Sunday, 1:38 PM – Shopping District, Round 2
Ren sighed for what felt like the 50th time that day.
Walking next to him, grinning like a fox who just outplayed the henhouse, was Yui Sakamoto — short skirt, oversized hoodie, bubble tea in hand, and an energy level that made Ren feel like a grandpa.
"Why are we even here?" he asked.
"Because~," Yui sang, sipping her drink, "I'm claiming my solo date time, duh. You survived Haruka's battlefield of vegetables, so now it's time for maximum emotional damage."
"That's… not how dating works."
She winked. "Says the guy who's got five girls fighting over him. You're the final boss of reverse harem anime, Ren-kun."
Scene: Enter the Tease
They passed a café window. Yui leaned into him.
"Oooh, a couple set meal! Should we get the 'Lovers' Pancake Plate'? Comes with a heart-shaped strawberry on top~"
Ren choked. "W-We're not lovers!"
"Not yet," she replied smoothly, already pulling him inside.
Scene: The Pancake Pact
They sat by the window. Two forks. One heart-shaped pancake.
Yui leaned in closer than necessary. "Say 'aaahh~'."
"Nope. Not doing that."
"Oh c'mon~ it's part of the date experience! Here, I'll go first!"
She bit into the pancake and made a dramatic "mmm~" sound. "Wow, this is almost as sweet as you."
Ren's face turned pink.
"…Stop that."
Yui tilted her head. "Stop what?"
"That. The face. The voice. Everything."
"But if I stop being me," she purred, "you'll miss it. You know you like it."
He covered his face.
"I'm not built to resist this much chaos."
Scene: The Vulnerable Side of Yui
After the café, they walked past a bookstore.
Yui paused in front of a children's section.
Ren tilted his head. "You like picture books?"
She smiled—but it was different now. Softer. Sadder.
"Used to read them with my mom. Before she got too busy. I kinda miss that… you know? Having someone to just… be there."
Ren looked at her.
"You're always smiling. Teasing. But you're lonelier than you let on."
She blinked.
For the first time all day, she looked caught off guard.
"…Shut up, idiot," she muttered.
But she didn't deny it.
Scene: Holding Her Hand
They crossed a narrow street. Yui tripped slightly—Ren instinctively caught her by the hand.
They both paused.
Her fingers were warm.
"…You're not too bad at this, you know," she said quietly.
"Dating?" he asked.
"Being someone worth falling for."
Scene: Return & Regret (for Everyone Else)
When they got back, Ren looked like he'd aged again—but also, like he'd seen the real Yui.
The other girls were waiting.
"Your face is red," Rika said suspiciously.
"Did she poison your food?" Haruka demanded.
Mei blinked. "You're holding her bag…"
Emi stood there silently, just watching Ren's expression.
Yui simply twirled her hair and said:
"Round two, clear~ Who's next, lover boy?"