Origins Chapter 1: Sumire x Ichiro
"Man, they look like they're having a good time," Sumire thought to herself as she leaned up against the wall of the gym, staring at her phone and taking a sip from her water bottle. She is currently the only one present in the gym as it's nighttime outside.
What she was looking at was a picture sent to her by her friends, who were currently on a road trip across Japan. They invited her to come along before they left, and if the red haired gymnast had her way, she'd be with them in a heartbeat. But she had already made a commitment to her passion in life; gymnastics. This week was the week of The International Gymnastics Tournament, which was being held in Tokyo this year, and Sumire knew she couldn't miss it, especially since this was her first time competing in an international competition.
Tomorrow was opening day for the competition, and young gymnasts from all around the globe gathered here to prove that they're the best at the sport. Sumire wanted to make sure that she was at the top of her game, so before turning in for the night, she went down to the gym for some last minute training.
"Well, let's get started," Sumire said to herself as she put her phone and water bottle down and walked over to the pull-up bar so she could start working on her upper body.
As Sumire began working out, someone else had entered the gym, having the same idea of getting some last minute training in before opening day for the tournament. This person was about 5'9'' in height and looked to be about the same age as Sumire, if about a few months younger than her. He had well groomed, medium-length black hair with brown eyes and a soul patch on his chin. The moment this young man entered the gym, he saw Sumire doing her pull-ups.
"Well, it seems I'm not the only one who had the bright idea to get some last minute training in tonight," The young man said, causing Sumire to stop her workout and let go of the pull-up bar to look at him.
"Hmm, what a handsome thing this one is," Sumire thought as he stared at the young man's toned form, "No, Sumire, you have to focus! You have a competition to train for tomorrow. Don't get lost in his dark locks, and those chocolate brown eyes, and that sexy soul patch…Gah! Focus!"
"I hope you don't mind if I train here," The young man said.
"Not at all," Sumire said with a blush, "Do whatever you want."
"Great," The young man said as he walked over to the pull-up bar next to Sumire's and started working on his upper body.
"Gah! Why does he have to work out right next to me," Sumire thought to herself, "He's trying to distract me with his good looks, I know it! Hey, wait a minute, he looks kind of familiar!"
As Sumire was thinking to herself, the young man was doing his pull ups and doing the exact same thing.
"Wow, what a cutie this one is," the young man thought to himself, "Oh! No, no Ichiro, you have to focus! You're not here to ogle girls! You're here to win! Still, there's something awfully familiar about this girl."
Sumire and Ichiro continued doing their pull ups until they felt they've worked enough on their respective upper bodies and they got down from their pull up bars.
"Excuse me," Ichiro asked, "But aren't you Sumire Yoshizawa?"
"The one and only," Sumire said with a smile as she stretched her muscles, "But what about you? Aren't you this new 'up and comer' I've been hearing so much about? Ichiro Tanaka?"
"That'd be me," Ichiro said proudly, "I take it my soul patch gave it away?"
"Kind of," Sumire said with a shrug, "So, you nervous for tomorrow."
"A little," Ichiro answered, "This is my first International Tournament after all."
"Mine too," Sumire said, "I guess we're in the same boat."
"Looks that way," Ichiro said, "But you know what I do whenever I get nervous? I just think of whatever brings me the most joy in life. For me, that's sitting by the lake where my family's lake house is located, sipping on a nice cold drink with my family or friends by my side."
"You have a lake house?" Sumire asked, impressed.
"Yes," Ichiro answered, "My father is a well known engineer around Japan. It's only natural that my family and I would come into some money. But enough about me, what is it that brings you the most joy in life?"
It's at this point when Sumire started thinking about her friends, the ones that people call the Phantom Thieves; Ren, Ryuji, Ann, Makoto, Futaba, Yusuke, Haru, and even Ren's pet cat Morgana.
"Truth be told, I'm happiest when I'm with my friends," Sumire answered, "It doesn't matter what we're doing as long as we're together. They just changed my life in so many positive ways."
"Friendship really is a valuable treasure," Ichiro said, "But there you go, tomorrow at opening day, just think about your friends, how much you care about them, and how much they care about you in return."
"Yeah, I'll do that," Sumire said, "What time do you go on anyway?"
Then, a brief moment of silence occurred. Sumire and Ichiro eyed each other up and down, taking in their physical attributes, and their thoughts are once again heard.
"Come on, Ichiro," Ichiro thought to himself, "Just ask Sumire out to dinner after the competition tomorrow. It doesn't have to be anything romantic, just two people talking shop over some good food. Just be careful she doesn't try and get in your head and play mind games so you mess up later in the competition."
"Oh God, Ichiro is a total hunk," Sumire thought to herself, "And I can tell by the way he's looking at me, he thinks I'm as hot as he is. Any minute he's going to ask me out, I just know it. And face it, Sumire, you're going to say yes. How often do hot guys like him talk to you anyway? Just relax. If or when he does ask you out, don't be rude. Accept the offer, don't be too romantic and don't expect romance from him in return. It is a first date after all, and rushing things is a big no-no. But if he does ask me out, what if it's some kind of ruse just to get in my head? No, calm down, Sumire, you're overthinking things."
After a while, Ichiro finally decided to speak, a nervous blush appearing on his face.
"So, listen," Ichiro said, "I don't know if you're doing anything after the competition tomorrow, but…would you like to go out to dinner with me? Nothing too fancy, I just want to get to know you better."
"For real?" Sumire asked.
"Yeah," Ichiro said, "You seem like a nice enough girl, and it'd be nice to make a new friend while I'm here. So, what do you say?"
"I think that sounds wonderful," Sumire said.
"Great," Ichiro said, "I assume you're staying at the same hotel I'm staying at during the competition?"
"The Festivity Inn (Holiday Inn)?" Sumire asked.
"Yup," Ichiro said with a nod, "What room are you staying in so I can pick you up?"
"Room 523," Sumire answered.
"Alright, I'll be there," Ichiro said with a smile, "How does six o'clock sound?"
"Six o'clock sounds perfect," Sumire answered.
"Then it's settled," Ichiro said, "I guess I'll see you then?"
"Yup," Said Sumire with a nod, "Catch you later."
"Bye, now," Ichiro said as he made his leave. Sumire stayed in the gym for another half hour before leaving as well. As she left, however, she got a text from Ryuji.
Ryuji: "My 'For Real' Senses just tingled. You didn't use my line again, did you?
Sumire: Deal with it! #sorrynotsorry.
The next day was the official start of the International Gymnastics Tournament. As expected, most of the other competitors absolutely dominated and astounded the judges with their performance. Both Ichiro and Sumire knew that they had some tough acts to follow, but they both followed Ichiro's advice, and they both envisioned the things that made them the happiest.
Sumire, of course, thought of her friends and how she couldn't wait to see them when they get back from their road trip…but she wanted them to see her with Ichiro by her side, regardless as to whether or not he'd be her boyfriend in this scenario. She imagined them liking Ichiro just as much as she does, and considering him a welcome part of their friend group.
Ichiro thought of chilling by the shore of the lake where his family's lake house is located. But he envisioned having Sumire there with him. He imagined the two of them watching the sunset over the lake as she rests her head on his shoulder and he lovingly strokes her dark red locks.
They both wouldn't admit it at this moment in time, but they were both falling for each other…hard.
Nevertheless, both Sumire and Ichiro used their respective 'happy places' as fuel to give off a good performance, and they both advanced to the next round. When they received news that they moved on to the next round, they couldn't help themselves from hugging each other.
After the first day of the competition, it was time for Sumire and Ichiro to get ready for their dinner together. They both threw on their best looking, but still casual, clothes and Ichiro went to Sumire's room to pick her up.
We then cut to an outdoor café type restaurant where Sumire and Ichiro are seen eating their respective dinner. With another round of gymnastics ahead of them the following day, they both ordered some onigiri as a means to carbo-load. As they waited for their food to arrive, Sumire and Ichiro talked about their interests and hobbies outside of gymnastics, where they go to school, and what their respective friend groups are like. It was in that conversation that Sumire learned that Ichiro also lived and attended school in Tokyo, meaning that when the tournament is over they can still hang out if they so wish. When their onigiri arrived, the two gymnasts continued their conversation as they ate. This time the subject was Ichiro's technique to battle anxiety.
"Your method to overcome nervousness works, Ichiro," Sumire said as she took a bite out of her onigiri.
"I've never seen it miss once," Ichiro said as he took a sip from his Monta, "So, Sumire, what can you tell me about yourself?"
"Why don't you tell me about yourself first," Sumire said.
"I guess I can do that," Ichiro said.
"What made you want to get into gymnastics," Sumire asked.
"I guess it all started when my folks enrolled me in the Tanuki Scouts," Ichiro began, "I was about nine years old at the time, and they thought my life needed some 'direction', so they enrolled me in the scouts in hopes that I can find something resembling a passion. When I learned about the merit badges we had to collect, I wasted no time in trying to get as many as I could. There was the Cooking Badge, the Marksman Badge, the Fishing Badge, the Tutoring Badge, there was a badge for everything imaginable in the Tanuki Scouts. But then I tried earning my Gymnastics Badge."
"Uh-huh," Sumire said, listening intently.
"I was already a pretty fit kid growing up," Ichiro continued, "So I managed to perform the moves and earn my badge with no problem at all. But here's the thing, I liked doing gymnastics so much that I kept doing it after I earned the Gymnastics Badge. Something about it just felt freeing to me, like I've never been more alive in my entire life. So, from that point on, I decided to dedicate my life to gymnastics. I'd watch gymnastics competitions on T.V, I'd stay after school and watch the team practice so I could pick up some new moves, and I even entered small-time competitions myself, and usually won them too. It got to the point that when I aged out of the Tanuki Scouts, I told my parents that I wanted to be a gymnast."
"How did your parents react?" Sumire asked.
"Well, my mom was thrilled that I found my passion in life," Ichiro said, "But my dad wasn't exactly at his happiest."
"What doesn't your dad like about gymnastics?" Sumire asked.
"He never really viewed gymnastics as a 'man's sport'," Ichiro explained, "He's really old-school like that. He'd try and push me to find a different sport, but I'd always come back to gymnastics. I don't know what his problem is. He knows I'm good at it. He sees how happy I am when I do it. Why can't he just get with the program and accept me for who I am?"
"I'm sorry to hear that, Ichiro," Sumire frowned.
"Thanks, Sumire," Ichiro said, "Anyway, it got to the point where my old man and I got into a heated argument one night, and now we're not on speaking terms. I'm not really too sure if things will be okay between us again."
"Yikes," Sumire said.
"Yeah, I took it upon myself to get a part-time job as a bagger at the grocery store so I can start earning my own money so that way I can save up enough to move out of that house when I turn 18," Ichiro continued, "My 18th birthday can't come soon enough, I'll tell you that."
"Part-time job, school, and gymnastics," Sumire said astonished, "When do you have time to sleep?"
"Don't worry about me, Sumire, I'm managing myself just fine. But your concern is very much appreciated," Ichiro said with a reassuring smile.
"I just can't believe your father doesn't want you to do gymnastics," Sumire said in disbelief, "My family always supported me and everything I wanted to do in my life."
"You're lucky," Ichiro said, "But you know something, Sumire, I'm going to use my dick of a dad as a learning experience. Take what he did in this particular situation and do the opposite. When I have kids, I'm going to be supportive and accept them for who they really are. I mean, obviously if they want to do something sordid with their lives like pornography, drugs, or terrorism, then clearly the answer would be 'no'. But, if they want to be an athlete, a cook, an actor, or whatever, I'm going to support him/her every step of the way."
"That's very big of you, Ichiro," Sumire smiled, "Learning from the mistakes your father made and making sure you don't do the same thing. That's very admirable indeed."
"I always try to be the best 'me' I could possibly be," Ichiro said, "Well, that's my life. What can you tell me about yours?"
"What would you like to know?" Sumire asked.
"Family's a good place to start," Ichiro said.
"Well," Sumire began, "My father is the director of the talk show 'Good Morning, Japan', and my twin sister Kasumi was a gymnast like me."
"What do you mean by 'was' if you don't mind me asking," Ichiro said, "Does she not compete anymore?"
"Well…no," Sumire said, her mood dampening a bit, "Let me explain. My sister Kasumi was a better gymnast than me, there was no doubt about that. She could remember the moves better, her reflexes were better. There's no other way to describe her, Kasumi was sublime."
"Your sister was better than you?" Ichiro asked, "Could've fooled me. Because as far as I'm concerned you're the best gymnast I've ever seen. I'd go so far as to say you're even better than me or most of the other competitors. But if she was so good, why did she quit?"
"She didn't quit," Sumire said, "She died."
"From what?" Ichiro said, his heart slowly breaking.
"Since I thought Kasumi was better than me in almost every possible way, I got depressed and felt worthless," Sumire explained, "It got to the point where I felt like she was the golden standard, and I just couldn't reach it. One day, after practice, I ran away from her out of aggravation, and I ended up running into oncoming traffic…Kasumi pushed me out of the way…but she ended up getting hit by a car in the process. She pretty much died on the spot."
"Oh my God," Ichiro said sadly as a tear rolled down his cheek, "Sumire, I'm so sorry. I…I didn't know…"
"Ichiro, it's fine," Sumire said, "There's nothing that can be done about it now. But after the ordeal, I became more depressed than I have been in my entire life, and I went to therapy sessions with Takuto Maruki in an attempt to overcome my depression."
"Maruki," went Ichiro, "Last I heard he was a cab driver. But that's neither here nor there, how did your meetings with him go?"
Wanting to hide her Phantom Thief identity as 'Violet' and not wanting Ichiro to freak out too much, Sumire responds with, "He used rather…interesting tactics to say the least. And these tactics made me believe that I was Kasumi."
"So kind of like 'brainwashing'?" Ichiro asked.
"That's one way to put it, yes," Sumire answered, "But lucky for me, I had the friends I met at Shujin Academy to help me remember who I really am and to also help me accept and move past my sister's death. If it weren't for them, I don't even want to think about where I would be now."
"You know what they say," Ichiro said, "We all get by with a little help from our friends. But from the sound of things, it looks like neither of us have had a 'perfect upbringing'."
"And that's okay," Sumire said, "Like you said, our rough upbringings will inspire us to be better people. Sure, it may hurt a little when we think about it, but pain is all about a part of life, right?"
"That's one way to look at it, yes," Ichiro said.
Ichiro and Sumire weren't sure what to say next. They both had some rather depressing stories to tell about their home lives, and they weren't sure what to say to each other to lighten the mood. It was at that moment when Ichiro thought of something to lift their spirits.
"Want to hear something funny," Ichiro asked, catching Sumire's attention, "Why can't you hear a pterodactyl go to the bathroom?"
"Why?" Sumire asked.
"Because the 'P' is silent," Ichiro said.
In a matter of seconds, Sumire was left giggling at Ichiro's corny joke.
"Did anyone ever tell you that you have a cute laugh," Ichiro asked.
"Oh, stop," Sumire giggled, "You're making me blush, you silly guy."
"Anyway, about the friends that helped you out," Ichiro said as Sumire's laughter died down, "They sound pretty cool. You think I can meet them someday?"
"Sure," Sumire said, "I'm sure they'd love to have you around. I know we've only known each other for a short time and this is, for lack of a better term, only our first date, but you seem like a really great guy. You're not afraid to be open, you know your way around a joke, and you just seem like a total sweetheart."
"Oh, now you're making me blush," Ichiro said, his cheeks turning red, "And I couldn't help but notice you said 'first date'. Does this mean you'd be open to go out on more dates with me?"
"Of course," Sumire responded, "I feel like I can be myself when I'm around you, you know?"
"I feel the same way," Ichiro said, "Anyway, what did you have in mind for a second date?"
"Well, I'm interested in seeing that Sword Sprinter movie (Blade Runner)," Sumire answered, "What do you say? After the competition tomorrow, you want to have a date at the movies, just you and me?"
"I'd love to," Ichiro said.
"Ichiro Tanaka, I think this is the start of a beautiful relationship," Sumire said as she raised her can of Monta, "To us."
"Here, here," Ichiro concurred as they bumped their soda cans together and took a sip from them.
After their dinner together, Ichiro dropped Sumrie back off at her room at the Festivity Inn before retiring to his own room. Safe and sound in her own room, Sumire decided to get ready for bed, but not before she answered a text from her friends. The conversation from their group chat was as follows:
Ann: How's the competition going?
Sumire: I advanced to the next round! *Smiley face emoji*
Yusuke: Congratulations! We never doubted you for a second.
Sumire: That's not all. I met someone!
Ann: Good for you! Give us the deets! How does he look on a scale of 1-10?
Sumire: 9.5/10 *flame emojis*. Even better, he's one of the coolest people I've ever met.
Ryuji: Even cooler than me?
Sumire: By a wide margin. Anyway, he wants to meet you guys once the competition wraps up at the end of the week.
Ren: If he's as cool as you say he is, we can't wait to meet him.
Sumire: You guys are going to love him! When do you guys think your road trip is going to be over?
Makoto: Probably in a few weeks. But when we return, you bet we're all meeting up at Leblanc so we can meet this Ichiro guy.
Sumire: Can't wait! Going to bed now, miss you guys!
Ann: We miss you too. Night. *Snoring emoji*
With her friends properly kept in the loop, Sumire brushed her teeth, changed into a pair of pajamas, and promptly went to sleep.
The rest of the week proceeded as normal. Sumire and Ichiro continued competing in the events until the final results were in at the end of the week. When the dust settled, Sumire won first place in the Female Division while Ichiro won first place in the Male Division. The two gymnasts accepted their trophies with pride and they hugged each other knowing that they're leaving the competition not only with shining proof of their respective victories, but also their friendship, soon to be potential romance.
Over the next few weeks until her friends returned from their trip around Japan, Sumire and Ichiro began hanging out more and more, learning even more about each other, practicing gymnastics moves, and of course going on even more dates. With each date, the bond between the two gymnasts just grew stronger and stronger. As their bond strengthened, Ichiro felt comfortable enough to introduce Sumire to some of his family and friends.
Ichiro introduced Sumire to his mother, who was very happy that her son had made a new friend while he was at Internationals, when the three of them went out for lunch together. She didn't meet Ichiro's father, however, as he was away on a business trip, but given what Ichiro had told Sumire about him, it was probably for the best. After that, Ichiro took Sumire to the laser tag arena that he frequents so he could introduce her to his friends. Ichiro's friend group consisted of him, two other boys and two girls. Most of this friend group were fellow gymnasts of Ichiro's with one of the other boys being more interested in soccer. His friends took a shine to Sumire and they all had a good time playing laser tag and going out for pizza afterwards.
Since Ichiro introduced Sumire to some of the most important people in his life, Sumire thought it was only fair to introduce him to the most important people in her's. She invited Ichiro over to her house one evening for dinner and desperately wanted to make a good impression, especially for someone as held in such high regard as Shinichi Yoshizawa. When he got to the Yoshizawa Residence, Ichiro made sure to mind his manners, listen whenever someone was talking and only speak when addressed, and give just the right amount of compliments to Sumire and her family, not too much so they don't think he's a kiss ass, but not too little so they don't think he's aloof.
The dinner was a success! Shinichi and his wife both agree that Ichiro is a fine young man to be hanging around their daughter, and Sumire's grandmother even says that she sees marriage in their future, causing the two gymnasts to blush. During the dinner, however, when asked about his home life, Ichiro told Sumire's parents and grandmother about his situation with his father. Fortunately, Shihichi liked Ichiro enough that before he left, he told him that 'The Yoshizawa's door is always open to him if he needs to get away for a while'.
And of course, Sumire and Ichiro went on a countless number of dates to many different locations; restaurants, movie theaters, arcades, batting cages, museums, or even simple training sessions at the local gym.
About two days before Sumire's friends were said to return from their road trip, Ichiro felt that they had gone on enough dates and they had hung out long enough for him to ask her to be his girlfriend.
So, one night, Ichiro took Sumire to the carnival where they'd show a fireworks display when night came. Ichiro planned to ride the ferris wheel with Sumire around the time the fireworks started, and he even paid the ride operator to stop the ride when their capsule reached the top of the wheel so they could have a perfect view of the fireworks. During the fireworks, that'd be when Ichiro would ask Sumire to be his girlfriend.
The plan went off without a hitch, and by the end of the night, Sumire and Ichiro were an item, and Sumire couldn't wait to tell her friends the news when they came home in two days.
Two days later, Sumire's friends finally came home from their road trip, and they invited the red haired gymnast to Cafe Leblanc so they could congratulate her on her victory (she showed them a picture of her and her trophy via through group text) and so they could meet Ichiro face-to-face. Sumire was excited to see her friends again after so long, and Ichiro was very excited to finally meet the friends that he had heard so much about from his new girlfriend.
That afternoon when the gymnast couple made it to Cafe Leblanc, Ichiro opened the door for his girlfriend like the kind young man he was, and when Sumire stepped inside, she was met with cheers from her Phantom Thief allies and Sojiro.
"There's the gymnast champ!" Ryuji cheered.
"Congratulations on your victory, Sumire," Haru said with a smile.
"Aw, thanks guys," Sumire said, grateful to have such amazing friends in her life. She looked around to see a buffet table with Sojiro's famous curry, different types of coffee, and for dessert, a delicious cake that Ren had baked. Written on the cake in violet colored frosting was 'Congratulations, Sumire!' Furthermore, hung up in the cafe, was a banner that read 'Sumire is #1!'.
"This party looks great," Sumire said, "But before we get started, there's someone I want you guys to meet."
Sumire stepped aside so that Ichiro could step forward and look upon her group of friends.
"Everyone, I want you to meet Ichiro Tanaka," Sumire said, "My boyfriend."
"Hey, guys," Ichiro said as he held up the peace sign, "What's up?"
"Nothing much, what's up with you," Ryuji said as he shook the raven haired gymnast's hand, "You look exactly like how Sumire described you."
"Judging by those dyed blonde locks, I'm guessing you're Ryuji," Ichiro said, "I heard about you."
"Didn't know I had a fan club," Ryuji said jokingly.
"Actually, Sumire told me a lot about you guys," Ichiro said as he walked over to the rest of the group, starting with Ren, "You must be Ren?"
"Yes I am," Ren said as he shook Ichiro's hand, "Sumire tells me you're quite the talented gymnast."
"I didn't win first place in the Male's Division of the tournament this year through sheer luck," Ichiro said, "From what I hear you can make a nice cup of coffee, and you're an even better cook to boot."
"I have Sojiro to thank for that," Ren said as Sojiro waved at Ichiro.
"So you're Sojiro," Ichiro asked the older gentleman as he looked around at the cafe, "This is a nice place you have here. Very cozy."
"Thank you," Sojiro said as Ichiro introduced himself to the rest of the group, continuing with Futaba.
"You must be Futaba?" Ichiro asked.
"Yeah," Futaba said as a small blush came to her face, "Wow, Sumire, your boyfriend is even hotter in person."
"Sorry to disappoint, but my heart belongs to Sumire," Ichiro said, "But I appreciate the compliment."
Next, Ichiro went over to Makoto.
"Makoto, right?" Ichiro asked.
"That's right," Makoto answered.
"From what I hear you're the brains of the group," Ichiro said.
"Yup," Makoto said, "If it weren't for me, I don't know where these guys would end up."
Hearing that made Ichiro chuckle as he moved on to Ann.
"Are you Ann?" Ichiro asked.
"That's me," Ann said happily.
"Sumire did say you were the 'looks' of the group," Ichiro said, "You have a knack for fashion, right?"
"That's right," Ann answered, "I have dreams of modeling and designing my own line of clothing one day."
"Interesting," Ichiro said, "Maybe you give me some fashion tips the next time I go on a date with Sumire."
"I'd like that," Ann said as Ichiro moved on to Yusuke.
"Ah, and this must be Yusuke," Ichiro said.
"Pleasure to finally meet you, Ichiro," Yusuke said.
"From what I hear you're quite the talented artist," Ichiro said.
"I'm not one to brag, but yes I am," Yusuke said before pointing at the Sayuri painting, "I like to think I got all my artistic qualities from my mother. She painted that painting over there that you see now."
"It looks so beautiful," Ichiro said in awe.
"Thank you," Yusuke thanked the gymnast, "I hope I can someday be half as good an artist as her."
"Well good luck to you, my friend," Ichiro said as he moved on to the last member of the group, Haru.
"And you must be Haru," Ichiro said.
"Yes," Haru said sweetly, "It's finally nice to meet you."
"From what I hear you really like coffee," Ichiro said.
"It's practically my lifeblood," Haru joked, "The coffee here is especially delicious if you want to try some."
Haru went to the buffet table and grabbed the gymnast a cup of coffee.
"I don't know how you usually like your coffee," Haru said as she handed Ichiro his cup.
"I'm not picky," Ichiro said as he blew the steam away from his cup and took a sip. His eyes widened and he let out an intrigued but delighted noise as he drank, "This coffee really is delicious. My compliments to the brewer."
"Sojiro brewed this batch," Ren said, "But I can always brew you one of my own one day if you wish."
"That'd be swell," Ichiro said.
"Hey, don't overlook me," Morgana said as he hopped up on a table, catching Ichiro's attention. (Since Ichiro had not been to the Metaverse, when Morgana talked, all the gymnast heard was aggravated mewing)
"Oh, what a cute little cat," Ichiro said as he started to gently pet the cat on the head, causing Morgana to purr softly.
"Yeah, he's my pet," Ren said, "Meet Morgana."
"Morgana, huh?" Ichiro said as he continued to pet the cat, "I like that name. It's very unique."
"Well Sumire," Sojiro said as he turned to the red haired gymnast, "Ichiro really is a fine young man."
"I know," Sumire said as he dreamily stared at her boyfriend socializing with all of her friends; they've clearly taken a shine to him just as he has to them, "He's perfect!"
Ichiro then walked back over to his girlfriend.
"I've gotta say, Sumire, you've got quite the awesome batch of friends. Dare I say they're even cooler than my own friends," Ichiro said before becoming bashful, "Uh, don't tell my friends I said that, especially Chikao, he can get jealous sometimes."
"Don't worry, babe, your secret's safe with me," Sumire said as she ran her fingers through his hair. In response to that, Ichiro gave Sumire a kiss on her cheek, causing her face to turn as red as her hair.
"Aw, how adorable," Ryuji teased as he, and the rest of the group, saw their little public display of affection, "But last I checked, don't we have a party to be a part of?"
In response to that, everyone cheered.
"That's more like it!" Ryuji said as he turned to Ren, "Ren, put on some tunes!"
On a table was a radio that Ren had turned on. Upon pressing the power button, 'Mastermind of Passion' (Genius of Love) came out blasting, and everyone started to dance.
"What you gonna do when you get out of jail?" Ann sang.
"I'm gonna have some fun!" Futaba sang.
"What do you consider fun?" Ryuji sang.
"Fun, natural fun!" Ren sang.
That's how the rest of the day went. Everyone just danced and listened to music, ate some delicious food, and got to learn more about Ichiro.
All in all, today was a good day for both Sumire and Ichiro. Sumire got to reunite with her friends after being away from them for so long, and Ichiro not only got to finally meet the people he's heard so much about from his girlfriend, but they also took a liking to him from the get go. If it weren't for a chance encounter at the gym, neither of the two gymnasts would be feeling the amount of joy that they are feeling right now.
This was truly a day that neither of them will ever forget.