guilt, I run over and kneel to her side, trying to wipe the drink off her dress. “Uff, I’m such an IDIOT!” I voice, disappointed at myself.

“Hey Yukio, it’s okay!”

“But that dress looked so good on you and-“

I just ruined it! Both the dress and our date! Minus 100 points!

“Really, it’s okay!” To my surprise, she puts a hand at the top of my head, and I look up meeting her eyes. Her eyes look so soft, and her smile so gentle, that I stop what I’m doing and just stare.

“It’s fine, I didn’t like it anyway!” She giggles at herself, and suddenly I’m feeling like I’m in the presence of an angel.

“Really?” I ask, still slightly perturbed.

“Yep, it was too stuffy! So, really, don’t worry about it.” She pats my head to reassure me.

“Okay, let’s get you changed then, and let’s continue our date!” I get up with vigor, and offer my hand towards my girlfriend. With a nod she accepts, and after I gulp down all of my tea in one go, we make for Hana’s house.

First part of Yukio’s genius date plan: Failure…

Okay, part 1 didn’t go as planned, but we’ve still got part 2!

As we walk out of the café, I ignore the nasty stares I get from her classmates for soiling Hana’s dress with milkshake, because now I have a new purpose: Turn this bad start of a date, into an amazing one!

After Hana gets the chance to wear an outfit she’s more comfortable in, consisting of a simple blue cami top, a pair of blue jean shorts and her usual white converze sneakers, we move to the second part of my master plan…

Second part of Yukio’s genius date plan:

Lunch at the best fish restaurant in Ryusejima!

(Which happens to be Daichi’s family shop)

“Heyy!” We greet the staff as we enter through the front door.

The shop is a rather small, traditional Japanese establishment, and the waft of freshly grilled and cooked fish fills the air. The aroma is strong, but not unpleasant.

We get immediately seated by a waitress, and soon Daichi emerges from the back wearing a white apron, and comes over to say hello.

“Hey, you two! Out on a date?! Haha!” Daichi gives his usual hearty laugh, but thankfully his teasing doesn’t land a critical blow to Hana.

“Yep.” I reply nonchalantly.

“Yeah… hehe.” Hana just smiles bashfully, clearly feeling much more comfortable than before.

“Wait seriously?” Daichi is taken aback by the fact that, we are ACTUALLY on a date.

“Get on with it man.” I shake my head at his antics.

“So what can we get you two?”

“I’m having whatever Hana’s having.” I decide to leave it up to her, since she clearly knows more than me about this shop’s menu.

“Okay, then we’ll have number 4!” Hana smiles sweetly, as Daichi nods and briskly walks back to the kitchen, which is separated from the main area with a short blue curtain.

We wait for our order, killing time over small talk.

“What’s with the cats?” I ask, looking over at one corner of the shop.

The restaurant isn’t all that crowded, because it’s already past lunch-time, but what caught my eye was a bunch of cats eating from bowls in a secluded part of the establishment.

“Oh, these?” She points at that exact corner I’m talking about, and I nod in response.

“They’re strays, and because cats love fish, Daichi and his family decided to feed them any leftovers.”

“Oh, that’s nice.” I smile at the gesture, looking over to the cats, hungrily devouring their food.

“Do you like cats, Hana?” I ask, trying to start a conversation.

“I do, but I’m more of a dolphin person!” She replies like that answer was natural.

“Weren’t you supposed to say dog-person…?”

Despite the weirdness of our conversation, it feels like the usual atmosphere between us is back, meaning…

Okay, the date is back on track!

“Here’s your order, my friends!” Daichi comes back up front, placing our order on the table.

“Number 4, our salmon special!” He declares, proud of his handiwork.

We thank him, and bring our palms together, in the usual Japanese fashion, ready to dig in.

The dish isn’t all that decorated, but it’s got enough pieces of seasoned salmon for the both of us.

“Let’s see…” I grab my chopsticks and start off with a small piece.

“Don’t worry, it’s got the Hana approval seal!” My girlfriend gives me a thumbs up before I put the piece in my mouth.

I set the salmon on my tongue, and start chewing. As I do, I notice the taste is rather bland, the texture is really soft, and it practically melts inside my mouth. But it’s also… cold?

I make a weird face, and look at Hana, who’s furrowing her eyebrows, having got a taste herself.

“Is it… raw?’

“It is raw.”

We confirm.

Eating salmon raw, was not necessarily harmful like other types of fish, but we didn’t know if we were supposed to eat it like that.

“Daichi!” As soon as I called to our friend, who had potentially scammed us, I notice an army of cats had gathered around our table.

Uh oh…

I have a bad feeling about this.

“Oh this is Goujo, Ryota and Nina! Oh there’s also Taro over there! Hey, guys!” Hana smiled at the cats, that had graced us with their presence. “…These little guys love salmon! Here you go!” She then proceeded to feed Ryota, I think it was.

“Isn’t this kinda… bad?” I ask, looking around the hungry cats surrounding us.

“Oh, please they are harmless!” Right after Hana declares with confidence, Ryota is assaulted by Goujo, who tries to steal the piece from him. Then, Taro finds an opening to jump on our table, and turn over the platter, filled with salmon, while I’m caught in the crossfire. Nina follows after him, jumping on my lap that’s been soiled by salmon, and grabbing a piece.

“Hey!!” We cry out, as the cats start making a huge commotion, in a frenzy of meows and hisses.

“What’s happening here?!” Daichi runs out front again, his eyes, like everybody else’s, fixed on us and the table, which has now turned into some sort of battleground.

“These cats just went nuts!” Was all I could say in response.

“I think they are hungry…” Hana gave a wry smile instead.

“Oh damn it! That’s not the number 4! That’s the salmon I was supposed to give to them!” Daichi realizes as soon as he comes over to our table again. “The salmon prepared for the cats is raw and it’s sprinkled with a certain seasoning these guys love! I must have made a mistake!”

“You did… what?” I voiced slowly, feeling a boiling anger rising from within me. And I thought this place would salvage our date…

“I hope you didn’t eat it…” He finally voices, as me and Hana instantly turn to look at each other.

You have to be kidding me…

I give an exasperated sigh.

No! I can’t give up! One raw piece wouldn’t hurt, and plus, we could order something else!

Everything is fine!

“Daichi, we’re all out of fish for an hour!” A voice came from inside the kitchen.

You HAVE TO be kidding me!

Second part of Yukio’s genius date plan: Failure….

Seriously, how much worse can it get?

To be continued…