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Kotone was excited for her date with Akihiko. Her previous date with him was their first shrine visit of the year, but this one would be more casual. It was fun to wear a yukata, but she enjoyed wearing her long sleeved striped shirt and her scarf, if only because it was easier to move in. She placed her hand on her door and felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. She kept her hand on the doorknob, waiting for the feeling to subside, but when it persisted she did her best to keep on moving, being able to walk down the stairs and knock on Akihiko’s door.
“I’ll be there in a bit.” Akihiko announced, his voice muffled behind the door
After hearing that, Kotone walked into his room and sat down on his bed. Akihiko was surprised, but he could only smile.
“I told you I wasn’t ready.” he said while changing his shirt and beginning to put on his suit
“I know!” Kotone exclaimed, lifting her arms in excitement
Akihiko chuckled as he finished putting on his long crimson scarf.
He then gave Kotone a peck on the cheek, “S-Shall we get going?”
“Absolutely!”
They took the train all the way over to Paulownia Mall. The mall was busy today, but it didn’t deter them much. Kotone looked around and led Akihiko to Chagall Cafe. They sat down at a booth far from the entrance. Akihiko ordered a cup of water and Kotone ordered a latte. Kotone talked to Akihiko about his training and anything that came to mind, but Kotone felt the same sinking feeling in her stomach. After their time in the cafe Akihiko took them over to the arcade. He walked around with Kotone and played some games with her, but she dropped inputs, began zoning out at pivotal moments, and seemed a lot more aloof.
“Are you ok?” Akihiko grabbed her hand as he asked the question
“Absolutely!” Kotone replied, her cheerful voice sounded subtly hollow to him
Akihiko gave her a bright smile and led her out of the arcade and up the stairs to Mandragora where he paid for a room. There Akihiko did not open the song playlist or order anything. He sat on the couch in silence and stared at her face that was illuminated by the bright colorful lights.
“Are you okay?” Akihiko asked again, his voice solemn and low. He kept his eyes on her bright vermillion eyes.
“I told you already I’m fine.” Kotone replied, trying to fake the cheerfulness in her voice
“I know you’re not.”
“I am!”
“Then can I tell you something?”
“Of course.”
Akihiko closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. When he opened his eyes he placed his hands on Kotone’s arms for support as he stared back into her eyes, “I’m scared. I don’t know what happened with you and Ryoji that day, but we could feel tremendous pressure from downstairs. To be honest, it was dreadful. But I imagine it must’ve been far worse for you. I can’t be too certain about what’s ahead of us, but I know I’ll be fine as long as I have you.”
Kotone pressed herself against Akihiko, she could feel his entire body trembling and that’s when she began to cry softly in his scarf. It was a liberating feeling for her. At the same time she could also feel Akihiko begin to cry. The softer side of him she rarely sees only served to make her tears flow harder.
“I’ll always have your back, Kotone.” Akihiko whispered through tears
“Likewise, Akihiko.”