Later that day, Ryuzin dropped Shion off at home. They shared a tender kiss before she left. Afterward, Ryuzin headed to meet Commander Hibino Kajuki at headquarters to discuss their Shibuya assignment. As he approached, Kajuki looked up with a gruff expression.
"I'll be going tomorrow. Do you have any issues with that?" Ryuzin asked, his tone brusque.
"Yes, go and enjoy your date," Kajuki replied with a rare smile. "But stay on alert, just in case. If a mother demon attacks, come back as fast as you can; we'll handle the smaller ones. Also, you might meet the designated agent in Shibuya."
Ryuzin nodded. "You don't have to tell me that," he said confidently.
As Ryuzin turned to leave, Kajuki's expression softened, and he spoke in a quieter tone. "Son, I hope you've found someone who loves you for who you truly are." His lips curled into a faint smile.
Ryuzin's face softened, and he smirked as he replied, "No doubt about it."
---
The bustling Shinjuku Station was alive with the sounds of rushing footsteps, murmured conversations, and the distant rumble of trains. Neon lights cast a warm glow over the platform, illuminating the throngs of people passing by. Ryuzin, Shion, Aki, and Yuki navigated through the crowd, their laughter blending seamlessly with the station's lively energy.
Ryuzin wore a fitted black shirt and light-blue jeans that Shion had picked for him at the mall. Shion, looking radiant, wore a pastel-green dress adorned with delicate white flowers, picked by Ryuzin. Her hair swept up in a playful ponytail. Aki sported a stylish hoodie and jeans, his casual look effortlessly cool. Yuki wore a pink top paired with white shorts, her youthful energy shining through.
"We made it!" Aki exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement as they approached the JR Yamanote Line platform.
"Barely," Yuki teased, rolling her eyes playfully.
Shion clung to Ryuzin's arm, her smile bright and infectious. "I'm so excited for our double date!" she said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
Ryuzin chuckled, his rugged demeanor softening as he looked at Aki. "Just the way you planned it, isn't it, Aki?"
Aki grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling. "Guilty as charged. Golden Week deserves a golden day out!"
Just then, an announcement boomed through the station speakers, echoing across the platform: "Train departing from platform 3 at 10:00 A.M. Doors closing in five minutes."
The group reached the platform, joining the crowd as the train's doors began to slide open, their laughter echoing against the hum of the station.
The train station buzzed with life, the throngs of passengers moving like a restless sea, all waiting for the arrival of the next train. The air pulsed with a hum of anticipation, mingling with the scent of fresh coffee and the distant sound of announcements echoing over the speakers. When the train finally pulled up, Yuki turned to his friends with a wide grin. "Let's grab seats together!"
They found a cozy spot and settled in, the excitement of the day ahead making the air feel electric. Ryuzin and Shion sat together, nestled side by side with a warmth between them, while Aki and Yuki sat opposite, sharing a mischievous glance. The train began to move, the cityscape slowly transforming outside their window, blurring into streaks of color.
Shion snuggled closer to Ryuzin, resting her head on his shoulder with a contented sigh. "I love train rides," she murmured, her eyes soft as they locked onto his.
Ryuzin wrapped an arm around her, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Maybe… I do too," he replied, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
Shion asked, a spark of curiosity in her eyes. "So, what's the plan for Shibuya?" she asked, trying to mask her excitement.
Yuki responded, "Aki wants to check out the new arcade. And I'm thinking karaoke," she said, giving Aki a playful nudge.
Ryuzin raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "You know I'm not singing," he said, his tone both amused and resolute.
Shion playfully nudged him. "Come on, Ryuzin! It'll be fun!" she encouraged, her laughter light and infectious.
Yuki smirked at Shion, teasing, "Maybe Shion will sing a love song for Ryuzin-kun."
Shion's cheeks flushed, and she giggled, covering her mouth. "No way! I'm tone-deaf!"
Aki leaned back, a mischievous glint in his eye as he looked at Yuki. "Or maybe Yuki can sing a love song for me?"
Yuki's face turned beet red. "Shut up, idiot!" he said, giving Aki a playful swat on the arm, though he couldn't help but smile.
The conversation continued, laughter spilling into the small train cabin. Shion's face was still pink as she looked down, shyly. "Uh, Ryuzin-kun and I… did the… thing the other day," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Yuki's eyes widened. "The thing? What thing?"
Aki's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Really? That fast?" He looked at Yuki with a teasing grin. "Yuki, you should learn from them."
Yuki rolled his eyes, giving Aki another light punch on the shoulder. "Shut up, idiot."
Ryuzin remained calm, but there was a subtle smile dancing on his lips, betraying his satisfaction.
As the train began to slow, the familiar voice of the announcer filled the cabin. "Next stop, Shibuya Station. Doors opening on the right." The friends perked up, gathering their belongings with an eager spark in their eyes.
"Time to get off!" Aki called out, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
The train doors slid open with a soft hiss, and they stepped onto the bustling platform, greeted by the vibrant chaos of Shibuya Station. The crowd surged around them, a river of people weaving in every direction, and the scent of street food drifted in from somewhere nearby.
Outside the station, they hailed a taxi, the neon signs reflecting off the glass of the cab. They piled in with laughter and excitement filling the small space.
"Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro, please," Aki instructed the driver.
The taxi sped through the busy streets, weaving through the traffic. Ryuzin wrapped an arm around Shion, who leaned into him with a smile.
"Feeling happy?" he asked, his voice soft yet resonant.
Shion looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Very," she replied, her smile tender.
Yuki leaned over to Aki, nudging him with a grin. "You know, I'm glad we're doing this double date."
Aki flashed him a grin. "Me too. We're making memories," he said, his gaze lingering on Yuki for a moment longer.
The taxi eventually pulled up to Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro, the sleek facade gleaming.
"Welcome to Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro," the driver announced as the friends climbed out, stretching and taking in the impressive sight of the hotel.
"Time to check in and start our adventure!" Aki exclaimed, raising his fist in the air with a grin.
After checking in, they gathered their room keys and discussed their sleeping arrangements.
Shion clung to Ryuzin's arm, her face determined. "Obviously, I'm going to share with my prince. You two can do as you wish," she declared with a teasing smile.
Yuki sighed, feigning resignation. "Then I have no choice but to share with this idiot," he muttered, giving Aki a sidelong glance.
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna bite," Aki teased, giving him a playful wink.
"Idiot!" Yuki exclaimed, his cheeks tinged with pink.
They booked two rooms, laughing as they gathered their bags and made their way down the hallway. As they entered their rooms, an unspoken thought crossed the boys' minds. For some unknown reason, each boy pushed the girl on the door, leaning in, staring into her eyes with a playful smile, kissing them hungrily. They were unaware that the other pair was doing the exact same thing, lost in their own worlds, completely oblivious to the mirrored scene unfolding just next door.
Their kiss was hungry, passionate. Ryuzin's tongue danced with Shion's, deepening their connection as they held each other close. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the heat between them and the soft rustle of fabric in the quiet room. Shion felt a warm tingle spread down her spine, every touch sending a spark through her skin.
"Finally, I have you alone," Ryuzin whispered, his breath warm against Shion's ear, causing her heart to race.
Shion's hand moved around his neck, pulling him closer until their foreheads touched. "I've missed this," she breathed, her voice barely more than a whisper, as if speaking louder would shatter the moment.
Ryuzin's fingers gently traced along her jawline, leaving a trail of warmth that made her shiver. His eyes, intense and possessive, locked onto hers. "Mine," he growled softly, a fierce protectiveness in his gaze.
Meanwhile, in Aki and Yuki's room, the air was thick with anticipation. Aki leaned in, his breath hot on Yuki's neck, his hand tenderly cradling the back of her head. "No more waiting," he murmured, his voice a promise wrapped in a whisper.
Yuki's hands moved to Aki's neck, pulling him closer. "I've waited so long for this," she breathed, her words heavy with longing.
Aki's hands roamed down to her waist, his touch igniting every nerve in her body. "Forever," he promised, his voice soft but filled with certainty. In that moment, time stood still as their passion ignited, and they surrendered to each other's embrace.
Hours later, as the clock struck 3:00 p.m., there was a gentle knock at the door. Shion's voice called from the hallway, a teasing lilt in her tone. "Yuki... come out," she insisted, with Ryuzin standing beside her.
Inside, Yuki and Aki lay entangled in each other's arms, still wrapped in the warmth of sleep. Yuki stirred, her eyes fluttering open to the sound of Shion's voice. Slowly, she got up and made her way to the door, cracking it open just enough to peek outside, her cheeks flushed as she realized she was only in her underwear.
"Good morning..." Yuki mumbled, still groggy and disoriented.
Shion raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips. "Yuki, it's 3:00 p.m. What are you talking about? Were you asleep after… doing that?" she teased, her tone lighthearted.
Yuki's face turned a deeper shade of red. "Um... well... just give me five minutes," she stammered, quickly shutting the door.
Yuki tiptoed back to Aki, who was still asleep, his face soft and peaceful. She looked at him for a moment, then gently nudged him awake, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.
Aki blinked awake, his eyes meeting hers with a sleepy smile. "Hey, beautiful. Good morning," he greeted, his voice warm and affectionate.
"Good morning," Yuki replied with a smile. "But now, wake up! We need to go out with the others."
They quickly dressed, the warmth of their earlier moments lingering between them. Just as they were about to leave, Aki paused, reaching out to cup Yuki's cheek. He leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss on her lips, a silent promise in his touch.
"Let's go now," Yuki said, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Yes!" Aki agreed, a spark of excitement in his eyes as he opened the door, and together, they stepped outside the hotel, the sun bathing them in golden light.
END OF CHAPTER: 16 : DOUBLE DATE