[Scene: Downtown – The Date Begins]
Ryo followed Miyu through the bustling downtown streets, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement. The city was alive with energy, and it felt like a new chapter in his life was beginning.
Miyu led the way confidently, her usual smug demeanor replaced by something softer today. She glanced back at Ryo, a knowing smile on her face. "Are you nervous, Ryo?"
Ryo scratched the back of his head, trying to keep his cool. "A little. I've never really been on a date before, especially not with someone like you."
Miyu laughed lightly, the sound almost melodic. "Someone like me? What, do I seem like I'm too hard to read?"
Ryo shrugged, feeling his heartbeat quicken. "Well, yeah. You always seem so… confident. And I guess, I don't know what you're thinking half the time."
Miyu's expression softened. "That's fair. But today, I'll be open with you, Ryo. Just relax and enjoy the day."
Ryo nodded, relieved by her words. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.
The two walked together, the surrounding city noise fading as they ventured into a quieter part of town. Miyu led them to a small café, nestled between two buildings.
"This place is one of my favorites," Miyu explained as they entered. "It's cozy and peaceful. You'll like it."
Ryo looked around, impressed by the soft lighting and quiet atmosphere. "It's nice… peaceful."
They sat down at a small table by the window. As they settled in, a waitress came to take their order. Miyu ordered for the both of them—black coffee for herself and a hot chocolate for Ryo.
"So, what's on your mind, Ryo?" Miyu asked once the waitress left. "This is your time to ask me anything. Don't hold back."
Ryo hesitated, then decided to go for it. "Okay, so… I have to ask. Why are you doing this? Why compete with Aoi over me?"
Miyu's expression shifted slightly, her gaze becoming more serious. "You really want to know?"
Ryo nodded, genuinely curious.
Miyu leaned forward, her eyes locked on his. "I've liked you for a long time, Ryo. I didn't want to admit it at first, because it seemed silly. But then… I realized I couldn't ignore it anymore. I want to be with you."
Ryo's heart skipped a beat. She's been… waiting this whole time?
Miyu smiled softly, her eyes softening. "So, I'm not here to just win this little challenge. I'm here to show you that I'm serious. I want you to see that."
Ryo sat back in his chair, stunned. I didn't know she felt this way.
Before he could respond, the waitress returned with their drinks. The two exchanged small talk as they sipped their beverages, but Ryo's mind kept returning to Miyu's confession.
[Scene: The Walk After the Café – The Unexpected Moment]
After finishing their drinks, Miyu and Ryo walked out of the café, the air crisp and refreshing.
Miyu took a deep breath, then turned to him with a playful smile. "So, what do you think, Ryo? You're getting to know the real me, huh?"
Ryo nodded slowly, still processing everything. "Yeah. You're… different from how I imagined."
Miyu raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
"I guess I thought you were just… well, all about winning and being the best. I didn't expect you to be so…"
Miyu smirked. "So what?"
"… Honest." Ryo's voice softened as he looked at her. "I didn't expect you to open up to me like this."
Miyu paused, a hint of vulnerability flashing in her eyes. "Well, sometimes you just have to take a chance, right?"
Ryo wasn't sure what to say, but his heart was thumping in his chest. The distance between them seemed to shrink with every step, and there was something intimate in the air.
As they continued their walk, they reached a nearby park. The soft rustling of leaves in the wind made the whole place feel like it was enveloping them in a warm, quiet bubble.
Miyu stopped at a bench and sat down, patting the spot next to her. "Come on, sit with me. I don't bite."
Ryo hesitated but sat down beside her.
Miyu looked up at the sky. "You know, I never really thought I'd be this serious about anyone. But here I am, asking you to take me seriously."
Ryo couldn't help but admire her honesty. "You don't have to keep saying it… I already know."
Miyu turned to face him, her eyes intense. "And what do you know?"
Ryo glanced at her and then, almost instinctively, placed his hand on top of hers. "I know that you're genuine. That's what matters most to me."
For a moment, everything was still. Neither of them moved or spoke.
Then, Miyu smiled softly, her gaze softening. "You're really something, Ryo."
Ryo felt his chest tighten. Is this really happening?
Before he could say anything else, a voice called out from behind them.
"Ryo!"
Both Ryo and Miyu turned to see Aoi standing a few feet away, arms crossed and a grin plastered on her face.
"I figured I'd find you two here," Aoi said, walking toward them with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Miyu raised an eyebrow. "Aoi… what are you doing here?"
Aoi smiled slyly. "I just thought I'd remind you that the competition isn't over. I'm next."
Ryo sighed, rubbing his temples. "Can I just have one peaceful day?"
Miyu chuckled, standing up. "Don't worry, Ryo. This is only the beginning."
Aoi smirked. "I'm not backing down, remember?"
As Miyu and Aoi exchanged glances, Ryo was left wondering if he was ever going to catch a break.
---
[To Be Continued…]