A date.
By definition: a prearranged meeting between two individuals.
In practice: an exclusively romantic context where a man and woman engage in bonding activities for courtship purposes.
Logically speaking, a man with an established girlfriend shouldn't be dating other women—and vice versa.
The old Kaguya would've obsessed over this contradiction. Even now, it nagged at her—though she'd learned to suppress such thoughts.
If only I could have Hiro-kun all to myself... No, that's impossible. What a shame.
She sighed at her own unrealistic fantasy.
Bzzt—
Her covert earpiece crackled to life.
[Shinomiya-sama, Mast—ahem—Takakai-sama has arrived. He's spotted you.]
Hayasaka's usual monotone carried a suspicious lilt.
...You called him Master again, didn't you?
When addressing me, you sound like a bored salaryman. But with him? Every syllable drips honey! I canseethe heart-eyes through the earpiece!
The betrayal stung.
Even in arranged marriages where maids accompany their mistress, none jump shipfirst! I'll monitor this traitor closely!
Steeling her resolve, Kaguya missed Takakai's amused glance toward Hayasaka's hiding spot—or how his fingers briefly twitched, recalling last night's... services, and the reciprocation that followed.
His goal today was clear:
This feels novel. With Maki, it was organic. Chika confessed tome. With Miko, it's just暧昧 (ambiguous). And Hayasaka? The Writer forced that.
So this—properly pursuing a girl, a real date—might be myfirst.*
Meanwhile, Kaguya's objective was simpler:
[Showcase my charm → Make Hiro-kun confess]
(Note: This was notHayasaka's suggested strategy.)
"Hiro-kun, is the Market business settled? Any issues? The Shinomiya resources are at your disposal."
Her opening salvo—warm, nurturing concern—was textbook effective.
(Studies show maternal overtones trigger instinctive attachment in males!)
"All good. Love the outfit. Let's go—hand okay?"
Takakai grabbed her fingers.
Eh?! EH?!
Kaguya's mental blueprints shattered.
This is wrong! Proper progression is:
Share thrilling rides → "Accidental" hand-holding during screams
Natural escalation via shared cotton candy
Sunset ferris wheel confession
Why start at the climax?!
Before she could recalibrate, Takakai towed her into the park.
"Relax. We're just here to have fun."
Ican'trelax because ofyou!
Her pulse spiked.
Spectators' eyes burned into her—judging the "couple."
Thud-thud—
Her heartbeat deafened.
No script! No contingency plans!
"Hey, focus. The ride's starting."
She blinked. They were already queued for an attraction.
How long was I spaced out?!
"This isn't like you. Right now, we're free."
He squeezed her hand.
"We survived death games. Grew stronger. Soon, we'll face new horrors—so todaymatters. No regrets. No overthinking."
The maturity in his voice stunned her.
Two months ago, he was green. Now? Unshakable.
Even with his rewind power... the suffering he endured—those stories from Maki and Chika—more than justifies his growth.
Maybe... my attraction isn't just rivalry or team politics. Maybeheearned this—earnedmethrowing caution to the wind.
But... what first drew me to him?
"My apologies. Let's enjoy ourselves properly."
Smiling through lingering questions, she matched his stride.
Ten minutes later:
Kaguya, now cradled against Takakai's chest mid-ride, short-circuited entirely.
Hayasaka's Observation Post (Rooftop)
"As expected, Shinomiya-sama forgot every strategy."
Sighing, she lowered her binoculars—then almost instinctively dropped to all fours before catching herself.
The canine instincts... still not gone.
Her clothes' constriction also grated. Stripping would be bliss—but only he got to see that side.
Though... some side effects aren't bad.
Without them, I'd never have sneaked to Master's hotel last night...
What I did... what he did... the sounds... the... thesheets...
Her face burned at the memories.
Meanwhile, Kaguya—reduced to a malfunctioning puppet—could only cling to Takakai as he steered her through the park.