Chapter 15: A Day out

Sunday morning.

Ren Takeda found a bench near the station and decided to take a short rest after his morning training at Muteki Dojo.

He took a deep breath, letting the warm breeze brush against his face, and thought, "This is only the second time I've gone out with a girl in my life."

Checking the time on his phone, he stood up and looked around until he saw Yumi Fuyuzora walking toward him.

Her blonde hair was loose and waivy in her usual style, and she wore a white dress that danced in the breeze, with simple sandals on her feet.

"Yumi!" Ren called out, waving as he jogged over.

Yumi's face brightened when she saw him but quickly turned shy. "Ren, good afternoon," she greeted softly.

"Good afternoon, Yumi. You look really pretty today," Ren said with a smile, scratching his cheek.

"Ah... you're saying weird things again," Yumi replied, turning her head to hide her blush.

Seeing her reaction, Ren chuckled and reached out to pat her head. "I can't help it my Yumi is so cute. You made yourself so pretty today."

Yumi swatted his hand away gently, puffing her cheeks. "Who said I'm yours, Ren? You're so shameless."

Her playful words made Ren laugh, and the tension melted away as the two relaxed.

"So, where do you want to go today, Yumi?" Ren asked.

Yumi looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. "Um... maybe we could watch a movie? If that's okay..."

"Sounds good to me," Ren replied. It didn't matter where they went, as long as they were together.

"Okay! Let's go!" Yumi said, her eyes lighting up.

As they headed toward the cinema, Ren extended his hand toward her. "The station is crowded. Hold my hand so we don't get separated."

Yumi hesitated for a moment before placing her small hand in his, her cheeks pink as she did so.

They walked hand in hand to the theater, and Ren asked, "Which movie do you want to see, Yumi?"

Yumi scanned the titles nervously before pointing to a romantic movie. "This one... if that's okay."

"Sure," Ren said, and he went to buy the tickets along with popcorn and drinks.

Inside the theater, they found seats next to each other. Ren handed her the popcorn and drink, and she gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Ren."

"Anytime," Ren replied.

The movie started, and the lights dimmed. Most of the seats were filled with couples, and Ren felt a bit nervous but happy at the same time.

He glanced at Yumi, who was watching the movie seriously, her eyes sparkling in the dim light.

When the movie ended, the two of them walked out together into the bright afternoon sun.

"That was a really nice movie, wasn't it?" Yumi said, her mood light and cheerful.

"Yeah, it was good," Ren replied, but then he looked at her with a small smile. "But I think something else is even better."

"Huh? What is it, Ren?" Yumi asked, tilting her head with curiosity.

Ren stepped a bit closer and said, "I think you're much attractive than any movie, Yumi."

Yumi's cheeks turned bright red, and she looked down, fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "Mou... You're teasing me again."

"I'm not teasing you," Ren said softly. He lifted his hand and brushed a strand of hair away from her face, letting his fingers lightly touch her cheek.

Yumi closed her eyes, her eyelashes trembling slightly as she stood on her tiptoes, leaning in closer.

Ren's heart was pounding as he leaned in too, their faces just inches apart.

Just as he was about to kiss her, a loud bark came from behind them.

"Woof! Woof!"

Both of them jumped and turned around to see a stray dog sniffing around a nearby trash can, knocking it over with a loud crash.

Ren scratched the back of his head, embarrassed, while Yumi covered her mouth, giggling softly as her face turned even redder.

"Guess the world isn't ready for that yet," Ren said with a resigned smile.

Yumi nodded, still giggling, and the two of them began walking back together under the afternoon sun, the warmth of the moment still lingering in their hearts.