For Yukino, places crowded with people, such as zoos or amusement parks, were always uncomfortable.
So, the two had started the day at the aquarium and then moved on to the relatively quiet library.
What Akira Fujimiya drew was not his manga, but the aquarium Yukino had visited. What he wanted to capture was not reality itself, but the fusion of reality and imagination.
The first painting depicted a girl in the deep sea. Yukino appeared at the bottom of the ocean, group of fish gliding around her. Her small hands passed through the fish as though they were weightless, and a gentle, innocent smile played across her face.
Akira had taken a real scene from the aquarium and added an artistic touch, turning it into a dreamlike vision.
He painted quickly and efficiently, every stroke precise, yet full of emotion. When he finally stepped back and looked at Yukino, who was standing in front of him, he smiled.
"This is a one-of-a-kind painting. My gift to you from our date."
Yukino's tone was soft as she asked, "...What kind of gift do you want in return?"
"I want a kiss," Akira replied plainly.
Yukino's cheeks flushed slightly. "Besides that?"
"Then… I want to hold you when you sleep."
"Can't you think of something more normal?" she murmured, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"You're just too cute. I can't help but think of strange things when I see you," Akira said with a mischievous grin.
Yukino rolled her eyes, helpless, while Akira returned to his painting, brushing colors across the canvas with delicate care.
As the second painting took shape, Yukino watched intently.
When it was finished, her face reddened. Akira had painted a scene of the two of them sharing a kiss.
"Okay, let's stop here," he said, handing both paintings to her and carefully putting away his brushes and paints.
"...Do you really want to kiss me, that badly?" Yukino asked softly, lowering her head a little.
"Not just a kiss," Akira said, a subtle meaning in his smile. "I want more."
"After the project is complete…and if I can get my mother's approval, then… I will promise you," Yukino said quietly, turning her head slightly.
Akira blinked, then smiled and gently took her hand, pressing a light kiss to the back of it.
"I'll remember that. You can't go back on your word when the time comes," he said softly.
After leaving the library,
Akira brought Yukino to a place that made her eyes widen in surprise: a tennis court.
The facility was highly professional, a place often used for training by serious tennis players. They bought tennis attire and rackets, renting the court for two hours. After changing, they stepped onto the court.
The place was deserted, quiet except for the sound of bouncing balls.
"Akira, even though you've played against Totsuka Saika from the tennis club, you're definitely not my match," Yukino said confidently, a teasing smile on her face.
"I'm not trying to defeat you now," Akira replied. "I want to learn from you. So that next time I play against Totsuka Saika, I'll be able to improve his skills a little."
"I see. I'll give it my all, then," Yukino said with a smile, picking up her racket.
"Come on, Yukino, show me your full strength. One day, I'll defeat you," Akira said in a playful, childish tone.
Yukino rolled her eyes and began serving.
As they played, Akira quickly realized how strong Yukino truly was. Her speed, precision, and technique were nothing short of incredible. If Totsuka Saika was Akira's biggest challenge, Yukino was five times more formidable.
He had to move constantly to keep up, absorbing her volleys and smashes. Despite her delicate frame, her physical ability was remarkable, showing the results of long, disciplined effort.
After about half an hour, Yukino's movements began to slow slightly. Akira recognized it immediately as a sign of her fatigue. Using the knowledge and reflexes he had acquired, he began countering her moves more aggressively.
Yukino's eyes widened in surprise, but then she remembered Akira's astonishing memory and skill. From the fact that he had learned to play the piano in such a short time, she understood that he truly was extraordinary.
Even as Akira gained the upper hand, he felt his own energy wane after several volleys. Yet the thrill of matching Yukino's skill made the effort worthwhile.
After about an hour of tennis and another hour spent resting and changing, the two were slightly hungry. Passing by a ramen shop, Yukino suggested, "Let's have lunch here."
The store appeared old from the outside, but the interior was neat and welcoming.
"Please, have a seat," the shopkeeper greeted.
Akira and Yukino sat at the counter. Without glancing at the menu, Akira said, "Give me your most delicious ramen."
"Right away," the shopkeeper replied with a warm smile.
The aroma alone made Yukino's stomach rumble. Akira watched the shopkeeper's technique closely, silently noting the method.
In less than ten minutes, two steaming bowls were placed before them.
Akira glanced at Yukino. As she eat her ramen in a most elegant and graceful manner.
The ramen itself was exceptional. The broth was flavorful, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the ingredients were fresh, yet each bowl carried a complexity of taste that made every bite satisfying.
They continue to ate in comfortable silence.
After paying, Akira asked the shopkeeper about the broth's secret. The man explained that he used dried vegetables grown in his own garden, which added depth to the flavor.
Akira silently took note, thanking him politely.
The next stop was simple, yet perfectly suited for Yukino: a pet store.
'How can I make Yukino happy in an instant?' Akira thought.
The answer was obvious: cats.
As Yukino stood in front of a group of playful kittens, she couldn't take her eyes off them.
Akira politely declined the staff's introductions, handing Yukino some money to buy cat food from the store.
Yukino's apartment, while luxurious, wasn't suitable for raising a cat on her own.
Though she loved cats, she had never seriously considered getting one.
Caring for a pet required time, patience, and dedication—things she had yet to feel confident about.
"Don't worry. We can stay here as long as you like," Akira said, offering her the cat food. "You can also choose a few well-behaved cats to hold. I'll even take pictures for you."
Yukino's eyes lit up, a mixture of surprise and excitement crossing her face. "Really? I… I can?"
"Of course," Akira replied with a smile. "Just pick the ones you like."
She carefully selected several cats, moving slowly and observing their behavior. Akira watched from the side, remaining as silent as possible, letting her enjoy the moment.
Ten minutes later, she had chosen several cats, and the staff released them for her to interact with.
Yukino held them delicately, her soft, careful movements making her look even more adorable.
The staff watched quietly, clearly understanding that Yukino's love for cats was genuine.
Spending time surrounded by them seemed to heal and uplift her spirit.
Akira took more than a dozen photos, capturing her gentle interactions with the cats.
At one point, he secretly recorded a short video and sent it to Yui Yuigahama.
A few minutes later, Yui's replies came flooding in:
"Yukino is so cute!🥰"
"I didn't expect her to like cats this much!"
Akira smiled quietly, as he continue watching Yukino laugh softly as she learned to feed the cats and care for them.
The day had been simple, yet filled with moments of joy, learning, and quiet companionship.
For both of them, it wasn't the grandeur of events that mattered, but the shared experiences—the small, precious moments that would become lasting memories.
...
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