Banana Boy

Aiko wakes up to the soft light filtering through the curtains of her hotel room. She stretches and looks around, smiling at the modern and cozy décor. The room is furnished with a plush king-size bed, adorned with crisp white linens and fluffy pillows. A small seating area by the window offers a view of the bustling streets of Shibuya below. A sleek desk is tucked into one corner, and a large flat-screen TV hangs on the opposite wall. Aiko feels a sense of accomplishment, knowing she managed to secure this comfortable stay using Digi coins, ensuring her secret remains safe.

After a quick shower, Aiko dresses in a casual yet stylish outfit and heads out of the hotel. The vibrant energy of Shibuya greets her immediately. Neon signs, crowded sidewalks, and the constant hum of city life make her feel alive. She can't help but jump around and smile, her excitement bubbling over as she takes pictures of everything she sees.

Meanwhile, Kaito is at a nearby grocery store, searching for ingredients for his next baking assignment. He had hoped to go shopping with his friend Hiroshi, but Hiroshi had to work. Undeterred, Kaito meticulously selects the ingredients he needs for a red cherry cheesecake, his mind focused on perfecting the recipe.

As he scans the shelves, he catches a glimpse of a blonde girl through the aisles. She’s smiling, jumping, and snapping pictures of everything around her. Her joy is infectious, and Kaito finds himself chuckling softly. However, he quickly becomes self-conscious and hides behind the shelves, not wanting her to think he was laughing at her.

"Don't hide yourself, I saw you," she calls out playfully.

Kaito’s heart races as he steps out from behind the shelves, his voice trembling slightly. "Hi! Please don't misunderstand! I wasn't laughing about you, I was laughing with you!"

Just as he speaks, he steps on a banana peel left carelessly on the floor. He slips and crashes to the ground, losing consciousness.

Kaito awakens to a soft, candy white ceiling and a sensation of extreme comfort enveloping his body. “Am I lying in my bed? This feels more comfortable than my bed, though,” he thinks.

"Good morning!" a cheerful voice shouts, jolting Kaito fully awake.

“Aahhhh!” Kaito jumps out of the bed, immediately regretting it as a sharp pain shoots through his head. He looks up to see the blonde girl standing beside the bed, a concerned yet amused expression on her face.

"So, it wasn't a dream!" he exclaims.

"No, you dummy. You passed out because you lost against a banana! And here I thought I was weak losing against AI fighters," she says quietly.

“What did you say?” Kaito asks, puzzled.

"Ah, nothing," she replies quickly. "What's your name, banana boy?"

"My name is Kaito. What's your name?"

"My name is Aiko. It's nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine. Ohhh, my head." He rubs his forehead, wincing. "Where am I?"

"In my hotel room," Aiko explains.

“What!!!???” Kaito's face flushes red with embarrassment. "Okay, okay, thanks for your help, but I really should go."

But as he tries to stand, a wave of dizziness overtakes him. He stumbles back onto the bed, clutching his head.

"Lay down again," Aiko says firmly. "Take a rest. Don't worry, I don't bite."

"Are you sure?" Kaito asks with a weak smile.

After a few moments of rest, Kaito manages to relax a bit. He looks around the hotel room, taking in the modern decor and the luxurious feel of the place. "Why are you living in a hotel?" he asks.

"Well... ehmmmm... I'm coming from a faraway land and wanted to visit this side of Tokyo!" Aiko replies, hesitating slightly.

She continues to take care of him throughout the day, bringing him water, and snacks, and making sure he's comfortable. As the day progresses, they start chatting about their interests and hobbies.

"I have a fascination for manga, especially the ones about AI," Kaito confesses, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

Aiko's heart skips a beat. She hadn’t expected to find someone who shared an interest in AI so deeply. "Really? That's amazing! I love rock music, especially the kind you find here in the Human District."

"Rock music, huh? That's pretty cool. Do you have any favorite bands?" Kaito asks, intrigued.

As they talk, Aiko feels a connection forming. Despite the unusual circumstances, she enjoys their conversation and learns a lot about Kaito. He, too, finds himself drawn to her vibrant personality and adventurous spirit.

By evening, Kaito feels well enough to stand and walk around. He thanks Aiko for her kindness and prepares to leave the hotel room.

"Thank you so much, Aiko. I really appreciate your help," he says, waving goodbye.

Aiko smiles warmly. "It was my pleasure, Kaito. Take care of yourself."

As Kaito heads toward the door, Aiko calls out from a distance. "I will buy a banana tomorrow at the grocery store at the same time, just so you know!"

Kaito blushes and replies, "Well, I still need some herbs as well at the same time!"

Both of them smile at each other, feeling an unspoken connection growing between them.

"Wow, what was that?" they both think to themselves at the same time as they part ways.