Vol. 1 - Ch. 5 - A Date?

Yuki's smile made my heart tingle.

"Yuki... Dr. Kashiwagi, after work, would you like to go out for dinner?"

"Sure. I'll be waiting for you at the dispensary, so call me."

Then she goes back. I've got a conference to go to, too, and it's embarrassing when the other doctors stare at me if I'm late. Let's hurry up.

My work goes smoothly as planned, and I call Yuki. She seems to have finished her work too, so I meet her in the parking lot.

She is surprised to see the car.

"What's this all about?"

"I got it from a friend. He was in Japan, but he said he was returning to his country and wanted to give it to me."

"I see. I thought it was too early for you to have bought one, but I see how it is."

"Well, here you go, Princess."

"Oh my! Marc can tell jokes like that."

"How do I look from your point of view?"

"I can't get rid of the impression I had when I first met you. You looked like a lost puppy."

She laughs.

Honestly, I did get a little human-sick. I probably looked like an unreliable and suspicious person as I wobbled around anemic.

"So, I couldn't leave you alone."

Then she turns to me. I'm driving, so I can't turn my head. But I can tell that Yuki is looking at me tenderly.

"Did you know? You've become a bit of a celebrity in that hospital."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Not many people can speak so many languages, and you're so handsome, doesn't that make you stand out even more?"

"I'm glad to hear that. I can't believe they think I'm handsome. Is that how you see me, too?"

... I don't get an answer. I'm a little worried, but I'm driving, and I'm still getting used to the roads in this country.

Rick had told me to stay in the left lane, but... I don't dare look away from the road.

We arrive at the restaurant I had made a reservation at.

"We're here! Here we are!"

Yuki started exclaiming, surprised.

"What's this place? This is a pretty expensive restaurant!"

"Yuki. Your voice is too loud."

"Well... I don't know if I'm dressed nicely enough."

"I disagree. I'm sure as long as it's not jeans, you'll be fine. That outfit of yours looks great on you, Yuki."

"Hmph, I don't understand your money sense."

She says with a sigh.

"I wouldn't invite a woman to a casual restaurant," I reply, smiling briskly.

"You don't need to be so careful with me," she says. "I wouldn't mind going to a casual restaurant."

"Come on, it's weird for us to be standing here, so let's go inside."

The expensive-looking door opens and we go inside. A waiter greets us without a moment's hesitation.

I tell the waiter, "I have a reservation."

"Marcus Weberin, correct? We are ready for you. Please come this way."

As expected, this is a famous restaurant after all. They know the names of their customers ahead of time. It's cute to see how nervous Yuki is. The waiter leads us to a private room.

"You don't have to worry about privacy in here, okay? Relax. Where did your usual energetic self go? You've become like a docile cat."

I also clearly remember the time she took me to various places with her energetic smile. I keep looking at Yuki with a grin on my face.

The food arrives. Beginning with the appetizer, it is already a wonderful work of art. Rick highly recommended this restaurant. I'm sure it will please her.

"Delicious!"

Yuki smiles.

"You finally smiled."

"I can't help it! I'm going out with you today. Do you have any plans after this?"

She is back to her usual bubbly smile.

"I guess. I just wanted to thank you for what you did for me. You really saved my life. It would have been very embarrassing if I had collapsed in that place."

We eat for a while and listen to Yuki's stories. Yuki's parents are also doctors and run a big hospital. She said she would have to go back to that hospital sooner or later.

"So I'm free to do whatever I want for now." She talks while eating savoringly.

"Are you okay with that?"

I ask her something I probably shouldn't have.

"I don't have a choice. I can't be as free as you."

The meal is over.

"Yuki, let's move on. Will you come with me?"

We leave the restaurant. I ask a driver to take my car. As we walk, I think back to what Yuki had said earlier.

"Next stop, the lounge over there."

"You really are an odd one, aren't you? Well, that's okay! I'll keep you company. Let's go!"

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