Sunday, 6:31 PM – Walking Trail Near the River
The sun was beginning to dip, painting the sky in shades of gold and rose. The wind was soft, carrying the scent of late spring blossoms.
Ren didn't know how to start the date.
But he didn't need to.
Mei Kanzaki walked quietly beside him, hands tucked into the sleeves of her cardigan, long silver hair flowing with the breeze. No words. No pressure. Just… presence.
It was the most peaceful moment he'd had all weekend.
Scene: The Park Bench
They reached a bench overlooking the river.
Mei sat first. Ren followed, unsure if he should say something.
Instead, she pulled out a small thermos and poured two cups of warm tea.
He took it, the quiet warmth surprising him.
"This is… nice," he said softly.
Mei nodded. "Mm."
She didn't need to say much. Somehow, Ren understood every little expression on her face.
The slight upturn of her lips. The way her eyes looked at the sky, then back at him.
There was peace in her stillness — and something deep behind those calm eyes.
Scene: The Wordless Confession
After a long silence, Mei finally spoke.
"You always look tired."
Ren blinked. "Eh?"
"Not just from the chaos," she said. "You try too hard. To be fair. To not hurt anyone."
He looked away. "Well… I don't want to mess this up."
"Even if it means messing up yourself?"
Her words struck deep.
Mei looked forward, voice quiet but certain.
"I won't ask you to choose me. But if you ever feel tired… if you ever need a quiet place… I want to be that place."
He looked at her — really looked.
There was no flirtation, no performance.
Just a girl offering a piece of her heart, without wrapping it in any drama.
Scene: Just Holding Hands
They walked back as the stars began to peek through the sky.
Just before reaching the house, Mei reached out.
Her fingers touched his lightly.
Ren hesitated.
Then — he held her hand.
No one said anything.
But something real passed between them in that small, simple moment.
Scene: The Final Return
When they stepped inside, the girls all turned. No teasing. No yelling. Just… silence.
Because Ren was still holding Mei's hand.
She let go gently.
And walked past them all, completely unfazed, as if nothing happened.
Yui blinked. "...What kind of boss fight was that?"
Rika cracked open a soda. "That wasn't a boss fight. That was a secret ending."
Haruka crossed her arms. "Tch… that quiet type's way too dangerous."
Emi remained silent, hands tightening at her side.
Ren simply sighed.
"Four down. One to go…"