Chapter 114: The "Date" (On a Budget)

Fuji has money now. Secret money.

But he refuses to use it for fun. "That is War Money," he says. "Not Date Money."

So we are still broke.

"I promised you a date," he says Friday afternoon.

"We can just play games at my house."

"No. A real date. Outside."

He takes me to the park.

He has packed a picnic. He made it himself.

It is surprisingly good. Perfect little sandwiches. Fruit cut into exact geometric shapes.

"Did you use a protractor to cut this melon?" I ask.

"Maybe," he admits.

We sit on the grass. It is nice. Quiet.

"I never did this," he says, looking at the sky. "Just... sat in a park. I always had lessons. Or events. Or I was alone in my apartment studying."

"See? Being a commoner has perks. We have grass."

He laughs. He reaches over and takes my hand.

His hand is warm.

"Thank you, Aoi," he whispers. "For... everything. For the chaos."

I blush. I am terrible at sincere moments.

"Yeah, well. You are okay, for a prince."

He leans in.

This is it. The real first kiss. No drowning involved.

"HEY! YOU TWO!"

Daiki.

He is hanging upside down from a jungle gym nearby.

"Are you serious right now?" I yell.

Daiki drops down. He walks over, looking grumpy.

"Just checking. Making sure he is not boring you to death with 'geometric fruit'."

"It is delicious fruit, you barbarian," Fuji says calmly, not letting go of my hand.

"Guys! GUYS!"

Hiroto runs up. He is holding a camera.

"PERFECT LIGHTING! The 'Tragic Lovers' picnic! Hold that pose! Look more yearning!"

Fuji sighs. He looks at me.

"Run?" he suggests.

"Run," I agree.

We grab the picnic basket and bolt.

We end up hiding behind a vending machine three blocks away. We are laughing.

Fuji looks at me. We are out of breath.

He does not wait this time.

He kisses me.

It tastes like grape soda and rebellion.

It is perfect.