Sunday. 10:03 AM.
Ren stood nervously outside the local shopping center, wearing his neatest casual shirt and freshly ironed jeans.
He checked his phone again.
[Incoming Message: "I'm here. Turn around ♥"]
He turned—and froze.
There she was.
Yui Sakamoto.
In a pale pink blouse and a long white skirt that swayed with every step, her usual shy aura had transformed into soft, quiet elegance.
"I didn't make you wait too long, did I?" she asked gently.
Ren shook his head. "N-No. I just got here."
Yui smiled faintly. "I've never… gone out like this before."
"Me neither," Ren admitted.
They stood in awkward silence for a moment—then laughed together, the tension melting instantly.
First Stop: The Bookstore
Yui lit up in front of the romance novels section.
"You read these?" Ren asked.
She nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Stories where people fall in love slowly… it's kind of my dream."
Ren smiled. "That's sweet."
She turned red. "W-What about you?"
"I read fantasy stuff. Heroes, battles, saving the world."
Yui giggled. "Figures. You helped me that day in the rain, like a knight."
Ren scratched his head, flustered.
Second Stop: The Cat Café
Yui's eyes sparkled as cats crawled over to her lap. One curled up in Ren's hoodie, making her giggle.
"You're surprisingly good with animals."
"Guess they sense my confusion."
She smiled. "I'm glad I got today."
Ren looked at her. "Me too."
Later, at the park…
They sat on a bench, the late afternoon sun glowing between the trees.
Yui grew quiet.
"Ren-kun… I know this whole situation is strange. But even if you don't pick me…"
He looked over.
"…Thank you. For treating me like I matter."
Ren hesitated—then gently reached out and placed his hand over hers.
"You do matter, Yui."
Her eyes widened. "Ren-kun…"
Their faces inched closer—
"RENNNNN!!"
A loud voice shattered the moment.
Haruka came running up the path.
Behind her? Rika on her bike, Emi with her planner, and Mei sprinting with juice boxes.
Ren's soul left his body.
"Why are you all here?!" he shouted.
Haruka smirked. "Just making sure you don't fall too deep!"
Rika: "Consider it surveillance."
Emi: "Mid-date analysis."
Mei: "I brought drinks!"
Yui looked at them, then at Ren… and softly smiled.
"Guess I'm not the only one who fell for the same guy."
Ren Takahashi's first date?
Disastrous.
Adorable.
Unforgettable.
And just the beginning.