After leaving the clothing store, the four of them strolled along the streets of Ginza. The autumn breeze carried the fragrance of osmanthus. Wearing her newly bought clothes, Riko walked beside Satoru and felt as if the whole world had changed.
"Are you hungry?" Satoru asked suddenly. "There's a very famous restaurant over there."
In the high-end restaurant, elegant piano notes floated through the air. Light from the crystal chandelier fell on the white tablecloth, scattering tiny sparks of brilliance.
"It's my first time in a place like this..." Riko whispered, looking at the many pieces of tableware in front of her with some confusion.
Satoru explained their use in a soft voice, his tone unusually patient. He usually seemed carefree, yet right now he revealed an unexpected tenderness.
So Satoru also has such a thoughtful side... Riko stole a glance at him.
"Actually," Satoru said suddenly, "your progress over the past half month has far exceeded my expectations. Not only has your mastery of Kidō improved, but your understanding of power is also unique."
Riko lowered her head, though the corners of her lips rose unconsciously. "This is all thanks to your teaching, Satoru-sensei..."
"Just call me Satoru," he said with a smile. "You don't need to be so formal outside."
Satoru... Riko silently repeated the name, and the blush on her face deepened.
Shoko and Suguru sat across from each other, watching with knowing smiles.
As night fell, the lights came on. Ginza at night was brighter than the day. Warm lights glowed from the shop fronts on both sides of the street, illuminating the passing crowds.
"Want to see the night view?" Satoru pointed to a high-rise not far away. "I heard the view from the top floor is great."
From the observation deck, the entire night view of Ginza spread out before them. The bright lights were like scattered stars, reflected in Riko's bright eyes.
Satoru stood beside her, their shadows intertwined on the ground. As the cool night breeze blew, Riko subconsciously moved closer to him.
So warm... she whispered in her heart.
"Are you cold?" Satoru took off his coat and gently draped it over her shoulders.
At that moment, Riko felt the world go quiet. Only the sound of her heartbeat echoed in her ears, and Satoru's presence surrounded her.
Shoko and Suguru stepped back tacitly to give the two some space.
"It worked," Shoko said softly.
Suguru nodded. "Yes. But..." His eyes grew distant. "I hope this warmth lasts."
The wind on the observation deck was slightly chilly. Riko wrapped herself in the coat, which still held Satoru's warmth.
"Look over there," Satoru pointed to a brightly lit district in the distance. "That's Kabukicho. Further is Shinjuku. The night view there is beautiful too."
Riko followed the direction of his finger, and Tokyo's night view unfolded completely. The lights were like scattered stars, outlining the city's contours.
"So beautiful..." she murmured.
Satoru looked at her focused profile, a strange feeling rising in his heart. It seems I have never seen her so relaxed before.
"That's Tokyo Tower," he continued, unconsciously leaning closer. "From there you can see Tsukishima and Ginza."
Their shoulders nearly touched. Riko could feel his breath brush past her ear as he spoke, and her heartbeat sped up uncontrollably. Why... just standing like this makes my heart race so much...
In the distance, Shoko and Suguru leaned against the guardrail, quietly watching.
"That guy Satoru," Suguru said softly, "I've never seen him be so gentle to anyone."
Shoko smiled and nodded. "Riko too. She's always tense during training, but now she finally looks like a normal girl."
She prayed silently. I hope this kind of time can continue.
"Ah, a shooting star!" Riko exclaimed, pointing at the sky.
A silvery-white streak flashed across the night sky and vanished in an instant. Satoru looked at her excited expression and couldn't help but laugh. She's really like a child...
"Make a wish?" he asked, half-joking.
Riko closed her eyes and gently clasped her hands. Moonlight fell across her peaceful face, forming a beautiful picture.
I hope... peaceful days like this can continue. I hope to be with... forever.
As the night deepened, the four of them started back. Ginza's streets were still lively, yet held a quiet calm.
"Riko, did you have fun today?" Shoko, walking in front, turned and asked.
Riko nodded hard. The smile on her face was more convincing than any answer.
Walking beside her, Satoru noticed her hands trembling slightly as she held the shopping bag. He reached out and took it. "I'll carry it."
"Ah, you don't have to..."
"This is a teacher's duty," Satoru said with a smile. "Besides, these are all gifts from me."
Riko lowered her head, a sweet smile tugging at her lips. Suguru watched the scene, then glanced at Shoko and winked.
As they reached an intersection, the sound of street performers drifted from ahead. A mellow saxophone melody floated through the night, lending it a touch of romance.
"Want to listen for a bit?" Satoru suggested.
The four of them stood by the roadside, listening to the familiar song, "Moonlight." Riko swayed unconsciously to the music, and as Satoru watched her, an urge to protect this beauty rose within him.
It turns out teaching someone isn't only about imparting skills, but also about having these feelings...
Watching their interaction, Shoko whispered to Suguru, "Looks like our plan worked."
Suguru nodded. "Yes. But..." His expression turned serious. "What do you think Satoshi would say if he knew?"
"Satoshi understands people's hearts better than anyone," Shoko said softly. "He must also hope that Satoru and Riko can find their own happiness."
It was already late when they returned to the Gojo residence. The maple leaves in the courtyard swayed gently in the moonlight, and the faint fragrance of osmanthus lingered in the air.
"Thank you for today," Riko bowed deeply. "I was really happy."
"We'll continue training tomorrow," Satoru said, ruffling her hair. The gesture made Riko's heart skip a beat. "But get a good rest tonight."
(To be continued.)