Chapter 22: A Date Underneath the stars..

"Ah... Finally, a scene for the side characters! Hope you do well, Takeshi."

Kaoru lazily leaned back in his chair, cracking his knuckles as he stared at his phone screen. Takeshi had just texted that he wouldn't be dropping by the studio today. Kaoru smirked, glancing over at Aya and Kaede.

"You hear that? Looks like our boy Takeshi's got himself a romantic episode today."

Aya, arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Kaede clapped her hands together excitedly. "Ooh! Does that mean a date? Finally!! some progress!"

Even Naoki, who had just arrived and was adjusting his small glasses, looked intrigued. "Takeshi… is getting a romantic moment?"

Kaoru smirked. "Let's just hope he doesn't screw it up."

---

Scene 1 Action!: The Date Begins!

Takeshi stared at his phone screen. The message was short, direct, and left no room for negotiation.

Emi: We're going on a date. Meet me at the station in 30 minutes.

There was no emoji, no extra words, just pure Emi energy. Takeshi chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.

"Guess I don't have a choice."

When he arrived at the station, Emi was already waiting, leaning against a pillar with her arms crossed. She wore her usual white attire, but what caught Takeshi's attention were the two golden pins securing her silky white hair.

"Yo!" he greeted casually.

She glanced at him with her usual cool expression. "You're late."

"By two minutes."

"Still late."

Takeshi grinned. "Well, what's the plan. Miss Commander?"

Emi clicked her tongue. "Shopping. Clothes."

"Clothes?"

"Yes. You need better ones."

Takeshi's smile dropped. "Ouch. That hurt."

---

Scene 2 Action!: Shopping Shenanigans!!

Their first stop was a high-end clothing store, one Takeshi would have never stepped foot in if not for Emi's insistence.

"I don't need new clothes." Takeshi protested as Emi shoved him into a dressing room.

"You dress like an NPC."

Takeshi sighed, trying on a black button-up shirt and fitted jeans. When he stepped out, Emi inspected him with narrowed eyes.

"…Not bad."

Takeshi smirked. "That's practically a confession coming from you."

Emi immediately turned away. "...Shut up."

After a few more outfits (and Emi making sure he bought at least one stylish jacket), they stopped by an arcade.

Emi leaned over a claw machine, staring at a certain prize a small Torado**! Taiga figure.

"You into that?" Takeshi asked, inserting a coin.

"No. It just looks familiar."

Takeshi chuckled. "Yeah.. it kinda does."

It took him a few tries, but he finally snagged it. He handed the figure to Emi, who stared at it for a moment before stuffing it into her bag without a word.

Takeshi grinned. "No 'thank you'?"

"I didn't ask for it."

"You're welcome."

"Hmph.."

---

Scene 3 Action!: Dinner & The Starlit Bench.

After a long day of shopping and wandering around, they found themselves sitting on a park bench. The city lights flickered in the distance, but above them, the night sky stretched infinitely, dotted with countless stars.

Emi stared upward, silent.

"…Reminds me of something." Takeshi said.

Emi glanced at him. "What?"

He grinned. "Ever seen Your **me?"

"No."

"Figures."

She went back to looking at the stars, the faintest hint of curiosity in her eyes. Takeshi exhaled, then turned to her.

"…Mind if I do something?"

She raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Takeshi reached toward her hair. "Take these off."

Her golden hairpins gleamed under the moonlight. Emi didn't answer immediately, but after a brief pause, she gave a small nod.

Takeshi carefully removed them, and Emi's long, white hair cascaded down her back like flowing silk. He stared, momentarily mesmerized.

"…Damn."

Emi blinked. "What?"

"You look… really different."

She shifted slightly. "Is that a bad thing?"

Takeshi smiled. "Not at all."

There was a long silence between them. The cool cold girl who rarely showed emotion was now sitting beside him, her long white hair flowing in the night breeze, looking almost vulnerable.

Then, quietly almost too softly she spoke.

"…I had fun today."

Takeshi turned to her, surprised. "Huh?"

he hesitated before repeating himself, this time barely above a whisper.

"…Me too."

Emi blushed, and looked away from him

"..i-im glad to hear it..."

---

Bonus Scene Action!: The Spy Squad!

Meanwhile, from a not-so-discreet distance, Kaoru, Aya, Kaede, and Naoki were watching like a bunch of spies.

Kaoru smirked. "Well well well. Looks like our side characters are doing pretty good, right guys?"

Aya adjusted her glasses. "It's about time."

Kaede grinned. "They're so cute togetherrr! OMAGAWDIES!!"

Naoki, who had arrived late, blinked. "Wait.. what are we watching?"

Kaoru patted his shoulder. "Character development, my friend. Character development."

As they watched, Takeshi and Emi sat quietly under the night sky, her long hair flowing freely, the To**dora! figure resting in her lap.

And for once, Emi wasn't glaring, sighing, or chewing her bubblegum.

She was just… content.

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Ens of Chapter twenty-two.