Ryan arrived at a cozy little café, the one he and Utaha had agreed to meet at.
As he pushed the door open, the rich aroma of roasted coffee beans immediately filled his nose.
He looked around until he spotted her sitting by the window, book in hand, her long dark hair draped over her shoulder, the sunlight tracing her profile.
Every few pages, she'd pause to take a sip of her coffee.
"Been here long, Utaha?" Ryan slid into the seat across from her.
Without looking up from her book, she replied softly, "Ah, my cute junior finally arrived. I've been here about… half an hour."
"Did I keep you waiting too long?"
Utaha closed her book, resting her elbows on the table and her chin in her hands.
"Not at all. If it's for a date with you, I wouldn't mind waiting all day."
Ryan reached out and patted her head.
"Where'd you learn to talk like that? You sound like a big sister spoiling her little brother."
She chuckled. "Learn? I've always been like this."
"Sure you have. Bet you were actually grumbling about how I was late and maybe getting jealous over Mai and Yukino, huh?"
Her expression stiffened. He'd hit the mark exactly.
"H-how did you know what I was thinking? You psychic or something?"
Ryan leaned back, smirking. "Damn, you found out my secret. Been hiding that ability for seventeen years. But don't tell anyone, okay? I don't wanna end up on a scientist's operating table."
Utaha burst out laughing. "You really are a child sometimes. But… maybe that's part of your charm. You act childish most of the time, but when it counts, you become mature, reliable, even."
"Eh? Is that a love confession I hear? So embarrassing…" Ryan covered his face dramatically.
Utaha laughed again. "Why are you blushing?"
"Because my senpai just said something no one's ever told me before."
"Then tell me this," she said with a teasing glint, "what do you find attractive about me?"
Ryan made an exaggerated thinking pose.
Utaha frowned. "My good points are taking you that long to remember?"
"It's just that there are too many," he said seriously. "How do I pick one?"
That line caught her off guard. Her pale cheeks turned slightly pink. "Fine then… just tell me your favorite."
"Alright… my favorite thing about you is…" He paused dramatically.
Utaha leaned in, curious. "What is it?"
"…your boobs."
The timing was perfect; she'd just taken a sip of coffee.
PFFFFT!
Half of it sprayed across Ryan's face.
Utaha immediately grabbed tissues and tried to wipe him clean, her face beet red.
"You idiot! Who says that out loud in public?!"
Ryan grinned. "Hey, I was just being honest. What, you thought I'd lie? Don't tell me you're mad that I noticed."
"You ! So the only thing you like about me is that?"
"Of course not! If that were true, I wouldn't also like Yukino, would I?"
"Then what do you like about me?" she challenged.
Ryan smiled softly. "I like how you pretend to be this cool, experienced woman… when deep down, you're actually clumsy and shy. You tease me, but the moment I tease you back, you go all red. It's adorable."
Utaha's blush deepened. "You've got some strange tastes, my dear junior."
Ryan got up and slid into the seat beside her, leaning in close, eyes on her lips.
Utaha froze then slowly tilted her head up, eyes fluttering shut.
But instead of a kiss, she felt a finger press gently against her mouth.
"Utaha," he whispered teasingly, "no naughty business in public. Too many witnesses."
Her face went crimson. You could almost see the steam rising from her head.
"Then why were you staring at my lips like that?!"
"I just thought your lipstick shade looked nice. Wanted a closer look."
She huffed. "Tch. I thought never mind."
Ryan grinned. "Thought what? You didn't think I was gonna kiss you, right?"
Utaha turned her head away sharply. "Don't talk to me."
Ryan poked her shoulder. No reaction.
He poked her cheek. Still nothing.
He sighed dramatically. "Guess I'll have to use that technique…"
His fingers darted to her waist, giving it a gentle poke.
Utaha squeaked and jerked upright, eyes glistening.
She looked like she was on the verge of tears.
"Ah, crap," Ryan muttered, immediately pulling her into his arms. He rested a hand on the back of her head, stroking gently.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry, senpai. Don't cry. I was just playing around."
Her voice trembled against his chest.
"I waited so long for today… I didn't even complain about being last after Mai and Yukino. I've been here since the afternoon, waiting for you. I just wanted to be close to you. You were going to kiss me too, I know you were… but then you teased me again. Can't I be upset about that?"
Ryan wiped the tears from her face and cupped her cheeks in his hands.
"Sorry, Utaha. I went too far. Don't cry, okay?"
She nodded slightly.
"Fine… but only if you kiss me now."
He didn't hesitate. Their lips met softly.
When they pulled apart, Ryan smiled. "Better?"
Utaha's cheeks glowed pink. "Mhm. Though… maybe we should stop for now. There are people watching. We can continue tonight."
Ryan laughed. "Deal."
The Writer and Her Muse
After their coffee, they still had time before the movie, so they stopped by a nearby bookstore.
Right at the entrance, a huge display caught Ryan's eye.
"Whoa. 'Love Metronome'… Volume 5 already?" he said, picking up a copy.
Utaha smiled proudly. "Of course. I'm the future queen of romance novels, remember? This is nothing."
Ryan laughed. "Funny you sound just like me when I brag."
She blinked. "Do I?"
"Yeah. Must be the side effect of hanging around me too much."
"Hmm… maybe. I guess some of your arrogance rubbed off on me."
Ryan chuckled. "You actually looked kinda cool back there. Almost half as confident as me. Congrats, you've graduated."
Utaha smirked. "Thanks, oh wise master."
Ryan flipped through the book. "Hard to believe you're already on volume five. Last I remember, you were still struggling with volume three."
"That's because volumes four and five sold much better. So I sped things up."
"Right. I remember back then your second volume's sales weren't great, you almost got canceled."
"Yeah. I hadn't actually been in love yet, so my romance writing felt hollow. I was overthinking everything."
"So what, dating me helped you write better?"
"You could say that."
Utaha leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Actually, I found out from my editor. Around that time, every Hoshino Group bookstore suddenly started promoting my books. I knew it had to be you."
Ryan rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Guess I've been caught. I wasn't gonna tell you it didn't seem like a big deal. You're my girlfriend; of course I wanted to help."
Utaha squeezed his hand. "I know. You weren't doing it for anything in return. Just because you love me. That's more than enough."
Just then, Ryan noticed someone familiar in the manga section, a girl with twin tails, glasses, and a green jacket… giggling at a comic.
Utaha followed his gaze, saw who it was, and snorted. "Pfft."
The girl Eiriri must've felt their eyes on her, because she suddenly looked up. Her face froze when she spotted Ryan and Utaha.
Utaha walked straight over, arms crossed. "Well, if it isn't the blonde loser dog. Reading manga all alone this late? Oh, right, no boyfriend, huh? My bad."
Eiriri's face turned bright red. "Y-you stole Ryan from me, you homewrecker!"
"Oh, please," Utaha said sweetly. "Maybe if you weren't built like a flatboard, someone might actually like you."
Eiriri glanced down at her chest, then at Utaha's… and immediately deflated.
"D-damn you! So what if yours are bigger! I'm still growing! I'll catch up!"
"Sure, sure," Utaha said with a smirk. "Keep telling yourself that."
"Grr… You just wait!" Eiriri shouted before storming out of the store.
Ryan, still by the shelves, sighed.
If I'd stepped in, this would've turned into a whole other kind of scene.
Utaha returned, looking amused.
"You're not going after her? It's late, and she's a girl walking alone," she said.
Ryan wrapped an arm around her waist. "Why would I chase her? You're my girlfriend. My place is right here with you. She'll be fine."
Utaha smiled smugly. "Hmph. You do know your priorities. Anyway, the movie's about to start. Let's go."
The Private Theater
They arrived at the cinema, bought popcorn and two drinks, and found their seats.
Ryan glanced around. "…Uh, why are we the only ones here?"
Utaha sipped her cola, utterly casual. "Oh, I rented the whole theater. Didn't want anyone interrupting our alone time."
Ryan nearly dropped his popcorn. "You what? You actually booked the entire theater?"
"Of course. What's the point of money if not for romance?"
Ryan blinked. "Utaha, are you rich now or something? In that case, how about you sponsor me?"
She gave him a teasing smile.
"Sure on one condition. Break up with Mai and Yukino, and I'll hand over all my money."
Ryan grinned. "Nah. I couldn't spend your hard-earned money like that."
"Oh? So it's not about the other girls, hmm?"
"Ahaha look, the movie's starting! No more talking!"
Utaha chuckled softly as the lights dimmed, the two of them sinking into the glow of the screen
just another evening in their chaotic, romantic little world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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