"Excuse me…"
A soft, steady voice interrupted the group's lively conversation.
Everyone turned, surprised, to see Sophie standing a few paces behind them.
She looked both nervous and hopeful, with her hands clasped together tightly in front of her and a slight blush tinting her cheeks.
Her gaze flickered uncertainly over the group, as if she were gathering courage to speak.
"Um, if you're planning to explore the city…"
She trailed off for a moment, looking down, before taking a deep breath and finishing,
"…may I join you all? I can help guide you around!"
She bowed, her eyes tightly shut as if bracing herself for rejection.
Akiko and Shigeru exchanged amused glances, their smiles widening.
"Of course! We'd be delighted to have her highness herself as our guide,"
Akiko replied with a warm laugh, giving a playful bow in return.
"Thank you!"
Sophie's face lit up, and the nervous tension seemed to dissolve instantly.
She practically glowed with excitement, a broad, joyful smile spreading across her face as she gave a small, happy jump.
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Before long, the group was out on the busy city streets, soaking in the lively atmosphere around them.
The street was lined with bustling cafes, small shops with colorful signs, and street vendors selling everything from flowers to handmade trinkets.
The air was filled with a mix of scents—coffee, freshly baked bread, and a hint of something sweet and floral.
It was a perfect day for exploring.
"Right around this corner,"
Sophie said, pointing ahead as they reached the end of the block,
"is a famous bakery. It's run by a family friend, and they make the softest, freshest pastries you'll ever taste."
Her eyes shone with anticipation, and she could hardly contain her excitement.
"Their croissants practically melt in your mouth!"
As she spoke, her expression became dreamy, her mouth watering at the mere thought.
Shigeru, catching the look on her face, couldn't help but chuckle.
"It must be good if it's got you drooling just thinking about it,"
He teased, grinning.
Sophie blinked, her face turning bright red as she quickly covered her mouth in embarrassment.
Her flustered reaction drew laughs from the others, lifting the group's spirits even more.
"It's alright, Sophie,"
Akiko reassured her with a gentle smile.
"You don't have to be so formal with us. Just relax and be yourself."
Sophie's shoulders relaxed, and she returned a shy but grateful smile.
It was clear that being with them put her at ease in a way she wasn't used to.
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Moments later, they stepped into the warm, cozy bakery.
The smell of freshly baked bread, sweet pastries, and warm chocolate filled the air, instantly making their mouths water.
Display cases filled with beautifully arranged treats stretched along one wall, showcasing everything from golden croissants to delicate cream-filled eclairs and tiny, intricately decorated tarts.
They each ordered something different, eager to taste everything, and before long, they left the bakery with small bags in hand, laughing and chatting as they savored the delicious pastries.
"Wow! These pastries are incredible,"
Seichii said, taking another big bite of his croissant.
"It's so soft it just melts in your mouth."
Masumi, who was walking beside him, noticed a dollop of cream on his cheek and giggled softly.
"Seichii-kun, you've got some cream… right there."
Without thinking, she reached up and gently wiped it off with her finger.
Seichii froze, his eyes widening in surprise, and his face turned bright red.
Masumi quickly realized what she was doing, her own face flushing as she turned away, her gaze fixed firmly on the ground.
"I-I'm sorry…! I didn't mean anything by it…" she stammered, clearly mortified.
Seichii rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, his face still red. "It's… not that I hated or something…"
Seichii said leaving a flushed Masumi, Fumes coming out of her head.
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The group moved on, trying to hold back their amusement at their friends' sudden shyness.
But before anyone could tease them further, Sophie suddenly gasped and pointed excitedly ahead.
"Everyone, look! It's the Eiffel Tower!"
They all turned, eyes widening as they took in the sight of the towering structure.
It loomed over the city, majestic and awe-inspiring against the clear blue sky.
"Whoa… It's even bigger than I imagined,"
Ryuu said, his voice filled with awe as he stared up at the towering landmark.
While the others admired the view, Ryoko's gaze drifted, and she suddenly stiffened.
Her eyes narrowed, and her expression grew tense as she focused on a dark, narrow alley a short distance away.
A strange, uncomfortable feeling crept over her, sending a chill down her spine.
Her fingers clenched at her sides, and her heart began to pound faster.
Ryuu noticed her tense expression and moved closer, his voice soft with concern.
"Ryoko-san? Is something wrong?"
Ryoko's gaze remained fixed on the alley, her face pale and her breathing shallow.
"It's… nothing,"
She replied, though her voice sounded distant and uncertain.
She seemed almost mesmerized by something unseen, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and disbelief.
They continued walking, but Ryoko's gaze kept drifting back to the alley, her expression growing more anxious with each glance.
Suddenly, she stopped, her eyes locked on something in the shadows, and an expression of sheer terror crossed her face.
"Ryoko-san?"
Ryuu asked again, his voice filled with worry as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
But Ryoko didn't respond. She stood frozen, her eyes wide, and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead.
"Ryoko-san!"
Ryuu shook her gently, his voice rising with concern.
At his touch, Ryoko blinked, snapping out of her trance.
She looked at him, her face pale and her breathing ragged.
"Ryuu-kun…"
She whispered, her voice trembling.
"We need to leave. It's… not safe here."
The rest of the group went silent, their expressions shifting from surprise to concern.
They exchanged worried glances, unsure of what to make of Ryoko's sudden fear.
"Not safe? What do you mean?"
Ryuu asked, frowning.
Ryoko's gaze drifted back to the alley, her voice barely a whisper.
"There's… something in that alley. A presence… dark, powerful. I can feel it watching us…"
The group followed her gaze, each of them feeling a shiver of unease.
The alley was shadowed and silent, but an unsettling aura seemed to linger, sending a chill through the air.
"I'll go check it out,"
Ryuu said suddenly, his voice steady with determination.
Ryoko's eyes widened, and she stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
"No! Ryuu-kun, whatever's in there is dangerous.
I don't even know if I could defeat it. I can't let you put yourself at risk!"
Ryuu looked into her eyes, a gentle but determined smile on his face.
"Ryoko-san, you're always protecting us. You risk yourself over and over to keep us safe.
I can't just stand by while you're this scared.
It was the same back then too, In the Inter Division Competition...You threw yourself infront of me to protect me without caring about your own life."
Ryuu said as a expression of pain appeared on his face.
"And when.... Rajin's spear pierced through your body, and when I saw you bleeding in my arms. It's just terrifying to even imagine that again.
And I don't want to see that happening again...
So Ryoko-san! This time I will protect you!"
Ryuu had as he gave a warm and bright smile to Ryoko.
Ryoko's expression softened, and a mix of admiration and worry crossed her face.
But before she could protest again, Seichii stepped forward, joining Ryuu's side.
"I'll go with him,"
Seichii said firmly.
"If you both have made your mind then I guys, I have to accompany you both too. After all that's why I'm here with you all,"
Shigeru added, stepping forward.
"If you're going then I'm going too!"
Akiko said as she held Shigeru's Hand.
One by one, each of their friends nodded, standing beside Ryuu with determined expressions.
Ryoko sighed, looking down as a faint smile touched her lips.
She looked back at the alley, her heart pounding, but she couldn't ignore the strength and loyalty in her friends' eyes.
"Alright…"
She whispered, her voice steadying.
"We'll face it together."
As they approached the alley, the shadows deepened, and the air grew colder.
Ryoko heart pounded as she could feel the immense dark energy coming from that alley.
"I think we should leave after all."
She stopped as she said, a concerned look appeared on her face.
"Ryoko-san, just believe in us, we will face this problem together like we always do!"
Ryoko got stunned when she heard him, a faint voice rang in her mind saying the same thing. All her worry vanished as a happy smile appeared on her face.
Just as they reached the entrance, a small voice echoed from within.
"Papa…?"
They froze, eyes widening as a small, red-haired girl appeared from the shadows.
She looked up at them, her bright eyes filled with innocence.
She ran forward, wrapping her arms around Seichii's leg.
"Papa!"...