Monday, 4:12 PM – Downtown Shopping Street
Ren had barely finished his last class when Haruka dragged him out the school gates with her usual bright energy.
"No escaping today, Ren! It's my official date slot!" she declared, gripping his arm like it was tradition.
"Do I even have a say in this?" he asked, half-laughing.
"Not anymore!" she winked. "The Harem Council spoke!"
First Stop: The Arcade
"Alright!" Haruka shouted, stepping up to the claw machine. "If I win you a plushie, you owe me bubble tea."
"You already planned that, didn't you?"
"Obviously."
She failed on the first attempt. And the second. And third.
"Ugh! It's rigged!"
Ren stepped in. "Let me try."
Click. Slide. Grab.
A small, fluffy white bunny dropped into the tray.
"…You're so annoying," Haruka muttered, red-faced. "But thank you."
She hugged the plushie tightly. "I'll sleep with this when I miss you."
Ren blinked. "You miss me? We literally see each other every day."
She looked away. "Doesn't mean I don't miss you."
Second Stop: Clothes Store
"Help me pick something cute," she said casually.
"Wh-Why me?!"
"You're a guy. I want your opinion."
He stood awkwardly while Haruka came out in outfit after outfit.
Skirts. Hoodies. Even a school swimsuit—"BY ACCIDENT," she claimed.
Ren's soul took critical damage.
"W-What's the point of all this?!"
Haruka stepped out one last time—in a simple yellow dress.
She twirled, smiling. "For when we go on a real date someday."
Ren stared for a second too long.
"…You look nice."
"…Say it again, but slower," she teased.
Final Stop: The Park Bench
They sipped bubble tea under a tree, watching the sky turn orange.
Haruka leaned on Ren's shoulder, her voice soft.
"Hey… do you remember when we used to walk home holding hands?"
"…Yeah."
"We stopped after middle school. You got taller. Dumber too."
He chuckled. "Thanks."
She took a deep breath.
"…Back then, I already liked you. I just never knew how to say it."
He froze.
Haruka looked up at him. "I'm saying it now."
And just like that, she rested her head back on his shoulder.
Ren didn't move.
Didn't push her away.
Didn't know what to say.
But his heartbeat spoke volumes.