Football has to come first.
"Weren't expecting to see me, were you?" the female doctor winked, standing less than a foot from Yusei.
"Nope," he chuckled back before reeling Akiza in for a bear hug. "What're you doing here, anyway?" While they were breaking the ice, Luna sat atop the stairs, concealed by a veil of shadows, nervously rubbing her hands together.
"I'm still trying to believe it myself," the psychic shrugged. "I'll tell you the whole story." She strutted into the kitchen as Yusei heard a faint whisper dripping from the second floor.
"What's she doing here?" the college girl squeaked.
"If you want to find out like me, come down, say hi, and she'll tell us both," Yusei whispered back. "Don't be rude."
"I'm not trying to be rude," Luna wheezed back. "I'm just nervous."
"Yusei, do you want my story or not?" Akiza sang from the kitchen.
"I'll be right there," he answered before turning back to Luna. "Well, once you do get over your nerves, you're more than welcome to join us." The girl heard his footsteps echo off before she went back to rubbing her hands.
"What do I do? What do I do?" Luna echoed in her mind.
"So, what exactly are the events that led up to you coming back to New Domino City?" the scientist spelled out.
"Well, first came me coming across your recent duel with Leo," Akiza answered with a sip of tea.
"You heard about that, didn't you?" Yusei hummed in a hushed tone.
"I did," the former psychic nodded. "From what I understand, you could've lost to him, but good thing you didn't."
"I know," the marked man shrugged. "I don't duel enough now as it is, but I'm glad to see the boy has come this far."
"Anyway, after I finished watching the recording I found of that match, I was wondering what else you were up to," Akiza continued to recall. "A few minutes later, I received a call from someone on the hospital board. I don't know why they chose me, but they wanted a seasoned doctor to travel to New Domino to be a part of a medical summit."
"What are the odds of that?" the scientist uttered. They exchanged a few weak laughs before the expected and awkward silence settled in. For a few brief moments, the atmosphere was at a standstill.
"How has your love life gone?" the doctor asked directly.
"Not exactly good, but not bad either," Yusei listed. "I've had a few dates here and there, went through a mutual breakup, and I'm currently 'testing the waters,' if you will, with someone else right now. She and I are good friends, but nothing's certain yet. What about you?"
"Not much better than you," Akiza sighed. "The longest relationship I had while in medical school lasted a hair over four months. But it wasn't like any of the guys I met were unsavory or anything."
"What do you mean?" the marked man questioned with a cocked eyebrow.
"A lot of them were really insightful and/or eager to learn more," she revealed. "It was just that whenever I found someone, he was either trying to commit to his studies or close to finding a job. Was I upset whenever I couldn't get one to with me? A little bit, but they're just like me: they wanted to learn whatever's necessary to help people. So I'm still hopeful for the best."
"You and I are alike in that facet," Yusei hummed.
"I've missed you, Yusei," Akiza said out of the blue. "I know I told you that I loved getting to know you that night, but I just couldn't bring myself to say what I wanted to." She covered his hands with her own.
"Even though you didn't say what you really wanted to say, I understood you completely," the scientist told her. "And…I've missed you as well."
"You have?" she wondered with high hopes.
"You bet," he winked. "There have been times when I wonder what could've been."
"Me too," Akiza sided, gently stroking Yusei's hands. "My parents have constantly told me that you and I would be perfect together. I didn't disagree with them, but I repeatedly said that you and I each had our own endeavors, working to improve the lives of others."
"And what'd they say?" the scientist questioned back.
"They've come to accept that, but they keep saying that I should at least see what you've been up to," the doctor answered. "Plus, just so we're clear, my being here is not connected to my parents in any way."
"Understood," Yusei affirmed. "Say, how long are you in town for this summit thing?"
"From what I was told, tomorrow is the 'show-around,' and the day after that is reserved for speeches, presentations, and closing remarks," Akiza summarized.
"Just wanted to know," the scientist sighed. "I just wanted to see if you had any free time while you were here that you might want to go on a date or something."
"I'd love to," she agreed willingly.
"In that case, we just have to work out something," Yusei commented nervously.
"No need," she stopped her hopefully-more-than-a-friend. "The last day is a formal event and I'll have to dress up for it. Once it's over and done, we can just go from there."
"All right then," he answered, ever so slightly flustered.
"Well, I guess I should be heading back to my hotel," the former psychic gauged from looking at her watch. "I'll see you then." She leaned in and lightly pecked right under Yusei's right eye. Akiza grabbed her handbag and headed outside, leaving a confused man in her wake.
"What have I gotten myself into?" he asked no one in particular.
"I'll say you have," Luna answered from out of nowhere. She stood in the hallway that led to the kitchen.
"You were listening to me and Akiza, right?" Yusei posed.
"I'm not upset with you or anything," she revealed. "I could've been, but now I realize that you're just looking for someone that can speak to you on every level."
"How did you—?" The scientist's thought was left unfinished for Luna to clarify.
"I'm not that 12 year old girl anymore," she added. "I may be in college, but I've learned plenty after I left the city."
For those who've been patiently waiting for this chapter, your wish has been granted. I didn't think a lot of action was needed, but rather a deep conversation between Akiza and Yusei. Did it satiate your expectations? I hope so. As for the story, I hope to have it wrapped it up when I reach 20 chapters, as I have yet to actually pass that in any narrative. Anyway, leave your thoughts and feedback in the reviews and I'll try to get to the next part when I can.