“That’s so gruesome bro.” my sis said, gagging, momentarily distracted from her pain. I had destroyed my regeed eyeball, and was now gingerly trying to i Shaeu’s amber eye into the empty socket. It was difficult, as the eye was more delicate, ae her form resembling a human one, she wasn’t built in the exact same way.

  “Yes, but weren’t you the one always joking about stealing eyes, Aiko?” Shiro teased her.

  “Yeah but… in my case, I’d expect to at least be knocked out by ahetic or something!” she cried out, shocked.

  Evee the ghastly spectacle, nobody was looking away. My great Precision allowed me to move my fingers dexterously, and soon the eye slid in, bringing a few stabs of pain as it caught my severed nerves. It was then my Ether Healing surged, and as expected, it was not easy. Shaeu’s eyeball was fn to me, and my body wao reject it, repg it with my eed eye.

  “The sensation here is hard to describe…” I muttered. Azuki the doll had stayed to watch us in morbid fasation, but this was beyoolerance, and she rushed away, little legs thrashing, her face pale as the por of her doll form ierial, before hiding in the er, only looking over occasionally. It’s like trying to push jelly through a wall… Taking trol of Ether Healing, I precisely destroyed the fresh growth, allowio start flowiher into Shaeu’s eye she had plucked out for me.

  “This is quite-quite iing.” Shaeu was me keenly, with both eyes shining, as the removed orb had regeed, seemingly without causing any damage to her Mystic Eyes of Perception. “It is not-not as easy as I would have imagined.”

  “I know a fair bit about transpnts.” Shiro said suddenly. “I never had to have one, my specialists decided I’d never survive surgery and it wouldn’t work anyway, as they didn’t know why my body and all my ans were sile, but obviously I read about it. You ’t just move around body parts, they are treated as fn invaders. That’s why you have to take a lot s to suppress them, with nasty side effects, which would have killed me even if by some miracle I did survive surgery. But…” she stretched fidently, ign the mess that was her ravaged arm. “…that’s just applying sce, right? Don’t we have ways to go beyond that?”

  “Yeah, we do.” I agreed. Aether surged, aher Healing protested, but I also started using Chirurgery, making the nerves ect, the severed smaller capilries and pathways realighe work was incredibly delicate, and not something I would have been able to mahout high Precision, Acrity and Intellect. “With enough aether we achieve many things. But it takes more than just that.”

  Knowledge was important too. Fortunately I had done a little research, so I was aware of the general structure of an eye as well as how the nerves ected. Ether Healing was forced into a, and soon the eye was ied into my body, and after a moment of wreng dislocation where my vision blurred armingly, I blinked, able to see through both eyes again.

  “Way to sport i eyes.” Shiro snorted. “Amber and grey, quite a bo.”

  “I think what matters more is does the eye fun properly?” Tsukiko asked, though she did seem fasated by my new mismatched colouration.

  “I see fine, but…” Cheg my skills there was no gain, and I couldn’t seem to activate the eye. “…as expected, it doesn’t work. But we’re not do.” I paused, looking around meaningfully. “…I uand this is fasating, but there’s no point sg in your own efforts.” My grin was sly. “So while I start trying to replicate the work around Shaeu’s eyes, we’ll be upping the iy of your training…” Ign their groans and protests, Hyath unleashed more spores, and the training tinued…

  ********

  “You have quite the talent for this.” Daiyu was saying happily to Eri, who was sitting in a lotus position, trying to look posed, though she too was soaked with sweat. Not silver sweat though, this being the Material. It’s amusing that despite being apart, everyone is training hard…

  “I don’t know about that.” Eri replied, though from the slightly proud smile on her flushed face, she was happy at the pliment. “I’m probably starting from a better position than you did?”

  Daiyu nodded, gng at me, before answering. “Yes, I believe that is true, to aent. You are already profit at handling the ether aher that we vert into Qi. Rather than having to build up your senses and accumutioime, you move onto Qi Refining itself. But talent ot be hidden, much as jewels shine even if covered in muck.”

  “That metaphor is kind of hurtful.” Eri said, making a joke, and once more I was warmed by seeing Eri getting along with others, ing out of her shell. But then, Eri and Daiyu are a little simir in some ways. So it makes sense.

  “In addition, your body is uniquely malleable.” Daiyu pointed out. “It adapt and trol itself well.”

  I decided to use my Eye to observe, which was a trial, as I was already using it in the Boundary, trying to perform some very delicate Chirurgery on myself. Ign the phenomenal pain in my head, I peered into Eri’s body, and could indeed see that her Astral body had ged a little, a crude but unmistakable proto-Dantian having formed. Eri didn’t seem to have any Qi Refining skills yet, but there were tiny, almost unnoticeable traces of Qi within her body. “Yeah. Give me a sed…” I reached out, pg a hand on Eri’s lower body. She flushed but didn’t flinch from my touch, instead looking at me, her bck eyes trusting.

  Flowing in my owher, I started guiding her body. Rather than forcibly making ges as I would normally, I allowed the unique characteristics of Eri’s shapeshifting body she ied from Gio do the hard work. Time passed, and then we were done. Daiyu seemed surprised, as the efficy rate of Eri vertiher to Qi had gone up by several orders of magnitude, though it was still a paltry couple of pert.

  “Amazing. You have achieved in mere hours what would take a Sect disciple several years of dedicated work, if not more. This goes beyond mere experience.”

  “It’s thanks to Akio. And to you.” Eri praised Daiyu iurn. “After all, learning from a master is always going to help a student, right?”

  “I hardly call myself a master. Not yet.” Daiyu flushed slightly, her eyes narrowing in pleasure. “It is true though that my own talents have bloomed ever since I washed up on these shores. I think…” Daiyu said, suddenly serious. “…that yreatest talent is not your strength, but your speed of growth and the ability to inspire such growth in others, taking the talents of the many and making them the talents of all. even a dragon survive when faced with an army of shat have dragoh, tiger fangs, phoenix fmes and turtle shells?”

  “That metaphor was even stranger. But I do uand it.” Eri chuckled. “ I tell you a story, Daiyu?”

  “We have time.” Daiyu nodded, while I thought about Daiyu’s words. The girls in the Boundary were struggling, the deadly spores inflig great pain upon their bodies, yet they bore the pain willingly, ughing and joking even through the tears, seeking greater power, trusting in me when I said it was needed. Here, Daiyu and Eri were striving too, and even the girls not present were w hard in their own ways. I do no less… My Eye peered at the string of silvery beads around my wrist, the seeds of the fruit of the World Tree. Ten shining silver beads, which glowed in an indest myriad of colours. There were twelve before, right? But two… one dissolved inside me, and the other entered my Eye…

  Eri was telling Daiyu about the early days, when I foolishly tried to keep my abilities secret from Eri and my sis, and how Eri was so weak and feeble her first trip into the Boundary in Las Vegas, but after her hard work and the support of us all she started to grow. Daiyu nodded firmly, hard work something she definitely approved of. That made me think too. The dire of my strength. Daiyu is right. While one overwhelming power defeat innumerable foes, a single power ’t protect. Power is better on offense, whereas numbers for defence. And I want to proteot to quer…

  I was on the verge of realising something, when my ph. Distracted, I pulled it out of my pocket and saw it was Hinata calling. It’s getting so te? Damn, I have been engrossed in things. With Eri and Daiyu talking in the background here, and my efforts to perform Chirurgery on Shaeu’s impnted eye in the Boundary, all my attention had been ser focused on that, any spare thoughts going towards the idea slowly f in my head. Where did the time go? “Hi Hinata, what’s up?” I said, answering the phone, and her cheerful, excited voice came back.

  “Akio, good afternoon. I hear grandfather has already spoken to you.”

  “Yes, about the visitor from South Korea, right? The timing seems a bit tal, so..”

  “Yes.” Hinata agreed brightly. “I ’t imagi’s anything else other thauation in South Korea. Grandfather has done some digging, but hasn’t been able to find a clusive link. But… it’s a ce. Although…” her tone was serious now. “If it’s anything dangerous, then don’t risk yourself. An opportunity isn’t worth risking your life for.”

  “I thought the gover was talking to South Korea’s.” I mused. Daiyu and Eri were watg, curious, and I waved a hand, promising to fill them in ter.

  “Yes. So whatever he’s ing for, we o make sure that Japas its due too, so that we get our share of the rewards.” Hinata decred. “But if we get some extra bes… Akio, I e to the meeting? I two people too.”

  “Two? Is one Mayumi-san?” I asked, and Hinata’s denial surprised me.

  “No, not her. They seem ued people at first gnce, but… trust me, it’ll be worth our while. But again, if the situation is too dangerous, we miss the opportunity.”

  “All right. I do feel sympathy for others, especially if they are involved with Choseed problems, but you’re right. I have to prioritise us first. But hearing him out makes sense.”

  “Yes, of course. I’m not too worried anyway.” Hinata giggled oher end of the call. “I know you’re strong, and cool too.” As I smiled at her pliment, she tinued. “But if it’s a problem so severe that South Korea is searg for fn help, especially from Japan… All of us from Hanafubuki have been trying to get a wider view of the world since meeting you, and we now know that Japan is hardly universally loved worldwide. Our past had some mistakes.” She gathered her thoughts, and it reminded me of the ret battle against the Kamuy. “But… that’s the past. We’ll learn from it. So yes, if they want our help it has to be a big deal. It might be as dangerous as London. So… caution, all right?”

  I agreed, chatting some more about less serious things after agreeing that Hinata awo guests could attend the meeting. It should be lively with her and Buck together. I wonder what he’ll think of her. After a while I hung up, realising it would sooime for my date with Kana, sidering school was finished.

  “Yes, you’ll be te if you aren’t careful.” Eri said, shaking her head. “That’s not good.” She looked at Daiyu, and for a moment there was a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “I think we o help him get ready. While his dress sense has definitely improved sihe irls take an i in making sure he is ready for important occasions, for a date with a girl like Kana… he’ll have no idea.”

  “I see.” Daiyu smiled slightly. “I had hought I would be involved in such matters. Cultivators tend to dress in robes for all occasions. But I fess… my tastes have ged. So I shall be happy to help!”

  Seeing the look in their eyes, my smile turned wry. Looks like I’m going to be their dress-up doll for a while. I suppose they do deserve a break, they’ve been w hard. But then, so have I…

  ********

  “Yes, nothing.” I decred, a bit frustrated. “I’ve replicated all the structure I see, but the eye doesn’t have any skill.”

  Shaeu frowned, me. “Yes, you are quite-quite correct. It is puzzling, but not-irely ued.”

  It was then we were interrupted with some harsh ughter. Tan had taken over Shiro again, and was critig our efforts. “I did say such a feat was not trivial. I would hardly covet your Eye were it so simple.” Tan tio ugh. “There is a differeween a part of a body that expresses a power or skill, or a thing that embodies it.” She adopted a lecturing tone, and I realised once again that she used talking down to us as an excuse to trickle information our erhaps that is how she get around the restris she is under. Feeling a warmth that Tan supported us in her own way, I paid attention, as did the others, their pale, haggard faces still matched with determined eyes.

  “What do you mean?” my sis asked the obvious question. “It’s only natural that Mystic Eyes he eyes. It’s like Sharingan or Rinnegan, right?”

  Tan paused, momentarily fused, before her expression cleared up, having obviously shared Shiro’s knowledge. “I see. This world is strange indeed. Yes, some Eyes are of such power. Such as yours.” She looked at me, hair and eyes bzing crimson. “But is a talent with the sword embodied in a hand that holds the sword? No, most eyes would be an expression of the being that wields them.”

  “What about elements then?” My sis asked once more. “They exist in the chakras, right?”

  “Yes. But a dragon’s breath be fme that exists because the dragos.” Tan tered. “Yes, most fmes are embodied in the sor plexus chakra, but not all.”

  Shaeu and I exged gnces, before we both realised the same thing. “It’s just like Divine Favours.” I said, and Shaeu nodded.

  “Yes, they are physical objects, embodying the ability they hold-hold within. Thus they be taken out and given to others.”

  “So that means, my Eye… it’s on the level of a Divine Favour? That makes se’s certainly powerful.” I mused. “So in theory, I remove my Eye and give it to my sis…”

  “Yes, I believe the ces of success would be high.” Tan said, though her tone was gently mog. “However, when the Favour is removed, it be restored in those who it was removed from? Your sister would have the power then. You would not, your eye that you restore would simply be that. An eye.”

  “No way.” My sis crossed her arms. “I want to see like you do, bro. Not rob you. And you way more than I do anyway!”

  “If I may speak?” Tsukiko asked, and I smiled warmly at her.

  “o be so diffident. Your voice is as important here as any.” I promised.

  “I see.” She looked down shyly, befathering her posure, and she dohe mask of the Diviner, her dignity shining. “I believe I uand what our Divine visitor is saying.”

  Tan s that manner of address, but looked pleased at the great respect Tsukiko had for her as a Goddess, even though she was not part of the Japanese Pantheon. As Tsukiko tinued, her expression grew more impressed, looking almost ical on Shiro’s face.

  “The gifts of the Gods are not a part of us. Whereas the eyes Shaeu has are of her, and thus ot be transferred. Yet Akio’s Eye… it is not his alone. So it be gifted to others, but what is gifted ot be recimed. But… is that true?” Tsukiko paused. “I gave the blessing of Tsukuyomi to you, Akio. I do nret it. Whether you stole the legacy that was intended for someone else or not, results speak for themselves. I would rather a hero who is here, than a hero who is destined.” I opened my mouth to speak, and now she was smiling, though she still maintained her cool elegance. “I have no need for your sympathy. I am here, growing stronger, am I not? Together.” She flourished her ravaged arm as a badge of pride. “My point is… while what noble divia?hā says is undoubtedly true, it is not absolute. I feel it.”

  “Feel what?” my sis asked, curious, and Hyath seemed to heave realised something too. Perhaps it’s because the fact that the spores are, in a art of her? So she’s got a grasp on the bodies of those she’s seeded them on?

  “Sooo long as the roots remain, a tree grow again, nooo?” Hyath said. “It might be difficult, Hyath thinks, but doooes that mean we ot do it? We have dooone many hard things, things nobody believed we cooould do. Mistress Tsukiko…”

  “I uand your words, but I have nht to be called a mistress, not yet.” Tsukiko interjected and Hyath giggled.

  “I think nooot. Did you not take in yooour mouth Akio’s mighty…”

  “All right, enough of that.” My sis blocked her mouth, while Tsukiko flushed crimson and ceded the point with an embarrassed nod. After Hyath stopped giggling, she pushed the hands preventing her speech away.

  “The moon doooes not vanish when the sun es up. We Fae, we find the world strange, for all we knooow is the twilight of the Fae nds. But no mooore has mistress Tsukiko’s moon vahe roots remain, and while the moon is in Akio’s hands…”

  “I see. You impress me once again, Hyath.” Shaeu eering into Tsukiko with her eyes. “It is not-irely gone. Shadows, traces remain. Perhaps it could be restructed. So…”

  I looked down at the sparking beads on my wrist. “You’re saying that if I removed my Eye, it could be regrown using the same material as before. Yes, I think it could be done.” I was excited, but Tan quenched our enthusiasm.

  “I admit to being impressed by your thoughts. Few would make such leaps. But if it was so easy, do you think we would not have dohis? The Favours are not simple adherend aether. There is something more. As for the precious seeds, it is simply impossible. Such a material is one of the most coveted of the World Tree Pantheon, usually only qualified to be possessed by the favoured of the Gods, or the Gods themselves. It is not something you work with, nor should you. When the seeds are gohey are gone forever.”

  No, is that right? I get it. We are way above the skills of Chirurgery Shaeu and I had then, but… it’s not like we could do anything at all before. It’s like the stories Eri is telling Daiyu even as they are getting me ready… “Here’s the thing. To my Eye, the seeds show up as a pleted item. It’s Legendary, and way beyond my skills to mess with… but that doesn’t mean I ’t get better skills… and… they’re seeds, right?”

  “Such hubris. Such abominable hubris.” Tan burst out ughing, tears streaming down Shiro’s cheeks glittering like fmes. “The World Tree, that t edifice, brahat could cover this entire world with its shade, you think you cultivate it here, on a world so bereft of ether, adherend…” she said another word, but all of us bnked out for a moment, uo prehend it. “…even if you could, do you have thousands of years for it to perhaps bear a single fruit?”

  “Hey…” Shiro suddenly took bae trol, eyes darkening. “…there’s more thahological Tree, right? In fact, even h has other Trees. Japah has plenty too. So…” she looked at me, trying to vey something.

  “Yes, Tan, I uand. These seeds are precious. But… at the least, I spare one for my sister.” As I said that, Aiko blushed and teared up, touched by my care. “But here’s the thing. So long as a single seed remains, we’ve got a ce. And you said thousands of years… we’re still all going to be here then, aren’t we?” At Shaeu’s proud nod, I smirked. “So why should we give up a possible bright future, even if it takes that long? Pnning ahead is only sensible.”

  “Arrogance. I doubt the one who gave you that and bound the Divine Favour within it khey were dealing with a madman. But then…” Shiro’s face twisted into a frown. “…madness sometimes begets genius. Just… beware of the fate of those who trespass into the domain of the Gods. Their fates are often not kind. Though…” her smile was genuine now. “…At least I am not as bored as I imagined I would be, trapped here. The princess is good pany, except for…” she g Hyath, whose grin was wide. “…enough. Watg y and failing will pass the louries. Though before then, this world will be imperilled, and you will have to set such dreams aside for harsh and iable battle.”

  “Hey.” Shiro ughed. “Tan, since you are so fident Aki ’t do it… how about a wager?”

  “A wager? You would gamble with me?”

  “Why not?” Shiro replied. “It won’t be the first one. Shaeu and Aki had one before, and we’ve all got one now… which we’re going to win.” She gri me, and it robably true. They’d hit the wall without any means of mystic vision at Rank 4, but I’d e up against the reality Shaeu’s eyes didn’t seem replicable, at least not without further study. I’m still not giving up. If a Dantian be formed by Eri, then why ’t we replicate iirety everything that prises the meism of Shaeu’s eyes? Sure, it’s a lot harder than I thought, but… I don’t want to always lose. I have my pride after all!

  “So this will be the third. And we’ll actually be on Aki’s side for once.” Shiro finished. She outlihe terms of the wager, and everyone was surprised, especially Tae her shock, she still accepted, her pride and knowledge telling her we had no ce of winning.

  “Very well. Eai is important, and should I win… I will have achieved my goal here, although not the way I expected. Do nret this, princess.” she warned, and Shiro’s bright ugh pushed back.

  “Regret it? You think any of us will? If we lose, then we lose, and it’s simply not much different to our inal agreement, Tan. But if… no, when we win… it’ll be fun, I promise. You’ve been watg me all this time…”

  “Not-not all the time, apparently.” Shaeu snickered, amused.

  “…so you know, Aki work miracles. And for victory he force the world to bend if he must.” Shiro finished, face flushed.

  “All right then!” My sis was buoyed up, the wager sparking up her petitive spirit. “It’s the perfederdog story, like me going up against your brother, Shaeu. But ime we pete, I won’t lose so one-sidedly. Besides… being rivals pushes both sides to do better. Hey, we do it, no matter then pain! Rank five, then rank six! Hyath, take a leg too! Maybe having the damage somewhere different will help…”

  Watg everyone surge into a again, I couldn’t help but shake my head. How did it e to this? But… I looked down at my wrist, the silver beads shining, in trast to the ch I could see on my other wrist ierial, as I roag Shirohebizumi shrio pick up Kana. Nothing is impossible, only something beyond our current skills. So for now… I gave orders to Azuki, askio fetch me a number of people and a pile of materials…

  ********

  “Looking good there, Akio.” Kana said, and I was indeed dressed differently to usual, in a fashio-shirt, casual scks, and some tasteful jewellery to match the expe uated waty left wrist. My hairstyle was a bit mgressive, too, matg the toned muscles of my arms. “You look like a sporty uy student out oown.”

  “You look good as well. I don’t often see you in a dress.” I observed, and Kana giggled happily as I took her hand, esc her back to the expensive fn car I had been driven here in.

  She spun, the long hem of her red skirt fluttering. Her arms were bare too, despite the autumnal chill, as being a Chosen with det stats, she didn’t much feel the cold anymore either. “Of course, this is a date after all. And you do like girly girls, right?”

  “I like you.” I said, making her blush, and she punched my arm gently, so as not to hurt her own fist.

  “Don’t do that, it’s embarrassing.” she pouted. “No, wait, do it more! But… if you’d have been that ho earlier, I wouldn’t have suffered so!”

  “I know. I’m a jerk at times.” I said, and as we ehe back seat of the car, the tinted privacy s making us feel alone as the car cruised into tral Tokyo, we talked happily.

  “I feel a little bad skipping out oraining school…” Kana was saying, leaning her shoulder against mihough she was careful not to mess up her hair, which had been braided delicately. “But I’ll be doing it a lot from now on. I’m doing stru work in the evenings.” She let out a little giggle. “Me, the ziest girl around. Fortunately it doesn’t take any physical bour. I want to stay girly and cute.” She flexed her soft arm. “No, K?itigarbha’s blessing is really patible with Grulgor’s skills and those who have mastered earth element. I’ve seen Ixitt’s pns. It’s crazy, but… more than fifty kilometres of tunnels, numerous underground spaces… all done before Christmas. It’s insane. Hinata- told me that it take between three months and a year to drill a kilometre, depending on the circumstances, and we’ll be doing that in a day! It seems impossible, even with our talents, but…” She pressed her chest against my arm, and was amused as I flushed. “…holy, I think we . Maybe not to start with, but as we get more practise and grow our skills and coordination.”

  “I know you’ll do your best.” I praised her, and she was the one flushing now.

  “Hearing that, I have tht?” she giggled. “I don’t want to let you down. Nor waste the effort Ixitt and Hinata- have done in pnning everything. Besides…” her expression was sly now. “…Ren-kun is finally in charge, like he always wao be. He’s ged. He’s not a little brat anymore. Don’t worry, I left Asami- as his deputy. She’s been w on him for a while now. She really likes him. And I don’t think he’ll be able to resist a girl like her for long.”

  “Yeah, he’s matured. Adversity make a person or break them. I know that well.” I agreed, proud of him.

  “Me too. I was such a selfish bitch. I mean, I’m still selfish…” Kana admitted. “I think I deserve a good life, but now not just because I’m beautiful. But because I’m going to be worthy of it. Asami- always felt like I did too. Mio- too.”

  “So does Mio-san have her eyes on anyone?” I asked idly, and Kana gave me a look.

  “Wao ask her if she wans to join your harem?” she teased, and I shook my head.

  “Nope, I have quite enough for now, thanks. Besides, she’s still very ordinary. I don’t think I’m a good fit for her. She might want to look at some of the noble sons…”

  “No way. Those stuck-up pricks. Some of the girls are a bit like that too, but Hinata- and the others quickly educate them…” We tialking during the journey, and as we arrived in Harajuku, a fashionable area popur with girls and couples dating, Kana kissed my cheek gently. “All right, enough talking about work. We’re on a date now, so couple talk only. Besides, you’re busy with the others nht? It’s a tounoying, knowing I don’t have you all to myself, but this is still fine. But yoing to have it hard when things settle down.”

  “You think?” I asked, and she nodded her head. We left the car, and the atmosphere around was busy aive, and there were lots of fashionably dressed girls about, and a number of couples. I felt some eyes on us, as did Kana, as she stood straighter, proud.

  “No way. After the talk show, it’s only a matter of time before you get ed up in more trouble.” she advised me. “But for now, you might as well rex. And enjoy it. Because I’ll be ho, even Eri, she’s ly up on what a date should be. But I know.” She boasted. “So you should be happy and go with the flow.”

  “I will.” I ughed, pulling her close, enjoying the envious eyes on us. “And when we’ve done your date pn, we’ll do mine. I may not be that experienced, but I’m a w adult so I know a thing or two.”

  “Yes, I always knew I was going to end up dating an uy.” Kana steered me towards a famous clothing store. “Most of the men my age are so shalloathetic. It’s not their fault. They haven’t had the adversity we needed.” She giggled as I looked around. “Now, it’s shopping time. Even if we don’t buy anything, you want to see me put on a fashion shht?” she paused, enjoying the moment. “But if you want to see me model some underwear, you’d best buy it, for a private show at home!”

  ********

  “You didn’t have to buy all that.” Kana said, though her eyes were sparkling. “That’s not normal for a date. You might buy me oem, but…” She touched her hair, where the hairclip I brought her back from Las Vegas was shining elegantly. “…it was nice, seeing the irls looking jealous. Worse, I think a lnised you. If you were alone, you’d have been mobbed.” She snuggled close. “Fortunately I’m a girl who knows how to look jealous. They have to be at least as pretty as me to approach you.”

  “I do love that fidence.” I ughed, carrying several stuffed bags with my free arm. “But it’s your fault. You looked so good ihing.” I didn’t have the items delivered to our home, sihat would have defeated the point, being as it was a date activity.

  “Of course I do. I’ll even look good in that underwear. It’s cute. Sexy too. Ordinarily that’d be too soon, but it’s not like you haven’t already seen me in underwear, so I’ll make an exception on just this issue.”

  “I’m honoured.” I ughed, and Kana pinched my cheek, knowing I was remembering that.

  “So, we’ll go to the arcade. It’s a little high school romance, but some of the girls at school love showing off the pictures they’ve taken with their boyfriends. Though usually the boyfriends look bored…”

  “I don’t think I’ll be.” I said, and Kana rolled her eyes, amused.

  “Of course not. Firstly, you’re with me, and I’m fun. I know we talked about serious things like work earlier, but really, I’m not that heavy a girl. Sedly, unlike most of their boyfriends, you’re mature. I mean yeah, a number were students at Tokyo uies, but they were still just rown boys from what I hear. Whereas you’ve experiehings they only dream of. Lastly, it’s not like you have time to be bored, sidering you’re also doing other things at the same time. But I want to make sure your focus is on me, so I’ll be eaining and pleasant pany!”

  I leaned over, and we kissed gently. “I know. Don’t worry, yetting just as muy attention.”

  The arcade was busy, and I spotted a e game. “Want a prize?” I said, and Kana chuckled.

  “Normally that’s a waste of money. But why not?” She took a breath, before putting on a seductive voice. “Akio, I really like that plushie. you get it for me? If so I’ll reward you!” she spoke loudly enough to attract attention, relishing it.

  “I’ll do my best.” I promised. I could hear the whispers of the watg people, mentioning my was a bit unfortable, but going over to the mae I tossed a in. Using all my senses, I quickly grasped the motion of the arm and the weakness of the cw. Yeah, it’s desigo drop the prize, but… Soon I had carefully hooked the desired plush toy, and with a delicate motion I flipped it into the prize slot. Pulling it out I prese to Kana, who grinned.

  “Thanks. I‘ll treasure it!” she decred, showing off for the crowd. Taking my arm she led me to the photo booth, where we spent some time pying with the photographs, striking silly poses and generally having fun…

  ********

  “Yeah, adult sophistication is the best.” Kana’s eyes were sparkling. “I mean, I even have a job now…” She grinned, king her gss against mine. She was drinking a sparkling fruit juice rather than the wine I was, though the staff here would have turned a blind eye, sidering our status.

  “Speaking of, I’ll make sure you actually get paid for the stru.” I promised, and Kana gave me a ft look.

  “Why? I’m yirlfriend, but we both know that’s just for now, and when we’ve had our fun we’ll take it to the level. So what’s yours is mine anyway.”

  “Yeah, but work should be rewarded.” I pointed out. “It’s a matter of principle. So just accept it. Use it to treat your friends and family, since you’re right, if you need anything, I’ll see you get it.”

  “So sweet. Really, you’re a pushover, Akio.” Kana giggled. “But it does make me feel special. It shouldn’t work, sidering the others. But the time we’ve spent together, while it isn’t long, it’s been deep.” She looked out of the window over Tokyo. “Life surprise yht?”

  “True. You were so sure you wanted a guy to only look at you, to treasure you alone. I ’t do that.”

  “I know. Because right now you’re not just here with me. But even with that, I’ve still had a fantastic time, my heart’s been rag for hours.” Kana tio stare at the skyline. “I realised that the nonsense you talked abut beiimes the man anyone else was so that everyone’s share was better than anyone else was true. And it’s only going to bee truer.” Kana sighed. “I’m a little worried. Things don’t seem so bad now, evetle at mount Atago was manageable. But when danger breaks out everywhere… it’ll be o have a boyfriend who’ll protect me.” She turned bae then, brown eyes sparkling. “And I’ll do my part proteg you, our family, and everyone else. Because… you trusted me enough to see that I was more than just a spoiled idiot with some worthless old talents. And I love that.”

  “In fact, your eyes are important. I o study them too.” I said, as the trast with Shaeu’s eyes might prove valuable. “But they’re also pretty.”

  “You’re definitely gettier at pliments.” Kana ughed. “I may still sound a selfish girl, talking about your value. But I have value tht? So it’s only fair I match with someone worthy.” She paused, taking another sip of her drink. “I did enjoy the usual movie date, that was textbook. But a fancy meal in a nice restaurant has merits as well. Definitely.”

  “It does.” I agreed, admiring Kana’s profile once more. “I’ve had the promised fun. So, do you want dessert?”

  “I’m watg my weight, but really, that doesn’t matter so muow, since I’m w so hard.” She chuckled, pig up the menu, befiving me aremely cute look over the top of it. “So yes, I’ll have dessert. But you won’t be. Not yet.”

  “You tease!” As Kana didn’t deny it, I felt warm inside. She’s right. I do need a more normal retionship. Yes, I want to take it to the level, to have Kana stand equal to everyone else, but for now… having a normal date, talking about ordinary things… it’s certainly a wele balm to soothe some of the stress I’m under…

  ShipTeaser