One day, Ken invited Ren to a local shop owned by a kind elderly woman. After buying some snacks and finishing them, they noticed a coin machine nearby.
Ken excitedly asked to try it, and Ren encouraged him. With a small smile, Ken turned the knob and out came a pink cat keychain.
Ren laughed, teasing, "That suits you, Ken. I think it matches your vibe."
Ken flushed with embarrassment and frowned. "I don't want it. Here, you take it. Maybe give it to your sister."
"Alright, I will," Ren said, pocketing the keychain.
While they talked, a young blonde girl about their age approached. Her hair shimmered under the sunlight, and her presence was doll-like. She held a coin in her hand and looked curiously at the machine.
"Excuse me," she said politely. "Can one of you show me how to use this?"
Ken was stunned by her appearance, but Ren quickly stepped up. "Sure, I can help. I'm Ren Takeda. What's your name?"
"I'm Yumi Fuyuzora," she answered with a gentle smile.
"Nice to meet you, Yumi. Are you from around here?"
"No, I'm just passing through with my grandfather. I saw this and wanted to try it."
"Alright, let me show you how it works."
Ren guided her through the steps, then stepped back to let her try. She twisted the knob and out came a gloves keychain. But instead of being excited, she frowned and began to cry.
"I wanted the pink cat keychain.."
Seeing her tears, Ren pulled out the pink cat keychain and handed it to her. "Here, you can have this."
Yumi sniffled. "But... I can't take gifts from strangers."
"We're not strangers. You know my name, I know your name, that makes us friends, right?"
"Friends... I've never had one before."
"Well, now I'm your first friend," Ren said proudly. "Let's trade. I like your keychain."
Yumi nodded and handed him the gloves keychain while taking the pink cat keychain. Her tears stopped, and a smile bloomed on her face.
"You should smile more often," Ren said warmly. "You look really pretty when you do."
Yumi blushed and gave him a shy nod.
Suddenly, loud crashes echoed from inside the shop. The three kids rushed in to see three thugs smashing items and shouting at the elderly shopkeeper. One had grabbed her collar.
Ren stepped forward, eyes narrowing. "Leave her alone!"
"Yeah, leave her alone ! Or else!" Yumi added.
The thugs laughed. "Look at these little heroes. Let's teach them a lesson."
Two of them rushed at the kids. Ken froze in fear, but Ren and Yumi stepped forward.
As one thug swung at him, Ren leap into a somersault, spinning over the thug's head and striking the back of it with his heel, knocking him out. Meanwhile, Yumi dodged and countered with a knee and a kick, taking down the second thug.
The third thug, furious, grabbed a wooden plank and ran at them. Ren ducked, sweeping his legs. Yumi then used Ren's shoulder as a springboard, flipped over, and kicked the man in the face, sending him crashing to the ground.
The two shared a victorious high-five.
"You're really strong," Ren said, impressed and shock.
'I should lay some ground works' he thought.
"My grandfather teaches me martial arts," Yumi replied. "But you're amazing too."
Ren grinned. "My mom says I have to be strong to protect my family—and the future wives I'll have."
Yumi blinked. "Wives? Grandpa says having more than one is wrong."
"It's not about numbers," Ren said calmly. "If you love and protect them all honestly, that's what matters."
"Hmm... maybe you're right."
Yumi had to leave soon after, waving goodbye.
Ken, having watched everything from a distance, finally snapped out of his daze. He turned away silently, frustrated that he hadn't stepped up or said anything.
Ren noticed his look but said nothing, knowing Ken had seen him fight and wouldn't forget it.