Chapter Text
A month had passed since the climactic battle against Femto, and life for Haruto and the Sailor Guardians had begun to settle into a somewhat peaceful rhythm. The chaos of the past weeks gave way to warm summer days and endless teasing, especially when it came to Haruto and Hotaru.
“Haruto-kun, don’t forget to call her ‘princess’ the next time you see her,” Minako teased with a mischievous grin, sitting cross-legged on the grass in the park.
Haruto sighed, his face slightly flushed. “I’m not calling her that.”
“Oh, come on!” Usagi chimed in, poking Haruto’s shoulder. “You guys are so cute together. I mean, who else would face off against a horde of demon beasts and end it with a dramatic hug?”
“Can we not bring that up again?” Haruto muttered, scratching the back of his neck.
“It’s been a month, and you’re still talking about it.”
Makoto smirked, leaning against a tree. “You’re lucky we’re not recording your every move. That moment would’ve gone viral.”
Hotaru, sitting quietly beside Haruto, couldn’t hide the small smile on her face. She kept her gaze on her lap, where her fingers fidgeted nervously. “They’re just teasing,” she said softly. “You don’t have to take them seriously.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” Haruto replied, glancing at her. “You’re not the one they keep calling a ‘knight in shining armor.’”
Michiru sipped her tea with an elegant shrug. “Well, you did look the part. And your synchronization during the battle? It was like a scene from an opera.”
“Operas are dramatic,” Haruka added with a sly grin. “But you two? You’re extra dramatic.”
Hotaru’s cheeks flushed. “Haruka-papa…”
“Don’t worry,” Ami said, her voice calm as ever. “They’re just joking. Mostly.”
The group burst into laughter, leaving Haruto and Hotaru to exchange a helpless look. It was clear that no matter how much time passed, their friends would never let them live down their partnership—or their growing closeness.
Haruto spent his mornings tinkering with Barbatos Sigma in a new makeshift hangar provided by Ami next to the mansion’s workshop. The Gundam had become more than a weapon—it was a symbol of his resolve and his connection to this world. Haruto was determined to make it stronger, smarter, and more versatile, especially after observing the unique abilities of the Sailor Guardians.
“Magitech integration,” Haruto muttered, examining a blueprint on his tablet. “If I can channel the same type of energy Hotaru uses, I might be able to enhance the shielding system.”
He sketched a few notes, imagining the possibilities. The Moon Scythe, the railgun, the glowing runes etched into Barbatos Sigma’s armor—all of it reflected his desire to merge his world’s technology with the magical essence of this one.
Just as he was about to test a prototype for the energy shield, his phone buzzed. It was a message from Hotaru:
Haruto-kun, are you free today? I need to… um… get a new swimsuit, and I was wondering if you could come with me.
Haruto blinked, rereading the message twice. “A new swimsuit?” Why would he be the one to help her with that? Still, the thought of spending time with her brought a small smile to his face. He quickly replied:
Sure. What time?
The streets of Tokyo were lively with the buzz of summer shoppers. Sunshine poured through the canopy of trees lining the sidewalks, creating dappled patterns on the ground. Haruto and Hotaru walked side by side, weaving through the crowd. The air was thick with the mingling scents of fresh bread from bakeries, the sweetness of ice cream stalls, and the faint saltiness of the distant sea breeze.
Hotaru glanced shyly at Haruto as they made their way toward a trendy swimwear store. “Thank you for coming with me today. I know this isn’t exactly... your kind of thing.”
Haruto scratched the back of his neck, his face slightly red. “It’s no problem. I mean, it’s not like I had anything better to do.” He gave her a small, sheepish grin. “Besides, you asked, so...”
Hotaru smiled softly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “Still, it means a lot.”
As they approached the store, Haruto noticed the large glass windows displaying an array of colorful swimsuits. Some were modest, others... less so. His face turned an even deeper shade of red.
“Uh, are you sure this is the right place?” Haruto asked, hesitating at the entrance. “It looks... fancy.”
Hotaru giggled, sensing his unease. “Don’t worry. We’ll find something simple. Come on.” She gently tugged his sleeve, leading him inside.
The interior was bright and inviting, with racks of swimsuits arranged by color and style. Haruto felt out of his element, surrounded by pastel hues, floral patterns, and mannequins in bikinis. He awkwardly followed Hotaru as she began browsing.
“What do you think of this one?” Hotaru held up a lavender one-piece with delicate lace trim.
Haruto blinked, trying to focus on the swimsuit rather than the mental image of Hotaru wearing it. “Uh... it’s nice. Looks, uh, comfortable?”
Hotaru tilted her head, suppressing a smile at his obvious discomfort. “Comfortable is important.”
She continued to sift through the racks, occasionally glancing at Haruto to gauge his reactions. Eventually, she picked out a few options and turned to him. “I’ll go try these on. Wait here?”
Haruto nodded, relieved to have a moment to collect himself. As Hotaru disappeared into the fitting rooms, he found a chair near the corner of the store and sat down. He tried to look anywhere but at the displays, feeling out of place.
A few minutes later, Hotaru’s voice called out softly. “Haruto?”
He looked up to see her peeking out from behind the curtain of the fitting room, her face slightly flushed. “Could you... tell me what you think?”
Haruto stood, his heart thudding in his chest. “Uh, sure.”
The curtain parted, and Hotaru stepped out wearing the lavender one-piece. The color complemented her pale skin and violet eyes perfectly, and the delicate lace added a touch of elegance.
“What do you think?” she asked, fidgeting slightly under his gaze.
Haruto swallowed, struggling to find his words. “I... I think it looks great. Really... suits you.”
Hotaru’s blush deepened, but she smiled. “You think so? It’s not too plain?”
“No, it’s just right,” Haruto said earnestly. “You don’t need anything flashy.”
Encouraged by his response, Hotaru tried on another swimsuit—a navy blue two-piece with a high-waisted bottom and a halter-top. She stepped out hesitantly, glancing at Haruto for his reaction.
“This one’s a bit different,” she said, her voice quiet.
Haruto’s face turned crimson as he struggled to maintain eye contact. “It’s... nice. Really nice. It looks... elegant.”
Hotaru giggled softly at his bashfulness. “You’re not very good at this, are you?”
“Hey, I’m trying,” Haruto protested, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s not exactly easy giving swimsuit critiques.”
She laughed, her tension easing. “Well, I appreciate your honesty.”
Hotaru disappeared back into the fitting room, leaving Haruto to sit down again and process the fluttering in his chest. He couldn’t help but think about how different this moment was from their usual battles and training sessions. Seeing this softer, more carefree side of Hotaru made him feel... something he couldn’t quite put into words.
After trying on a few more swimsuits, Hotaru emerged with a final choice in hand—a deep violet one-piece with a subtle shimmer and a small, elegant bow on the back. It was simple yet refined, perfectly matching her personality.
“This is the one,” she said, her eyes meeting Haruto’s. “What do you think?”
Haruto stood, his gaze softening as he took in the sight. “It’s... perfect. Just like you.”
Hotaru’s breath hitched, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red. “Y-You really think so?”
He nodded, his voice steady. “Yeah. It’s... you.”
For a moment, they stood there in silence, the noise of the store fading into the background. Hotaru clutched the swimsuit to her chest, her heart racing.
“Thank you, Haruto,” she said softly. “For coming with me today. And for... everything.”
Haruto smiled, his usual awkwardness giving way to genuine warmth. “Anytime.”
Their moment was interrupted by the cheerful voice of the store clerk. “Looks like you found the perfect one! Will you be purchasing it today?”
Hotaru nodded quickly, breaking the spell. “Yes, please.”
As they left the store, Hotaru carrying her new swimsuit in a bag, the sun was beginning to set, casting the streets in a warm, golden glow. They walked side by side, their steps in sync.
“So,” Haruto began, glancing at her, “are you excited for the beach trip?”
Hotaru smiled, the light catching in her eyes. “I am. It’ll be nice to spend time with everyone. And... with you.”
Haruto’s heart skipped a beat, but he managed a small grin. “Yeah. Me too.”
As they continued down the street, their laughter and conversation blending with the sounds of the city, Haruto couldn’t help but feel that this day—simple as it was—would be a memory he’d treasure forever.
After a long day of shopping and laughter, Hotaru and Haruto walked back to their home, the sun setting behind them in a blaze of orange and pink. Hotaru carried her shopping bag, her steps light and carefree.
“Thank you for today,” she said, glancing at Haruto. “I know it was kind of a strange request, but… I’m glad you came.”
“It wasn’t strange,” Haruto replied, his voice warm. “I’m glad I came too.”
They walked in comfortable silence for a moment before Hotaru spoke again. “You’re always so thoughtful, Haruto-kun. I feel… safe when I’m with you.”
Haruto glanced at her, surprised by her candidness. “You’re the brave one, Hotaru. You’re always looking out for everyone else. I just… try to keep up.”
Hotaru shook her head, her smile gentle. “You’re more than that. You’re my partner.”
The word hung in the air between them, carrying a weight that neither of them could fully articulate. Haruto felt a surge of emotion—gratitude, affection, and something deeper he couldn’t quite name.
As they reached the dorms, Hotaru turned to him, her violet eyes shining in the twilight. “Goodnight, Haruto-kun.”
“Goodnight, Hotaru,” he replied, his voice soft.
They lingered for a moment before parting ways, each carrying the warmth of the day in their hearts.