Warning: There are some scenes which are switched back and forth between characters, so do not get confused! :)
It was like any quiet day. Mako went out to buy groceries while Ryunosuke went to jog as part of this daily routine. Clearly, both of them wanted to avoid each other.
Chiaki, Genta, Takeru and Kotoha gathered around in the main hall. "Minna! I have a plan to bring those two idiots back together!"
"Eh?" Kotoha and Genta were surprised.
"Chiaki… Just mind your own business! Let those two deal this themselves." Takeru stated.
"No! Takeru… They're too stubborn! Ryunosuke claims he had moved on but he has really moved on… like a centimeter!" Chiaki replied.
"Take-chan! Chiaki's right! Mako wouldn't be the first to admit that she misses him!" Genta affirmed.
Kotoha put her hands together, "They really need to get back together. Though they put on a smile on their face, they are hurting inside… We must do something to help them!" Takeru's expression softens at Kotoha's words.
Maybe my plan would work out after all! Chiaki felt confident as he silently did a countdown in his head.
"Ok…. Fine! What's the plan?" Takeru asked, finally giving in.
"The situation has become really desperate for Emergency measures! To get those dorks together…" Chiaki rubbed his palms together, "Takeru, you date Kotoha!"
Genta dropped to the fall dramatically, "How on earth is that an EMERGENCY MEASURE?"
Chiaki reasoned out "Well, put it this way: Mako watches out for Kotoha. So she is basically like a big sister so imagine if she finds out, she'll freak out! As for Takeru… Ryunosuke is like his most devoted vassal. He'll watch over him! Here's the deal: Genta would be selling sushi, I'll be too busy playing videos games to care. Takeru takes Kotoha on a date, Mako would have to-"
"Ask Ryunosuke for help" Genta finished Chiaki's sentence.
Kotoha's eyes brightened up, "Chiaki! That's a brilliant plan!"
Takeru coughed, "There's one thing…. Ryunosuke will never buy that… Hence, this…would never work!"
"Tono-sama! Onegai! We must try. Though it might not work, at least Mako-chan and Ryu-san would have to talk! I want to do it for their sake!" Kotoha's face was hopeful.
Chiaki counted in his mind 3…2…1!
"All right! I'll take her!" Takeru gave in.
"The whole plan is to make sure the both of them follow you two on the date!" Chiaki declared with pride that his plan is going to be carried out.
Genta asked, "When are you guys going on a date?"
"Tomorrow!" Chiaki decided, ignoring Takeru's death glare, "Takeru! During dinner, you have to ask Kotoha out, in front of Ryunosuke and Mako!"
"Erm… Chiaki! What is a date?" Kotoha asked.
"Kotoha-chan! You never been on a date?" Chiaki was a bit shocked at this question but then again, it kind of make sense because Kotoha is innocent and all.
"Hey! Hey! Take-chan! There's no need to blush!" Genta whispered as he nudged his childhood best friend. Takeru turned the other way so Kotoha wouldn't see a light blush on his cheek.
"What is a date?" Kotoha asked again.
"It's when – Hmph!" Chiaki's mouth was covered by Genta.
"Don't worry about it, Kotoha-chan! Tono-sama would decide to what to do for your date" Genta winked at Takeru before dragging Chiaki out of the main hall.
Kotoha turned to Takeru. The lord sighed, "Kotoha…. Don't worry.. I've got it planned out. Just go get some rest!"
"Hai Tono-sama!" Kotoha left the main hall.
Takeru mused to himself, What to do tomorrow? He reached to his bedroom. As he slidded the door close, he took out his Sodophone to dial some numbers. His mind began to formulate of the things he had to do on a date with Kotoha though he actually doesn't mind.
At dinnertime, the Shinkengers were eating, Takeru was waiting for the right moment. Ryunosuke and Mako deliberately ignored each other, as usual. They finished their meal. Kotoha was about to leave when Takeru walked towards her and grabbed her hand.
Takeru cleared his throat, "Kotoha… Would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow?"
The eyes of Ryunosuke and Mako grew big at this sudden question. They were even surprised that they could detect nervousness in his voice when asking her. Kotoha nodded, giving a bright smile which Takeru returned with a warm smile. Chiaki sat in the corner, smirking, That's something you don't see everyday.
Takeru gently patted her head before going to his bedroom, followed by Ryunosuke. Mako followed Kotoha. Chiaki quietly took out his Sodophone, "Phase 1 completed!"
"Kotoha! Wait a minute!" Mako tagged along with Kotoha to her bedroom. When the girls are finally seated on the futons, Kotoha smiled "What is it, Mako-chan?"
The older female was unsure on how to begin, "Do you really want to go on a date with Takeru? I mean, going on a regular date means you might have a serious relationship with Takeru."
Kotoha blushed, finally understanding the term of date, she nodded, "Yes… Tono-sama has been very good to me…" She said the first thing that came to her mind.
Mako began, "Well… I just don't want you to get hurt. Besides it is not a good idea because-"
"There's a line that should never be crossed between Lord and vassal! Your relationship might affect the whole team!" Ryunosuke bowed as Takeru was finishing his report.
"I don't see how it affects the team. I want to take Kotoha out for some time. It took me a while to ask her out." Takeru couldn't believe that he just spoke the truth. He mentally scolded himself, Relax, it is all part of acting and you said it to make Ryunosuke believe it… Yes, that's it!
Ryunosuke felt uncertain, "Tono! Are you sure? Well, if you are, then take her out! But-"
"If you have any problems… come and talk to me, OK?" Mako asked.
The younger female nodded which relieved Mako. The older female took her leave and there was a knocking on Kotoha's window, she went to open it, "Chiaki! How did I do?"
"Kotoha, that was perfect! All you need to do now is to have fun with Takeru tomorrow, OK?" Chiaki told her.
"But I felt bad lying to Mako-chan!" The young vassal casted her eyes down with guilt.
Chiaki reassured her, "Kotoha, we are doing this for their own good-"
"So there won't be anymore tension in the mansion!" Genta reasoned out.
Takeru sighed, looking at the door where Ryunosuke had left, "I suppose you are right"
His childhood friend observed him, "Take-chan… Chiaki and I are going to give you tips on how to act like a couple with Kotoha. While they are following you, we are going to follow them too!"
"Eh?" Kotoha looked up with surprise.
"It's fine! There's nothing to worry about! Just get some rest! You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow" Chiaki stated before closing the window.