GROWN UP CHAPTER PART 3: DATING

"Well, here we go," said Shinichi as he mounted his bike with Rika riding behind him. The girl had on a helmet and her hands were on his waist. "So, where do you want to go?"

"I'm feeling hungry. Let's go to Angel Mort," said Rika.

"OK, to Angel Mort!" said Shinichi. He turned on the engine and revved it up before racing away from the shrine.

Rena watched. Deep down she hated this idea but she also wanted Rika to be happy. She knew she had Shinichi's heart. She reached up and clutched the brooch he'd given her and also fingered her Magatama pendant.

When Chiaki saw Hanyuu, his eyes widened in shock and his mouth hung open.

"Yes, it's me," Hanyuu confirmed. "Something weird just happened to me."

Chiaki wrote something down. "So, what will you do now?"

"Buy me some crème puffs at Angel Mort!" said Hanyuu.

"Oi, Chiaki!" said Yoshirou. He then saw Hanyuu. "Oh, now who is this?"

"Good day, sir!" said Hanyuu. "I'm just came from out of town and I was hoping someone could escort me."

Yoshirou analyzed Hanyuu and said, "Chiaki, you have the rest of the day off. Take this girl out on a tour."

Chiaki looked to his boss in disbelief but nodded. Beaming, Hanyuu took Chiaki by the hand and led him out of the store.

Yoshirou smiled and said, "They grow up so fast."

Hanyuu, Rika, Chiaki and Shinichi sat at a table together. Hanyuu was wolfing down crème puffs one after another as Rika was enjoying a parfait. Chiaki looked to Shinichi with a questioning look.

"Long story short they woke up looking a few years older," said Shinichi. "We don't know how or why, and we don't know if it'll wear off or not."

Chiaki looked to the cute horned girl and blushed. He always saw her as a cute little girl but she'd suddenly blossomed into a young woman overnight, a gorgeous young woman.

Shinichi also overheard some of the male patrons of the restaurant talking about Rika and Hanyuu. They were not insulting. The words were complimentary.

"Hey, check that girl out. She's hot."

"The bluenette?"

"No, the one with purple hair."

"Hey, they're both totally hot. Too bad they're taken."

'They think we're dating," Shinichi sighed mentally.

All girls loved to shop, which was no exception for Rika and Hanyuu as they dragged the two young men with them along to a few stores. They first stopped at a cosmetics store to try out some makeup. Shinichi and Chiaki were looking a little bored as Hanyuu and Rika sat in front of a mirror and tried out some of the products.

"Excuse me," a female employee said. "Maybe I could suggest something a little more natural."

"What's wrong?" asked Hanyuu. She looked to Chiaki. "How do I look?"

It was a good thing that Chiaki needed time to write out his answers. He wouldn't be stuck stuttering. Shinichi looked to Hanyuu. She had on lipstick, blush and eye shadow, but they just didn't look natural. The same thing went for Rika.

"Well?"asked Rika.

"That tone isn't you," he answered truthfully. Chiaki nodded in agreement.

The next stop was a shoe store. The girls were trying out various pairs of shoes and complaining.

"Are grown up shoes always so tight?" asked Hanyuu after trying out a pair of black high heels. They were uncomfortable.

"Maybe," remarked Rika after removing the 5th pair she'd tried. Shinichi and Chiaki sighed. They were supposed to be gentlemen, but this was torture.

Shinichi and Chiaki gawked as Rika and Hanyuu stepped out of the dressing rooms. Hanyuu had on a pink sleeveless dress that reached down to her knees with a turtleneck collar. Rika had on something a bit more daring. It was a black sleeveless, strapless and backless dress which came down to her knees and had slits on the side.

Shinichi had to hold in a nosebleed as Rika tried out another bikini. He was trying to think clean thoughts as he mentally reminded himself, 'Rena's my girlfriend, Rena's my girlfriend, Rena's my girlfriend.'

Chiaki nearly passed out as Hanyuu stood in front of him in a yellow one piece that really showed off her frame. She wasn't comfortable with exposing herself like Rika who had on a pink bikini not unlike the one she occasionally wore.

It was getting late. Hanyuu and Chiaki had gone off to take a walk and stop at his campsite. That left Shinichi with the duty of driving Rika home.

"Stop," Rika said and Shinichi did.

"What is it?" Shinichi asked as she got off his bike. He did too and she pointed ahead.

"Look," she said. He did. The sun was setting and it cast an orange. "It's a beautiful sunset," said Rika. The girl looked to Shinichi. "Shinichi."

"Hm?" Shinichi looked to her and was awed by her beauty as the setting sun's rays shone on her, creating a sort of halo of light around the girl. "Rika-chan…" She moved close to him and looked deep into his eyes.

"Just this once, I want to know how it feels," said Rika as she took Shinichi's face in her hands, cupping his cheeks gently. She then pressed her lips lightly against his and closed her eyes. Shinichi's eyes went wide in surprise as she felt her lips on his. He didn't push her away nor did he kiss back. After a few seconds she pulled away. She gave a sigh. Her fondest fantasy fulfilled…and it wasn't as she'd hoped. 'Then again, what should I expect? He's faithful to Rena. I should apologize to her when we get back.'

"I'm sorry," she apologized to Shinichi. "I shouldn't have done that."

"It's okay," he told her. He rubbed the back of his head and looked away awkwardly, "You just took me by surprise."

"I love you."

Shinichi was stunned by the sudden confession. "EH!" he exclaimed.

"You're not like anyone I've met," said Rika. "Call it a schoolgirl crush but I've always liked you a lot," she admitted.

"Rika-chan…"

"But, it's impossible," said Rika. "You fell in love with Rena."

"Yeah," nodded Shinichi, "And I don't regret it one bit."

"At least…at least can I pretend that we're…lovers?" asked Rika.

"Rika-chan…" he said diplomatically. His twin ahoge suddenly twitched. 'Danger!' He shouted, "Rika-chan, watch out!"

Kamen Rider Chrome: What's going on! Who's attacking! Well, find out in the conclusion next chapter!