Dating

The stares of the surrounding passengers were uncomfortable, but the train ride was only one station, and they soon arrived at Eicho Station.

Neither Aino nor Chika made any move to release Toru's arms, but it was getting awkward being in such close proximity.

When Toru asked them to let go, both reluctantly stepped away.

"Well, there will be plenty of opportunities later…"

Chika muttered. Aino gave her a puzzled look and then chuckled.

"Konoe-san, are you planning on flirting with Toru-kun?"

"Yes, I am. Is that a problem?"

Seemingly resolved, Chika glared at Aino with a stern look, although her face had turned slightly red.

Aino's expression softened.

"It's not a problem at all. I just want Konoe-san to be true to her feelings."

"Why?"

"Because I want Konoe-san to approach Toru-kun properly, and then I want Toru-kun to choose me."

　Aino said this clearly as she walked.

　Aino said this before, when she was alone with Tooru.

Chika had always cared for Toru, and Toru still had lingering feelings for Chika. That's why Aino wanted to win against Chika without hesitation, so that she could be chosen by Toru.

For Toru, Aino was his fiancée and a significant presence. He had promised to protect Aino, and of course, Aino was the most important to him.

Nevertheless, Chika, his childhood friend, cousin, and former fiancée, held a special place in his heart.

That's why Aino had declared war.

Chika's expression also changed.

"Do you really think you can beat me, his childhood friend?"

"With Toru-kun as he is now, he'll cherish me more."

Then, Aino looked up at Toru with a slightly anxious expression in her sapphire-like eyes.

(Right now, I'm on Aino-san's side now...)

If that was the case, the answer was clear.

"I am Aino-san's fiancée, after all."

When Toru said that, Aino's face lit up with a smile.

On the other hand, Chika seemed shocked and froze for a moment. After a while, she said, "I'm not regretting anything..."

But it was clear that she was indeed feeling regret. Toru didn't want to hurt Chika, but this was a line he couldn't cross.

If they were to accept living together as a trio and treat Chika, who was already estranged from Toru, equally with Aino, who was his fiancée, it would make him question his masculinity.

However, it seemed like Aino had something more in mind.

"Do you know the word 'dating'?"

(TLN: She says it in English.)

Toru and Chika exchanged glances.

Chika tilted her head. It was apparent that she didn't know the term. Despite being a top student in her class, it seemed that she didn't know everything.

However, Toru was familiar with the word.

"I believe it's a term used in the context of romantic relationships in America, right?"

In Japan, couples typically confess their feelings to become boyfriend and girlfriend. However, in many foreign countries, the concept of confessing might not even exist.

That's where "dating" comes in – it's a pre-relationship trial period during which individuals evaluate their compatibility.

"Of course, Toru-kun knows about it. He's knowledgeable about these kinds of things.”

"I have a lot of knowledge about things that aren't particularly useful."

"Hehehe, you don't have to be modest. In Finland, it's the same. People there don't necessarily express their affection for each other or ask someone to be their girlfriend or boyfriend. They get to know various people and gradually become a couple with someone they get along with."

"Interesting..."

"So, why don't we do that too?"

"Eh?"

"Toru-kun, you, and I – the three of us could engage in dating."

"Does that mean..."

During this dating period, Aino would be free to date other people.

Perhaps realizing what Toru was about to say, Aino quickly shook her head.

"Of course, I'm devoted to Toru-kun only!"

After saying this, she looked up at Toru with a bashful expression.

Seeing Aino like this, Chika interjected.

"So, does that mean Luthi-san and I will be competing for Toru?"

"Yes, exactly. And there won't be any hard feelings if you lose. How about it?"

"What's in it for me?"

Toru had been paying attention to the conversation, and he realized that this situation greatly favored Chika.

After all, he and Aino were engaged, with the full support of the Konoe family and Toru himself accepting Aino as his fiancée.

On the other hand, Chika was Toru's childhood friend and former fiancée, but given the circumstances, there was no way for her to be with Toru.

Additionally, there were rivals.

Yet, Chika could compete on an equal footing with Aino, who had overwhelmingly favorable conditions.

Aino explained the same thing to Toru, demonstrating that she was quick-witted despite not excelling in academics.

Chika nodded, "I see..."

But Toru had a concern.

"It's just that... this seems too convenient for me…”

Toru was the only one with the right to choose between two beautiful girls.

He found it hard to believe that this would be allowed.

However, Aino smiled softly, and Chika gave a small laugh.

"I'm fine with it. I believe I will be the one to win in the end."

"I believe that too. Of course, I won't date anyone except Toru… I'll definitely win him back."

Seeing both Aino and Chika looking at him intently, Toru felt perplexed.

(Being pursued by two beautiful girls is nice, but...)

In the end, he would have to choose one of them. If things continued as they were, Toru was afraid he would choose Aino, which would hurt Chika.

Aino pointed her index finger.

"Then, let's start the first round!"

Aino's gaze was directed towards a karaoke place in the city.