Chapter 10

Now that I think about it, I should have mustered the courage to do it much earlier, given how happy she was.

What I'm talking about is...

"Hey, Hanako, did you clean the sink? It's spotless..."

After having a hearty bowl of rice for breakfast, which included ham and eggs, macaroni salad, simmered eggplant, miso soup with tofu, and pickles, I headed to the kitchen with my empty dishes and noticed the sink was sparkling clean.

Hanako Riko usually gives the sink a quick wash every night before bed, so the kitchen is always clean and free of water stains. But today, it was even cleaner than usual.

"It looks like a brand new kitchen."

"Hehe, I really put in some effort to polish it. I had a bit of time after preparing breakfast."

"I see. Thank you. Still, Riko, you always wake up so early."

I, who struggle with mornings, looked at Hanako Riko with admiration. In response, she puffed out her cheeks slightly, looking a bit dissatisfied.

"Am I still just 'Hanako-san' to you, Minato-kun?"

"Ah, um... Yeah, that... I haven't forgotten, but..."

Hanako Riko frequently Skypes with her parents, who live overseas, to reassure them. Sometimes, I join in these calls to help ease their minds. During these times, we agreed to call each other by our first names to avoid any suspicion about our relationship. However, I've made the mistake of calling her by her last name a few times, which led her to suggest that we should call each other by our first names regularly.

Hanako Riko's suggestion was reasonable. Her parents laughed it off, saying, "You're just not used to it yet. It's cute," but I knew it couldn't go on forever. At school, Hanako Riko and I don't interact much and always act separately, so getting used to calling her by her first name wouldn't be a problem.

So, we agreed to call each other by our first names, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't do it.

Just calling her by her first name?

No way.

Only someone who regularly interacts with girls could think that. I realized just how special a girl's first name is to a guy like me, who isn't popular with girls.

Because of this, I had to ask for some time to prepare myself, saying, "I need some time to get used to it."

Incidentally, Hanako Riko started calling me 'Minato-kun' from the day we decided on the rule. She didn't hesitate, but she always looked a bit embarrassed, shifting her gaze slightly. It was a subtle change in her expression, but it always made my heart ache.

As a result, I found it even harder to call her by her first name.

Calling her by her first name became increasingly special to me. But I couldn't explain this to Hanako Riko, and I'm sure she sees me as a weak-willed guy who keeps putting off our agreement. Even if I don't want to be disliked, I know I'm setting myself up for trouble if I keep this up.

...But giving up isn't the answer.

If I don't want to be disliked, I need to muster some courage and try harder.

It's just a name.

Just calling her by her first name.

I need to start by getting used to it in my head.

Why do I keep calling my future wife by her full name?

It's like we're strangers.

No, that's true.

To me, Hanako Riko is even more distant than an idol or actress.

"How can I muster the courage..."

I sighed, and Hanako Riko covered her mouth with her hand and smiled gently.

"Minato-kun, do you really need courage to call someone by their first name?"

"Well... I've never called a girl by her first name before."

"Didn't you call people by their first names when you were younger? Like in kindergarten?"

"Ah, now that you mention it. But I don't really remember much from that time, do you?"

"Really? I remember, but I've heard that a lot of people don't remember their childhood. Maybe Minato-kun is one of them."

"Anyway, about the name thing..."

"Courage... How about we try a more forceful approach?"

"Eh? What do you mean?"

"From now on, I won't respond until you call me by my first name."

"Huh...!?"

What...!?

"Wait. Hanako-san, you mean right now..."

The moment I said that, Hanako Riko turned away.

Oh no.

She really means it...

"Um, but I still need some time to prepare..."

She didn't turn back, and the only response was silence.

This is tough...

Looking at her from the side, I could see her lips pressed together, as if she was trying to hold back something.

She's not going to respond until I call her by her first name...

This is... really tough...

"Wait. I get it. Okay, I'll do it. I'll say it."

I clenched my fists and closed my eyes.

I repeated a mantra to myself.

I can do it, I can do it, I can do it.

I started to feel like I could do it.

"I can do it, I can do it, I can do it... R... R... Riko..."

My voice cracked and broke halfway through.

Just two syllables, and I couldn't even say them properly.

I felt so embarrassed, like I might disappear.

But please understand.

To me, those two syllables are that special.

...Did she hear it?

I looked up, and she was already facing me, her cheeks tinged pink.

"Oh, what do I do... I'm so embarrassed... But I'm happy..."

She covered her cheeks with her hands and blinked repeatedly.

Every gesture was incredibly cute.

"Calling someone by their first name feels so special... Thank you, Minato-kun."

"N-no..."

"To be honest, I was worried that you wouldn't call me by my first name. I was getting anxious."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Ignoring you would be hard..."

"A, ah, I see..."

She's so kind...

She wouldn't want to ignore anyone, no matter the reason.

But she did it for me...

"Thank you for your help, Hanako-san."

"Hey, 'Hanako-san'?"

"A, ah, Riko..."

"Hehe. Hey, Minato-kun, I'll buy a cake on the way home today!"

"Why a cake?"

"Because you called me by my first name. Today is special for me. It's a 'First Name Day'."

She smiled, leaning in to look at my face, her cheeks still pink and her eyes filled with happiness.

Oh, man.

She's so cute, it's unfair.

Why is she so happy...

If I were a more confident guy, I might have misunderstood her reaction.

But still... I'm glad I mustered the courage to call her by her first name. I don't know why, but making her this happy is the best feeling.

Today is a 'Day I Saw Hanako Riko's Special Smile'.

That night, she really did buy two strawberry shortcakes, and we had a small celebration together.

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