Act 15: First Date

I stood outside the train station, tugging lightly at the hem of the clothes Chiaki had practically forced on me the moment she heard the word date. They were new, soft, well-fitted pieces that felt like me. A simple knit sweater in muted tones, a clean jacket structured just enough to look intentional, dark slacks that allowed easy movement, and sneakers polished to the point of looking almost designer without trying to be.

Natsuki had been the one to invite me, so part of me wondered if she already had something planned. Still, I’d arrived thirty minutes early, nerves getting the better of me. According to Benio, who cited an alarming number of manga and romance novels.Showing up early was practically a rite of passage.

The station sat slightly apart from the main district, quieter than usual. It made sense, considering Natsuki’s fame.

A cool breeze brushed past, but the coat Chiaki had insisted on was warm and kept the chill from sinking in. I pulled it a little closer around myself, took a slow breath, and waited.

A few minutes later, someone in an oversized blue hoodie wandered toward me, a beanie pulled low and thin-framed glasses perched on her nose. A white mask covered half her face, and her blonde hair was tucked neatly away, making her almost unrecognizable. Compared to her usual outfits, this felt exactly like something she’d choose.

She stopped right in front of me, then gave a small hop as she pulled her mask down.

“Did you wait long?”

There it was. That line. Benio was absolutely right.

I swallowed and straightened my posture. “No. I just got here,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

Natsuki smiled like she’d caught me red-handed. “You’re adorable,” she said, a quiet laugh following. “But you’re also a terrible liar.”

Heat rushed straight to my face. “I am not—”

I cleared my throat and quickly changed the subject. “I’m surprised you didn’t come by car.”

“I thought about it,” she said, rocking back on her heels. “But a black car kind of screams celebrity sighting, don’t you think?” She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “Kurogane’s still nearby, though. And…” she pointed at me, “you’re my bodyguard for today.”

She winked.

I blinked. Once. Twice. “R-Right. I’ll… do my best.”

She laughed again, softer this time. “You’re really cute when you’re nervous, you know that?”

Before heading into the busy district, Natsuki reached out and offered her hand, eyes bright with excitement.

“Come on,” she said. “Let’s go.”

I hesitated for half a second—then took it.

We slipped through the crowd, and for a moment my shoulders stayed tense, half-expecting someone to stop, to look twice, to recognize her. Every laugh behind us made my heart jump. But no one did. No phones lifted. No whispers followed. People passed us without a second glance.

I forced myself to breathe normally.

We hurried for a few minutes before she suddenly slowed to a stop, bending forward just slightly as she caught her breath. I steadied mine beside her, my gaze drifting up.

A sign blazed overhead, neon colors stacked and flickering against the darkening sky.

“An arcade?” I tilted my head, surprised.

She straightened instantly, eyes lighting up. “Yeah! It’s been forever since I’ve gone to one,” she said, bouncing on her heels. “And what better way to spend it than with someone you like?”

I didn’t even try to hide my smile.

The moment we stepped through the doors, sound and color crashed over us. Lights pulsed in every direction. Reds, blues, yellows reflected off polished floors and glass screens. Music overlapped with digital jingles, victory chimes, and the constant clatter of buttons and joysticks. Rows of machines stretched out in every direction, glowing like a maze.

Claw machines lined one wall, each packed with plushies and prizes, nearly all of them occupied. Couples leaned close, some cheering, some groaning in defeat. A few squeals of victory cut through the noise when a prize finally dropped.

I barely noticed any of it for long.

Every few steps, my eyes kept drifting back to her. To the way her hood slipped slightly, to how her eyes darted around with open curiosity, to the way her smile looked softer here, freer. Every time she laughed, it pulled my attention right back to her.

I fished a few bills from my wallet and exchanged them for coins.

“Alright,” I said, glancing at her again. “Where do you want to start?”

Natsuki stopped in front of a claw machine, eyes fixed on a cat plush clutching a tiny ramen bowl.

“That one,” she said quietly. “Isn’t it adorable?”

“Do you want it?” I asked.

She nodded without hesitation.

I slipped coins into the slot and stepped aside. “Go for it.”

The machine chimed to life as she took the joystick, posture straightening with sudden intensity. She nudged the claw into place, tongue peeking out slightly in concentration. I watched her instead of the machine, the way her brows knit and her shoulders tensed.

The claw descended. For a heartbeat, it caught the plush and lifted it just enough to spark hope—

Then it slipped free and dropped back onto the pile.

Her shoulders sagged. “No…”

“One more,” she said immediately, determination flashing in her eyes.

I fed the machine again. This time, she was even more focused, jaw set as she pressed the button.

Another miss.

She puffed her cheeks and shot me a look. “It’s mocking me.”

I laughed. “Alright. Let me try. I haven’t played with one of these since high school.”

Taking her place, I rolled my shoulders and nudged the joystick, waiting for the right angle. Just before the claw dropped, I swung it slightly side to side.

Natsuki leaned closer, watching with open curiosity.

The claw caught the tag this time. It lifted. Carried the plush. Dropped it cleanly into the chute.

I retrieved the prize and held it out. “Tada.”

Her eyes lit up, reflecting the arcade’s neon glow like stars. “You did it!” She hugged the plush to her chest, then nudged my arm. “I thought you said you hadn’t played since high school.”

“I guess my body remembered,” I said.

“Good,” she replied, slipping her hand into mine again. “Then you’re helping me with the rest.”

Laughing, we drifted deeper into the arcade together, lights and music trailing after us.

There was no shortage of fun in the arcade, but maybe it was only because I was with Natsuki that none of it felt dull. Racing games, button-mashing through a fighting game we clearly didn’t understand, even the dance machine. I was terrible at it. Completely hopeless.

Natsuki, on the other hand, moved like she belonged there, laughing as she matched the arrows with effortless precision.

“Second time,” she said, smug and breathless.

By the end of it we were both sweating, hair sticking to our faces, but I wished it didn’t have to stop. Watching her like this unburdened and carefree made something twist dangerously in my chest. I wanted to see more of her like this. Just her.

When the song ended, I stepped aside. “Want some water?”

She nodded absently, already scrolling through the machine’s menu for another song.

I grabbed two paper cups and filled them at the water station. On my way back, I caught sight of her again—

And slowed.

Two guys had stepped into her space.

At first, I thought maybe they knew her. That thought vanished the closer I got.

Natsuki’s smile was gone. Her shoulders were stiff, her body angled away from them. One of the guys was talking too close, grinning like he owned the moment. The other laughed, eyes flicking over her in a way that made my stomach turn.

I quickened my pace.

Then I saw it.

One of them reached out and caught her wrist.

Heat flared up my spine. My grip tightened until the cups nearly crumpled in my hands.

Before I could think, before I could stop myself, I flung both cups forward.

Water splashed across their faces.

“What the hell—?!”

They recoiled, shouting, and in that heartbeat of chaos, Natsuki tore her hand free. I grabbed it without hesitation.

“Run!” I said.

She didn’t question it. Snatching the cat plush off the machine’s podium, she bolted with me, laughter and surprise mixing in her breath as we weaved through flashing lights and startled players.

We didn’t stop until we ducked into a nearby café, collapsing into a cushioned booth by a window, chests heaving.

“Phew… I’m glad we lost them. Are you okay?”

I looked across the table. Natsuki was hugging the cat plush like it might escape, her chin resting on its soft head as she leaned forward. Her cheeks were puffed out just slightly, lips pressed into a pout that didn’t quite hide her irritation.

“I’m fine,” she said, then added more quietly, “but they kind of ruined our date…”

I should’ve felt worse with her. I really should have.

Instead, I found myself staring.

The way her brows dipped, the faint crease between them, the way her emerald eyes flicked away before sneaking back to check my reaction. It was unfairly cute. My chest felt tight, warm, like something inside me was stretching without permission. I wanted to see more of her like this.

I cleared my throat and pointed toward the menu board behind the counter. “Do you want another drink?”

Her pout melted instantly. “Yeah,” she said, brightening. “Let’s go.”

We stood, and before I could stop her, she slipped ahead and paid despite my protest declaring it repayment for the plush. I ended up with a hot chocolate, simple and safe. She chose a pumpkin spice latte, perfectly seasonal.

Back at the table, we wrapped our hands around the warm cups. I took a sip of mine, but my attention kept drifting back to her, specifically, the tiny faces she made as she drank. Her lips curved. She hummed softly, pleased.

I must’ve been staring.

She noticed. Of course she did.

“Do you want a sip?” she asked, tilting her cup toward me, eyes dancing.

“I—” I scratched my cheek. “You just made it look really good. I got curious.”

She laughed and passed it over without hesitation.

The scent hit me first, sweet pumpkin and spice. I took a careful sip, warmth blooming across my tongue, then settling deep in my chest.

“This is really good,” I said, surprised.

Her smile turned smug as she leaned forward, resting her chin in her palms. “I knew you’d like it.”

I handed the cup back, and she took another sip, completely at ease. She looked comfortable here. The café itself helped with its soft lighting, warm wood tables, and low music humming beneath quiet conversations. It felt cozy in a way that made my shoulders relax without me realizing it.

We sat like that for a while, sipping our drinks, watching people pass by outside the window.

I glanced at her again.

Her eyelashes caught the light when she blinked. A strand of blonde hair slipped loose, and she tucked it behind her ear, revealing a small hoop earring that glinted softly. My breath hitched before I could stop it.

This beautiful woman…is my lover.

I must’ve stared a little too long…again.

Natsuki caught my gaze, her eyes locking onto mine as a knowing smirk curved her lips.

“You’re like an open book,” she teased. “Your ears are red.”

I reacted on instinct, lifting my hands to cover them.

She laughed, the sound light and warm, but then her gaze drifted downward. The playfulness faded into something more subdued.

“It might be a while before we can do this again,” she said quietly. “That’s one of the reasons I asked you out so suddenly.”

I leaned in without realizing, listening.

“The show brought in a lot more attention than I expected,” she continued, absently turning her empty cup between her fingers. “Offers, new roles… and my mom’s work as a fashion designer means I get dragged along a lot. Business trips, photoshoots. It adds up.”

She exhaled softly.

“So… I won’t be able to see you as often.”

Hana’s words surfaced in my mind. She’ll be busy. You’ll need patience.

I already knew that. And for her, I was willing.

Natsuki looked up again, her expression brightening just a little.

“You can call me,” I said before I could overthink it. “Anytime. Even if it’s late. I don’t mind.”

Natsuki looked up, surprised.

“After finals, I’m heading back home for winter break,” I added, rubbing the back of my neck. “So if we won’t see each other much… I’ll always pick up. And if you need me, I’ll come out if I can.”

Her expression softened, something warm flickering behind her eyes.

I stood up from my seat and walked around the table, extending my hand. She looked at it for a brief moment before placing hers in mine, her fingers warm against my palm. The bell above the café door chimed as we stepped outside, the night air cool against my skin.

At first, our hands stayed loosely connected. I was acutely aware of every step, every shift of her grip. My thumb brushed against hers by accident, and I stiffened, heart jumping.

Without looking at me, Natsuki’s fingers slipped between mine, slow and deliberate, as if testing whether I’d pull away. I didn’t. My breath caught, shoulders tensing before easing as our hands fully intertwined.

She smiled to herself.

We walked like that through the crowd, neon signs flickering overhead, the district alive with laughter and noise. Normally, I would’ve been focused on weaving through people, on moving efficiently, but right now, all I could think about was the way her hand fit so easily in mine.

After a few blocks, I gently tugged her toward a quieter side street. “There’s… somewhere I want to show you.”

She glanced at me, curiosity lighting her eyes. “Oh?”

I nodded, suddenly aware of how warm my face felt. I led her up a short flight of steps tucked between buildings, past a narrow path I’d found during my late-night research and far too much overthinking.

When we reached the top, the city opened up beneath us.

The busy district stretched out below, lights spilling across the streets like constellations fallen to earth. The noise softened at this height, turning distant and harmless. A breeze passed through, carrying the faint hum of the city with it.

Natsuki stopped beside me, eyes wide. “You found this?”

I nodded. “I thought… it might be nice. Somewhere a little quieter.”

She looked at the view, then at me, her grip tightening just slightly. “It is.”

We stood there together, hands still intertwined, the city moving on without us. For the first time that night, I realized my nerves had settled. Not because they’d disappeared, but because she was right there, choosing to stay beside me.

“You know,” she said suddenly, “your fashion designer friend has really good taste.”

I blinked, glancing at her in surprise.

“The clothes suit you very nicely,” she added, fingers brushing the sleeve of my jacket.

I chuckled. “I’ll admit, she has a great eye for this sort of thing. You should’ve seen what I wore to your show. Probably the nicest I’ve ever dressed.”

“You should’ve come backstage!” she said. “I was stuck with my troupe, but I would’ve loved to see you.”

I laughed softly, shaking my head. “There’s no way I would’ve had the guts to go backstage like that… I’ll wear it for you some other time.”

“If you say so…”

She didn’t press the matter, just leaned a little closer, her shoulder brushing mine. For a moment, neither of us spoke. The city lights continued their distant shimmer, and the wind tugged gently at our clothes.

I realized then that the silence didn’t feel awkward. It felt comfortable. I tightened my fingers around hers, letting the moment linger, content to stand there with her while the world moved on below.

A small smile found its way to my face, and I let it stay.

…

Watching her leave was harder than I expected, especially after hearing how busy she’d be. Still, the thought made me look forward to her calls all the more.

We stopped in front of the familiar black car, Kurogane already waiting in his usual suit. He offered a polite smile. “Glad to see you both made it back safely.”

“Yukina kept her promise,” Natsuki said lightly as he opened the door for her. Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she added, “Kurogane, could you turn around for a moment?”

He did so without hesitation.

Natsuki turned back to me. Before I could ask why, she stepped closer, too close. My breath caught, my feet nearly moving on instinct, but I forced myself to stay put.

A soft warmth brushed my cheek.

“Thank you for today,” she murmured.

By the time my brain caught up, she was already slipping into the car, cheeks flushed. The door shut, the engine hummed, and the car pulled away.

I lifted my hand, fingers brushing the spot she’d kissed. The warmth lingered, gentle and unmistakable.

I stood there a moment longer, smiling to myself already wishing I were still walking beside her.