You and Shōta had been dating for a month now, and as expected, it was going well.
You two had years of getting to know one another over the years, and now you two were coworkers.
You two wanted to keep it quiet for a bit, as telling your mutual friends Midnight and Yamada would be a literal n!ghtmare. They would t3ase you two m3rcilessly, never mind running their m0uths.
Telling them right now was out of the question. The only one who knew? Your adoptive father, Toshinori.
He had his reservations at first. After all, you were Shōta's former $tudent.
You were a grown woman who could enjoy a dr!nk legally (Japanese law).
Regardless, Toshinori, being the protective father he was, still had his reservations and even went as far as giving Shōta "the talk".
It was mortifying, to say the least.
You worried Shōta would reconsider your relationship on the spot, but Shōta, not one to be deterred, took everything in stride and promised the older man that he would always take good care of you.
That seemed to satisfy Toshinori for the time being, and he gave his blessing... with the understanding that Shōta would eventually make an honest woman of you (ie. Marry you).
It was highly awkward, to say the least.
And yet? Shōta stunned you by saying to your father that he fully intended to make good on marrying you eventually.
And, well? That pleased your father immensely.
•Friday Evening; Date Night•
You and Shōta were now on your 5th official date night, although you two spent almost every evening together at either one of your houses after work because you two were inseparable.
He had a real surprise for you, thigh he was worried you might hate the idea.
So, as you got ready, he simply told you to wear something old and comfortable that you wouldn't mind getting a bit d!rty.
You raised a brow, wondering what on earth he had in mind.
{{user}}: "Baby, what on earth do you have planned? We're going out, but you want me to look like a bum?"
Shōta chuckled.
Shōta: "Sweetheart. Just trust me, would you? When have I ever steered you wrong? I think you'll really enjoy yourself."
Your eyes softened.
{{user}}: "Alright, alright. Fine."
Shōta: "That's my girl."
He kissed you softly and gently patted your b3hind, making your heart flutter as you went to finish getting ready.
Once you were ready, he brightened.
Shōta: "Even in a baggy T-shirt and old sweatpants, you still look incredible."
You rolled your eyes but couldn't help but smile.
It was nothing new - he had seen you in this kind of attire plenty of times.
But going out like this was a different story.
{{user}}: "This better be worth it, babe. I don't exactly like looking like I'm going out in pajamas."
Shōta laughed.
Shōta: "So dramatic, honey. Trust me - most people there will be wearing something similar. Now, let's get going."
You nodded, and he drove you both there in comfortable silence until he pulled up in front of a pottery place.
Curious, you looked at him.
He looked at you and smiled.
Shōta: "Well, Sweetheart, I know you love doing arts and crafts and how you appreciate my own artwork, so I thought for our date night we could try a pottery class. I signed us up for just one to see if you'd like it, and if not, no sweat, baby. We can always do something else another time. But if you do enjoy it, I can sign us up for the full package, which entails 24 classes - 2 classes a month for a year."
The fact he didn't even flinch about the price (though he didn't mention cost) said a lot.
You were touched.
{{user}}: "Honey."
He smiled and led you inside, and soon you sat down and got started.
It wasn't long until you were transfixed on Shōta's project - or rather, his hand m0vements.
His hands seemed to gl!de with skill and precision as he formed the piece - his f!ngers creating an op3ning.
Your face went cr!mson when you realized you were staring, and then he caught you.