She had changed into something different.
Which meant she had accepted. A confirmation that she had accepted this date. Kouhei's heart bloomed with elation, a warm and giddy sensation spreading through his chest like sunlight breaking through dark clouds.
"I-I'll be back! I'll change into something too!" he stammered, voice cracking slightly from excitement. Without waiting for a reply, he dashed out of the room like a boy struck by Cupid's arrow, his footsteps light with hope as he hurried toward his own space.
This was good. This was really, really good.
Now, the only task that remained was bringing Hina back to her usual self.
That, however, would be the real challenge. Not something that could be solved with a simple smile or a half-hearted compliment. It would take effort—genuine, heartfelt effort. But Kouhei had made up his mind. He would see this through to the very end.
