The Day Before

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Asuma dashed to the bus, making it inside just in the nick of time.

Hmm.. 'Say hi to the group for me,' she said.. Are they planning something? Ha, did I really expect anything less..? Well with them, anything could happen, so I guess I should keep on my toes.

He took his seat and set down his bag. The bus pulled away from the curb and resumed its route. He looked out the window, watching Sumire as she wandered to a bench and sat down. She pulled out something medium-small from her purse. Asuma grinned as he deciphered what it was.

He pulled out his phone and typed her a text: "Keep Violet-chan close! Remember what we agreed?"

He sent the message and reminisced the previous day..

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. . . . .

With great anticipation, Asuma combed the station, hunting for a glimpse of bright red hair.

I still can't believe I really get to see her before I have to go home! I mean, it's unbelievable her coach managed to book her a special training camp with an Olympic veteran, but I hate that it had to be today. I was so bummed.. But hey, now we can spend whole hours together, thanks to meeting halfway! This will be fantastic, I can't wait till she finally gets here!

Keeping in mind Sojiro's advice from White Day, Asuma used his travel time doing some research on the area. He had already heard of the main attraction of the suburb - that's why he suggested they meet at this stop - but he noted a few other options, just in case. Indeed, he did find one location in particular that he was optimistic she'd find especially appealing.

He rechecked his phone, praying to read a message from her saying she was nearly there. Unless there was some sort of delay, she should be here any minute now. A delay.. Or an accident..! Oh man, what if something happened to her? It'd be all MY fault for putting her in that situation…

It continued to frustrate yet fascinate Asuma how Sumire affected him. He normally had little trouble remaining level-headed and sure, but with her, there were times...

No, get a grip, Asuma! Her bus is fine, she is fine, everything is fine. You're being ridiculous. Don't jump to drastic conclusions just because she isn't here ye-

"Alohaaaaa, SENPAI!" Cried out a familiar voice from behind him, a callback line from their trip to Hawaii the previous year.

He turned around with a smile of relief. Before he could respond, the voice's owner leaped into his chest, arms locked securely around his neck, bringing him into a warm hug.

"Sumire," Asuma spoke blissfully. His left arm encircled her lower back while his right hand cradled her head. Any and all anxiety he had been experiencing prior evaporated instantly at her touch. He embraced her deeply, treasuring the moment.

Sumire giggled, "So did I surprise you, Asuma-Senp-"

He cut her off with a lovesick kiss that made her weak in the knees. He had REALLY missed her, even more than he had realized. It had been a couple weeks since they had the chance to spend time together, and every day weighed him down more and more. His knuckles caressed her cheek, as though she was something invaluable, never to be damaged in any way. He kissed her cheek, then forehead, and pulled her close against him back into a hug. "Oh yeah, you scared me out of my skin, Champ," he answered facetiously, "How dare you spook an old man like that?!"

Sumire fought through the pleasant fog that flooded her mind due to Asuma's kiss. "I-I.. Umm.. Ha! I gotcha!" She chuckled awkwardly, hugging him back.

Suddenly, she remembered they were currently in a lobby bustling with commuters. Beet red, she pushed him back, "W-Wait.. We're in public."

"Come on, it doesn't matter what THEY think. We'll probably never see any of these people again."

"Even so..!" she contested before a brief pause. "Ok, take my hand and give me the game plan."

Asuma smiled and interweaved their fingers. "Well location number one is right around the corner," he made sure they had all their belongings, then began guiding them through the sea of travelers, "Ann and Ryuji swear this place is an absolute gem. I've been dying to check it out; I'm stoked to go with you!"

Alongside a modest blush, Sumire replied heartily, "I'm thrilled to go with you, too, Charming. I've never heard of it myself, but if those two recommend it, then it must be remarkably fun!"

"No kidding! The place has just about everything - an arcade, buffet, go-karts, mini-golf, and even an area for tabletop games!"

They made their way down the street and into the herculean building. Asuma bought two premium tickets, granting them access to all the amenities.

They explored the domain in wonder. It was massive. The buffet and gaming areas each possessed its own ample-sized room. Beautifully showcased behind a colossal wall made up entirely of high-quality glass windows, the go-kart track and mini-golf course invited guests back into the fresh air of the outdoors.

"It would seem Ann and Ryuji weren't being delusive," Sumire reported in awe.

"Truth," Asuma affirmed, "Anything you'd prefer to tackle first?"

"Hmm.. Actually, it's been a while since I ate, so the buffet sounds perfect," Sumire responded with a big smile which unleashed a blizzard of butterflies in Asuma's stomach.

He quickly cleared his throat. "Right this way, Champ." He led them back to the dining area.

Sumire cleared multiple plates of food as she and Asuma discussed how the past couple days had gone.

After eating, they decided to try out the mini-golf course. Asuma ended up winning due to a couple "accidental" nudges and stealth-attack kisses.

He checked the clock and concluded they had time for one more activity before her surprise. They elected to peruse the arcade. Sumire schooled Asuma at Dance/Prance: Resolution, and was surprisingly adept at Punch Ouch, but Asuma earned back some of his pride at Gun About.

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On their way to the exit, a certain prize caught Sumire's eye. Transfixed, she rushed to the crane machine. "Senpai, are you good at this game?"

"I like to think so," Asuma answered, tilting his head at her, then rubbing his hand on his neck, "Is there something special about that doll?"

She looked at him with slightly watery eyes. "This.. This was Kasumi's favorite Destinyland princess," she turned back to the game, "She's difficult to find, since she isn't a super popular character, but Kasumi.. She idolized her grace and humility in the face of such harsh adversity. Being such a bold and outspoken person, those were qualities Kasumi found intriguing. She always remarked about how there was such underrated, immense strength within those who embodied grace and humility."

He cradled Sumire's head on his chest and brushed through her long hair affectionately. He kissed the top of her head and held her close.

"I miss her so much, Asuma," she said, her voice cracking.

"I know," he said earnestly, "I'm so sorry."

He loosened his grip to cup her face, using his thumb to wipe away tears. He looked her in the eyes and said, "That princess is as good as yours."

Winning the doll was zero problem for Asuma; he'd had plenty of practice in Akihabara. He grabbed it out of the machine, and noticed there was another prize sitting in the eject box. He gingerly handed them to Sumire, who was gradually regaining her composure. "Hey, looks like you even won another for good measure!" He declared with a soft, comforting smile.

"Thank you very much, Charming. Oh, how cute! I love it!" she smiled, cuddling the dolls. Then her countenance dropped again, "I'm.. I'm so sorry. We're supposed to be on a fun, relaxing date but… And I keep thinking I've recovered from my sister's death, but.." She struggled to keep her voice steady.

His love for her swelled within him, yearning to somehow make everything better. He knew losing someone that close left a permanent scar, and sometimes the pain would rush back, no matter how much time had passed. But she needs to express it when that happens, and I can help her feel safe to do it. "You have no need to apologise, do you hear me?" He tenderly raised her chin and kissed her. It was intimate - delicate, yet full of devotion. Simple, straightforward, sincere. "I love you," he said, then kissed her once more to make sure she heard.

"I love you, too," she replied, her gratitude for his kindness outweighing her self-consciousness at the scene she felt she had been making, "Thank you. I hear you."

"Good," he replied. After giving her a second, he said, "Let us go!" He took her hand in his and abruptly led her into a twirl which transitioned into a hug. After initially feeling a bit startled at the sudden movement, Sumire swiftly found herself smiling widely. Much of the sadness that had been clinging to her seemed to fly off as she spinned. He whispered into her ear, "Follow me!" Holding hands, they jogged out the door with childlike laughter.

. . .

Impatient to see her reaction, Asuma eagerly navigated them to her surprise. Surely she'll love it, won't she? After all her stories, I imagine she will.. Yeah, no, she definitely will love it. Can't wait to see her face!

They arrived at a charming, vintage shop. It was about twice as big as Leblanc. In the middle of the room was the main counter, which formed a large rectangle around the workers. Comfortable-looking bar stools with backrests flanked its exterior edges. Eclectic sets of sofas, chairs, and coffee tables lined the shop's walls. One would think such a design choice would prove tacky and claustrophobic, however the furniture was arranged in a visually harmonious yet also efficient way, compelling customers to sit with ease and enjoy the company of friends.

Asuma beamed at Sumire, "How about some gourmet ice cream?!"

Sumire radiated glee, jumping into a hug and kissing his cheek, "Hehehe, thank you, Charming! This is perfect!" Her family used to go get ice cream after every gymnastics win. I guess we drifted out of the habit, she thought. She couldn't remember the last time she'd visited a shop like this, but after training under one of her heroes of the athletics world, plus an overall wonderful date with her considerate boyfriend, the timing was excellent.

They circled the counter, impressed by how delicious all their options appeared. The server mentioned the shop crafted its own root beer, so they each ordered a mug in addition to their dessert. They sat down on one of the sofas towards one of the corners of the room, out of the way.

"Wow, this is absolutely spectacular," attested Asuma. The ice cream and the root beer were superb individually, but combined their flavors complimented each other flawlessly, making them exponentially more delectable.

Sumire moaned in innocent, tranquil satisfaction, then let out a giggle, "I can only imagine what Yusuke-senpai would say to this culinary beauty."

"Oh, he'd lose his mind, for real," He smiled sweetly and closed his eyes, with a muted chuckle "I bet she would too."

"Hmm? 'She'?" Sumire inquired, intrigued.

Oh, I said that out loud?! I don't even know why she came to mind.. Maybe because her memory came up back at the arcade..? Regardless, what should I say now?

"Charming, are you ok?" she asked, concerned by the the look of pain on his face. It was rare to see him lose composure to that degree. She took his hand. "You can tell me, you know.. I-If you want to.."

He hesitated. I don't want to bring down the mood with my own problems. They're my own to have to grin and bear, after all.. Although, I guess the vibe has already changed anyway. Plus I don't want her to think I refuse to trust her.. Ok, maybe I can just tell her, breeze by it, then get the carefree date atmosphere back on track.

He cleared his throat and absentmindedly squeezed her hand. He kept his eyes centered on a vintage movie poster that was framed on the wall in front of him. "Oh, it's not really a big deal. She - uh, my mom," saying that out loud after so long hit him harder than he anticipated. He shook his head and squeezed Sumire's hand a bit more firmly. He let out a little laugh. He'd meant for it to sound lighthearted, but it ended up carrying a somber tone. He felt her free hand comfortingly wrap around his opposite shoulder and her cheek rest on his shoulder blade.

"A-hem.. S-Sorry, Champ.. To worry you, I mean. My dumb problems are nothing compared to what you have to deal with.. I'm ok, don't worry. I can bear it just fine." He put on his Joker smirk, walling off the emotions. He knew he could bear it just fine, alone, just like always, just like his father expected.

Sumire brushed her thumb back and forth across his hand. With her other hand she used her palm and fingers to trace his back affectionately. "Hmm.." she responded patiently, her voice softly vibrating across his shoulders. She was determined and content to be there for him, whether he elaborated or not.

Asuma decided to continue. "She had a hereditary disease - one doctors still have no cure for. It was a miracle she lived as long as she did... But man, we had so many good times together. She was a swimming coach. It was her passion, and she even nearly qualified for the Team Japan more than once! Oh, she was the best mother I could ever ask for, always up for a match of water polo, no matter how tired she must have been. She'd even let me do swimming drills with her high school students. I don't know how she did it all; no one would've guessed she was sick. She seemed to be best friends with just about everyone, too.

"'Asuma, don't ever put people in a box.' She'd remind me constantly, 'Each person is capable of countless things. There's this societal understanding that a person is bound to their past, or their profession, or their expectations.. All that is only true when you accept it as true. People surprise themselves all the time discovering hidden talents and dreams, or what they can accomplish when they persevere with all their heart. You ought to be the kind of man who gives them the chance - the courage - to unleash their potential, a side of themselves no one had even thought to see. Just promise me to look; give people the opportunity to be more than they might first seem. There's nothing better than fighting for and helping others like that, trust me.'" He paused.

"She was absolutely right, of course... But uh, yeah. She ended up passing away when I was just under 7 years old. I'm grateful I was old enough to establish such strong, positive memories with her. As you can probably tell, she's a big inspiration to me, even now."

"Wow.." Sumire remarked, rotating her head to the side of his shoulder, "I had no idea about all that.. She sounds amazing!"

"She most definitely was. I'm sure you two would get along especially well! She'd surely be the Phantom Thieves' biggest fan - sorry 'bout ya, Mishima.. Haha!" he kissed Sumire's hand.

"She'd certainly be very proud of her brave and kind son. You're exactly the man she raised you to become," she said with utmost sincerity and affection, turning his face toward hers. She was surprised to find a couple tears zig-zagging down his face. She tenderly brushed them away with her thumb, then kissed him on the cheek.

With his free hand, Asuma escorted Sumire's chin towards his. He pressed his lips on hers, full of gratitude. Not only had she actually listened, but he was finally able to get something off his chest he'd been carrying for a long, long time. Hearing Sumire say his mom would be proud of him hit him deep, as though he had been unknowingly waiting to hear her affirmation for what felt like a lifetime or two. After all, it was largely due to her that he was able to find and grow the relationships which ended up saving the world. His work with Dr. Takemi and Old Man Tora, specifically, had been partially done in honor of her - her illness and her ideology. His mother's words had kept him going through so many tough times in his life, especially during the past year; her words, and the endurance he saw in Sumire.

"Thank you. You're the only one I've ever shared that with," he said.

At that, she brought him into another kiss and hug. She was honored he trusted her enough to show her a part of himself no one else had ever seen. She also empathized with his loss, feeling closer to him in a new way yet also understanding the pain involved.

A nearby voice introduced itself with an attention-seeking cough. "Alright, lovebirds. Sorry to interrupt the romance, but we prefer to keep things rated G here, you get me?"

Scarlet red, Sumire face-palmed into Akira's back to hide, remembering they were still in a public restaurant. Asuma tried and almost succeeded in containing his laughter.

"Of course, sir. Our apologies, truly," he took another bite of ice cream as a show of respect. Daang, I forgot how delicious this is!

Witnessing the goofy look of satisfaction that surfaced on Asuma's face at tasting the ice cream, the man said with a chuckle, "Glad to hear it, young man. And even more glad to see our dessert agrees with your taste buds!" Wanting to ease Sumire's embarressment, he added, "Oh, don't worry about it, young lady. Just enjoy!"

Asuma sipped the root beer with a smile and shook his hand. "Excellent work, I must say!" he told the worker.

The man walked away with a grin, high-fiving his co-worker, "We've done it again, boys!" He winked back at Asuma and Sumire, who joined in his laughter.

"Haha, what a weirdo!" he remarked to Sumire.

"Hey," Sumire slapped his shoulder, half-joking, half-serious, "What did you just say about boxing people in? What would your mom say?"

"'What a weirdo!'" He answered, continuing to laugh. He took another bite of ice cream.

"Senpai..!" she said, shaking her head and chuckling, "That's terrible."

"Oh come on, Champ. You know I'm kidding."

. . .

They lost track of time as they conversed over this and that, savoring each other's company. Before they knew it, it was time for the shop to close. They apologized and thanked the workers for the stupendous dessert. Asuma double-checked the time. Crap. Well, now what? I was supposed to get her back to the station before her bus left, but.. Dammit, I got careless and lost track of time!

Sumire also was lamenting the time in horror. I can't believe I became so distracted I didn't notice the time! Oh no, what do I do? There aren't any more buses going that direction till morning! If I go home, I'll end up getting next to no sleep, since I'd have to commute all the way back to the gym. Oh, what a foolish mess you've created yet again, Sumire!

"Okay," Asuma reasoned aloud, "Don't panic, stay with me.. Alright, we missed your bus, but it's ok. We'll figure this out. You can't go back till the next bus arrives in the morning. With how far away the gym is, it wouldn't make sense to go home.." He exhaled nervously with cautious smile, anticipating her reaction, "I was planning to sleep at a hotel here, then meet up with Morgana in the morning. I guess you'll have to join me.."

. . . . .

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Back at the bus station, Sumire grinned fondly as she read Asuma's text: "Keep Violet-chan close! Remember what we agreed?"

"Of course, Senpai. She'll always sit front row! You don't forget your job either!" She texted back as she recalled their walk to the station that morning..