27 Yukaris Day Off (1/2)
Instead of dropping off at their usual bus stop, Arata decided to go with Yukari who was going to take Yuuki to his school. He normally goes with their mother or just his brother; now that neither could take him there, Yukari had to go.
”Eh, but you might get late, too, Arata.” Yukari hummed as she fixed Yuuki's collar and combed his fringe with her fingers. ”Yesterday, I was late.”
”I don't mind.” The player chuckled as he stroked at the kid's hair, enjoying the first time he saw Yuuki in person. He only heard about them from his sister, and to know that Yuuki was the silent twin made him a lot excited in meeting him. ”Hey, Yuuki, are you okay with going with Big Sis today?”
”Yeah...” The kid answered, a little weary about the man sitting next to him at the bus. His sister was familiar with him so it would not hurt if he answered questions.
”He's so cute!” Arata gave him a last pat before pushing the kid's patience. He wanted to pinch Yuuki's chubby cheeks but that was not someone should do to a child they just met. He was fond of children, but he never had the confidence to get near one, until now that he lived in a different world.
Yukari only laughed at the Arata who was like fangirling over her cute little brother. Last week was quite a hassle since the stabbing incident and the one where he got locked up in the school shed. He was also running around, helping Attori and her mother in the booth. The best friend was just relieved to see him smiling and purely enjoying himself.
They got off the stop nearest to Yuuki's grade school, and waved at the boy as he went in on his own. There were a lot of mothers around, but the two students did not bother when they were getting attention. Arata led her to the main road and was about to turn the crossing when Yukari took a hold on his sleeve. The player turned behind him with a curious look.
”Arata, let's skip school today,” Yukari spoke softly to him, her lips curling a little. ”I feel tired, and I don't get to rest when I'm home or at school.”
[You have triggered a date with Secret Admirer Ginmachi Yukari! Initiating a Kiss will give you 1 Cosmos Crown during the event! You have 1 in your inventory, with 11 remaining to be obtained. Are you ready to impress the date-able? Yes / No]
He held his hand out and petted his best friend. ”We shouldn't go around in our uniforms. Let's shop first.” He then smiled widely, earning the same reaction from Yukari.
Instead of taking a bus towards the school, they took one back to the Lumen Park. The mall was not open yet, so they just ended up strolling around and waited while having snacks in a cafe. The manager asked them why they were not in school, and Arata just had to lie about them waiting for a friend who just came back from America after ten years of separation. They just received a message on their way to school so they skipped to see their friend. The conversation got so emotional- that the manager even gave them cakes that were on the house. With extra-maximum Charms, no one could resist the god of the living.
”How good are you at lying? Geez.” Yukari snickered as she enjoyed the fruit of Arata's heartfelt performance.
”I know it's bad, but I just have to do it sometimes.” The man sighed as he sobbed inwardly, getting by scenes without Attori's passive and limited dialogues. Then again, it felt more natural for him to act like it was his guts that made him do so. Not to mention that gold prizes could come at any given moment during a Date.
[You have fulfilled the secret request: defend your seats from Manager-san! Each request will give you a chance to get a second event scene! You have 20% of the required secret requests! Good luck!]
Arata just had to hiss in mixed relief and annoyance. He then followed it with ridiculing chuckles. He started eating the cake, and chatted with the best friend for almost two hours. In that time, he managed to slip a text to Attori about him skipping school for the fun of it, and would be meeting her in Hibiya later. However, like what happened before, he was not able to ask Yukari to leave the cafe until it was twelve.
The two hit the mall as soon as the action time chime sounded inside his head. They bought clothes from a store and changed in the same fast food chain where they had their lunch. Arata and Yukari, who were suited in designer clothes, walked around like it was the weekend. Since it had many sights that Yukari enjoyed, Arata chose the Blue Pavilion Mall as the Dating Spot.
[You just pulled off a stunt! Your destination choice gave a boost of 35 to Secret Admirer Ginmachi Yukari's Date Meter! It is now at 35/100! Keep on going!]
”These clothes are really expensive. How come you have a lot of money on you?” Yukari hummed as she twirled in front of a glassed display- which black background giving her a black mirror to see herself wearing the clothes he just bought for her. She stared at her reflection wearing a pink skater dress with white leggings and brown sandals. ”Aren't you spoiling me a lot?”
”Nah, looks perfect on you.” Arata made a photo frame with his hands, only to remember he did have an instant camera. He took it out and aimed at Yukari who got flustered. ”Come on, just one shot is good enough! Let me have a souvenir!”
”I should have known better!” The girl pouted, but she still did a pose for his shot.
[You just pulled off a stunt! Your gift: Designer clothes, gave a boost of 20 to Secret Admirer Ginmachi Yukari's Date Meter! It is now at 55/100! Keep on going!]
They then continued walking, and Yukari crossed her arm with his as they walked. She was quiet, but she wore a rather big smile on her face. Arata could notice the light mood she had, and would love to let her keep it. But then again, he had no idea when the date will stop, and failing it would be a loss. However, he somewhat had this feeling to just let it happen, if it makes Yukari stay happy in silence. His conflict made him sigh, much to Yukari's attention.
”Are you getting bored, Arata?” The girl asked, her tone quite disappointed from what she heard.
”Ah, no. I was just thinking if we should start talking. You look so happy even though we're not, so I wasn't sure if we should.” The man chuckled, finding it hard for him to lie to Yukari despite his deception skills. It was about his heart to lie after all.
”Oh, it's fine to talk. I'm just really happy. I...” -she averted her gaze from him, wearing an awkward smile- ”I've never been on a date before. I don't know what I should be doing.” Yukari only chuckled. ”Walking around with you is enough for me. Asking for more is... kind of too ambitious.”