Sunday afternoon, Issei was waiting for Yuuma in the park. He was sitting on the fountain, looking at his phone for the time. Issei arrived thirty minutes earlier than the scheduled meeting.
When Yuuma arrived, Issei told her that he had just got to their rendezvous a few minutes ago. But she wasn't stupid. Yuuma knew that Issei had arrived a bit before her. As an apology for making Issei wait, Yuuma grabbed hold of his hand. Issei felt how soft her hand was!
'I can keep holding it forever! It's so smooth, warm, and comforting!' Issei thought. But looking at Yuuma, Issei saw that she was saddened even when she was smiling. 'Is something going on? Her smile wasn't the same as when we first met'.
Issei had no idea what was going on with Yuuma, but he didn't want to pry because they'd only met a few days ago. If her mood continues, Issei intends to inquire about what's wrong. For the time being, he just wanted to enjoy his time with Yuuma, and who knows, maybe that would help her forget about whatever was bothering her.
Issei's dream of going on a date while holding hands with a gorgeous girl came true. He was so touched that he was on the verge of tears, and he wanted to kiss Yuuma as a thank you. But Issei was well aware that he should not rush things. He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable with him when he was trying to cheer her up.
Issei and Raynare had a good time on their date by travelling to several clothing stores and trying different outfits. Yuuma looked stunning in whichever sort of clothes she wore. From the innocent-looking dresses to the dominatrix-like garment. She was very stunning!
While they were going around, Issei saw that Yuuma's genuine smile had returned, and she was having fun. But there are times that Issei would see her other smile return. He was worried that something was wrong, but he had no choice but to let it go for now.
After a few hours of going from store to store, Issei and Yuuma were famished. So, they ate at a family restaurant. The store wasn't all that big, and there was only one table left that was meant for a party of six, but since there were no other seats, they sat on it.
Issei told Yuuma that she could pick a fancier restaurant if she liked, but Yuuma told Issei that she didn't need anything fancy. Hence, they ate at the family restaurant. Yuuma and Issei ordered a burger that they asked to be customised.
While they were eating, they talked about themselves a bit. Now, Issei knew that not everything Yuuma said was true. His Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils told him that Yuuma was saying half-truths. Things such as schools, her friends, etc. They were half-truths because she didn't go to school and whatnot. But everything else she said about herself they were all real.
As Yuuma talked about herself, Issei just stared at her the entire time. Even when she would pause to take a bite out of her burger, Issei would look her in the eye and smile. He found her adorable. He couldn't take my eyes off her, and she, too, noticed since she blushed and looked away.
While they were eating and staring at each other, Issei felt as if he understood how other teenagers felt when they were on a date. Issei felt as if he was alive for the first time, and it had nothing to do with fighting.
After having their meal, it was finally getting dark. Issei and Yuuma didn't want the date to end just yet. So, they took a stroll in the park, where they had their rendezvous. Eventually, it got very dark that their date had to end.
"Listen, Issei…" Yuuma said. She was looking down at the ground. She held her chest, and she took a deep breath. "To commemorate our first date, would you mind doing something for me?".
"Hmm…" Issei said. Looking at Yumma, he saw it once more. She had her fake smile. "Sure, I don't mind. What do you want me to do?".
"Can you close your eyes?" Yuuma said. Her eyes were on the verge of tears. "And whatever happens, don't open it".
Issei did as Yuuma said. He closed his eyes, and he felt her get closer and closer to him. A moment later, he felt something. Issei felt Yuuma kiss him on the lips. He then heard her whisper.
"I'm so sorry, Issei," Yuuma said. Her voice sounds so remorseful. "Goodbye".
Issei felt a gust of wind a second later, and Yuuma was gone. Looking around, Issei only found a piece of her feather in the pocket of his shirt. It was black and reminiscent of the night sky. Holding onto the feather, Issei wondered why Yuuma apologised and said goodbye. Not able to think of an answer, Issei sighed and headed back home.
As Issei walked away, Raynare watched him on top of a tree with tears in her eyes. This was her choice, and no matter how many times she was given to choose a path, she would always 100% decide to sacrifice her life rather than an innocent person.
With Issei now gone, she flew back to the abandoned church, knowing what was to come. But if one was to look into Raynare's eyes, it wasn't fear that one would find but determination. Determination to accept the consequences of her choice.
Once Raynare arrived in the abandoned church, Mittelt, Kalawarna and Dohnaseek waited for her. By this time, Raynare's tears were already dried, and she washed her face along the way.
"So?" Mittelt asked. She looked at Raynare, expecting good news. "Did you kill him?".
"I didn't…." Raynare said. Mittelt looked at her in shock, and so did the Kalawarna. However, Dohnaseek only had contempt. "I wasn't able to do".
"Hmph! You know what he will do to you since you failed," Dohnaseek said. He had no issues showing his contempt towards Raynare, who failed the task given to her. "I hope you're ready for what's to come when you enter the church".
Raynare already knew what was coming, and she accepted that she would die. But nonetheless, she wasn't going down without a fight. After all, who's to say that Kokabiel wouldn't send someone else like Dohnaseek to come after her Issei? So, she decided to fight him to the death since she would die anyway. The least she could do was try and take down the person gunning for Issei.
Back in Issei's family house, he arrived and entered his home. Issei's parents' were waiting for him to ask how his date went. Being the good son he was, Issei answered all their questions as best as possible.
"The date went great," Issei said. However, his parents could see that he was contemplating something. And without them asking, Issei answered. "When the date started, I realised something was wrong, but I didn't want to pry. So, I thought maybe showing her a good time would make her forget what was bothering her.
Throughout the date, her mood did improve, and her smile was no longer the fake one that she had when we met up for the afternoon. However, I can see from time to time that she would give me one of her fake smiles as if she was worried about something.
After eating some food, it was getting dark, but we didn't want the date to end yet. I had fun. Yuuma had fun. So, we decided to stroll in the park where we met up in the afternoon.
I thought all was going well, but I was wrong. Yuuma asked me if I could do something for her to commemorate our date. I agreed, and she asked me to close my eyes and not to open them no matter what. So, I didn't open my eyes.
Yuuma kissed me. It felt electrifying when I felt her lips on mine. But at the same time, she whispered an apology to my ear, and she said goodbye. I pondered why she said those words all the way home, but I couldn't think of anything".
"From what you described, Yuuma seemed to have fun if she was willing to kiss you," Miki said. Miki had this thinking face before she continued speaking. "I know I wouldn't kiss my date at the end of the date if I didn't have a good time. And that's considering he's a hunk".
Gorou sighed as it was what happened on his first date with Miki. Though, in the end, he was able to capture her heart.
All this time, Ophis was just staring at the family, conversing about the date. She knew nothing of what was going on, and her best course of action was to keep quiet. However, she had a pout on her face, which Issei saw. So, he picked her up and sat her on his lap. Ophis liked this, and she could never have enough of sitting on Issei's lap.
While the family talked, Issei and the others heard a crash on the front door. Issei told his person to head upstairs as he checked to ensure that everything was safe. Miki and Gorou nodded their heads. They took Ophis from Issei, and they headed upstairs.
As soon as Issei opened the door, he saw three bloodied people. One of them had a missing arm, and the other had her wings ripped off. As for the last one, Issei saw that she had a massive hole in her stomach and was on the verge of dying. Issei recognised the energy signature as Yuuma. He immediately picked her up in her arms and used his Telekinesis to levitate the other two inside the house.