Ryuzin sat on the bench beside Shion. She continued to stare at him with a smile, clearly happy because, for the first time, he called her by her name. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, she blushed furiously and looked away.
"So... ahh, you look like something happened, can you share?" she asked, still looking away.
"I was in the Karaoke with Aki," Ryuzin replied indifferently.
"Ohh, really?" She looked at him curiously. "So, what happened?" Shion was curious to know what that idiot did this time."
"I, umm... might have made an oopsie," Ryuzin staggered.
"What do you mean?" Shion cat-eyed him, poking at his shoulder with her index finger.
Ryuzin got annoyed. "Oi, stop it," his veins showing on his forehead.
He then grumbled, "I just told him the truth," still looking away.
"Ahh... what?" Shion staggered, then she realized, "Did you tell him about Yuki-chan?" She looked shocked, blinking in surprise. "What exactly did you tell him?" she asked, staring at him like a cat.
"I… umm, everything you told me this morning," he replied awkwardly.
"Huhhhhh…" Shion froze up. "You're not supposed to say that. That's Yuki's job! Did you tell him I told you those things?"
"Obviously, I didn't." He looked guilty. "Do you know how to get them together, so nothing gets awkward between them?"
"Oh gosh, I didn't know you were an idiot too," Shion said indignantly. These words hit him like arrows.
"How am I going to fix all this mess? Okay, give me a day. I'll plan something. It might make them close," Shion replied, looking stressed.
"Thank you, you're a lifesaver." He placed his hands together and pointed toward her.
Suddenly, the siren rang. It scared Shion. She held Ryuzin's arm instinctively. Realizing what she had done, she blushed and quickly released his arm. The earpiece on Ryuzin's ear activated, and a voice said, "Agent Ryuzin, there is a mindless demon where you are. We have already sent troops to evacuate the civilians. You know what to do."
They could see people, being evacuated. The solders didn't came to them because they know Ryuzin. The civilians didn't had time to think about others.
"Shion, I'm going to take you to the bunker, and you need to stay there. No protests," Ryuzin told her, looking serious.
Shion nodded. Then suddenly, something came straight for them. Ryuzin's instincts kicked in. He quickly took Shion and dodged.
Shion was in Ryuzin's arms. Realizing the fact, Shion blushed furiously but couldn't do anything at the moment. "He...He smells so good." Shion thought in her head.
"Ryuzin-kun, is that a demon?" Shion asked, looking scared but feeling safe in his arms.
Ryuzin groaned when the demon ran toward him. He started jumping backward while trying to dodge the attacks, simultaneously saving Shion.
Shion, on the other hand, hugged him tightly. Ryuzin thought only if he could let his arms free, he could kill that random demon in an instant.
The demon looked like a combination of a wolf and deer. It had a wolf's head with deer antlers and a mixed body. Its saliva was coming out of its mouth, wanting to eat it's prey. This demon was a mindless type and not those who come out from those mother demons. Right now, there is no mother demon. It just spawned here from there realm, although it was surely born from such mother demons.
Suddenly, there was a gunshot. The troops finally reached them after evacuating the citizens.
They rapidly fired at the demon, killing it, and blood was everywhere.
"Shion, don't open your eyes until I say so," Ryuzin assured her, who was still in his arms.
"OKAY!" Shion agreed. Ryuzin then headed to the person in charge. Talked to her and jumped off from there.
"Did you jump? Can I open my eyes now?" Shion asked.
"Okay, you can," Ryuzin replied casually. "You're up for a great view," he said, boldly. Slowly, Shion opened her eyes and looked downward. She grabbed Ryuzin tightly, pressing her boobs against his chest. Shion felt really vulnerable in this moment. "It's nice… we're like flying. We're so high in the sky! Uwaaa," she said, smiling at the view.
Shion felt lucky and thought to herself again, "He smells so good, and he is really strong."
"Oi, are you sleeping or what?" Ryuzin asked. Shion staggered and started blushing. "N-no, I was just thinking about Yuki-chan and Aki-kun's situation."
"There's that," Ryuzin said to himself.
Next day at school.
The next day at school, Shion was talking to Yuki when Aki came into the class. He looked at Yuki, blushed, and then turned his head before walking off to his seat.
"What happened to him? He didn't come directly to you?" Yuki asked, looking worried as she asked Shion.
"Did he finally give up on you?" Yuki asked.
"Maybe... hey, it might be your turn, you can make him fall for you." Shion smiled at her, with a grin.
Ryuzin was listening to everything.
"Umm, I don't know if he even sees me like that?" Yuki replied, with a hint of sadness, while looking at Aki.
"Come on... I am sure he does, you're a girl too and a cute one at that," Shion teased.
"Fluttery will get you nowhere," Yuki said. "So, what's your plan?" Yuki asked.
"Just see!" Shion grinned.
"Aki-kun!" Shion called out. Aki heard her voice and looked behind.
"Yes!"
"Come here!" Shion replied. Aki walked over and stood beside Yuki.
"I have these movie tickets. I thought of going with Yuki-chan, but plans came up. So could you go with Yuki-chan, please?" Shion asked him.
"I don't know," Aki replied, his tone still flat.
"Please!" Shion asked cutely. "Won't you listen to me, Aki-kun?" she tried to seduce him into it.
Aki looked at her, then bowed so hard, his forehead struck Shion's desk. "As you wish, Shion-sama."
Both the girls startled, including Ryuzin.
"Yes, take them too!" She said in a breath with cat eyes, "Amusement park tickets, Aquarium tickets, have fun." She took out one at a time from her bag and placed them on top of her desk.
Three of them were surprised but didn't reply. Ryuzin thought, "What is she thinking?"
Ryuzin was surprised the most.
Next Sunday;
Yuki, waiting outside Toho Cinemas Shinjuku. The ticket Shion provided her with is "Kaijin no Hana" (2022)—a supernatural horror film based on a manga.
A few meters away from her, if you see carefully, you can find Shion and Ryuzin sitting on a bench. They are wearing glasses, caps, played off in disguise.
"I can't believe I am doing this," Ryuzin said, annoyed.
"Shut up! You're the reason we're facing this in the first place," Shion replied, looking annoyed, none the less.
"Yeah, yeah!" Ryuzin replied sarcastically.
"Look...Aki-Kun is coming." Shion told. Ryuzin glanced at him.
Aki came running toward Yuki. As he reached, he started panting and grasped his knees for support.
"Huh!" Ryuzin whispered at himself, sat beside Shion.
"You said something?" Shion inquired.
"Nothing!" Ryugin replied, Shion nodded.
Ryuzin actually did that because Aki was late too when he spent time with him. It Might his habit, he thought.
"You're late as always," Yuki asked.
"Sorry, I just didn't know what to wear," he replied, huffing.
"Hey, we're not having a date, you know, idiot," Yuki teased him. "Ahh… you need a hug?" smirking at him.
"Oh, I am sorry!" Aki replied annoyedly.
"Oh, you're feeling embarrassed?" Yuki teased him.
He growled. "Shut up!" With a low voice, "You wanna watch the movie or should you want me to go home?"
At the distance, Shion slapped her forehead. "She… is gonna ruin everything," Shian said, looking annoyed. "Why does she have to tease him like that."
Ryuzin remained silent and continued looking at them.
"Okay, okay, my bad," Yuki apologized. "Let's go, it's going to start soon," Yuki encouraged.
Aki sighed and suddenly took Yuki's hand and started walking. "Come on then."
Yuki dugged her head, her face burning. At the distance, Shion and Ryuzin were dumbfounded, and Shion whispered, "I… really didn't knew he had it in him to do that." Ryuzin didn't say anything but nodded and started following them, feeling envious.
Yuxi, on the other hand, felt overwhelmed. Didn't know how to react. "Huh… What? Why so suddenly?" Yuki thought to herself. "He didn't do this in years, although we did as a kid, but it's bad for my heart. "Ahh… Aki, you idiot." Thinking to herself, her face burned, even reddened as she followed his lead.
Shion and Ryuzin still looking at them.
Aki, still conflicted, couldn't help but notice how natural it felt to hold her hand. He glanced at her, seeing the surprise and delight on her face.
"Hey, come on." Shion took Ryuzin's hand, and ran toward them, while Ryuzin glanced at their intertwined hand.
They found their seats and settled in to watch the horror movie. Yuki snuggled closer to him, her hand still in his.
A few seats away from them, where they can't see Shion and Ryuzin, saw what was happening, equal surprise and wonder.
"Wow, that's a surprise, they're really comfortable, and here I know someone who I thought was better than him," Shion whispered.
"Whom are you talking about?" Ryuzin asked her curiously, but she didn't reply.
Yuki whispering, "Idiot, you're holding my hand."
Aki smiling, "Well, I'll let go if you tell me."
"You're so weird today," Yuki replied teasingly.
"Just enjoying the movie, I guess," Aki smirked.
"Okay, have it your way. I am not complaining though," Yuki teased.
As the movie progressed, they exchanged playful whispers.
The opening scene had an eerie atmosphere and the possessed patients, that does make a great plot," Yuki whispered to him. Aki nodded.
It was now the hospital corridor scene, Yuki feeling nervous.
Takashi, from the movie, hears footsteps behind him.
Yuki's hand clutched Aki's hand tighter.
When Takashi from the movie turned around and saw a possessed nurse appearing out of nowhere with her grotesquely distorted face, Yuki screamed and let go of his hand and grabbed his arm.
"Gotcha," Aki teased. "Idiot," Yuki playfully hit him. "Wow, that was really something," Shion whispered to Ryuzin. Shion is too focused on them to be scared.
Yuki adjusted in her seat and glanced at Aki, his eyes on the screen. She sighted and relaxed, her head now laid down on Aki's shoulder. Aki glanced at her.
"It seems that my plan is going smoothly, maybe we should focus on the movie and enjoy ourself for now," Shion whispered to Ryuzin. Ryuzin didn't reply. Shion gave him a pout angrily.
As the movie progressed, time drifted away, leaving only the four of them.
It was the well scene now. Takashi and his friend, Yui were exploring an ancient well in the woods, searching for clues. As they peer into the well, a ghastly figure suddenly emerges from the darkness, its face twisted in a scream.
When the scene was progressing up to the scream, Yuki was glaring at the screen, looking nervous. She grabbed hold of Aki's arm and snuggled tighter. Shion on the other hand grabbed her seat, feeling equally nervous. When the scream scene happened, both the lady screamed, Yuki snuggled even tighter, pressing her breast against Aki's arm; Aki blushed at the sudden breach of personal space. On the other hand, Shion shrieked, and she jurked toward Ryuzin, and buried her face in his chest, clinging to his shirt as if it was her lifeline.
Similar situations could be seen around them, mostly between couples. But it didn't matter to them, they were lost in their own world, in their own story.
Yuki let go of him"Idiot!" and hit him playfully.
Shion and Ryuzin, on the other hand, felt awkward. Ryuzin blushed and scratched the back of his head, and Shion blushed furiously. They looked at each other and looked away towards the screen. "Oh gosh, what have I done, although it felt really good… wait, what am I thinking... he is gonna think I'm…" Shion thought in her head.
The rest of the movie was awkward for Shion and Ryuzin, but for Aki and Yuki, they really enjoyed themselves.
As they came out of the cinema hall, Aki and Yuki seemed ready for the aquarium. On the other hand, Shian looked totally tired, still thinking about what happened inside, she couldn't look at Ryuzin, at his eyes. She thought "Reallly, what will happen at the aquarium anyways, there's just fish. Okay, calm down Shian, don't lose your cool."
"Ready for the aquarium?" Aki asked.
"Totally!" Yuki replied, her eyes sparkling. "I love aquariums!"
"I know, since kindergarten," Aki smirked.
"If you knew so much, then you wouldn't be an idiot," Yuki teased. Thinking how he didn't realize her feelings for him.
She doesn't know that her idiot knows already.
"You still wanna follow them?" Ryuzin enquired.
"Ah…" She startled. "Yes, I wanna see this through."
"As you wish!" Ryugin agreed and looked away.
"Wait! I am coming in a minute," Ryuzin told her and ran away.
"What… wait!" Shian called out.
At the corner, Ryugin called headquarters. "Hey, I have a request."
"Yes!" Commander Hibino Kajuki replied.
"I want you all to survey the areas and kill the demon when they spawn, without ringing the siren," Ryuzin asked.
"We can't do that, we're in charge of civilian safety. If a demon arrives and runs away, and harms a civilian, it'll be a disaster," Hibino Kajuki replied.
"Please, I don't ask anything of you, just take care of everything only for today, it's important," he begged.
Hibino Kajuki thought for a second. "Okay, we'll take care of it," he agreed. "Enjoy your date!".
"Wait, what? It's not a date..." before he could say it, Hibino disconnected the call. "That bastard!"
Now with Aki and Yuki.
"Hey, you don't wanna hold my hand like earlier?" Yuki teased. "I thought you liked it," she smirked at him.
Aki just felt annoyed and grabbed her hand. He looked at her and she looked at him with a smirk and started walking.
Shion was still waiting for Ryuzin, still nervous.
As Ryuzin came back, she questioned him, but Ryuzin shrugged it off by saying he had go to the washroom. "Let's go," Ryuzin insisted and held her hand, and Shion felt flustered.
Aki and Yuki strolled hand-in-hand toward the Shinjuku Aquarium, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
On the other hand, Shion and Ryuzin maintained their distance from them.
Along the way, Aki and Shion passed through trendy shops and cafés, the scent of food from nearby restaurants wafted through the air.
As they walked, Aki noticed Yuki's bright smile and felt his heart skip a beat.
"Hey, don't they look like a couple having a good day?" Shion asked Ryuzin. Ryuzin nodded.
"I hope that…" Shion stopped before finishing her sentence and blushed.
"Yes?" Ryuzin asked. "It's nothing," Shion shrugged it off.
"I just hoped that one day, we could have the same thing," Shion thought in her mind.
Upon arriving at the aquarium, Yuki marveled at the stunning aquatic displays. Watched in awe as colorful fish darted past.
Aki, on the other hand, felt different, something seemed to shift within him. He looked at Yuki, her smile, the way she moved, made his heart skip a beat. Maybe, just maybe, he can be happy with Yuki and not Shion.
"This reminds me of our school field trip," Yuki reminded him.
"Ah... yes, I remembered," and he smiled, "and I also remember that you took me away the group to see some fish you liked and while watching you told me..." Aki paused for a moment and said, "that you wanted to kiss, that you wanted to experience how it feels."
As soon as the word left his lips, her eyes widened in shock. She felt a rush of heat spreading across her face, and her cheeks burned with a furious blush.
She walked toward him, her eyes locked on his, and grabbed his shirt, her fingers clutching the fabric tightly.
"You still remember that," she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He smiled softly, his eyes twinkling at the corners. "How could I forget?"
Their faces were inches apart, the tension between them palpable.
"I thought you'd forgotten," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"Never," he replied, his voice low and husky. "I've remembered every moment we've shared since then."
Her heart skipped a beat as she gazed into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there.
"Why bring it up now?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Because," he said, his voice filled with emotions.
Aki raised an eyebrow, expecting a romantic confession.
"I wanted to see if you'd still blush like that," Ryuzin teased, laughing out loud.
Her face ignited, and she playfully hit him on the arm.
"Idiot!" she exclaimed, annoyed.
He chuckled, holding up his hand in mock defense.
"Hey, I'm just observing scientific phenomena," he joked.
She let go of him, turned around, and folded her arms in annoyance, her back to him.
"Hey, you angry now?" Aki asked, looking concerned.
Yuki remained silent, her arms still crossed.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to tease you that much," he apologized.
He gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let's make it up with a deal!"
She turned to face him, a hint of a smile. "What do you propose?"
"I'll pay for everything in the amusement park," he offered.
"Well, I want one more thing," she asked, looking flustered.
"What?" Aki inquired.
"Let's go out like this again," Yuki said, her eyes sparkling.
"Deal!" Aki replied.
A few meters away from them, Shion and Ryuzin whispered, "We might have heard something we shouldn't have." They both giggled and slapped the back of each other's head.
Yuki's face lit up. "Great! Now, let's enjoy the rest of our day!" she said.
They continued their day at the aquarium.
At 3:00 p.m., they left the aquarium and took a taxi toward Tokyo Dome City Amusement Park, that took 15-20 minutes. Shion, and Ryuzin followed them in another taxi.
At this point, Shion just wanted to enjoy her day with Ryuzin, seeing that everything was going well with Aki-kun and Yuki-chan.
As they reached, they saw above them some posters that said, Nippon series champion 1966.
Beside them was the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
They saw different 3D figures on the wall and tried posing as one of them.
"You really do look like an idiot doing that," Yuki teased him and started laughing.
"We'll see about that when we get to the rides," Aki told her in mock annoyance.
"Well… I have you to hold on to if I am scared," Yuki teased him again.
Aki gave up and started walking.
"Hey, Ryuzin-kun, wanna try a pose?" Shion asked while mimicking one of the pose.
"No way, it's embarrassing," Ryuzin denied.
"Ohh, come on… just one pose," Shion insisted.
"Don't fool around, there are many people here, we're gonna lose them like this," Ryuzin stated indifferently.
"Oh fine, do as you wish," Shion replied with a pout, with mock annoyance.
As they started walking, they could see the roller coaster tracks above them.
First, Yuki and Aki walked into Spa LaQua. It's a place where you could relax. It's a popular hot spring and spa resort located within Tokyo Dome City, adjacent to Tokyo Dome City amusement park.
They took the foot bath.
"Go on champ, you're goinf to pay, remember?" Yuki smirked.
"I know, I did tease you earlier," Aki smirked.
Shion and Ryuzin thought of taking the same thing.
Upon arriving, Yuki and Aki soaked their feet in the warm water.
"Feels so good after all the walking," Yuki relaxed and laid her head on Aki's shoulder.
"Yeah, it really does. I don't think I would've had this much fun with Shion-chan," Aki said, looking relaxed.
"Well, she wouldn't come with you anyways," Yuki replied.
"Maybe!" Aki giggled. "I don't know if I want to pursue her anymore, what do you say?"
"Well, you should listen to your heart," Yuki replied. "Let's close our eyes and think of the person we love, if you see Shion you could continue," Yuki proposed.
As they closed their eyes, Aki saw a familiar smile, he knew it since childhood, he saw Yuki!
As for Yuki, she knew who she would see, so she just stared at his face.
"Whom you saw," Yuki asked, looking curious.
"Well..." he stretched. "It's a secret," Aki teased.
Yuki playfully hit him on the shoulder.
As they enjoyed the foot bath, their hands touched, shockwaves rippled through Yuki's body. She thought if Aki felt the same.
Now, about Shion and Ryuzin. It was really awkward for them. They didn't talk about anything. Sometimes, their hands would touch, but they quickly pulled away.
They then went to the shrine. Yuki wished for Aki's happiness and that maybe, he could be happy with her.
Aki, on the other hand, wished for courage. Courage to Love Yuki.
"What did you wished for?" Yuki asked.
"I am not gonna tell you," Aki retorted and hastily started walking down the stairs. Yuki still insisted as she followed him.
But as she took another step, her heel caught on a loose stone, her ankle twisted, and she found herself stumbling.
Just as she was about to fall, Aki spun around, his reflexes swift. He grasped her elbow, steadying her.
"Whoa! Careful!" he exclaimed, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?"
Yuki's cheeks flushed, embarrassed. "Yes, I'm fine," she stuttered.
Aki's grip on her elbow tightened slightly. "You need to watch your step," he scolded gently.
Their faces inches apart, the girl met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat. For a moment, they forgot about the wish, the shrine, and the world around them.
"I'll be more careful," she promised, her voice barely audible.
Aki's expression softened, and he released her elbow. "Let's get going," he said, smiling.
Together, they continued down the stairs.
Shion and Ryuzin just stared at each other. They didn't say a word about this development.
Shion and Ryuzin walked downstairs. Shion thought of stumbling. As she did, Ryuzin caught her as if she is a cat. He swiftly took out his left hand from his pocket and caught the back of her dress. Then, he placed her back.
Ryuzin just sighed and continued downstairs, Shion dugged her face, feeling embarrassed.
Aki and Shion started playing the water cannon game.
"Let's see what you're made of," Yuki challenged him.
"Yeah!" he replied.
Yuki suddenly started shooting at him. Yuki laughed.
"Hey..." Aki protested and started shooting at her.
At the end, the tickets they won, exchanged it for prizes at the redemption center.
Aki won a plush toy, while Yuki got snacks.
Yuki glanced at the plush and looked away. Aki noticed her stare and waved the plush in front of her. "You can have it," Aki proposed. "I don't need it anyway."
Yuki took it from him and hugged it tightly. "Thank you. I'll keep it safe," she looked really happy.
At the distance, Shion stared at them, feeling that she wanted the same from Ryuzin.
"Hey, take this," Ryuzin handed her a plush teddy bear, which he bought from the store.
Shion beamed with joy. She quickly took it from him and hugged it tightly. Looking at her, Ryuzin's heart skipped a beat.
As Aki and Shion walked through the park, they couldn't resist the allure of the Power Tower.
"Scared?" Aki teased, grinning at her.
The Power Tower is a thrilling park attraction, offering an exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers.
Riders are secured in seats and lifted to the top. Brief pause at the peak for breathtaking views. Sudden free-fall drop, accelerating to 100 km/h, then deceleration, and gentle landing.
They took their seat. Shion and Ryuzin also did. Due to their disguise, Aki and Yuki didn't recognize them.
They secured themselves in and ascended 80 meters in the sky. The city sprawled beneath them, a breathtaking panorama.
At the peak, they shared a knowing glance. On the other hand, Shion grabbed hold of Ryuzin's arm.
Then without warning, they plummeted downwards, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in mere seconds.
Yuki's scream mingled with Aki's whoop of excitement.
Shion also screamed, but Ryuzin just got bored; he'd done more scary things. The other patrons' screams mingled.
Their hearts raced, except for Ryuzin, as they free-fell 60 meters, the wind whipping through their hair.
Deceleration kicked in, and they slowed to a gentle stop. Exhilarated, they looked into each other's eyes, sharing the rush.
"That was insane!" Yuki exclaimed.
"Ready for another?" Aki asked, his eyes sparkling.
"That was terrifying. I thought my heart was going to pop out," Shion exclaimed.
"Um, you fine? we can get down," Ryuzin asked, Looking worried.
Shion's eyes watered up, funnily, she wanted to get down.
"Alright... alright!" Ryuzin agreed.
Now, it was time for the roller coaster.
Aki and Yuki strolled toward the roller coaster, its twisting track looked menacing. Shion and Ryuzin followed suit.
"Ready to scream your lungs out?" Aki asked, mischief dancing in his eyes.
Yuki grinned. "Bring it on."
As everyone settled into their seats, the safety bar clicked into place. The ride's ominous music began, and they exchanged a thrilling glance.
Shion looked anxious. Ryuzin noticed her distress and wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."
Shion blushed furiously. She was so close to him. "Th... thank you!"
With a sudden jolt, the coaster lurched forward, accelerating from 0 to 90 km/h in seconds. They climbed a steep incline, the city dropping away beneath them.
Shion closed her eyes, Ryuzin's arm around her tightened.
At the crest, they paused for a heartbeat, suspended in midair. Then, they plunged downward, their stomachs dropping with a 90-degree drop.
Yuki's laughter mingled with Aki's whoops as they twisted through loops and corkscrews. The wind whipped through their hair, their hearts racing.
One particular sharp turn pressed them into their seats, and Aki slid his hand over Yuki's, their fingers interwining.
As they slowed into the final brake run, they shared a breathless grin.
"That was awesome!" she exclaimed.
"Definitely again," he agreed, his eyes sparkling.
Hand in hand, they exited the ride, ready for their next adventure.
"That... wasn't so bad," Shion exclaimed. "And you held me like I was some kind of princess."
Ryuzin placed his hand on the back of his head and rubbed it, looking flustered.
"Thank you!" Shion said, smiling. Ryuzin's heart skipped a beat.
By now, it was evening. Aki and Yuki decided on the last ride, The Big-O, also known as the Ferris wheel.
Before that, they decided to visit Go-Fun, a restaurant offering a variety of cuisines.
"Ramen sounds perfect after the roller coaster ride," Aki said, scanning the menu.
"Totally!" the girl agreed. "I need something warm and comforting."
Only a few seats away from them, Shion and Ryuzin were looking at the menu.
"I'll order some udon," Shion said. Ryuzin agreed. They ate their udon in silence. Inside Ryuzin's head, something was going on. He was about to do something.
Afterward, they went to the Big-O, a giant Ferris wheel.
"Ready to see the city from up high?" Aki asked.
"Always," Yuki replied.
They boarded a glass-enclosed capsule and ascended slowly. Ryuzin and Shion did the same, they just wanted to have fun now.
At the top, Tokyo's breathtaking panorama unfolded.
"Wow," Yuki breathed.
Both stared at the scene unfolding before them.
"Remember, you asked me at the aquarium why I bring it out now?" Aki asked, his voice filled with emotion.
"Y-Yes," Yuki blushed and gulped down.
"Because," Aki said, his voice filled with emotion, "I realized I've been wanting to relive the moment, to see if the feeling's still there."
"Aki, I..." Yuki exclaimed.
Suddenly, Aki dropped to his knees, his hands cradling hers.
Yuki's heart skipped a beat, ready for whatever he had to say.
"I love you," he confessed, his voice shaking.
Her eyes welled up with tears.
Aki's eyes pleaded with response.
"Idiot!" Yuki said.
"What?" Aki replied.
"Why did you took so much time? You're always fawning over Shion, you idiot," Yuki said, her voice filled with emotion.
"I... I am sorry, but could you give me a reply?" Aki said, his eyes pleading with response.
"I... I love you too," she said.
They both smiled at each other, their lips meeting in a tender, heartfelt kiss.
The city lights twinkled below as they savored the moment.
Afterward, they held each other together and enjoyed the scene.
Now, about Shion and Ryuzin.
They sat together in silence. Shion tried to start a conversation, but Ryuzin remained quiet, lost in his thoughts.
"You hate me, don't you?" Shion's voice trembled as she spoke, her eyes brimming with tears.
Ryuzin looked at her, feeling a pang in his heart.
"You must think I'm annoying," she whispered. "From the moment we met, I've probably done nothing but irritate you." A tear slipped down her cheek as she sniffled.
"No!" Ryuzin's voice rang out, startling her. "Please don't think that."
"Don't lie," she murmured, looking away.
"Just listen, Shion," he said softly.
"What do you mean?" She turned to him, her heart racing as she noticed his flushed face and restless expression.
"I..." Ryuzin began, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you. I really, really love you. You've changed everything for me," he confessed. "From the moment we met, you reminded me of what I'd lost. You taught me how to reach out, how to connect with others. Because of you, I've made friends, I've learned to talk to people… You gave me that."
Shion blushed, her lips curling into a shy smile, her heart swelling with joy.
Ryuzin's eyes were fixed on her, waiting for a response.
Without a word, Shion leaned in, closing the distance between them. Their lips met in a soft, heartfelt kiss. Ryuzin was surprised, but he quickly melted into the moment.
"I… I love you too," Shion whispered, her eyes shining with happiness.
They embraced, tears streaming down Shion's face as they held each other, forgetting everything else around them. At that moment, nothing else mattered—not Aki, not Yuki—just them.
Both parties enjoyed the moment.
On their way home, Shion held Ryuzin's arm tightly, her head resting against him, filled with happiness at finally being with him.
Ryuzin was equally content, though he kept his usual composed expression.
Shion kissed him on the cheek. Ryuzin smiled and rubbed the back of his head shyly. Suddenly, he leaned toward her, closing the gap again, and kissed her softly. Shion's mind went blank, and she felt her heart skip a beat.
"If you throw pebbles, I'll return them with bullets," Ryuzin said boldly.
Shion felt breathless. *That was really cool,* she thought.
"Ryuzin, you smell so good," she murmured. "I feel so safe with you. I don't want this night to end."
"Don't worry. We'll stay connected through our phones," he assured her.
"Wait... We forgot about them," Shion said, realizing. "Are Aki and Yuki alright?"
Ryuzin wrapped an arm around her. "Relax, they're fine. We'll see them at school tomorrow," he said with a smile.
Feeling content, Shion stayed nestled against him.
And if you're wondering what's going on with Aki and Yuki, just know, they're sharing a similar moment.
When they reached her home, Ryuzin hugged her tightly. "See you tomorrow," he whispered.
Shion nodded and went inside. She looked out her window to see Ryuzin still standing there. She waved, and he waved back before heading home.
Once inside, Shion cuddled the bear Ryuzin had given her, already counting the hours until she'd see him again.
The next day at school…
Aki and Yuki arrived hand-in-hand, looking like a new couple.
"Shion's going to be shocked when she sees us!" Yuki said, excitement sparkling in her eyes.
"Definitely," Aki chuckled.
But as they entered the classroom, they were the ones in for a surprise. Shion and Ryuzin were together, and the surprising thing was… Ryuzin looked... happy.
Aki and Yuki exchanged glances and walked up to them.
"Hey, Shion, what's going on here?" Yuki teased with a smirk.
Shion blushed. "Well... Ryuzin-kun kind of... proposed to me yesterday," she stammered, her hands covering her flushed cheeks.
Noticing Aki and Yuki holding hands, she asked, "Wait, forget about us—what's up with you two?"
"Oh, that…" Yuki blushed. "This idiot confessed to me yesterday. Can you believe it?"
"Wait, I thought he liked me," Shion teased, raising her eyebrows.
"I thought so too," Aki admitted, scratching his head. "But I realized I was just drawn to you. The person I really love is Yuki."
Yuki's cheeks flushed, her heart racing.
"Well, whatever," Shion replied, leaning into Ryuzin's arm. "I ended up with the one I love, too."
Ryuzin smiled down at her.
"Don't you dare hurt Shion, you hear me?" Yuki warned Ryuzin with a playful glare.
"I'll protect her, always," Ryuzin said confidently.
Shion's blush deepened.
"So, it's really going to be a double date, huh? I mean, during Golden Week," Aki remarked, grinning.
They all laughed, sharing in the joy of the moment. Even Ryuzin cracked a smile.
END OF CHAPTER : 12 : CONFESSION