Shido POV:
"Being alone…"
Hearing Tome words, I can help but feel even more guilty for her. I mean, why wouldn't I?
Even with all that power, all that strength, she's… alone.
Everyone won't cease to hunt her down, putting more pressure on her mentally.
At that rate, she will be forced to do just that… To not just stop with a single kill.
And yet, despite the gloomy scenery, I still have a shot. I can change her ideal altogether!
She gave me this chance. A single date. To help her make up her mind.
"I see… let us go, then."
"I'll be in your care for today then, Shido."
With that, Tome begins to walk away from me, and only then did I realize something problematic from her.
"Wait, Tome!"
"Huh?"
Her clothes, well, armor are too eye-catching to ignore. I could tell people that she's merely cosplaying, but her transparent dress made from light, well, won't cut it any day.
"Tome… can you change the armor into something else??"
I asked her with concerns, as she looked down on her dress with confusion slowly creeping up on her face.
"That thing also asked me this… So what's wrong with my
That thing? Adonai Melek? Was that what she called
"Nothing! It's just… humans usually don't wear your… kind of clothing…"
"…"
Tome falls deep silent with my response, her face expresses a thoughtful one as if she's considering my response. And then, a burst of light suddenly flashes around her.
When the light died out, Tome armors now all disappeared, with her now donning a white dress with pink decoration, along with a gray jacket outside.
"Wow…"
I let out my utmost compliment for her figure with such a clothing choice through a stupid sound, but Tome didn't seem to mind that a bit as she was still checking her clothes.
"How… can you do that?"
"Oh, this? Well… I—don't really understand. I just kinda know."
Tome, with a faithful expression, explained the whole thing in a sentence in which she herself also didn't know about all… that.
Consider the fact that we also know things by just being there, I'm not really surprised by that.
"So—what will we do?"
"Hm…"
I tried to come up with something for our date… but none of them feels right for me, at least at the moment.
Which means… we only got that option. Not the best one, I admitted, but that will do for now at the very least.
"Follow me. I just got a place in mind."
"Umu."
With Tome eagerly agreeing, we then made our way to a certain busy street nearby…
… And that's when I suddenly realized that I—didn't have much in the wallet.
Oh.
Kotori POV:
I feel horrible… I feel like I wanna throw-up.
After returning from almost being, well, "harassed" by a new Spirit, I forgot to tell Shido-nii
And from all the available options I have to savor the moment, I somehow—picked the worst one.
I, in a moment of panic, yell at him for failing a non-existing test, earning Ratatoskr and Shido-nii a spiteful glare from the first Spirit we actually save, while leaving the
I wanted to throw-up, I wanted to torment myself.
I let him be the target of my inaction, and just leave it at that.
Ever since that accident, she stayed in her room, not even bothering to go for dinner or breakfast. And Shido-nii—slowly detached from me.
At this point, with all the mistakes I made, I should be retired from the job altogether with the worst record ever—if not for my Spirit power.
How useless I am…
"You okay, commander?"
Sitting right across me, Reine asked with her usual frozen expression as she drank her black coffee, while I'm over here facepalm on the table holding the blueberry juice.
Since my school was more or less closed due to what happened yesterday, and that I don't really… I want to face Shido-nii right now, I opt to hang out with Reine to relieve my mind.
But since we were at the coffee shop, I just kinda sank in with my own depression as Reine just stared at me with indifferent eyes, one that—really helped me for some reason.
"… Do you think I'm a bad commander, Reine?"
After some time of struggling with my mistake, I finally decided to ask my only trustworthy partner, outside of Shido-nii of course.
"Yes."
And Reine, as usual, delivers the hardest truth to me.
"Your order back then to intercept
Reine begins to wholeheartedly dissect my mistake, as I can only sink deeper into my seat.
"… But that by no means proves your incapability."
And, to my surprise, her voice softened as she easing my discomfort.
"What…?"
"You are, by no exceptional means, a terrible commander, commander."
Reine gaze stared straight at my face, as if able to piercing through my soul at this very moment.
"Why… I screwed this up… I almost doom the cit—"
"You do what you can, commander. The urgency of the situation, combined with the subject of said situation, can only force you to make rash decisions. And while your plan is indeed the worst one, your reactions, while risking our standing in Tengu city, have savored the city while securing
"…"
"So please, for all of us, do not feel down with yourself commander. Because, we all at
… In all honesty, her words—sound so forced, even for me.
But right now, with how much I felt over myself over this whole ordeal… I really should just take that.
Not that Reine completely helped me with my incompetence, but she at least helped me feel a bit better.
"Thanks Reine…"
"Your welcome, commander."
Reine slowly drinking her black coffee with a delicate gesture, not after leaving behind a small nod in compliance with my gratitude.
With my spirit healed a bit more, I slowly drank my blueberry juice while taking a glance outside to ease myself… only to spit it out right after.
Because, in my wandering view, is the scene of Shido-nii walking with someone I just met yesterday—
Suddenly, my phone rang in response to my shock. I quickly checked the caller to see an unknown caller with an encrypted number.
Once I confirmed the caller identity, I immediately switched my white ribbon to the black one, signaling me entering my commander mode and taking the call.
"What happened?"
"Commander! We just got this news a few minutes ago! Apparently, Shido is on a date with
"I can see that! Did he inform us?"
"Negative! We just coincidentally informed him with her from below!"
He had a date with the
"Commence Operation
I take one last glance at Shido before leaving… just to see them directly heading my way, or to be exact, this very shop.
Wait… what?!
Shido POV:
"T–this is…"
Mumbling Tome, as she looks at the street and widens her eyes in surprise and awe.
"This is Tengu city's infamous shopping district, The Tengu Avenue."
Answer me, as I drag the shocking Spirit into Tengu Avenue, all the while trying to plan for the date.
"Avenue…"
Mumbling with interest, Tome follows me through the busy street with practically glittering eyes in awe.
"Ah!"
And, as she stared at the shop by the sideline, Tome bumped into someone. Just a slight shoulder hitch, and the other didn't seem to mind it at all.
But, as I found out, she—keep bumping into others as she didn't really know how to navigate through the crowd, and was being pushed at me.
"If I may…"
Fed up with her being tossing around, I decide to stand in and shield Tome from bumping anymore. And in return, to my surprise, Tome—leaned closer to my back.
"Thank you."
With an warmful whisper, Tome paid her gratitude back as she stuck right on my back.
… I gotta pay my gratitude to Kotori's ridiculous training after this.
As we wander through the street, Tome just keeps watching at the lively surroundings with a clearly intriguing yet concerning gaze.
"Wow…"
Although I thought she would make more of a fuss with this whole new experience, she's… surprisingly chill with this, minus her over-exaggerated reactions of course.
We just wandered for a few minutes, not really deciding on where to go. Tome didn't seem to mind that, as her eyes were practically filled with curiosity while looking around.
And while we're on the way, I secretly check my wallet—and can only sigh in defeat.
I don't have much, like at all. I could, probably, afford a drink for both of us. But no more than that.
… Makes me wonder, would the Ratatatoskr cover such an expense if I told them?
As I was still pondering about that, I felt someone tug my sleeve back. I look back to see Tome holding my sleeve, her eyes wander at a store by the sideline.
I followed her gaze to a coffee shop full of people, but I could easily spot a vacant seat just right beside the window. Deciding to make a quick stop here, I pull Tome with me to the counter and look at the menu.
"What do you want, Tome? Pick any you like from the screen."
"Eto…"
With a brief confusion, Tome looks at the screen with an uncertain look. But soon, all her uncertainty washes by pure curiosity, as her gaze shifts betweens selections.
"Can I have that, that, that, that and that?"
… Yep, it's official. I'm broke.
"I'l take an ice tea, please."
With both of us settled on our order, we turned to the seat by the window—
As I turned around… I froze.
Sitting right in front of me, was one I just recently learned.
Dead-fish gaze, blue-ish hair, sleeppish yet calming demeanor.
Wearing a long skirt with black veil, a white headband and a teddy bear hair pin.
Reine.
"Fancy seeing you here, Shin."
Reine, just as nonchalant as usual, greeted me with her dead-fish gaze.
"What's wrong? You look pretty pale. And who is this… girl?"
Asked Tome, who stared at Reine with suspicion.
"This is Reine, well, my relative. Reine, this is my friend Tome."
Feigning my ignorance, I introduce both to each other as Reind stands up in front of Tome.
"Nice to meet you, miss Tome."
"…"
Reine lends her hand toward Tome with a hospitality manner, while Tome just stares at her with a doubtful yet confusing gaze.
"… What's that?"
Asked Tome, as she pointed to Reine's hand. In response, Reine immediately retreats her hand.
"It's just a welcoming gesture. Tome. You should take it."
"…"
Tome slowly takes Reine's hand, as she then slightly shakes it for a moment before letting a wary Tome go.
"Well then, I have something to do now. Take care of your girlfriend, Shin."
As Reine said that while I went to the counter, I decided to stop her.
"Could you wait here for a bit, Tome. I need to ask you this."
Let out a reassuring smile back at Tome and dragged Reine just outside the store…
Tome POV:
… Weird.
Why did he sound so… desperate? With her?
Hmph…
"Mom! Mom!"
An energetic voice coming from the table nearby, attracting my attention.
Sitting at the table near the window, is a lady and a kid eating ice cream.
"Mom, can I have another pie?! It's so good!"
Asked an energetic kid, with his mouth still stuffed with white cream.
"Sure thing ~"
Said the lady, as she wiped the kid's mouth with a warm smile.
"Thank mom! You're the best!"
The scene, for some reason, captures my attention whole.
The kids look so happy, so carefree, so… trusting.
… I wonder… can I become like him one day…?
Shido POV:
… Yep, that fails.
Despite my best effort, she'll report the whole thing back at Kotori and provide me support for my date.
… I hope they won't screw me over again. Please.
With a heavy heart, I walked back into the store, with Tome nervously standing by the counter.
"Sorry for that Tome, have to ask her something."
I waved at her with an apology, as she smiled back at me solemnly… albeit forced, as I felt.
"It's okay."
"… If you say so. Well then, let's take our seat shall we?"
With that, we finally settle by the window side as Tome looks out at the busy road with a dreamy gaze.
We then, well, fall deep silent for some more minutes, taking in the environment in grace… until…
"It's peaceful."
Tome murmured with a distant voice, her eyes swept through the shop and the outside with a thoughtful yet conflicting gaze.
"I wonder… was it always this peaceful…"
She silently murmurs the line, her beautiful eye bathing in the light at the outside, creating a breathtaking scenery.
But despite all the beauty, all I can feel—is guilt and compassion. For I used to bear the same gaze as her.
Longing.
We're both, in a weird yet coincidental way, lonely.
And we, both subconsciously, are eager to stop being alone.
"You are not alone. You have me right here, you know."
I promptly eased her with a faint smile, filled with compassion. With a soft sigh, Tome expressions soften a bit before turning to me.
"… I hope so."
Tome responded to my words with a faint smile as reassurance, as I can just sigh back in contempt with her current state.
"Hey Shido?"
"Hm?"
"Can I ask you… what is a "mom"?"
My heart stopped with her question.
My vision waver, everything blurred.
But soon, as usual, I quickly regained my composure.
"Why did you want to know that?"
"I just thought… Well, I'm just curious, that's all."
Curious… I see…
"Well… just think of it as a closest person. A mom always stays by our side. Caring for us. Love us. Told us that we're perfect the way we are… Someone—never left us behind…"
My voice slowly strained as I concluded my explanation, earning me a shift in realization on her face.
… I lied.
All of that in my explaination—is pure words.
I never felt her warmth, her voice, her demeanor… her love.
And yet, I never once heard that, even in my wildest dream.
"She just worries about me walking with you, that's all."
I smile back at her and explain it in the friendliest way, as she nods in understanding…
… And yet, despite the fact that I know the Itsukas love me, a tiny bit of me… longing for her.
… No… That's all in the past now.
I know, accepted even, that she never loved me. And I'm thankful that the Kotori family accepted me as one of their own…
And for that, I—shouldn't wish for what once lost. One that she decided to let loose.
I slowly regained my composure, my feelings, hoping that she would die down once more… as it should be.
But as I focused on Tome, I saw that she was still staring at me, her face showing a hint of concern—and uncomfortable.
"I see…"
With a slight frown, Tome began to slowly consume a bagel dish with a cheerful expression—one that she clearly tried too much…
Tome POV:
So that's what it means… to be loved unconditionally…
To think such a "person" existed… I just can't believe it.
And yet—why?
Why can't I have a mom?
Why can't I not be alone?
Why… are you looking so familiar…?
Shido POV:
"Phew ~ That's so good ~"
"…"
Looking at the mountains of dishes, I—already give up.
Tome is quite gluttony, and that is being generous.
I mean, she finished the whole thing in less than half an hour. Like how?!
Although I could barely pay for that right now… I wonder—what will happen if I succeed?
Will the Ratatoskr run out of finances with her glut?
… Well, that's no concern of mine. All I can do now is pray for them, and succeed in convincing her.
I then, with Tome, pay for the whole thing at the counter, with Reine also being the cashier for some reason, and wander outside once again.
Not much happening at the moment, besides, well, the moving crowd and other restaurants by the sideline.
Now then, where to go nex—
"Hey there, young man!"
Hm?
I turned toward the caller, and surprised enough, it was a middle-age man at a lottery wheel table.
And funny enough—they look familiar. Too familiar.
"You look pretty lucky, young man. Wanna have a try?"
The man smiled at me with an invitation call, as I was still pondering the option…
"What's that Shido?"
Tome asked me with an innocent voice, her eyes showing her clear curiosity with the stall.
"That's a lottery stall."
"Lottery…?"
"It'd be quicker if I showed you."
I then walked to the stall with Tome right behind me, and asked the really-familiar-guy who called me.
"May I?"
"Of course! In fact, since you're with such a lovely lady here, the first time's on me!"
The guy, with a highly unusual enthusiastic manner, pushed me to spin the wheel. I then reach out for the wheel… but then stop.
"You wanna try this, Tome?"
"Eh? I can?"
I nod at her eagerly, and push Tome to the wheel before me. Took me mere moments to explain how it worked for her, and she enthusiastically spun it.
A red ball fell out of it, and I silently let out a sigh.
"A red ball… seem like a mi—"
"First price!!"
As I began to ease Tome for failing the lottery, the guy suddenly rang his bell with a cheerful voice, leaving me completely dumfounded.
… Wait, this guy faces… Wasn't he one of those on
—So they began their support, I see…
But still, can't they, like, make this more convincing?
"The first place shall be a trip to Dreamland! Please accept the tickets!"
As he said, he handed out 2 tickets for both of us with an anticipation yet cheerful expression.
Tome takes the ticket, her gaze hinting her curiosity with it, while I just casually take it with a sigh.
"What's that, Shido?"
Tome asked me with a rather cute yet innocent expression, combined with a tilting head. Momentarily captured by her beauty, I quickly shake away and tried to answer for her—
—Only for me to also question the whole thing again. 'Cause I also never heard of it before.
It sounds too childish to be any serious location though… Probably an amusement park?
Nah, forget it. We'll find out about it anyway, so why rush things?
I mean, it cannot be that bad right—