Chapter 5: A Date

The weekend had finally arrived. Lucas was already waiting in front of the station as promised, dressed casually in a simple black T-shirt and a denim jacket. There was no need to dress up too much since, according to Takagi, this wasn't a "date."

A few minutes later, Takagi arrived, wearing a pink sweater and a short skirt with black leggings. Her appearance was quite different from usual, but her expression remained the same—calm, slightly haughty, and looking like someone who definitely wasn't on a date.

Lucas gave a relaxed smile. "You look different today."

Takagi crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"

Lucas shrugged. "More relaxed. Usually, you look like a little general ready for battle."

Takagi clicked her tongue, but there was a slight smile on her face. "Hmph, whatever. So, where are we going?"

Lucas slid his hands into his pockets. "I know a good place. Just follow me."

Instead of a fancy restaurant or a romantic spot, Lucas took Takagi to an arcade—a place filled with game machines and loud noises.

Takagi looked around skeptically. "Seriously? This is the place you chose?"

Lucas chuckled. "Of course. What's the point of a date if there's no competition?"

Takagi scoffed. "Who said this is a date?"

Lucas simply smiled. "Come on, let's see who's better at shooting games."

Without waiting for an answer, Lucas grabbed two toy guns from a zombie shooter arcade machine and handed one to Takagi.

Takagi clicked her tongue but took it anyway. "Fine. But don't cry if I beat you."

The battle began. Takagi was highly focused, her fingers moving quickly as she shot every zombie on the screen with pinpoint accuracy.

Lucas smiled as he watched her. She was really serious about this.

By the middle of the game, their scores were nearly tied. But in the final round, Lucas swiftly shot down more zombies, winning by a narrow margin.

Takagi let out a long sigh. "Tsk… beginner's luck."

Lucas laughed. "You almost won, Takagi. I have to admit, your reflexes are impressive."

Takagi narrowed her eyes at him, then smirked slightly. "Don't underestimate the brain and hands of someone who has read a lot about battle strategy."

Lucas raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, you're amazing."

After the arcade, they headed to a small but famous ramen shop in the area.

Takagi sat down, watching as Lucas casually picked his order.

"So, do you come here often?" Takagi asked.

Lucas nodded. "This place has the best ramen. Not too fancy, but the taste is incredible."

They placed their orders, and when the ramen arrived, Takagi sighed in satisfaction after the first bite.

"Okay… this is good."

Lucas smiled proudly. "See? I have good taste."

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying their meals. Then, suddenly, Takagi spoke in a softer voice than usual.

"Lucas… I'm curious."

Lucas looked at her. "About what?"

Takagi played with her chopsticks. "You don't seem like an ordinary person. I mean, you act relaxed, but at the same time, you're also… different."

Lucas studied her for a moment before smiling. "What do you mean?"

Takagi stared at him intently. "It's like you're hiding something. Like… you know something that others don't."

Lucas remained silent for a moment. He couldn't tell her the truth—that in one year, the world would be overrun by zombies.

So, he simply gave a casual smile. "Maybe I just like keeping a little mystery."

Takagi huffed. "You're so annoying."

Lucas laughed. "And yet, you still invited me out today."

Takagi bit her chopsticks for a moment before looking away. "Only because I wanted to see… if I could beat you in strategy games."

Lucas grinned. "Or maybe… because you're starting to like me?"

Takagi choked slightly, then quickly sipped her tea. "Idiot! Don't make things up!"

Lucas just laughed harder.

But deep down, Takagi was starting to realize something—Lucas was different from anyone she had ever met.

And maybe… just maybe… she really was starting to like him.