[May 28th, Shibuya station]

Today's the day, the day of the date. Even though for 99% of people, it's just a normal Saturday like normal, but for Akira… It's a whole different story.

Right now, amidst the blazing sun hanging above his head, Akira stood outside of the station and hid behind the shadow cast by the green empty train replica. Wearing a t-shirt below a second opened square shirt, and a pair of trousers, he let his blue headphone hang around his neck, alongside the messenger he brought.

Even though he seemed calm and steady, in reality… it couldn't be any further from the truth.

"Okay, movie ticket, check. Spare money for food and other stuff, check. Clothes, check…" Keep double-checking everything on and in his pocket, the amateur writer Tried his best to keep calm. However, as each second passed, it seemed more and more like the opposite instead.

"And remember, confession is during sunset, in the park…"

Nodding to himself, he rested his hands inside his trousers' pocket. As the memory of the last few days' worths of planning kept replaying again and again in his mind.

However, before the said memory could go anywhere, a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around him from behind. And it took Akira all of his self-control to not scream like a little girl right here and now.

"Surprise hug!" Giggling, the owner of those arms, which was Shiho, peeked over his shoulder with a bright smile. "Huh, I guess it works splendidly to you, from the look on your face."

"R-really?" Shocked and annoyed at his own sudden voice crack, the amateur writer shook his head and tried to keep his calm. "N-no, of course not."

"You ain't fooling anyone, Akira," Releasing her arms, she sidestepped and stood before him, her hands behind her back. "Anyway, where is our first stop?"

Akira was just about to answer her when he noticed what she was wearing. It was similar to the same outfit she picked whenever she wasn't wearing the school uniform. A white windbreaker over another white t-shirt with the word 'Swan' written on it, with a pair of hot pants that might have shown a bit too much of her toned legs.

Thankfully, he was able to snap out of his trance within five seconds.

"First stop, huh…" Trailing off, Akira dug into his bag and pulled out two movie tickets, with the title of 'If Cats Disappeared from the World'. "Well, I got us movies, but there's still an hour until the showing. So… let's get something to eat first?"

"Sure, I'm starving right now," As if responding to her words, Shiho's stomach growled. And she blushed. "…O-oops, it just had to come right now, huh?"

"Well, it does get the point across," Chuckling to himself, the amateur writer offered his hand to her. "Now, shall we go and find something to eat now, m'lady?"

Surprised by how he just called her, Shiho stayed silent for a moment. "What's with your sudden manner change," She blinked, but still took his hand with hers. "But I like it."

"Well, I guess I want to change it up," Akira shrugged, trying his best to act like it was nothing. "Anyway, let's not waste any more time, shall we?"

With a smile, Shiho nodded and lightly squeezed his hand. And the two went on their way to their first stop of the day. However, the memories of a few days ago still surfaced inside Akira's mind…

[May 26th (two days ago), Shujin's Canteen]

"Congratulations, senpai!"

Seeing how excited and happy Kasumi was for him, Akira couldn't help but blush from the immense embarrassment. At least no one seemed to hear her, not that she was that loud in the first place.

"I-I know, just that…" Trailing off, the amateur writer couldn't help but sigh. "I don't really know how to say it, but it feels like… I'm in a constant state of near-nervous breakdown."

"Why? Shouldn't you be excited?"

"I am, just… it's my first date," With slight embarrassment, Akira looked aside, his head slowly sinking between his arms. "I don't want to screw it up… but… I haven't thought of anything to do in the date"

Blinked, Kasumi just stared at him with a shocked look. "…Wait, you still haven't thought of anything?!" Even though she was loud enough to attract any attention from other students, it was still loud enough to scare Akira.

"I-I know, but it's… things had been busy for the last few days," Recounting the last two big battles, the amateur writer only sighed in disappointment, disappointment on himself not putting thought into it. As he buried his head on the table and in his arms. "I really should've thought of something…"

"Then stop whining and start thinking, senpai," Kasumi deadpanned, tapping his head with her chopsticks. "Sitting here is just wasting your time, I can try to help you."

"Thanks, Kasumi…" Akira murmured. "Also, you're getting your saliva in my hair, it's disgusting."

"I know, that's why I'm poking you from the other end."

"Oh," Running his hand through his hair, the senpai of this table sat up and sighed again. "Anyway, then… first, movies, right?"

"The basic of the basic, so definitely," The gymnast nodded, taking out her phone and seemed to be searching online. "I can help you look for movies online as well-"

"No, it's fine," Cutting in her sentence, Akira shook his head. "Actually, I do a movie that I've been excited to see. Maybe I can watch it with Shiho…"

"Cool! What's the movie's name?"

"'If Cats Disappear from the World', it's… adapting from a novel I really liked back then," He said, looking away and finding himself somewhat struggling for his words. "I don't know whether it's suitable for a date though… maybe something like a romantic comedy would fit the bill?"

"Unfortunately, there's no romance movie airing right now…" Giving out a long breath, Kasumi showed him her phone. "If only you took her to a date last week, then you two can watch 'Spike!'."

And she was right.

"Oh… bummer," Sighing, Akira ran his hand through his hair. "Then I'll buy the tickets after school, goes straight to the cinema and-"

"And prepare a lot of tissue for her too," The gymnast chimed in, stopping him in mid-sentence as she continued to research with her phone. "From the review online, it seems like a real tear-jerker."

"Yeah, I know," Akira nodded as if it was old news for him. "I read the book when it was publishing its hard copies, and I cried myself to sleep for a week straight."

"Really?"

"As much as how embarrassing it is, yes,"Nodding with a faint blush on his cheeks, the amateur writer looked away. "And well, after what happened, I feel that story… resonate more with me."

"I guess it's just that after I saved Shiho back then, I was reminded of a quote from that book," He continue, feeling a sad smile crept to his face along with his memories. "'Humans tend to regret the life they never had, the choices they never made'… and I don't want to give myself any chance for regret…"

Trailing off, an aura of awkward silence falls between the two. "…T-that was unexpected," Kasumi said, sweatdropped. "I didn't expect you to have some kind of confession or things like it…"

"Sorry 'bout that, I can go on to rambling if I-"

"It's certainly fine, but you better save this up for Suzui-senpai instead," Interrupting him, the gymnast deadpanned. "Now back on the matters in our hand, since this movie is a tear-jerker… you two should eat something beforehand."

"…Yeah, you have a point there-"

"Of course it is, senpai," Upholding the said deadpanned look, Kasumi leaned forward in her seat. "I don't want to say this, but you can be both the smartest and the dumbest person, that's frustrating to deal with."

"Well, I guess that's what they called 'blinded by love', hehe," Cringing at his own attempt of comedy, Akira slumped down again and rest his hand on the table. "I'm making it worse, right?"

"…No offense, but that'd be an understatement."

"I know… just let's move on about things after the movie…"

[Back on the date, Ore No Beko]

"Thanks for the food!"

With their hands clasped together, Akira and Shiho wasted no time before digging into the beef bowls sitting before them. If anyone was wondering, this was Shiho's idea to eat here.

Moaning in delight, Shiho paused and stared at the beef bowl, her eyes seemed to be sparkling. "Man, it never gets old!" She exclaimed, which surprisingly didn't attract the attention of other customers. "Whoever invented beef bowl, I love you!"

"I wouldn't say this far, but the beef bowl is definitely gift from heaven," Akira chuckled, digging more into the beef bowl itself. "But hey, at least they improved this time, they toned it down."

"Oh right, you did mention the seasoning's too much," She said, as an idea popped up in her mind. "Hey, actually… What's the movie about?"

"That's a sudden change of topic," Blinking in slight surprise, the amateur writer cleared his throat, and let his author-side show. "Well, I'll keep it brief since we're about to watch it. But… it is about life and death, and memories on every little object we have."

"…That sounds a bit heavy," Shiho said, tugging a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, that'd be one hell of a movie to watch on a date."

"Yeah… on second thought, it is kinda inappropriate…" Trailing off, Akira rubbed the back of his neck out of awkwardness. "And it might be a bit too selfish on my department, since I should ask you what you want to see before buying the tickets…"

"No, it's fine," Reassuring, Shiho leaned closer to her date. "At least I can know more about you from watching what you like. Besides, now I'm curious why would you see this movie."

Speechless, Akira hastily collected his thought and nodded. "Thanks for understanding…" He said, hastily changing his topic to the question she just asked. "But well, it's based on a novel I liked a lot, and Satoh Takeru is starring in this movie too. So at least it wouldn't be bad."

"Didn't know you're this researched on actors, Akira," The volleyball player smiled, finally giving the beef bowl a bit more attention.

"Well, it's because he starred in Kamen Rider Den-O before, and him playing five different characters is a big task," Akira answered, shrugging. "It's Shinji's second favorite Tokusatsu show of all time after Kamen Rider W, and I basically was forced to watch it all with him. Not that I didn't like it."

"Oh… So that's why." Nodding to herself, Shiho chuckled. "But if only our date is a week earlier… then we might be seeing 'Spike!' instead…"

"You mean that romance movie about volleyball?"

"Yeah, that one," She nodded, taking a sip of the green tea sitting next to her beef bowl. "I never told anyone about it, but… I read the manga when I was an elementary student… and that's how I got into volleyball."

In response, Akira just blinked in surprise. Not because she just told him something this personal, but for something else. "…Wait, so your passion… come from a romance manga?"

"D-don't judge me, I-I'm a kid back then!" Feeling her cheeks heated up from embarrassment, Shiho pouted.

"I'm not judging you, it's just… really adorable," Smiling at her reaction to his words, Akira leaned a bit closer to her. "It's rare to see you like this, and I love it."

Speechless, the volleyball player just looked away, as her blush intensified. "…Idiot…"

Feeling his smile widen, Akira couldn't help but took out his phone and captured this moment of her. Just like last time they were sitting here, and she did the same thing to him. Oh, how the table had turned…

However, as he put down the phone and further examined Shiho's features, something else occupied his mind. Maybe he did notice this before, or not. But right now, her lips seemed so kissable.

Shocked by the said thought passed through his mind, Akira hastily snapped out of it and shook his head. However, another idea popped up in his mind instead. Be a bit bolder, flirt with her like something out of a romance movie…

However, the time displayed on his phone said otherwise. And it was clear that… it's close to the showing of that movie, and they really should finish their beef bowl now.

"Oh uh… it's 11:38 now, we should finish our beef bowl before it's too late."

"Really?!" Eyes widened in surprise, Shiho immediately picked up her spoon and started digging through the beef bowl before her.

"Y-you can be a bit slower on that, there's still like 20 minutes left…" Sweatdropping, the amateur writer also finished his beef bowl. "But oh, I brought extra tissue too, in case we both started crying during the movie."

Surprised again, the volleyball player stopped her figging into the beef bowl and staring at him. "Wait, it's a tear-jerker?!"

"Yeah, I read the book before, and… I came prepared."

"Oh man… we're going to cry our way out of the theatre, aren't we?"

And they did exactly that.

After the movie started playing for like thirty minutes, both of them were straight-up weeping in their seats. And they did use up the first two packs of tissue fairly quickly, and now they were forced to be conservative for the remainder of the entire film.

It was a hard task for both of them to do so, but who would want to wipe their tears and… other stuff on their sleeves? Especially on a date out of all things. Even if they shared the same feeling here.

Sniffing and wiping her tear, Shiho found herself struggling to even get a word out from her mouth. "T-that was…" Taking in a deep breath, it took all of her to not burst into tears again. "Oh god, the part about his parents… why is everything so unfair?"

"I know… and I thought the book was tear-jerking enough…" Sniffing his nose, Akira took out his last piece of tissue and wiped his nose. "Man, what a good movie…"

"T-the part about his parents are just…" Feeling a new wave of tears threatening to burst through, Shiho hastily took a few deep breaths and calmed herself down. "N-no, calm yourself, Suzui Shiho… C'mon…"

"It's fine, it took me a week when I read the book," Patting her shoulder, Akira took out another piece of tissue from a pack in her hand. And helped her sniff her nose. "Here, feeling better?"

"Y-yeah…" Nodding, the volleyball player took another deep breath and calmed herself down. "…Thanks for that, Akira…"

"It's nothing big, don't thank me for that," He smiled, throwing the tissues away in a nearby trash can inside the cinema. "And oh, I… I know it's out of the blue, but…"

As Akira trailed off into silence, his gaze turned away from Shiho. And that act alone made her blush, as implications and possible outcomes surfaced in her mind at record speed. Was this gonna be his confession, out of the blue and right after their movie? From all the signs she noticed right now, it did seem that way…

However, the next few words that came out of his mouth surprised her.

"But would you like to go to Akibahara with me? I have something for you, and… yeah."

Still in a state of surprise from her subverted expectation, Shiho froze for a short while. "Uh… something for me?"

"Yeah, like a gift of some sort," Rubbing the back of his neck with clear awkwardness, Akira looked away. "I know it's really out of the blue, and not really planned…"

"But that's fine, Akira," With a smile, Shiho rest her arms behind her back and blushed. "Thanks for doing it for me, and going this far…"

"You should save the thanks after seeing what I have in store for you…"

"Keeping the suspense, huh?" As she found her mood changed abruptly from shy to teasing, Shiho just leaned a bit closer to him. "That's…"

"That's a great idea!"

Nodding with a bright smile, Kasumi rubbed her chin as she thought more into it. "So a gift that's totally unique, and just for her…"

"Well, I wouldn't say it's totally unique," Rubbing the back of his neck, Akira just looked away in slight embarrassment. "But yeah, it's pretty close. And… let's hope Shiho would like it."

"Of course it would!" She exclaimed, as a conviction clear within her eyes. "I'm sure of it."

"But it's just a pair of headphones, and…" Trailing off, the amateur writer just gave out a long breath. "Shiho isn't like me, she wouldn't have it around her all day-"

"It's still a gift from you, that's what matters," Deadpanned, Kasumi leaned back and crossed her arms. "Even if she doesn't find any use of it, I'm sure that Suzui-senpai would still treasure the headphone from you."

As much as Akira wanted to say otherwise, Kasumi was making sense. Even if she didn't know Shiho as much as him, but… she's right. Shiho wasn't someone who would just throw away something by him.

Call it a hunch, an intuition of his, but it still gave the reassurance he needed.

"You have a point there, Kasumi," Nodding, Akira took out his phone and scrolled through his context, eventually landing on Fuuka's number. "And okay, I'll ask a friend of mine to see if she can make one in two days… She has a store, after all."

"But… you can just buy it for her, Senpai," Confused, Kasumi tilted her head and blinked. "I don't think you'd need to ask your friend to make one or something…"

"…I just want to give her something that can't be bought, something special," He expressed, running his hand through his now messy hair. "But if my friend doesn't have time to make it, I would buy something, and write something to make it unique…"

"That sounds cheap as hell though," Shaking his head, Akira just sighed.

"Yeah… it's a BIT cheap…" Eyes widened, Kasumi hastily shook her head and put on a smile. "But look on the bright side, it'd still be something to remember this date! Like, after you two finally cross that line and become a couple-"

"That's a bit too far ahead, Kasumi," Interrupting her, the amateur writer ran his hand through his hair again. "But… you're right, no matter what, we're gonna have something to remember for."

"Now we're on the right track then," Widening the said smile, the gymnast tilted her head in slight curiosity. "Speaking of which, about your friend… where's the store?"

"Oh, the store. It's over at-"

[Akibahara]

Upon arriving at the destination Akira was bringing her, Shiho found herself staring at the store before her. It wasn't any kind of souvenir shop, but a computer store called 'Juno Computers'. And from how it looked, it was just like any other computer shop she had come across.

Leading Shiho and entering the said shop, Akira watched as she looked around with curiosity. "So… care to do a little spoiler and tell me what's the gift is?" She said with a cheeky smile, right onto Akira's weakness toward her.

Thankfully, he tried and succeed in keeping his secrets, and not falling for her cuteness. "I'm afraid not, it's right around the corner, after all."

"Meanie."

"Sorry… can't ruin the suspense, after all," With an apologetic smile, Akira turned to the counter and greeted someone. "Long time no see, Fuuka-san."

Sitting behind the counter and with her face hidden by the computer monitors, Shiho was expecting someone in her 30s at the lowest. Just like the owner of Untouchable back in Shibuya. However, as the 'Fuuka-san' stood up from her seat, she was… surprised, to say the least.

Standing before them was a girl in her 20s, as her shoulder-length teal-blue hair tired into a braided ponytail and rest on her shoulder. And not only that, she was wearing round-framed glasses, as the white frame complimented her white dress.

"We just met a few days ago, it wasn't that long," Giggling, Fuuka shifted her eyes and noticed Shiho behind Akira. "And oh, you must be Shiho! Nice to meet you!"

"You know me?"

The owner of the store nodded. "Akira told me about you when he was asking me to make the headphon-" Stopping in mid-sentence, she turned to Akira with a cheeky smile. "Oh right, I shouldn't ruin the surprise for you, just wait a sec."

With that said, Fuuka turned into the backroom and left her counter, leaving the two alone in the store.

"So uh… this is Fuuka-san, one of the people I used to live with," Awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, Akira turned over and saw the shocked look on Shiho. "Uh… Shiho?"

"She's… she looks so young!"

"Well, she only graduated college two years ago," He nodded.

"Oh, no wonder why…" Trailing off, Shiho pondered for a long moment before turning back to him. "But wait, the people you used to live with?"

"Oh right, yeah, I should explain that," Feeling his cheek heated up with embarrassment, Akira ran his hand through his hair. "So I… I lost my family when I was young, and my cousin took me in and let me live in the dorm building she was living in for a year. And Fuuka-san was one of the dormmate."

"And by my cousin, I meant Mitsuru."

Eyes widened, the volleyball player left her mouth hanging open for a moment, and a million through flew in her mind. "I… I"m sorry to hear that, it must be-"

"No! It's fine, I… it's been years since they… since they left this world," Even though he was trying to give her a reassuring smile, Akira could still feel a hint of ache in the bottom of his heart. "And to be honest, this is probably my first time telling this to anyone too, other than my old dorm-mates."

"But this… this is something big, and you're so casual…"

"Not everything has to be a big deal, after all," Upholding his reassuring smile, the amateur writer paused and realized… he was derailing this conversation and into something that definitely didn't belong in a date. "…Sorry to drag the mood down, I was just going to uh… let you know a bit more about me."

"…It's fine, Akira," Returning the same smile to him, Shiho walked a bit closer to him and held his hand, squeezing it lightly. "I… I guess I now know more about you than everyone else, and I'm the special one."

"U-uh… you can say that…"

Trailing off, Akira and Shiho just… found themselves lost in each other's gazes. Maybe it's the implication within her words, but Akira had a passing thought at that moment. He could just lean forward and closed the gap between their lips.

Even though his conscious told him to reject this passing through and cast it to the shadow realm, he found his body slowly leaning toward her. And instead of backing away, Shiho just closed her eyes and mirrored his action.

And their lips were mere millimeters apart-

Unfortunately, Fuuka emerged from her room right with a wrapped box as the silence was about to go on for too long. As she froze at the sight of them holding hands, standing so close that it might just be a kiss.

"Awkward…" Blinked, she coughed and snapped them back into reality. "Shouldn't your first kiss be somewhere more memorable? This store is nothing special…"

Eyes widened, the two both took a step away from each other, their cheek covered with a deep shade of crimson. "U-uh… I-I… Yeah, it's a bit too early…"

"Akira's right…" Shiho agreed, casting her gaze onto the box in Fuuka's hand. Even though it was nothing special, just a normal-looking black box, it still intrigued her. "But uh… that's the gift?"

"Yep, here it is," Nodding, Fuuka placed the box on the counter and slid it toward Akira. "And you should be thanking Alibaba for this to happen, Akira."

"Alibaba who?"

"A regular customer of mine," Fuuka said, as the amateur writer took the box from the counter. "She said it's alright to delay her headpho- her order to give me time to make this."

"I'll make sure to thank her when I meet her then," With that said, Akira turned back to Shiho and handed the box to her. "And uh… as awkward as this could be, but here it is. My gift for you."

Replicating the same awkwardness in this room, Shiho just nodded slowly and took the box from his hand. "Thanks, Akira…" With a wry smile, she opened the box and took a look inside. "…Wow…"

It was a headphone, the same headphone that Akira was wearing on his neck right now, and the only difference was the color. Instead of being jet black, it was snowy white. Actually, it seemed like the same shade of white as her Metaverse outfit.

"I know it's just a headphone, and nothing too valuable, but…" Trailing off, Akira's hand kept rubbing the back of his neck out of nervousness. However, he still kept going. "It's custom-made by Fuuka-san here, so…"

"So it's just for me," Finishing for him, Shiho took the headphone from the box and wrapped it around her neck. "And it pairs with the one on Akira's neck."

"Yep, there are only two 'Juno's Special' headphones, and it's in both of your hands now," Fuuka nodded, leaning on the counter and resting her chin on her palm. "Please, take care of them."

Shiho stayed silent for a moment, and her gaze shifted and locked onto Akira before her. Without another word, she pulled him into a tight hug. "Thank you, Akira…" She muttered, burying her face into his chest.

Surprised and shocked, Akira gulped and hesitantly returned the hug. And trying his best to ignore the mother-like smile emerging on Fuuka's face, which was proven hard to do so. Thankfully, Shiho broke her hold soon after with a bright smile.

"I… I'll treasure it, one thousand percent," She said, wrapping the headphone around her neck like Akira.

With her smile widened, Fuuka gestured to the store's front door. "Now, lovebirds, I don't think my store is a suitable place to stay on a date," She said, as the duo standing before her blushed in unison. "You two still have a full day to spend, don't spend it here."

"Y-yeah," Exchanging a look with Akira and nodding with each other, Shiho grabbed a hold of his hand. "Sorry for bothering you for this long, Fuuka-san, we'll get going."

"I'm totally fine, just remember to visit more often!" Watching as the two not-yet-couple left the store, hand in hand, Fuuka kept the smile on before she took out her phone. And she opened the group chat for all of the old SEES members.

"Everyone's gonna have a field day teasing him…" She chuckled.

After the visit (and shenanigans) to Fuuka's store, the duo continued and decided to have some fun in Akibahara. And before long, they found themselves in front of a chibi doll store.

"Custom chibi dolls… It seems fun," Shiho said, casting a smile and turning to Akira next to him. "Wanna check it out?"

"Sure."

Hand in hand, the two stepped inside and found themselves in a store that reminded them of Untouchable. Just that instead of model guns and weapons, it was rows after rows of chibi dolls. And the bright lighting from above created a wholly different vibe as well, alongside the… pink-colored wall around them.

"Uh… It definitely looks the part," Akira commented, as their eyes landed on the nearby counter. "Wait a second…"

Standing by the counter were two people, one of them was a girl wearing a pink shirt with a doll-like mascot on the shirt's chest area, and the other one… was the girl back from Untouchable. At first, Akira was about to call her 'Musket Girl' again, but after their last… encounter during the Golden Week, it's better not to.

"Here it is, Aobara-san," The girl wearing the pink shirt said, handing a custom-made (judging from the shop) chibi doll to the 'Aobara-san'. "Thanks for supporting us, and it's the third doll for this month…"

"Did I bother or annoy you too much?"

"No! Of course not," Eyes widened, she hastily shook her head. "It's rare to see someone like you to be interested in chibi dolls, and come to our shop this frequently. It's a surprise, but I welcomed it!"

"I-if you say so…" Trailing off, Aobara put away the doll into her clothes' bag and turned away.

And for a split second, as she and Akira's eyes met, he was pretty sure that her eyes widened in recognition. Even though it seemed subtle, but Aobara just picked up her pace and avoided any more eye contact with him, leaving the shop without another word.

Watching this entire event unfold before her eyes, Shiho turned to her companion with confusion. "You know her?"

"More like we just keep bumping to each other, it's the third time now," Akira shrugged, changing the topic back to the shop and chibi dolls. "Anyway, let's go and see if we can get some custom-made dolls?"

With an amused look, Shiho nodded. And the two went toward the counter together.

[A bit later, back in Shibuya]

"Here, consider this as me repaying your gift."

Blinked, Akira looked at the black sports wristbands handed to him. Well, it did make sense.

Since right now, they were inside a sportswear and equipment shop. And she just bought it a few seconds ago. It was Shiho's idea, by the way. Maybe she had this in her mind for a while or planned it before. Who knew.

"A wristbands…" Trailing off, he took it from her hands and put it on. "It feels comfortable, even though you bought two but just give me one."

"Well… think of it as a ring," Shiho chuckled, putting the other wristband on her hand as well. "Or like how your headphones pairs with mine."

"Ah… can't be a couple without any matching mementos, right?" Akira smirked, completely aware of the implication behind his words. Maybe it's because of their… near-kiss-experience, and maybe with the addition of Fuuka's comments too, but he felt much bolder on this topic.

Thankfully, it seemed the same for Shiho as well. "Yep, and now we're officially qualified to be one," She said, gesturing to the headphone she had around her neck. "Anyway, any place you want to go after this?"

"I…" Trailing off, Akira pretended to be pondering. While in actuality, it was decided all way back with Kasumi. Not like it was Kasumi's idea, it's Akira's. "How about the Inokashira Park? I heard that the sunset is beautiful over there."

"The Inokashira Park?" Blinked, the volleyball player smiled, somewhat figured out what's his plan after they got there. "Well, it's definitely a great view. And… I would like to."

"Great! Then let's not waste any more time then!"

Hand in hand, the duo picked up their pace and ran toward the train station.

And for the entire ride, one thought occupied Akira's mind.

'…Okay, keep calm. It's for the-'

"So, the final part, and the most important one as well."

Even though it didn't seem like it, the atmosphere between Akira and Kasumi changed into 'ultra-serious mode'. Well, in a way, it was serious business that's worthy of that mode.

"The confession," Akira said, giving out a long breath.

"Yep, the confession," Kasumi nodded, crossing her arms and looked deep in thought. "So, first we figured out the place. Senpai, any suggestion on where to say it?"

"I dunno, maybe like a gas station?" He shrugged, and his mind raced to find any place that was memorable enough. "I can do it like how Jim from the Office proposed-"

"A gas station?! You're serious?!"

"N-no…?" Surprised by her sudden outburst, Akira leaned back in his seat. Thankfully, an idea popped up in his mind. "Wait, how about the park?"

"The park?" Raising an eye, it didn't take Kasumi too long to figure out what he meant. "Oh, you mean the Inokashira Park? That place… is a great option."

"Yeah, I've been there a few times before, it has a nice view," He nodded. "Especially during sunset too, the pond's reflection makes a beautiful scenery."

"So… it's settled then…" Nodding to herself, Kasumi changed the subject to the 'what' instead of 'where'. "Now then, how are you gonna… say it?"

"Ah… the hardest part…" Giving out a long breath, Akira slumped onto the table. "Well, I can just say it like it is… while kneeling down."

"You're not asking her to marry you, Senpai," Deadpanned, the gymnast pointed her chopstick (the thicker end) at him. "At least not yet. Maybe you can do it on the day after though."

"Well, Keigo loves to tease us as a pair of 'old married couple', I don't plan to prove him right," He said, running his hand through his hair. "At least not this quick."

"But other than that, maybe you should add a speech too," Kasumi pondered, dropping the deadpanned look for an amused one instead. "Pour out your heart, and let her know how important she is for you."

"I would be lying if this wasn't in my mind from the beginning," Akira smiled, pulling out a piece of paper from his pocket. "Here, wrote it last night."

"And you said you didn't plan anything for the date."

"Technically, I planned a bit for the confession, not the date itself."

"Touche."

"I know," Chuckling, the amateur writer put the paper back in his pocket. "But well… I guess that's everything then, right?"

"Yep, that's everything," Kasumi nodded, a confident smile clear on her face. "I'm sure that Suzui-senpai would love this date, even though I don't think you need anything this detailed to make her love it…"

"But it's still my first date with Shiho, I have to take it seriously."

"Then good luck, Senpai," She widened her smile. "I'm rooting for you."

"Thanks, Kasumi… I'm gonna need it."

[Inokashira Park]

The view looked great, and the setting sun only enhanced it by a tenfold, or even more than just tenfold. And leaning against the wooden fences to the lake, Akira and Shiho decided to let a comfortable silence continue.

However, the same couldn't be said with what they both were thinking. Actually, it was the polar opposite.

'The day is about to end, and we still just keep dodging the elephant in the room! We can't just stay here and just let it end like this!' Screaming on the top of her volume inside her mind, Shiho glanced over to Akira's face and… found herself a bit surprised with how serious he looked. For some odd reason. 'Crap crap crap, he looked serious and stuff… is it the right time to confess?'

Unbeknown to her, Akira was thinking of pretty much the same exact thing. Just… around ten times more vulgar in its wording. 'Just be a man and fucking kiss her already, Ichijou Akira!' …And a lot more straightforward as well, quite a contrast to the usual him.

However, and thankfully, their silence was finally broken as Shiho pulled all of her confidence. "H-hey Akira, uh… today's quite fun, right?" She awkwardly asked, internally beating herself for using the word 'quite fun'.

Snapping out of his own train of thought, Akira quickly nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… the movie's great, the gifts are great… yeah…" Trailing off, he tried to be a gentleman, mostly out of his nervousness. "Um… you want something?"

"Wha- No, I'm fine with how it is, it's… perfect for our first date…" Nodding more to herself than to Akira, the volleyball player let her eyes wander back to the lake before them. And at that moment, an idea popped up in her mind. The perfect way to confess while just playing off from his words. "…Actually…"

It would need some real courage, but at this point, Shiho kinda… for the lack of a better term, had nothing to lose. The only barrier between her and Akira was really just herself, just mustered up your courage and do it.

"I do want something, it's a bit selfish… but it's only one thing."

"Hmm? What is it then?"

Swallowing a lump in her throat, the volleyball player took in a deep breath. As steel resolve immediately filled within her gaze.

"You."

Without another word or any hesitation, Shiho grabbed his jacket and pulled it. And their lips touched and connected a split moment later, just as she closed her eyes. It was a risky move, a bold one as well, but… action spoke louder than words.

Meanwhile, for Akira, his eyes widened as the soft sensation of Shiho's lips connected with his. It was surprising, but weirdly just screamed 'Shiho'. Just a moment later, he closed his eyes and just let the sensation wash over his mind. As their arms found each other's waist and hugged tightly.

The world around them just got replaced by a large void, it didn't matter to them anymore. The only thing that mattered now was each other. And this thought stayed as fact for a long time, a very long time.

A very long time of just thirty seconds. Before they desperately needed air.

Separating their lips in an instant, the two took in deep breaths in unison. But their eyes never left each other's gaze, not even for a second.

"…How was it?" Shiho asked, her voice was just barely louder than a whisper.

With his gaze shifted to her lips, Akira felt a small smirk creep up to his face. However, as what Kasumi said before resurfaced inside his mind, the smirk turned into a faint smile instead. Of course, it'd be a waste of a teasing opportunity, but… it didn't have to be like that.

Like a change in their dynamics.

"It's perfect," He said, as the same smile crept onto Shiho's face as well. "And uh… I have something that I want to say as well."

As his chest felt much lighter after the kiss, Akira took in a small breath.

"Suzui Shiho, I am in love with you," He said, as Shiho responded with a deep blush and shocked expression. "And… be my girlfriend."

Maybe it was the nervousness, or just because of the kiss, but Akira had forgotten most of the speech. But sometimes, simple was the best.

However, this didn't go unnoticed by Shiho though. "It's… surprisingly short," She chuckled. "Besides, usually it's supposed to be the other way around. First the confession, then the kiss."

"Well, you mess it all up with that kiss," This time, it was Akira's turn to blush. "I originally had something like a speech to pour my heart out, then kneeling down and stuff…"

"That's… a bit extra," Sweatdropped, Shiho shook her head and smiled. "But either way… yeah, I totally wanna be your girlfriend. And in exchange…"

"I'll be your boyfriend."

Finishing for her, Akira returned the kiss she gave him. A mutual kiss, as they ignored the world around them again.

(To be continued)

Preview:

Now a couple, Akira and Shiho faced a different challenge.

As Shujin organized a clean-up event for PR purposes.

Fun shenanigans happened, it might or might not involves Akira's suffering.

And two transfer students officially met for the first time.

Next Chapter:

"Clean-up Shenanigans"

Stay tuned!

So... uh... *check the calendar* It's over two months since the last update. Sorry for taking this long, this chapter actually... was a bit hard to write XD.

But finally, after all this time, our first ship in this fic sailed! Finally, after 33 chapters!

With a few changes while writing too. Originally, there'd be a third flashback between Shiho and Ann, and a scene on the train where they just flirted more. But it might be too much, and thus I dropped them.

Also, I tried to make the transition between flashbacks and present time a lot more... seamless in this chapter. With them finishing/answering each other's words XD. And for comedic purposes as well. It's a bit of a refreshing take, and quite fun.

Speaking of fun, I think anyone who read the original AT would know what is the 'Spike!' manga was, a bit of an easter egg for you all.

Also, 'If Cats Disappeared from the World' is a real movie, and it did release in May 2016. Even though by the time of the date, it'd be at least two weeks since it premiered. And the theme and plot are real as well... So it's just a giant coincidence that it came out at the right time, and has a theme that relates to Akira.

Besides, Satoh Takeru is a real (and famous) actor in Japan. And his first acting job is the main protag from Kamen Rider Den-O. In the show, he had to play six different characters at once, and that's what put him and his acting skill on the map. It's a great series too, I highly recommend everyone to watch it.

And... I would be lying if I'm not excited about the three cameos in this chapter. We got our first scene with Fuuka (which probably would lead to Akira being relentlessly teased by everyone in SEES), Futaba, and Aoi's third appearance XD. It's probably the second most cameo I've done in a single chapter, behind the Ayanagi cast cameo back in Chapter 14.

In the end, I hope you enjoy the story so far, and reviews are definitely welcomed!