"Well, well, well, if it isn't Haru Okumura."

Haru shuddered at the sound of Sugimura's familiar voice. She had hoped to never see him again, but knew deep down that it had to happen eventually.

"Sugimura! What a surprise! What are you doing in Asakusa?" Haru asked, trying to stay cheerful.

"I was just looking around. I never expected to see you here. All by yourself, I see." Sugimura pointed out in a less than pleasant manner.

"Well...actually, I-"

"HARU!"

Ryuji rushed to Haru's side as soon as he saw Sugimura. He held her shaking hand.

"This asshole giving you any trouble, Haru?" Ryuji demanded. Sugimura was shocked to see such a ruffian holding the rich girl's hand. They had met once before, but the blonde hadn't been the only one with Haru. Why were they all alone?

"Do you still associate with this boy, Haru? You'd be better off surrounding yourself with more...sophisticated people." Sugimura commented.

"Haru can surround herself with whatever kind of people she wants!" Ryuji roared. "I'll have you know that I'M her boyfriend now!"

"Ryuji!" Haru whisper-yelled.

"Boyfriend? Really?" Sugimura asked, shocked.

"That's right! You've got nothing to do with her anymore. Why don't you leave her alone, ya pompous asshole!" Ryuji continued.

"Ryuji, please!" Haru said. "Yes, Sugimura, Ryuji is my boyfriend. And I just so happen to be spending my time with him today. If you want to be unpleasant, then...then just leave!"

Sugimura held his head high and walked away.

"That's right, walk away!" Ryuji yelled. "I'm so sorry you had to deal with that creep, Haru. He didn't...suggest anything, did he?"

"No, he didn't...Ryuji, I appreciate what you did for me, really, but you went a little bit overboard..."

"For real? Damnit...Sorry, Haru. I just get real fired up around that guy, especially after what he did to you." Ryuji apologized. Haru smiled at him and pecked him on the cheek.

"It's ok, Ryuji. Let's not let a guy like Sugimura ruin our date. He's not worth our time." Haru pointed out. That cheered Ryuji up.

"Yeah...Yeah! Sugimura ain't worth it. I saw a great lookin' food stand over there. Let's eat!" Ryuji mentioned. The duo walked toward the stand, still holding hands.

"I'll be buying."

"Ya sure? I thought the guy's supposed to buy meals on a date. It's romantic or some shit."

"It's customary, but I'm glad to repay my knight in shining armor."

"Sweet!"