Bokura no Suki wa Warikirenai 9 *SPOILERS*
New (?) Relationship
Yui narrates that she has progressed from "fake dating" Ritsu, to dating with a "trial period".
At the shoe lockers in the morning in school, Ritsu asks Yui if she would like to go out together next weekend. Ritsu says that Yui mentioned before that she was thinking of getting a backpack. His phone case is also broken, so it's time to go shopping. Ritsu adds that Yui probably has not explored the areas around here since moving back, so he will show her around.
Yui looks at Ritsu, blushing a little, realizing to herself that them going out together on a weekend means that it's a date. Ritsu gives her a tiny smirk, and as if reading her mind, says, "It's a date."
Preparing for the Date
At home, Yui agonizes a little over what to wear. She tells herself that he's already seen her in pyjamas, so it shouldn't matter, but she thinks that it's for going out, so she still cares.
Pausing in her thoughts about clothes, she wonders to herself what is the actual difference between "fake dating" and "trial dating".
On the Day of the Date
Yui is at the front door of the house, preparing to head out. Hayato spots her from the stairs and asks Yui if she's going out. Yui answers that she's going out with Ritsu.
Hayato reminds her to return home before sunset. Yui says that she will. Hayato then also reminds her to stay safe. Yui says okay, and when leaving, thinks to herself that she's being treated as a child by Hayato again. She thinks to herself that it clearly shows her the position she is in, but it's probably a good thing, because Hayato is her family member, whereas Ritsu is... her boyfriend (temporary).
Ritsu is waiting for Yui outside her house. When Yui reaches his side, they greet each other good morning. Yui checks her phone and mentions that the bus will be coming in 10 minutes, but before she can finish her sentence, Ritsu leans in close to her and says that she looks cute with her hair tied up.
Yui recalls that Ritsu did and said similar things to her in Chapter 1, but it somehow feels different now and wonders if it's because Ritsu has become her boyfriend.
Where to Start Shopping?
Yui and Ritsu are walking in the shopping district. Ritsu asks Yui what kind of backpack she wants - such as, does she care more about the design or functionality. Yui replies that she would care more about the functionality - a bag that can hold lots of items would be good (because after she became volleyball manager, the amount of things she needs to carry has increased). Ritsu then points them towards a shop near the train station.
As they walk, Yui thinks to herself that she can sense the gazes of other people (ladies) being fixed on Ritsu (they find him handsome/ attractive). She narrates that Ritsu is also the kind of guy whom other people would generally agree as "a very handsome guy". Glancing at him, she thinks that it feels like he has become a stranger.
Yui's thoughts lead her to lag behind Ritsu in pace. He quickly notices and pauses to turn around and ask Yui if she's fine, to which Yui answers that she is and quickly catches up to him.
Bag Shopping
They reach a bag shop and Ritsu picks two designs out for Yui to choose. Yui selects one, then they head to another section to see other designs.
While they are still looking at bags, Yui notices that Ritsu's phone keeps beeping with incoming messages. He switches off his phone. Yui asks him if it's fine for him to just switch off his phone, and Ritsu answers that they're just group messages, so it's fine - he adds, "This (date) is more important."
Ritsu then suggests for them to check out another store. Meanwhile, Yui thinks to herself that there's a tingling feeling in her heart.
Bag Bought!
After a while, Yui has chosen and purchased her bag. Ritsu proceeds to take the shopping bag from Yui to carry it for her, surprising her. Yui says that she can carry it herself, but Ritsu smiles and tells her that it's now her turn to accompany him as he shops (for his phone case).
Yui blushes and wonders to herself if he's holding her shopping bag for her because he is a boyfriend. She thanks him awkwardly and shyly.
Phone Case Bought!
After a while, Ritsu tells Yui that he's finished paying for his phone case. Yui remarks that it was fast and Ritsu says that it's because he already looked up what he wanted to buy online. Yui is impressed with his shopping skill and Ritsu laughs at her calling it a skill.
Ritsu asks if Yui is hungry. He suggests for them to visit a cafe for some tea.
At the Cafe
Yui thinks that the cafe they are at is very pretty. Ritsu asks her what drink she plans to get. She distractedly answers that she will get a latte.
Ritsu notices that Yui is distracted and asks if there's something bothering her. She says that she's wondering whether to eat a blueberry tart, but there's something else on the menu that's piqued her interest. In the list of cakes, there's an item named as "Encounter with the Unknown".
Ritsu laughs and says that it's an intriguing name indeed. He says that he will order that while Yui gets the blueberry tart, and they can share both. Yui gets flustered and asks him if there was anything else he wanted. He answers that he is equally curious about that mysterious menu item, so he proceeds to place their orders with a waiter.
Commemorative Gift
After placing their orders, Ritsu takes out a small bag and hands it to Yui. It contains a lanyard for mobile phones. Ritsu says that it's a different colour from his, but the same brand. He bought this because his phone case had broken when he dropped his phone, but now with a lanyard, he won't need to worry about dropping his phone anymore.
Ritsu adds that the lanyard would also be useful during events such as the sports festival, when they need their hands free. It can also serve as a memorabilia for today. Yui agrees with its usefulness and is touched that she received a commemorative gift.
Yui realizes to herself that having Ritsu as a boyfriend must feel like this. She blushes a little. She blurts out, "...Amazing."
Yui and Ritsu's Thoughts
Ritsu goes, "Hm?", then Yui realizes that she uttered that out loud. She explains that it feels like Ritsu is very used to dates and has everything down pat. For her, this is all a first, so she's a little taken aback.
Ritsu says that he's not used to any of these. He explains that when he was in middle school, he was simply accommodating to others. However, it's not too much to say that he might have become more knowledgeable about such things because he's had previous experiences. After all, Yui knows him to be more introverted. Ritsu shyly glances at Yui and tells her that he's actually really giving it his all today.
Yui blushes. She realizes that the Ritsu she's always known is actually still deep inside Ritsu.
Time to Eat
Their drinks and cakes arrive. The mysterious item that Ritsu ordered looks like a simple dome. However, when he cuts it open, flower-like things fall out from inside the dome.
Yui is amazed and says that it's cute. Ritsu asks if they are edible and Yui guesses that they might be edible flowers. Yui tastes the cake and says that it's delicious.
While eating, Ritsu mentions that the one who told him about this cafe was Mukai Kento (it's not clear but Mukai Kento is probably their classmate). Ritsu remarks that he didn't expect Mukai to be interested in cafe hopping and it's somewhat annoying how city-boy-like he is.
Yui laughs and says that this isn't anything to get annoyed by. Ritsu smiles as he watches Yui laugh.
Yui narrates that she's glad that she came out for this date and thinks to herself that dates are really enjoyable.
On the Way Home
The two of them are now on a bus. Yui thanks Ritsu for inviting her out, as it was thanks to him that she managed to buy a nice bag today.
She adds that when they go out next time, it would be nice if it's a place Ritsu can recommend to her without needing him to "give his all". Ritsu notices how Yui is mentioning a next time and asks if there's really a next time.
When Yui goes, "Huh?", Ritsu says that it's nothing and asks out loud if Yui will like the places that he recommends. Yui asks him where, and he answers that he likes botanical gardens with permanent exhibits.
Yui looks a little confused, but Ritsu explains that permanent exhibits are different from the temporary ones. The ones with permanent exhibits are quiet and allows one to feel relaxed - a peaceful place.
Yui smiles and says that it will definitely be fun if Ritsu can bring her there. Ritsu stares at Yui and recalls how in Chapter 2, Yui had told him that when she's with him, she feels like she can always discover something new and interesting, which makes her very happy.
Ritsu's Thoughts
Ritsu looks serious and somewhat solemn when he then tells Yui that he's always thought of himself as an extremely boring person. However, when he feels bad about various trivial things, Yui always seems to be able to make them feel valuable to him instead. As long as he's with Yui, he feels as if the current him isn't so bad.
Yui says that she doesn't feel like she's said anything particularly special. However, Ritsu gives her a small smile and answers that they both have things that only they themselves can understand.
Yui's Thoughts
Yui stares at him and narrates that today, she feels like she's really experienced what Ritsu's inner self is truly like. She thinks to herself that this might probably be the biggest difference from when they were just "fake dating".
She then chuckles to herself a little, leading Ritsu to ask her what's up. She explains that she finds it funny how she was a little nervous about switching from "fake dating" to "trial dating". When they were "fake dating", they seemed closer, doing things like holding hands and hugging.
If You Don't Mind
Still looking serious, Ritsu looks at Yui and says that if she doesn't mind, he will do it.
When Yui goes, "Eh?", Ritsu gently places his hand on hers, then holds her hand and intertwines their fingers.
Ritsu then turns away to look ahead, blushing slightly. Yui also shyly looks away while blushing. Both of them become too shy to look at each other, but continue holding hands for the rest of the bus ride.
Yui narrates that the parts of her hand where they're connected feels as if it's on fire.
Are You Gonna Be Okay?
Later, after alighting from the bus, Yui and Ritsu run into Hayato, who is walking Tsumire (Ritsu's dog). They are still holding hands.
Hayato immediately notices that they are holding hands (his glance shifts). Yui then freezes when she notices Hayato's gaze.
She immediately runs to Tsumire to coddle her in order to let go of Ritsu's hand in a seemingly natural way. Ritsu also acts natural by going, "How nice for you, Tsumire. Thank you, Hayato-kun."
Hayato somewhat sarcastically answers that it's because Tsumire's owner is somehow still hanging around outside even during this period.
Ritsu asks, "This period?"
Hayato reminds them that mid-terms are coming. Ritsu and Yui are frozen in place. Clearly the two of them forgot about their mid-terms. Hayato reminds them that if they fail, they cannot participate in the volleyball competitions, and asks if they are going to be all right.
Yui and Ritsu sweat uncomfortably.
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