No Date No Life - Part 1

“We’re going on a date!” Mira burst into the living room, dropping a weathered book in front of Ren with a thump.

“We?” Ren rolled his eyes.

“That’s right!” Mira declared. “I found this manual about romance. It shows how to go on a classic date, so I need you to help me recreate it. I’m going to learn so much!”

Ren picked up the book, dusting off the front to reveal a faded illustration of two characters gazing at each other. The pages were yellowed and worn, the binding barely holding together. As he flipped through, it was painfully obvious what it really was. “This isn’t a manual; it’s an old romance shoujo manga. You know, a fictional story.”

“Fiction is rooted in reality.” Mira puffed out her chest as if making an irrefutable argument.

Ren groaned, closing the book. “Where did you even find this thing?”

“Deep in the crevices of the historical archives at the university library.”

“You mean the section marked with ‘Off Limits’ signs?”

“That’s just a suggestion.” Mira waved dismissively.

Ren massaged his temple. “Here’s another suggestion: let me sleep a few more hours. The sun’s not even out yet—”

“Get ready!” Mira interrupted, clapping her hands together. “We’ve got a long day ahead of us!”

***

The morning sun bathed the city in its golden light as Ren walked down the tranquil streets. The air was crisp, the sky as clear as ever, and the station near the lively plaza came into view. Sure enough, there was Mira, sitting on a bench, tapping her foot impatiently.

“You’re late,” she said with a frown.

Ren frowned back. “How am I late? I got here fifteen minutes early.”

“In the manual,” Mira held up the manga, “the boy is supposed to arrive before the girl. You’re supposed to be waiting already!”

“I didn’t feel like standing around awkwardly in public,” Ren muttered.

Mira pouted, crossing her arms.

Ren sighed. “You’re the one that insisted on doing this dumb meetup thing, we literally could’ve walked here together since I’m staying at your place.”

“We have to follow the manual! And don’t pretend like you don’t know all the inner workings of this stuff.”

Ren shrugged. Technically, Mira wasn’t wrong—he did know a lot about manga. And secretly, he loved these crappy romcom stories. Not that he’d ever admit it.

“And another thing.” Mira continued, flipping through the pages. “The boy is supposed to compliment the girl on her cute outfit, especially if it’s something he’s not used to seeing her in!” She narrowed her eyes. “We’re doing it over.”

***

The morning sun tickled his skin as Ren stood awkwardly by the station, glancing at his watch with a forced nervous expression. The plaza buzzed with life around him as he muttered sarcastically to himself, “Did I not arrive early enough? Oh no, I hope she didn’t leave!”

“Sorry! Did I make you wait?” Mira ran up, pretending to pant as if she’d been in a rush. She hunched over, peeking at him through one eye, clearly signaling that it was his turn.

“Huh? Oh, uh, yeah.” He cleared his throat, trying not to cringe. “Your outfit looks... cute. It, uh, looks nice on you.”

As Mira stood upright, she brushed her ponytail over her shoulder with a smile. The sundress she wore complimented her figure, and a faint floral scent lingered in the air around her. Ren, who hadn’t paid much attention earlier, found himself momentarily caught off guard.

“What’s wrong?” Mira tilted her head, smirking. “Speechless?”

“Nothing,” Ren muttered, averting his gaze. “You just… changed your hair.” 

Maybe it was the way a few stray hairs framed the face, or how it subtly revealed the graceful curve of a woman’s neck, but for some reason, the dreaded ponytail had always been his weakness.

“Oh!” Mira reached up, touching her ponytail. “I put it up real quick to make the meetup scene more realistic.” She chuckled.

“It doesn’t… look half bad,” Ren admitted, trying to sound nonchalant.

Mira’s expression softened. “...Thanks.”

A couple passing by glanced at them curiously, whispering to each other about trying a cute meetup like that for their next outing.

Mira brightened, pulling out the manga and thumbing through the pages. “Alright, scene one is complete. Let’s move on to the next!”

The pretend date kicked off in a clothing store filled with racks of various outfits, ranging from futuristic to oddly familiar. Despite being over 200 years in the future, the fashion wasn’t drastically different—except for its seamless integration with technology and an almost magical level of comfort. Most people, however, opted for simple, practical outfits.

Mira’s voice called out from behind the curtain of a changing room as Ren stood just outside, sorting through clothes. “I’m ready! Show me what you’ve got!”

According to Mira—and her so-called "manual"—Ren was supposed to pick out different outfits for her to try on, compliment each one, and somehow decide which was best.

“Yeah, yeah, almost done.” Ren’s lips curled into a mischievous smile as he handed her the first outfit.

A few minutes later, the curtain swished open.

“What do you think?” Mira asked confidently, though her outfit said otherwise. She stood there in pants three times her size, a mismatched top, and a wacky hat. “I didn’t really pay much attention to what people were wearing during your time, but this definitely feels like a classic look!”

Ren struggled to keep a straight face, barely containing his laughter. “Oh yeah, you’d fit right in!” A few passersby shot curious glances their way as he snorted.

The next few outfits he picked were equally ridiculous, but Mira was starting to catch on. Finally, Ren handed her a risqué swimsuit, figuring she’d outright refuse to wear it.

“Ren, I’m… not so sure about this one. It’s a little…”

Wait—she’s not actually going to—

The curtains slammed open, and Ren’s jaw dropped.

“H-How do I look?” Mira’s cheeks flushed as she tried to maintain her composure.

Ren stammered incoherently. Mira’s bashful expression with the swimsuit that emphasized her shapely physique was a dangerous combo.

She raised her chin, clearly nervous but doing her best to project confidence. “Ha! I know what you’re up to, so… consider this payback.”

“Okay, I get it! I’m sorry for messing around. Just change back already!” Ren averted his gaze, waving his hand dismissively.

“Not until I get my compliment.”

“...You look good.” Ren muttered.

“Sorry? I didn’t quite catch that.” Mira gave a sly smile.

Ren groaned. “Fine. You look ridiculously good in that swimsuit!” He threw his arms up in defeat. “You look cute and sexy, and any guy who sees you right now would have his heart racing!”

Nearby shoppers turned to stare, some with amused smiles and others with embarrassed glances.

“O-Okay, Ren, you can stop now!” Mira’s face flushed as she ducked back into the changing room.