Chapter 81: Saturday's Invitation
At this moment, Eriri was sitting in the passenger seat of her car, with her mother, Sawamura Sayuri, driving and comforting her.
When Eriri sent the message to Kaede, although it didn't reveal it, she was indeed as Kaede had expected—her mood was certainly fluctuating.
And one minute after the message was sent, her phone rang.
Sawamura Sayuri, who was driving, glanced at her daughter's phone, and after seeing the caller ID, she said to the somewhat hesitant Eriri, "Pick up the phone, Eriri. Don't worry, Mom won't eavesdrop."
"I wouldn't let you listen anyway!"
With that, Eriri quickly took out her earphones, connected them, and answered the call.
"Hello? Asakura?"
Kaede, on the other end of the phone, heard Eriri's voice and asked, "Eriri, what did Jump say?"
"Ugh… What else could they say? It didn't pass, of course."
She wanted to act tough, but after hearing Kaede's voice, Eriri still pouted slightly, saying with a hint of disappointment, "Although I was mentally prepared for it not to pass, their editor really didn't hold back. After looking at my manuscript, he talked for almost half an hour about all sorts of shortcomings and flaws. And he also said that I still need to transition from drawing doujinshi, and many of my panel compositions have issues. It seems I still have a lot to learn, and only my drawing skills received some affirmation."
Hearing the frustration and disappointment in Eriri's tone, Kaede boarded the bus and said, "If that's the case, then just keep improving. At least your drawing skills are already excellent, and that's where talent matters most. Other things, like panel composition, can be improved with diligent study. Are you out now? Heading back?"
"Yes, I'm taking the car back. Mom is driving."
After nodding, Eriri also heard the sound of a car from the earphones and asked, "Are your club activities over?"
"No, I didn't go to the club today. I went to the Bunko to see the editor. Eriri, what you did today was a big challenge, and I couldn't really not worry at all. But I'm already on my way back now. Good thing your mood isn't too bad."
Eriri, holding her phone, felt her ears flush slightly upon hearing Kaede say that, and she couldn't help but feel a little secretly pleased.
Sawamura Sayuri, driving beside her, caught a glimpse of her daughter's expression and couldn't help but become curious, wanting to know what the two were talking about, but unfortunately, her daughter was very vigilant and wore earphones, so she couldn't hear anything.
"Hehe, I'm not that fragile. At worst, I'll just come back next time with an even better work and make them look at me differently."
"That's the spirit. Failing once or twice is nothing. And didn't you say, Eriri, that they acknowledged your drawing skills, it's just the story that wasn't good enough? Just come up with another one."
Hearing Eriri's somewhat silly voice, Kaede smiled relaxedly and said, "It's best if you're fine. Are you going to continue thinking about the new manga after you get home today?"
"Hmm... I don't really feel like drawing today. If you have time, why don't we play some games to change the mood!"
"OK, I'll call you when I'm ready tonight." As he spoke, Kaede looked out the car window at the weather. "The weather has been quite nice these past two days. If you're free tomorrow, want to go out?"
Go out?
The word "date" immediately popped into Eriri's mind. Her cheeks grew redder, and her voice involuntarily softened a bit: "Tomorrow... is fine."
Eriri didn't refuse, which was the best possible outcome for Kaede. Moreover, this time was different from the last. Strictly speaking, this was only the second time they had officially gone out together.
"Alright, let's confirm the time tonight. I'm on the bus right now, so I won't talk too much longer."
"Mhm, talk tonight."
After hanging up, Eriri looked at her phone screen, displaying a silly smile.
The car slowed down. Sawamura Sayuri looked at her daughter and said, "Did he ask you out for tomorrow?"
Eriri nodded lightly, the joy in her eyes impossible to hide.
"That's wonderful." Sawamura Sayuri was also very happy and said with a smile, "I just wonder when Kaede-kun will confess to my Eriri."
"W-what... what confession?"
"What's wrong? You don't want him to confess?"
"No, that's not what I mean! It's just..." Eriri said quietly, her face flushed, "I just feel like, isn't this too fast?"
Sawamura Sayuri stated straightforwardly, "What's fast or not fast about it? In my opinion, when it comes to feelings, there's only suitability. As long as you meet the right person, the length of time is not an issue at all. Anyone with eyes can probably tell that Kaede-kun likes you, Eriri. And the content of his call, directly inviting you out, shows he isn't trying to hide much. I estimate the confession isn't far off. Eriri, be mentally prepared!"
Sawamura Sayuri spoke so plainly that Eriri couldn't respond. She could only lower her head, blushing, thinking who knows what.
Looking at her daughter's appearance, Sawamura Sayuri couldn't help but sigh. She hadn't originally intended to say so much, but she couldn't help herself in the end. This girl just loves to hesitate; she needs a push from behind. If you like him, go for it! Why is she so unlike her mother in this particular aspect?
Regarding Kaede, Sawamura Sayuri was extremely satisfied. He handled everything well, from daily interpersonal interactions to shared otaku hobbies with Eriri. His abilities in all aspects were excellent; he was fifth in the grade during the previous Midterm Exams. As a student, his studies were impeccable.
In the past, Sawamura Sayuri had actually thought highly of Eriri's childhood friend, Aki Tomoya. But recalling it now, after comparing the two of them, it truly proved the saying: "No comparison, no harm."
Although it might not be appropriate to say so, Sawamura Sayuri sincerely hoped that Aki Tomoya wouldn't suddenly interfere and disrupt what could absolutely be considered Eriri's perfect romance... The next day was Saturday.
Kaede, who didn't sleep in, got up, changed his clothes, ate breakfast, said goodbye to his family, and headed straight out.
On the other side, things were much more complicated for Eriri.
Once again, all the clothes in Eriri's closet were taken out and spread across the bed, and this time, most of what was pulled out were dresses.
Sawamura Sayuri also stood beside Eriri, offering her advice.
"Eriri, the place we're going today doesn't require much activity, so let's go with this dress. For stockings, do you think white or black would be better?"
"Hmm... white, I think."
Saying that, Eriri picked up a pair of white over-the-knee socks.