It's early in the morning. A pale blue sky is dotted with white clouds, and birds chirp from the trees, occasionally flitting across the view. Dewdrops on green leaves, a crystalline relic of the night, hang poised, nourishing the deepening green.
Hiratsuka Ryosuke arrives at his neighbor's door, not forgetting today's plans. He presses the doorbell. Quick footsteps sound from inside, and then a click. The door opens to reveal Nibutani Shinka's flawless face. Her eyes are half-closed as she gives Ryosuke a sweet, soft smile. "You're here, Ryosuke! Let's go!"
Shinka is a little bit mischievous today. She's dressed even more beautifully than usual. Even though they're going to pick out clothes for Shoko, she wants Ryosuke to understand that while Shoko is cute, she, Shinka, is the cutest.
A flicker of surprise crosses Ryosuke's eyes, and he nods inwardly. When Shinka isn't acting up, she's a very cute girl.
Just as they are about to leave, Shinka feels a hand on her shoulder. She maintains her smile, but a cold sweat begins to form on her forehead. Ryosuke notices she's stopped and turns to see a beautiful woman with a graceful presence.
"Good morning, Mrs. Nibutani."
"Oh, good morning, Little Ryosuke," Mrs. Nibutani says with a gentle laugh. She then turns to her daughter, her smile still warm. "Shinka, where are you going? What did you promise me last night?"
Shinka stiffens like a rusty robot, turning her head to face her mother. Her voice is weak and hesitant. "Um... I can do it when I get back tonight."
Mrs. Nibutani's face changes as quickly as the weather in June. She suddenly looks grim. "You haven't done your homework, and the clothes you took off last night are still in the laundry basket. You've taken all the spare light bulbs in the house and disassembled them in your room, and you talk nonsense all day. You're not going anywhere today. You're going to clean and do your homework!" She then smiles at Ryosuke again. "I'm so sorry, Ryosuke. Please come play with Shinka another time."
Shinka shakes her head furiously, her pigtails swinging wildly. "No! No! Please, I'll do it when I get back tonight!" She can't break free from her mother's grip. She gives Ryosuke a pitiful, helpless look, hoping he'll save her.
Ryosuke reaches out a hand, and Shinka's face lights up with hope. A faint smile appears on her lips. I knew it, Ryosuke. You're the best. You really are my guardian knight.
Ryosuke's hand reaches for the doorknob. He bows to Mrs. Nibutani without a word and pulls the door shut.
BAM!
The sound of the door closing echoes in Shinka's ears, hitting her hard in the heart. The world seems to go dark even though it's still daytime. Her smile freezes on her face. Finally, she lets out a hysterical, despairing wail. "Ugh! You big idiot, Ryosuke! I hate you!"
Nishimiya Shoko arrives at the Shinjuku Station exit early, carrying a bag. She received Ryosuke's date invitation last night. She hugged her phone and rolled around in bed for so long that she can't remember when she fell asleep. Her bob cut has now grown to shoulder length, and soon, it will be the long hair Ryosuke loves. Today, she tied her hair up and put on a small white flower hairpin, a gift she received last year that she loves very much.
Soon, she spots a familiar figure at the station exit and excitedly runs toward him, swinging her arms. But then she slows down, a complex emotion spreading in her heart. I'm just here to try on clothes. Shinka must be here too. Shinka has great style, so it's normal for her to be here. Besides, Ryosuke and Shinka are childhood friends. I'm content just to watch him quietly from behind. Don't be too greedy, Shoko.
"Shoko, have you been waiting long?" Ryosuke asks softly, stopping in front of her.
Shoko shakes her head, smiling softly. "No, I just got here."
Ryosuke nods. "Then let's go."
"Huh?" Shoko is surprised. There's only one person here: Ryosuke. She blinks her bright eyes. "Is Shinka not coming?"
"Oh, don't worry about her. She probably can't leave the house today. It's just the two of us this time," Ryosuke says casually. He imagines what Shinka is going through: being lectured by Mrs. Nibutani while cleaning and doing laundry. After that, she'll probably have to do her homework. Poor girl.
Shoko's eyes widen. Just... the two of us? Is this a day for me to be alone with Ryosuke? Has luck returned to me?Thank you, God. I'll give you more money for offerings during the New Year's visit.
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's most bustling and prosperous areas, even more so than Ikebukuro, Shibuya, and Ginza. Besides its commercial success, it's also home to famous universities like Keio University School of Medicine and Waseda University.
Shoko has never been shopping in Shinjuku, only passing through the station. As they walk through the commercial street with its towering buildings, she feels out of place and a little timid. Ryosuke notices her fear and does something she doesn't expect. Before her timidity can overwhelm her, a strong, firm hand grabs hers. The warmth of his palm touches her skin, and her ears turn red.
"Let's go, Shoko," Ryosuke says softly, using his other hand to sign the words. She looks at his smiling face with her gentle brown eyes, and all her fear vanishes. She squeezes his hand and nods.
With her nerves settled, strange thoughts begin to pop into her mind. Am I betraying my good friend Shinka by going on a secret date with Ryosuke? No, probably not. Shinka didn't come, after all. This is my first time going on a date alone with Ryosuke. Hehe.
Shoko's joy is written all over her face. Her steps become lighter, and her eyes crinkle into a smile as she holds Ryosuke's hand and walks into the vibrant world that once terrified her.