The group jogs through the bustling streets, laughter and chatter mixing with the morning traffic. By the time they reach a small, crowded restaurant, everyone is sweaty, breathless, and ready to eat.
A-chan:Gesturing toward a table Everyone, take a seat! Let's grab some food before heading back.
The V-Tubers hustle toward chairs, talking over each other, laughter echoing in the room. The restaurant is lively, a mix of families, workers, and the scent of frying food. Yukio sits quietly at a corner, scanning the scene, face calm but his mind already alert.
Yukio (Internally): Something's… off. My reflexes feel… dull. My thoughts… sluggish. What is happening?
He watches the V-Tubers chatter excitedly. Pekora knocks over a menu, Subaru trips on a chair, Marine playfully bumps into someone's shoulder while reaching for the condiments. Chaos spreads rapidly across the room.
Pekora:Panicked Yukio-kun! Help!
Subaru:Laughing but flustered Sorry! Sorry!
Marine:Teasingly, smirking at Yukio Careful there… you might get squished if you're not paying attention.
Yukio (Internally):Frowning, tone tense My senses… I can't… I can't keep up. Something's missing… something crucial.
Suddenly, his vision shifts. Time slows. The chaotic movement of VTubers, customers, and flying utensils freezes—or almost. Colors dull, sounds muffle. Yukio feels a strange pressure in his head, his heart pounding.
Yukio (Internally): What… is this? Why do I feel… different?
He stands up automatically, eyes scanning everything in detail, but feels paralyzed. Ten seconds pass in this state, and then everything returns to normal.
Yukio:Blinking, slightly shaken …What just happened?
He stares into the air, trying to pinpoint the sensation, his mind buzzing with questions. Around him, the V-Tubers continue eating, oblivious to the subtle shift.
Yukio (Internally): That… that was different. I need to trigger it again. Focus… concentrate…
He takes a deep breath and tries to center himself. This time, the effect is harder to summon. Sweat beads on his forehead, his body tense. Slowly, the world slows again, movements stretching, sounds dimming, light bending slightly.
Yukio (Internally):Eyes narrowing, determination rising I understand… only ten seconds… only ten seconds of clarity.
He locks on to a bowl of instant noodles on a nearby table. People move in exaggerated slow motion, but Yukio navigates flawlessly, unseen and unnoticed. He quietly grabs the bowl, slurps the noodles in an instant, and returns to his seat as time resumes normal speed.
Pekora:Eyes wide, jaw dropped Yukio-kun… what… did you just do?!
A-chan:Frowning, stunned …That was… unreal.
Subaru:Blinking rapidly Did… did he just…?
Marine:Playfully teasing, leaning toward Yukio Whoa… I didn't know you had that side. Pretty impressive… I'm kind of impressed, actually.
Yukio:Expression calm, silently finishing the last noodles …I did what I needed.
Yukio (Internally): Focus… works. Ten seconds. That's all I get. I'll need to practice.
The group exchanges shocked glances. A-chan and Pekora are the only ones whose surprise carries a sharp edge, understanding that this is something unprecedented in Yukio's behavior. The others are confused but entertained by the spectacle.
A-chan:Sighs, composed but serious Yukio… don't make a habit of that.
Yukio (Internally):Eyes narrowing slightly, calm face Noted.
The group finishes eating, still buzzing from Yukio's sudden display. Later, they all exit the restaurant and stroll toward a nearby ice cream stand, laughter and chatter returning to normal.
Pekora:Excitedly Yukio-kun, ice cream! Pick whichever you want-peko!
Yukio:Calm, silently observing the flavors …I'll have the chocolate.
Marine:Smirking teasingly Chocolate, huh? Classic choice… I like it.
The day continues peacefully, though the group can't stop sneaking glances at Yukio, unsure if he'll repeat the strange display. Yukio eats quietly, thoughts lingering on the sudden power of Forced Focus, already planning the next time he'll need it.
Narrator: A single bowl of instant noodles revealed a new layer of Yukio's abilities. Ten seconds… long enough to change everything...