Fiona floated gracefully among the glowing glass shards, her long brown hair swaying as if underwater. With a flick of her wrist, she grabbed one of the shimmering pieces and walked toward Akirito.
"Well then," she said, holding the fragment out, "let's begin. Your first challenge will be inside this romance reality. Your goal is simple—win a girl's heart. Succeed, and you clear the stage."
Akirito stared at the glass, unamused. "Why romance first?"
Fiona smiled, her lips curling into that ever-playful smirk.
"Because you've never experienced it, darling~."
Damn it, Akirito thought, a drop of sweat sliding down his temple. She knows that's my weakness. I have no clue how to even start with romance…
Noticing his silence, Fiona leaned closer. "What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Hurry up and enter the reality. Do exactly as I say."
"Tch… fine!" Akirito snatched the glass with an annoyed look.
Fiona giggled, clearly enjoying herself. "Hehe, your annoyed face is kinda cute."
Akirito didn't respond. Instead, he held the shard in both hands and muttered, "Let's get this over with."
"Sure," Fiona said sweetly. "Go on."
Akirito pressed his fingers to the center of the glass. It began to glow intensely, warm light wrapping around his body like a cocoon.
And then—
In a flash of light, the void was gone.
When the glow faded, Akirito blinked and found himself standing on a sidewalk in his hometown—familiar buildings, blue sky, students walking by. The world looked normal... except something felt off.
"What the…? This looks like my world," he murmured. "But… this is that romance reality she mentioned."
He looked around, confused.
"Oi! Fiona! Can you hear me?" he shouted.
Her voice echoed in his mind, sultry and amused:
"Of course, darling. I can see and hear everything. Now, go ahead and start your little love story~."
Akirito frowned. So she can still see me even from outside… Great.
He surveyed his surroundings again. But I don't even have a girlfriend. How is this supposed to be a romance story?
As if on cue, Fiona's voice echoed once more:
"Who said you don't? Look behind you. Your cute girlfriend is coming~."
"Huh?" Akirito turned around—and froze.
A girl was running toward him with a bright smile on her face. She looked about his age, with shoulder-length pinkish-brown hair and sparkling hazel eyes. Her school uniform fluttered in the breeze as she waved.
"Akirito-kun! How are you?" she called out sweetly.
Akirito stared in disbelief. Wait a second… I've never seen her before in my life.
Still, he forced a nervous smile. "Y-Yeah… I'm fine. You?"
"I'm fine too, Akirito-kun!" she beamed. "Wanna go on a date with me?"
Akirito's eyes widened. What the—so sudden?!
A moment of silence passed between them. He took a breath, thinking carefully.
Right… this is part of the story. This isn't real—it's a reality made by Fiona. This girl must be one of her characters.
With a composed smile, Akirito nodded. "Sure."
"Yay!" she cheered, then leaned forward and hugged him tightly. "Let's go!"
Akirito let out a deep sigh in his mind.
Alright… romance reality, huh? Bring it on."
Akirito and his girlfriend character walked side by side down a peaceful path, the evening sun casting warm golden hues through the trees.
Awkwardly, Akirito opened his mouth. "Um…"
He paused.
Wait… I don't even know her name! he thought in a panic.
Just then, Fiona's mischievous voice echoed inside his head: "Her name is Miko. Go on, have a nice chat with her. I made her extra romantic just for you, hehe~."
Shut up! Akirito mentally snapped, his expression twitching.
He turned to the girl and asked with a forced smile, "Um… hey, Miko-chan. Where are we going?"
Miko turned to him with a cheerful smile. "Of course! To your favorite place!"
"My… favorite place?" Akirito repeated, puzzled.
Still smiling, Miko gently grabbed his hand and led him forward.
To his surprise, the path opened up to a familiar view— —a tranquil lake surrounded by lush trees and soft grass, its surface reflecting the orange sky above.
It was a place he often visited alone when life felt too heavy. Peaceful. Quiet. Private.
Seeing it now, his heart softened a little. She brought me here…
But when he turned to look at Miko again, a pang of sadness flickered across his face.
Even if it feels nice… she's just a character, he thought.
Far away in her dark domain, Fiona watched it all unfold through floating glass screens. Her lips curled into a wicked grin.
"Pffft… hahahah! How tragic! You've never experienced real love before, have you? Poor little moron—it's hilarious watching you struggle like this!"
She laughed like a devil enjoying a drama only she could direct.
Back at the lakeside, Akirito and Miko sat together on the grass, facing the water. A light breeze brushed through the trees.
"Really… it's beautiful," Akirito said quietly.
Miko blushed, cheeks pink and glowing. "Of course!"
Then suddenly, she reached out and gently grabbed his hand.
"Won't you stay with me… forever?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with emotion.
Akirito was silent for a moment. He gave her a bittersweet smile as he looked up at the painted sky.
"…Who knows," he replied.
But inside, his thoughts were racing. I need to step it up. If I want to win Miko's heart… I have to give it my all. That's the only way I'll clear this stage.
Just as he was about to speak again, Miko leaned forward—
—and kissed him.
His eyes widened in shock, and his cheeks lit up bright red. His words got stuck in his throat.