32 Chapter 032 - Grand Slam

I take a deep breath and open the door to the family restaurant. The warm yellow light from the windows pulls me in like a comforting embrace. Inside, the restaurant feels like a safe cocoon for two people to escape the chaotic world outside.

A grin spreads across my face as I realize who the two people are at the table: Saitama and me. The waitress directs me to join him and I make my way over, settling into a chair.

"You beat me here," I say, nodding my head in acknowledgement.

"Well, I need to talk with the servers," he says, eyes darting everywhere.

Is he probably shy? I blush. I feel like I am dreaming. It's not like I've been planning a date with him for months, but it doesn't mean I will reject the idea if ever the opportunity arises.

I take the menu and look at it. There are so many delicious options, but like I warned him yesterday, I want to order something special but still keep my calories in check.

"Ahm, Fubuki, do you think we can... ahm... find something else to do?"

"Like what? Are you going back on your words, Saitama?"

"Not that, it's just..."

The waitress comes to our table, and I order salad and a cup of green tea. And maybe more of this and that.

Done with my orders, I look at Saitama. He seems to be in deep thought as he browses through the menu. After a few minutes, he looks up and says, "I think I will have a small serving of fries."

"That's all?" I ask.

"Yes, I—"

"Give him your special menu, please. If I am not mistaken, it's called a Grand Slam."

"Wait for a—"

"Yes, ma'am."

The waitress walks away and Saitama looks a little bit emancipated.

"You are not on a diet, right? If you only order fries, it will seem that way."

"I'm not, but—"

"Then there's no problem!" I say, a little too high-strung. I can't help it. There is a small happiness bubbling up in my chest.

He turns his attention back to me. "Well, okay then. I guess I'll try this grand slam," he answers, a little unsure. "Besides, I no longer have a choice."

I smile. "Good choice." I can't help but think that this date is going exactly how I want it to go.

When our orders arrive, I see that the grand slam meal comprises of a burger, fries, two-piece chicken, a half slab of meat, a serving of salad on the side, and soda—all are in large sizes.

"Wow, that's a grand slam, alright," I remark while looking at my own meager orders.

While Saitama is eating, I order a cake, frustrated that I can't eat as much as he is eating.

"Ahm, Fubuki, why are you ordering more?"

"Well, I am jealous of your appetite, so I want more. Don't worry. The total will only be around five thousand yen."

Saitama coughs on his meal. "Five thousand yen?!" he asks, standing up from his chair.

"Ah, sorry. I didn't realize how much it would cost yesterday, so I told you that it would only be two thousand to three thousand yen."

He looks at me for a while before sitting heavily on his seat.

"It's fine," he says. "I already told them I will work for them until I pay back whatever I can't pay today."

I stare at him, my heart swelling. I can't help but feel touched. Yet, even if I realize his trouble, I won't let this chance go that quickly.

"I'll pay for it," I say, grinning like a fool at him.

He shakes his head. "No, it's fine. I'm not a freeloader. I'll pay for it."

"No, it's fine," I reply.

"I'm the one who lost yesterday, so it's my responsibility to pay for it."

"How about I pay for everything today? In exchange, y-you will a-accompany me s-somewhere for t-three days," I suggest, stuttering.

"Where?" he asks.

"S-somewhere with o-only the t-two o-of us," I say, getting red in the face the more I say the words.

"I won't spend anything?"

"You will need to spend money for the daily rent of your room." When he groans, I add, "But y-you can sleep in my r-room if you like, so you d-don't need to p-pay." I touch my cheeks. It is hot now.

"Even the food?"

"W-we can s-share..."

"Alright, that sounds like a deal."

I look up at him, taken aback by his approval. "You will c-come with me?" I ask, still in disbelief.

"Yes."

"Then!" I exclaim. "Let's do it next week!"

He nods. "Next week it is."

At the turn of events, I can't help but smile. I'm finally getting the chance to travel with him! I can't wait!

And so when the cake arrives, I waste no time and use my spoon to taste the icing. Hmmm, delicious. So, I cut a generous slice for Saitama. I push it toward him and take another slice for myself.

"It's delicious. You should taste it too."

Surprised, he leans closer and, without hesitation, places my spoon in his mouth. I watch as he savors the flavor, my mouth wide open until he relaxes back into his seat.

"It really is delicious."

My cheeks burn as his eyes meet mine–my body warm. "You have a slice of cake. You s-should have tasted it instead of m-mine," I say.

"Oh, right! I didn't notice, but thank you anyway."

I make a lopsided smile at his reaction. I am glad I can persuade him to go on a trip, even if it's still too much for me. Still, I hope to have a chain of these reactions soon...

Saitama looks at me as I blush. He cocks his head to the side and asks, "What's wrong?"

I clear my throat and say, "You seem to enjoy the cake."

"It's been a long time since I last tasted one."

I lean forward and place my chin against my hand. "Go on and eat because I plan to stop over somewhere once you are done."

He shakes his head. "Tempting, but I must decline. I'm still full of all this food."

I smirk. "But don't you know, Saitama? You can't say no to me today, especially when I will pay for all these orders."

He audibly groans. "That's what I call blackmail!"

I giggle. "Whatever you call it, I'm sure you have no other choice. For the entire day, you will accompany me."

He looks around and then back at me. "Aren't you really good at this?"

"I am," I answer, while grinning at him.