Worth the Effort – Our First Date
The efforts had paid off. "Everyone, good job!"
After lunch, the exams were graded, and homeroom wrapped up right away. The homeroom teacher spoke from the podium, addressing the class.
"Well, that's basically it, huh?"
The end of academy life! Maybe the start of something new. Applause and cheers erupted together.
It's really over now... Bianca felt a fresh wave of realization wash over her. The long, grueling school days were finally drawing to a close. Graduation was still ahead, but everyone would soon shed their student identities and step into the wider world. It didn't quite feel real yet.
...Am I becoming an adult too?
Lost in her thoughts, Bianca felt someone tapping her arm from the side.
"So, Bianca! Where are you two headed? You and your hubby."
Hubby again. Bianca pursed her lips at Shasha's whisper but ended up letting out a hollow chuckle. It was easier to just give up protesting. They weren't students anymore—true adults now, once graduation hit. Naturally, adulthood meant marriage would come someday.
If that happens, my partner would be... Definitely Carlyle Schultz. No one else but him. So Shasha wasn't entirely wrong. It was hard to picture, felt like a distant dream, but Bianca couldn't imagine herself with any other man. Someday, Carlyle would be her husband...
Me, with a husband...! That would make her his wife?! Married to Carlyle?! Having kids together, spending a lifetime side by side?
Ugh... Bianca's head spun dizzily. Honestly, it didn't sound bad at all—quite the opposite, actually. A little nice, even. Flushed from the mere thought, she murmured softly,
"He said the aquarium."
"Ooh—total classic date spot!"
It was her date, but Shasha was more excited than she was. Carlyle had picked the downtown aquarium. Bianca would've been fine just staying home alone with him, but his plan appealed to her too.
"No better spot for a first date."
"R-Really...?"
"Your boyfriend's got good taste."
Who wouldn't? Bianca's lips curved up at Shasha's praise. Yeah, that's right. Carlyle Schultz himself... He always came through when she trusted him. That's why she could rely on him so much. He was just so wonderful. And now, she was his girlfriend.
Me, his girlfriend... It hit her for real this time. With their first date looming, her body was starting to feel it too.
Hmm, but... Naturally, a little desire bubbled up. If they were dating, she wanted to look good for him. After a brief hesitation—just a moment—she steeled her resolve.
I decided to embrace this. It was right. She still had so many shortcomings as a woman. So, gathering her courage, she whispered to Shasha,
"Hey, Shasha... Could you help me out?"
"With what?"
"It's our first date, so I wanna dress up a bit."
It was mortifying, her hands curling in embarrassment, but it was her honest truth.
"I don't know the first thing about makeup, though. So maybe you could... make me look more feminine and pretty?"
Shasha's help was essential for that. Bianca was confident in picking outfits, at least.
"Whoa, what's gotten into you...?"
Shasha grinned mischievously. Bianca felt awkward but didn't look away. Careful not to let Carlyle overhear, Shasha whispered back,
"Our little Bianca finally wants to doll up? For her boyfriend?"
"N-No, it's not..."
It was true, but that just made it more embarrassing. Her face heated up, and she ducked her head.
"Don't tease me, Shasha..."
"Hehe, got it. Of course I'll help!"
Her courage had paid off; she'd gotten Shasha's assistance. In the academy lounge after classes, curiosity struck Bianca.
"Do you always carry makeup around?"
"Pretty much? The basics, anyway. Emily probably does too..."
It was a natural segue, their trio having hung out often before.
"Ahaha... my bad."
A brief, awkward silence fell. But Bianca couldn't respond much to Shasha's words. Truth be told, she'd thought of Emily while getting made up too. Luckily, the makeup was done.
"There, how's that? I did my best."
"Wow, it's pretty..."
No exaggeration—it really was. Bianca resolved to learn makeup someday, awkward as it felt.
"Th-Um... Think I could learn too...?"
Shasha giggled.
"Practice makes perfect. Not today, but I'll teach you slowly sometime."
"Thanks, Shasha. You're the only one I can count on."
"Aw, stop..."
The mood dipped unavoidably, but they parted with smiles.
Walking home alone after sending Carlyle ahead first, Bianca reflected anew. It wasn't a mistake. No one's fault. The awkwardness between her and Emily.
Actually, last week, she'd spoken to Emily alone in the hallway. They'd bumped into each other; after hesitating inwardly, Bianca had mustered the words.
"H-Hi... Long time no see, Emily."
"Oh, Bianca..."
The awkwardness hung between them, but Bianca had something to say.
"Back then... thanks."
Emily had delivered her letter to Carlyle, and Bianca knew the butterfly effect it had sparked.
"No big deal... Glad it worked out."
Emily gave an ambiguous smile, her expression complicated, then added,
"...Yeah, I mean it."
Silence followed. In the heavy air, Bianca gathered her courage.
"Emily... Is it too much to ask? Am I being selfish? But I really want to tell you this."
She poured out her honest heart.
"Someday... could we go back to being close friends like before?"
Emily hesitated long before giving a vague reply. She understood, but needed time. Bianca had no choice but to accept it. Maybe time was needed to return to how things were—or maybe they never would. But it wasn't anyone's fault; no ill will between them. Bianca just believed they could mend it someday. For now, though.
Her top priority wasn't that. It was the date with Carlyle. That mattered most.
Yeah, that's right...! She couldn't let her mood sink.
Me, going on a date... with that Carlyle guy. It still didn't feel real. Like a dream. After the school trip, she'd admitted she liked Carlyle Schultz. But she'd been certain they'd never end up together.
...Impossible. She'd tried ignoring it, giving up. Even thrashed about in frustration. Surprisingly, Carlyle had felt the same—their struggles weaving this sweet dream.
She hadn't imagined they'd become like this. But right now, Bianca was simply happy. Her heart floated lightly. Come to think of it, they'd sort of dated once before—at Wizni Park with Carlyle. But back then, she'd denied her feelings throughout.
I definitely wasn't into him yet...? Or maybe she was, a little. Strictly speaking, this was their first real lovers' date.
Lovers. Date. The words resonated sweetly.
Her phone chimed suddenly. Bianca checked it, and her glum expression brightened instantly at Carlyle's text. The gloom from moments ago vanished.
"Oh, that fountain? From the Wizni Park trip?"
"Yeah, that one."
About forty minutes left—cutting it close. Rushing home, Bianca scrambled to get ready.
Makeup's done... Hair and body next. Just change clothes quick?
"Right, underwear...!"
She usually wore comfy cotton ones, but today felt like she needed to care more. Last night, she'd prepared one in advance.
"Ah..."
Changing, Bianca let out a sigh. That bad feeling... Her underwear was a mess. From lunch with Carlyle, no doubt.
"Die, you... gotta die..."
Face burning, she shoved the soiled pair into the laundry and slipped on last night's pick—the most mature, fresh one she owned. Over it, a plaid beige skirt, soft pink knit top. Finally, a feminine ivory cardigan.
Bianca had a knack for fashion. Even Emily and Shasha had acknowledged it before.
[No notes on the outfit.]
With praise like that, maybe she had a talent for women's fashion. If she were dating a girlfriend—hypothetically—she'd imagine what would look cute on her and dress accordingly.
Past guy experience helps here, huh. She really thought so. Lastly, a white beret. It boosted her confidence.
Maybe I look kinda pretty...? Her current look screamed pure woman. She added Carlyle's necklace and ring—items she'd never taken off lately, even in the shower. A spritz of Shasha's subtle perfume.
"This smells amazing! Any guy would swoon."
Who knew, but it felt right. Ready at last, she psyched herself up in the mirror.
Yeah, looking good...! This should do. Heart pounding already. Brown leather loafers on, she stepped out briskly.
But downstairs, Bianca froze in shock.
"C-Carlyle...?"
He couldn't wait and had come to her house already, despite saying the fountain.
Words failed them both—at each other's appearances.
Pretty. So pretty it stole his words.
......
Carlyle was speechless. Her light golden hair shone brilliantly in the crisp autumn sun. Translucent white skin, lush deep lashes. Cheeks faintly flushed like fresh petals, lips glossy as ripe red apples. The white beret was adorable. The plaid beige skirt exuded innocence, paired with the pink knit and ivory cardigan for ultimate femininity. The kind of girl who made any man's heart race—just standing there. Right in front of him.
"C-Carlyle...?"
Even her flustered expression, the amethyst necklace on her slender neck, her sparkling eyes— all cute, all pretty.
"Ah, Bianca..."
Couldn't wait, so he came early. He tried to say it, but the words stuck. Waiting even briefly at the fountain had made him antsy, but now that impatience was gone.
Of course he'd hoped. First date and all. His girlfriend Bianca had been so cute lately. Tsundere cat one moment, cuddly puppy the next. The lingering distance from before? Vanished. When she melted into his arms, she was devastating. More affection, more aegyo, more womanly.
"Why'd you come all the way here...?"
Even now, shyly smiling at him—his heart trembled. Like a lovestruck kid on the verge of bursting.
"Just... wanted to see you."
He always watched over her. But strangely, the moment he looked away, she bloomed into heart-stopping beauty.
Bianca felt the same. Thump-thump—her heart vibrated.
Seeing Carlyle blanked her mind. She loved his kind nature, his thoughtfulness. But now she realized afresh:
This guy was always...
Insanely handsome? Love goggles? No, objectively, Carlyle Schultz was hot. No wonder girls swarmed him. A long black aviator coat suited him perfectly—tall frame required. He towered over her, his chin just reaching her neckline. Broad shoulders. Gray knit beneath the coat, black slim pants. She knew how warm and reassuring his embrace was.
Gulp.
That's why her throat tightened.
Carlyle looked amazing. Effortlessly styled short black hair, bad-boy eyes women loved—cool, aloof. But now those golden eyes held only her, brimming with deep affection. It made her shrink inward.
Came early 'cause he missed me... Hehe, a giggle escaped. Her head had been tangled with Emily thoughts, so she trotted over and hugged him.
What an idiot. He could've just waited; she'd have gone to the fountain. But it felt so good.
"...Wh-Why'd you come? Just wait there."
Her words sounded scolding, but her scent hit him, and he held his breath. His girlfriend, leaping into his arms—adorable. He hugged back, smiling.
"...You're so pretty today."
He buried his face in her neck.
"...And you smell amazing."
Bianca floated at his words. Her lips curved idiotically.
"R-Really...?"
Efforts rewarded. She played it cool, but her heart soared. She'd treat Shasha to something delicious later. Carlyle was too wonderful. Him calling her pretty—too much. She couldn't move.
If only time stopped right here...
But they had a date!
"Shall we go...?"
Bianca prompted, and Carlyle sighed wistfully.
"Honestly... I just wanna lay you down right now."
Knowing what he meant, her face burned. She felt the same, somewhat, but pinched his side.
"H-Hey..."
He chuckled, then snatched her hand, interlocking fingers naturally. It tickled so much she held her breath. Breathless from sheer bliss.
His hands are huge... Maybe hers were small, being a woman now. Didn't matter.
"Bus...?"
"Nah, taxi. Don't wanna make you stand."
"Ah, y-yeah."
Bianca nodded. All his thoughts centered on her—it wasn't unwelcome. Quite the opposite.
That's why, probably. Another man holding her hand? She'd recoil in disgust. But Carlyle? Fine by her.
So this means... She'd truly become a woman. A woman only for Carlyle Schultz. Bianca was glad it was him—so kind.
"Excited for the aquarium."
"Don't get too excited."
"What, not confident?"
"Always confident. But if you were disappointed, it'd hurt a little."
"No way. Won't happen... probably."
A smile bubbled up.
With you, Carlyle... Aquarium or not, anywhere's fine. Fancy date or not—just being together was good. That's why, simply holding his hand, Bianca smiled and felt happy. Right now, she was truly enjoying the moment—thanks to Carlyle Schultz gripping her hand.
Soon, they arrived at the Churauni Large Aquarium downtown.
"Wow—"
Bianca let out a soft gasp at the sight before her.