A Day in Kyoto

“Idiot! Why didn’t you wake me up? I’ve been planning all the places I wanted to visit at the station for a whole month! You’re such a fool, Yūsha!”

Yūsha watched her from a chair, holding a warm cup of tea in his hands. He ignored Akari’s scolding, sipping calmly.

“You looked so peaceful sleeping, I thought it would be a shame to wake you, superior.”

“Uh-huh… You expect me to believe that, don’t you? I’m sure you only did it because I said we’d have a date when we got to the station.”

“Hmmm… no, not at all. Besides, a date? I didn’t even remember it was a date. But if it’s important to you, we can do it anytime you like.”

They were in a spacious, luxurious room. White curtains swayed softly, and one wall of glass let the morning light pour in.

“Yosh!” she exclaimed, throwing off the blankets and standing up immediately. “Then let’s go on our date, Yuu-kun!”

“Wouldn’t it be better to finish the mission first, then have the date? We could eat at home while planning the forest attack. Maybe even order pizza.”

Akari began to tie her silky white hair with a pale blue ribbon.

“Yes, that sounds perfect. After the date, we can do that. Actually… we could even have two dates. Why limit ourselves to one?”

“Hey, hey… let’s take it step by step. You’re scaring me. We’re barely trying to understand our relationship.”

“Sou ne… Let’s have a date first, and the rest will come gradually, okay, Yuu-kun?”

“Whatever you say, superior. Although… I’d appreciate it if you just called me by my name.”

“I won’t, until you stop joking with ‘superior.’ Just call me A-ka-ri. Do you want me to keep repeating it in your ear until you get it?”

“Yare yare… as you wish, Akari. It’s a shame, I liked calling you ‘superior.’”

After a bit of chatting, they left the house and headed for their date in Kyoto.

The taxi stopped in front of Kyoto Station.A warm spring breeze blew through the window as the driver slowed down. Yūsha stepped out first, blinking at the sunlight.

She paid the fare with a smile.“Thank you for bringing us,” she said gracefully, bowing slightly. The driver returned a polite bow and drove off.

Taxis lined up neatly in front of them.The sounds of rolling luggage and overlapping voices filled the air. Yūsha adjusted his backpack while Akari watched him with a soft smile.

“It’s warm, isn’t it?” she said.“A little. But it’s pleasant.”

Akari nodded and moved slightly closer, naturally.

They entered through the main station doors. The glass ceiling reflected the pale blue sky, and voices echoed in a harmonious hum. Akari paused, spotting a café on the corner.

“Let’s grab something before we head out.”Yūsha hesitated for a moment but agreed. Sitting with her was never a bad idea.

They ordered two coffees and two matcha cakes. She took a bite and let out a small laugh.“Too bitter… but it tastes good with you.”

Yūsha looked away, pretending to watch the crowd. Outside, taxis passed through petals floating from cherry trees. Akari rested her chin on her hand and stared at him.

“You look calm today.”“Maybe because I’m not fighting a Refulgent.”Akari laughed, and Yūsha did too, though he tried to hide it.

After finishing their coffee, they stepped back onto the street. The air smelled of toasted bread, spring, and movement.Akari gently took his arm.

“Shall we go to Kiyomizu Temple? It’s nearby.”Yūsha nodded, and they boarded a bus together. The vehicle moved along streets filled with shops and flowering trees.

Akari gazed out the window, eyes shining.“Look, the cherry trees… it’s like it’s snowing petals.” Yūsha simply watched, finding it just as beautiful.

They got off on a steep street lined with candy and souvenir stalls. Vendors sold ice cream, fans, and maiko dolls.Akari stopped at a taiyaki stall.“I want one,” she said, glancing at him.Yūsha sighed, and in the end, bought it.“We’ll share,” she added, smiling contentedly.

They climbed up to the temple, laughing and walking slowly.The sun gently bathed the old rooftops, and the scent of incense drifted through the air.Akari bowed slightly at the entrance, closing her eyes.

“Are you going to make a wish too?” she asked.“I don’t make wishes, especially not to gods I doubt exist.”“Then let me do it for you.”

Yūsha just watched how happy Akari was with such simple things. He smiled, because deep down, he felt the same way.

The wind played with her hair, and for a moment, it felt as if the world had stopped.

All he could see was Akari surrounded by petals, the scent of cherry, and the distant sound of temple bells.

Later, they descended the hill toward the Kamo River. The water sparkled under the midday sun, and couples rested along the banks.Akari took off her shoes and dipped her feet into the water.

“It’s cold,” she laughed, splashing him a little.Yūsha watched her with a resigned expression and sat beside her.“You’re so weird.”“And you’re too serious,” she replied, smiling.

The moment was so beautiful… like a fleeting goodbye.The sound of the river, the wind, and falling petals wrapped them in a peaceful calm. Akari rested on his shoulder without a word.

Later, they walked to Nishiki Market.The stalls were full of colors, aromas, and chatter. Akari tried sweets while Yūsha carried the bags.

“Don’t look at me like that, I can’t choose just one,” she said, laughing.“You’ve already eaten three.”“That’s why I need to compare.”

When they left the market, the sun began to set.The sky was painted orange, and temple shadows stretched across the streets. Akari sighed softly, gazing at the horizon.

“Today was nice, wasn’t it?”“Sou… pretty peaceful.”Akari smiled warmly at him.“That means you enjoyed it.”

They walked back to the station. The air was cooler, and lights began to turn on one by one.Akari took his arm again, this time with a gentler, slightly clumsy gesture. It was something new for Yūsha, used to an impulsive Akari. It made his chest ache just a little.

In front of the station, taxis waited under the orange sky. The building’s glass reflected the last hues of sunset.She looked at him softly, her expression delicate.

“Thank you for coming with me, Yūsha Kurayami.”“No… it’s nothing.”“Then… next time, it’s my turn to invite you.”

Yūsha lowered his gaze, trying to hide his smile.Akari noticed, and her gentle laughter mingled with the sounds of the city. And so, among lights, whispers, and floating petals,their day in Kyoto came to an end—calm, serene, and as gentle as the wind that followed them.