Chapter 23 - Meeting with Guy
"Let me guess," I teased Yūgao, "You were practicing swordsmanship, took a break, got curious, and wondered why I always wear a mask. Maybe you thought I was ugly or had a scar. After removing my mask, you were captivated by my beauty and handsomeness."
Ding!
[Favorability increased to 56]
In an instant, Yūgao's cheeks turned a deep red, and her eyes widened behind her ANBU mask.
"Looks like I read you like a book," I said with a smirk.
"Well, you've seen my biggest secret. Now you'll have to repay me," I said playfully.
"Repay you? How?" she asked, puzzled.
Without warning, I reached up and removed her mask. Yūgao's face was revealed: a young woman with straight, purple hair that reached down to her shoulders, warm brown eyes with dark pupils, and smooth skin.
I let out a sigh and fell onto her lap, turning my face away to avoid looking like a pervert. To her, it might have seemed like I was disappointed.
"Hey, what do you mean by this?" she exclaimed, clearly upset.
"What do you mean? You saw my face; I saw yours. That's it," I replied nonchalantly.
"Did you think I was going to ask you to do something perverted?" I teased.
Before she could respond, I continued, "Nah, you're actually quite beautiful."
Her cheeks flushed a bright red.
Ding!
[Favorability increased to 60]
"Alright, let's get back to training," Yūgao said, eager to change the subject and prevent further teasing.
We picked up wooden sticks and trained until late into the evening, around 9 p.m.
Afterwards, Yūgao and I headed towards Ichiraku Ramen. As we walked, I noticed someone I recognized—Might Guy. He seemed downcast, his gaze fixed on the ground.
"Guy!" I called out, catching his attention.
He looked up, confused at first, given my changed appearance. As he approached, his expression turned to one of recognition.
"Ruki? Ruki!!" he exclaimed as he remembered me. "You look quite different now."
"Yeah, I do," I nodded, stretching my head. "It's a long story."
"Why the long face, Guy?" I asked, concerned.
"My father passed away this month," he answered solemnly.
"Oh, I'm really sorry for your loss. I missed the funeral because I was on a mission," I said, feeling sincere regret.
"No worries," Guy said, though his sadness was palpable. "It's part of life."
"To make up for it, let me treat you to Ichiraku Ramen," I offered with an apologetic smile.
We made our way to the ramen shop, the cool weather and steady air making the walk pleasant. After eating, Yūgao went home, leaving Guy and me.
"Let's train together next time," Guy suggested, raising a thumb enthusiastically.
"Definitely," I agreed, smiling.
As Guy headed home, I remembered I had a roulette spin left.
[I opened the window]
[Spins left: 1]
[Tap to spin]
I tapped the window to spin.
[Rolling the wheel.]
Ding!!
[Congratulations for getting A-Rank Cooking Skills]
With my reward in hand, I returned home. "I'm home!" I announced as I entered.
I saw my mom, Juri, and Aunty Miyu preparing dinner.
"Hi, Juri! Hi, Aunty Miyu!" I greeted them with a wave.
Juri turned to me and asked, "Hey, Ruki, where have you been? I didn't see you all day."