Chapter 60: Oh no, things just got worse.
The date started normally.
They walked through a commercial area near the station, and Luna had prepared a list of places she wanted to visit.
First they went to a café where Noah ordered coffee while Luna ordered tea and a small dessert.
They sat face to face, and during the first few minutes Luna spoke very little, so Noah thought she was uncomfortable.
Then he noticed she was watching him every time he lifted his cup.
"Is something wrong?"
"No."
"You’re staring at me."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because we’re on a date."
Noah set his cup down.
"That doesn’t explain anything."
"I just want to look at you."
Luna answered without any embarrassment, so Noah looked away.
"You could do it in a less direct way."
"Does it bother you?"
"No."
Luna moved her chair a little closer to the table.
When they left the café, they went to a bookstore.
Noah browsed some novels while Luna walked beside him.
At first she kept a certain distance, but then she started getting closer, making her arm brush against his several times.
When he moved to one side, Luna moved too.
Noah picked up a book and Luna positioned herself right next to his shoulder.
"Are you interested?"
"I was just looking."
"We can buy it."
"No need."
Luna rested her chin near his shoulder to read the back cover, and Noah tensed up.
"You’re very close."
"Yes."
"And why?"
"We’re on a date."
Noah was already starting to understand that this would be the answer to everything.
Afterward they went to an area with clothing stores, and Luna didn’t seem interested in buying anything, but she wanted Noah to accompany her while she looked at some dresses.
Every time he pointed one out, she asked if he would like to see her wearing it, but Noah didn’t know how to answer without making the situation worse.
"This one looks nice."
Said Noah, so Luna looked at the dress.
"Do you want me to wear it for you?"
"I just said it was nice."
"So you like it."
"The dress."
"And I’d be inside?"
Noah covered part of his face.
"Luna."
"Yes?"
"Don’t ask questions like that in public."
"Then I’ll ask them when we’re alone."
That didn’t reassure him either.
They had lunch at a small restaurant and Luna sat right next to Noah even though there was plenty of space across from him.
Their knees touched under the table, so Noah tried to move a little, but Luna moved closer again.
"You’re doing this on purpose."
"Yes."
"At least you admit it."
"I want to make the most of the date."
Noah set down his utensils.
"Luna, you don’t have to be glued to me the whole time."
She looked at him.
"Don’t you like it?"
Noah noticed her expression had changed, but she didn’t seem upset—more worried.
Noah sighed.
"I didn’t say that."
"Then it’s fine."
Luna moved closer again and Noah accepted defeat.
After eating, they walked through several stores and the afternoon passed without issues.
Noah started to relax, and Luna even made a few dry comments that managed to make him laugh.
For a moment, Noah forgot they were hiding their relationship, and when the date was nearing its end, Noah felt the need to go to the bathroom.
They were inside a shopping mall, so Luna pointed to a nearby store.
"I’ll wait for you there."
"Okay."
Noah walked toward the restrooms, and when he came out he took a few steps while checking his phone when he heard a familiar voice.
"Noah?"
He lifted his head and Yume was standing in front of him with several bags in her hands.
Noah froze.
"Yume...?"
She smiled.
"What a surprise!"
Noah tried to return the smile.
"Yeah... quite the surprise..."
Yume stepped closer.
"What are you doing here?"
"I-I came to buy stuff."
"What things?"
Noah looked around and noticed he wasn’t carrying any bags.
"I was looking."
"Looking for what?"
"Various... things..."
Yume tilted her head.
"Did you come alone?"
Noah felt the question was too direct.
"And you?"
"My mom asked me to get some things."
She showed him the bags.
"I had to walk almost everywhere."
"I see."
"But you didn’t answer."
Noah glanced toward the store where Luna was waiting and couldn’t see her from there.
"I’m alone right now."
The answer was technically correct, but Yume moved closer.
"Then we can go back together."
Noah felt panic rising.
"Are you done already?"
"Yes."
"I thought your mom asked you for a lot of things."
"I already bought them."
"Maybe you forgot something."
Yume looked at the bags.
"No?"
"You could check."
"I’m sure."
Noah tried to change the subject.
"And how’s your mom?"
"Fine."
"And Mirai?"
Yume frowned.
"Fine too."
"Perfect."
Yume looked at him more closely.
"You’re acting weird."
"No, of course not."
"Yes, you’re acting weird."
"I’m just tired."
"Tired from buying things you still haven’t bought?"
Noah stayed silent, so Yume stepped closer and took his arm.
"I can go with you."
"No need."
"I want to."
"But you’re carrying a lot of bags."
"They’re not heavy."
"They look heavy."
"They’re not."
Noah searched for another excuse.
"Maybe you should head back before your mom gets worried."
"I already told her I’d be late."
’This can’t get any worse.’
"Noah."
Luna’s voice sounded from the other side of the hallway, and Noah felt his body freeze.
Yume turned her head slightly, but Noah reacted quickly and grabbed her shoulder.
"What did you buy here!?"
Yume looked at him.
"What?"
He pointed at one of the bags.
"That."
"Cleaning products."
"How interesting."
Yume frowned deeper.
"Noah, what’s wrong with you?"
He looked over her shoulder and saw Luna approaching.
She hadn’t seen Yume because several people were blocking her view, so Noah guided Yume toward a side store.
"Look, there’s a sale!"
"Where?"
"Inside."
"But I don’t need anything."
"It doesn’t matter, sales are important!"
Yume let herself be led, though she looked confused.
Noah looked back and Luna was no longer there.
’Where did she go?’
Yume stopped.
"I don’t want to go in."
"Okay."
Noah guided her back toward the hallway.
He didn’t see Luna anywhere, which could be good and could also be very bad.
Yume observed him.
"Are you hiding something from me?"
"No."
"Then look at me."
Noah looked at her.
"I’m not hiding anything."
He felt arms wrap around his waist from behind and nearly screamed.
He couldn’t see Luna because she had activated her invisibility, but that was the least of it.
’Luna, what are you doing!?’