Standing outside the cafe
Rito: panting. Hey, Kujou-senpai!
Rin: Yuuki Rito, good afternoon.
R: Afternoon, senpai. Sorry I’m a bit late. I lost my school bag somewhere and was tearing the house apart and I just lost track of time…Boy is it hot! Anyway, I’m glad you were able to make it today. Oh, before I forget, how did it go last night?
Rn: nodding. I’m a bit surprised to be saying this, but everything went quite smoothly. Saki-sama was overjoyed by how things turned out, and by the time we left the theater, I could tell her love for Zastin had only grown. He seemed to greatly enjoy her company as well.
R: You were there with them?
Rn: Of course. I head up Saki-sama’s security, did you forget?
R: Ahah, sorry. I know you’re kind of like her bodyguard, but the way you say “security.” You sound so professional, senpai.
Rn: gives a curious look. I should hope so. Saki-sama’s safety is a matter that requires the utmost professionalism. When it comes to public functions like the one she attended last night, her father ensures I take extra care. She is the heir to the Tenjouin family fortune, after all. You never know what might happen.
R: Yeah, you’re right I guess. Well, I’m just glad it worked out for her. She’s had her heart set on the guy for a while, hasn’t she? Good for her.
Rn: Which reminds me, I am to extend Saki-sama’s official thanks to Lala for facilitating her evening with Zastin. She wants to let her know if there is any favor she might need in the future, just ask and the Tenjouin family will provide.
R: I’ll tell her when I see her later. I know she was happy to help, regardless of any rewards.
Rn: Yes, she does seem like a naturally generous girl.
R: And I’m glad Tenjouin-senpai let you have the afternoon off for our lunch today. That was really nice of her. I know that I’m probably not her favorite person, with all the awkward situations we’ve been in, eheh…
Rn: sincerely. When I explained to her what a gracious host you were to me last weekend, she—well, she was surprised at first—but also deeply appreciative.
R: Surprised?
Rn: Yes. She had half expected you to try something lewd, like groping me.
R: Um, b-but…
Rn: No, I didn’t tell her about..that.
R: nervous. You didn’t?
Rn: somewhat stiffly. There was no need to mention that little detail, was there? But let’s not dwell on that. Saki-sama told me to tell you: “Yuuki Rito, thank you for taking such good care of Rin while she was at your home. I repay those who treat my friends well, even if they have done questionable things to me in the past.”
R: She said that?
Rn: Saki-sama is a very proper lady, Rito. If you do something nice for her, she won’t let it go unnoticed.
R: Haha, that sounds like what she said when she invited us to her family villa. I’ll have to remember to thank her, too. Oh, and I have a message from Mikan, too, she wanted to say thanks again for what you did for her. And if there is ever anything you need, just ask, and she'll be happy to help in any way she can.
Rn: smiling. She is a very polite young girl, isn’t she?
R: Haha, yeah, she really is the best sister you could ask for. So, wanna go in? I know you have the afternoon off, but I wouldn’t want to keep you too long. I’m sure you’ll be busy later.
Rn: wiping the thin dew from her brow. Yes, let’s go.
Entering
Rn: W-what is this place?
???: W-welcome, baka!
R: H-hey, Sawada. What’s with your expression?
Mio: Hehe, it’s our new tsundere campaign! It’s proving to be quite popular.
R: Tsundere, huh?
M: Yep! It seems our theme campaigns have been pretty well received, so this is our latest creation. The tsundere café!
R: I-I see. Sounds interesting.
M: So, who is this with you, Yuuki? She looks familiar.
R: Oh, this is Kujou Rin-senpai. She’s Tenjouin-senpai’s friend, I’m sure you’ve seen them around school.
Rn: Nice to meet you, Sawada-san.
M: Call me Mio! So can I get the two of you a table? Ah, I mean…if you want to sit down, that’s fine. I-it’s not like I care or anything.
R: Uh, yeah, sure, that’d be great, thanks.
They follow her and sit by the window
R: Thanks, Sawada.
M: I’m surprised to see the two of you here together! Really, working in this shop, I keep seeing the most unlikely pairings walk through those doors.
Rn: Unlikely pairings?
M: nods enthusiastically. You two, for starters. Then a while ago, Yuuki here came in with Risa, and recently I served Haruna and Kotegawa.
R: W-wha? Kotegawa was here with Haruna-cha—I mean, with Sairenji?!
M: Mhmm. It’s too funny. Next thing you know, I’ll be seeing Saruyama and Yami-chan coming in together!
R: E-eh? Somehow I doubt that…
M: Ah, well. I’ll leave you guys to look over the menu. Oops, I mean…Look it over if you want, i-it doesn’t matter to me…
She leaves
Rn: Well. She seems…interesting.
R: Haha, yeah. She’s one of Sairenji’s close friends, and she’s been working here for a while.
Rn: looking around. It’s an odd place, isn’t it? I was a bit surprised when you suggested it over the phone. I’ve never been here, but I’d heard about their recent ‘campaigns’.
R: The atmosphere is a bit weird, I agree. But the food is actually really delicious. That’s why I thought we should come here. I hope you like it, senpai!
Rn: smiles pleasantly. I’ll take your word for it, Rito. I’m sure it will be good.
They peruse the menus silently for a minute
R: Have you decided?
Rn: I think so. You?
R: Yeah, let’s get Sawada over here. Hm…huh, I don’t see her. She must be in back.
Rn: I’m sure she’ll be back soon. Folds her arms and looks at Rito.
R: shy under her gaze. A-anyway, again, I’m glad you were able to come today. It really is good to see you again.
Rn: blinks. Oh?
R: Well, sure! You know, we may have spoken a little at my house, but I still don’t actually know a whole lot about you, senpai.
Rn: What do you mean?
R: Like, what you enjoy doing. Interests, hobbies, that kind of thing.
Rn: Ah, yes. Well, to be honest, I don’t think there is that much to know.
R: What?
Rn: As I told you before, my duties to Saki-sama are a full time commitment. One I take very seriously. She is a very dear friend to me.
R: Oh, I know. But come on, it’s not like you’re with her 24/7, right? You must have time off other than today?
Rn: nods. Yes, I do.
R: So, what do you like to do in your free time, when you’re not hanging out with Tenjouin and Aya-senpai, and just have some time to yourself?
Rn: thinking. I…haven’t really considered it before. Most of my time off is spent examining the security at the Tenjouin mansion, or going over resumes of potential guards.
R: That…doesn’t sound like time off. Tenjouin-senpai makes you do these things even then?
Rn: Hm? Oh, not at all. Actually, she’s often told me she won’t consider my break to be over unless I’ve stepped away from what she refers to as “guard things.”
R: So, what do you do then?
Rn: Well…I suppose I’ll just train, sometimes. I think I mentioned that before.
R: Train? You mean like, karate or something?
Rn: Kendo, yes. I’ll spend an afternoon or so in the dojo before returning to my duties.
R: Confused. Do you do this for “guard things,” too?
Rn: Partly. But I also find it to be a very calming, soothing activity for me. It puts my mind at ease, practicing my skills. Every step, every pivot, every strike, every move of the dance – it helps clear my head of all the chaotic buildup of daily life, and refreshes me so I can return my focus towards protecting Saki-sama without distraction.
R: Wow…You speak beautifully about that, senpai.
Rn: I do?
R: Yeah. From your words, I can definitely tell it’s a great passion of yours. Something you enjoy doing a whole lot, and not just for work, but for your own pleasure.
Rn: Hm…I’d never really considered it that way. I’ve always seen my training as being for Saki-sama’s sake above all else, but I can’t deny…Yes, even if I weren’t associated with the Tenjouin family, I’d probably still be drawn to kendo, or some other martial art, at least.
R: See? There you go! That’s something you can call your own. That’s something you can call a hobby.
Rn: Raising an eyebrow. Aren’t hobbies generally mere casual interests?
R: Aha, good point. Well, then let’s say it’s something special to you personally. Your love of kendo is just part of what makes you, you, senpai. I think that’s pretty great. I always kind of wanted to learn some self-defence, too, but I just never got around to it. You might be the only one of my friends with such an interest.
Rn: Blinks. Your…friends?
R: What? Oh, well, yeah, of course! You may be a new one, sure, but I think it’s safe to say we’re friends at this point. Don’t you?
Rn: I…Are you sure?
R: You’ve been to my house, we’re having lunch together, and most importantly, you rescued my little sister. I consider you a friend on my end, senpai.
Rin’s hands resting on the table, her eyes widen as Rito suddenly grips them gently, his fingers in her palms, she turning a faint pink in the cheek.
R: Earnestly, staring into her eyes. I can only speak for myself, of course, but I hope that if I haven’t already, I get you to consider me a friend in the future, too.
Rn: Staring. *W-why is he holding my hands?* D-don’t mention it. You make sense. I guess…I guess I could, as well. Pausing. I doubt Saki-sama would object.
R: Releases her and smiles. I’m glad to hear it!
Rn: Stilling the ripples in her stomach, putting her hands in her lap, still feeling a trace of his touch lingering. So, then. Um…well, I’ve told you something about me, Rito. Shouldn’t you do the same?
R: You want to know something I enjoy doing? Rin nods. Hmm, let me think…
But at that moment, they both let out a startled yell as a pair of hands snakes around Rin’s chest from behind and cups her mounds through her shirt.
Risa: Yuiiiii!! I love how you’re wearing your hair today!! Squeezes firmly, elicint a gasp from Rin. Then, seductively. Ohhh? And your boobs are magnificent as ever, darling <3 Mind if I massage them a bit?
Rn: Stammering, lets a moan slip. W-who—?
R: Flustered. Momioka!? S-stop that!
Rs: Suddenly noticing him. Eh? Yuuki, you’re here too? And with Yui? [I]She pauses, as if piecing something together, and grins.[i] How scandalous~
Rn: Her breasts still held captive. I-I am not Kotegawa Y—nngh—Yui! Please let go!
Rs: Peering around and realizing, and lets go. Oh my, so you’re not! Sorry! I saw you through the window outside and—boy, you two do look similar, though.
Rn: Eyes closed, stiffly. So I’ve heard. Well, Rito, it seems we can’t get together without someone mistaking me for your friend, Kotegawa…Or attacking my chest.
Rs: My sincerest apologies~ So, Yuuki, who’s your friend here?
R: Ah, this is Kujou Rin. I’m sure you’ve seen her at school with Tenjouin Saki.
Rs: That blonde girl with the ringlets who’s always going, “Ohohoho!”?
R: Yeah. They’re in the grade above us.
Rs: Delightedly, glancing at Rin. Whaaat? An upperclassman? My, you do swing for the fence, Yuuki. Hehe.
Rn: What do you mean?
Rs: Just that I didn’t think Yuuki would be so bold in his choice of dates.
R: D-date? Hold on, Momioka, you’ve got it all wrong! T-this isn’t a date!
Rs: Methinks the boy doth protest too much.
R: N-no, it’s not…then, to Rin. Is it?
Rn: Flushed, coughing. No, nothing like that. We’re just friends, Momioka
Rs: Really? Aww, how disappointing. Well, maybe it’s for the best. Yuuki’s still with Lala-chi…although, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind sharing!
R: S-sharing!?
Rs: Yep. Mischievously. Actually, Kujou-senpai, did you know that Yuuki and I had a date here ourselves once?
Rn: Eyes darting to Rito. Eh!?
Rs: Oh, it was so romantic! We met here for lunch, just like you two, then afterwards went back to my place. But there was no one else home, and Yuuki, h-he got so riled up! He took me to my room, threw me on the bed, ripped open my shirt, then he put his—Nooo, I’ve said too much! Ahh, but it was heavenly! Dancing her fingers delicately along Rin’s chin. Maybe you should let him take you to a hotel after this, Kujou-senpai. Yuuki knows allll the right notes to play on a woman’s body to make her a sweaty, writhing, toe-curled mess.
Rn: Trying to ignore the stares of some now very attentive customers, her face a tomato. Unable to any longer, she turns and says coldly. If you lechers don’t turn back around, you won’t have eyes to oggle us anymore. Am I understood? They obey, fearfully. She returns her attention to the table, and, her voice now soft, stutters. A-A hotel?
R: Also a tomato, but now slightly cowed from Rin’s forceful command. M-Momioka, quit it!
Rs: Yeah, a hotel. You know, where men and women go for…trails off, tracing a heart shape with her fingers.
Rn: N-no, me and Rito aren’t at that kind of stage…
Rs: That’s too bad~ Because last time, Yuuki got very acquainted with me, places her hand over her skirt and lowers her head to whisper in Rin’s ear…right here.
R: Momioka, stop, that never happened! Kujou-senpai, she’s making it up, I swear. We never did…that!
Rn: Biting her lip. Y-yes…Oddly enough, I’m having a bit of trouble believing it myself.
Rs: Feigning dejection. Haha, aww, not buying it, senpai?
Rn: Sitting up straight, attempting to calm herself. Then, matter-of-factly. Honestly, if you’d told me that story a month ago, I probably wouldn’t doubt you for a second. But, recently—just this past week, even—I don’t know…I feel like I’ve gotten to know Yuuki Rito a little better. And in spite of past, thins her lips…incidents, I can’t see him doing something like ‘that’ with such…vigor, as you describe. He seems like a more decent person than that.
R: S-senpai…
Rs: Heh, just like Yui. You two really are alike, Kujou-senpai.
R: What about Kotegawa?
Rs: She didn’t believe me either, when I told the story to her and Haruna.
R: Oh, do you mean the time Sawada mentioned, when the two of them came here togeth—WAIT, you told THAT story to Sairenji!!?
Rin appears surprised at Rito’s outburst.
Rs: Mm, yeah I did. But don’t worry, Yui caught me, and set Haruna straight, too.
R: What do you mean?
Rs: She said that although she thinks you’re shameless, you’re not someone who’d engage in such rash actions.
R: Touched. K-Kotegawa said that?
Rn: smiling. It sounds like your defense of her last week was not misplaced, Rito. She must consider you a good friend, as well.
Rs: To herself. Oh, I don’t think that’s all there is to it…
R: Talking over her. I hope so. I do seem to grate her nerves quite often, so it’s nice to hear she doesn’t hate me for it.
Rs: Hah! As if Yui could ever hate you!
R: Yeah, I guess. Wait, what?
Suddenly, Mio pops in by their table, notepad in hand.
M: You guys ready to order? Oh, Risa, you’re here too!
Rs: Yeah, you sure kept these guys waiting, Mio. But I am digging the theme of this one. Tsundere, right?
M: That’s right! Oh, I mean—It’s not like I want to be a tsundere, I’m just doing this for a part, b-b-baka!
Rito and Rin smile weakly at each, unsure how to react. Risa, however, rests her chin on her fist.
Rs: Hmm, not bad, not bad…But, I don’t think you’re quite selling it perfectly just yet.
M: I’m not?
Rs: No, what you’re missing is…oh, how to put it…You have to better juxtapose the obstinate tsuntsun denial with the cute and vulnerable dere center.
M: Huh?
Rs: More like Yui, I guess is what I’m saying. She is the model you’re basing your performance on, isn’t she?
M: Oh, yes, I gotcha!
R: You’re…using Kotegawa?
M: Of course. She is a prime tsundere specimen, you know.
Rs: Although, looking at Rin, I’m thinking Kujou-senpai here might have a little tsundere in her, as well. You should try observing her too, Mio.
Rn: I—what?
M: Ehh, I dunno. Looks over Rin with keen interest. I don’t think she has the fire. Seems more kuudere to me, maybe.
Rs: Hmm, yes, I can see that. And it would complement nicely with those friends of hers, an ojou-sama and a shrinking violet meganekko.
Rn: Interrupting their serious discussion. Please stop trying to fit me into some anime fantasy world you two have. I’m not interested.
R: You understand what they’re talking about, senpai?
Rn: shrugs. Aya is a little into that stuff. Guess I picked up a few things.
Rs: My, my, you’re full of surprises, Kujou-senpai~
M: Indeed, she is. I’m impressed! Anyway, you ready to order?
They do. Mio departs, and Risa with her.
Rn: You keep strange company, Rito. Kind, but strange.
R: Laughs. Yeah, that’s Momioka and Sawada for you. Talking to them can sometimes feel like getting trampled by a crowd, but they’re good people.
Rn: Interesting analogy.
R: Pausing. But, I am surprised at what Kotegawa said about me…
Rn: Oh? Are you sure you don’t have feelings for her?
R: Eh!? W-wait, that’s not what I—
Rn: Relax, I was just joking. I can do that sometimes.
R: A-aha, right.
Rn: This Kotegawa everyone says I am like…I think I would enjoy meeting her.
R: You want to meet Kotegawa? Why?
Rn: I want to see the resemblance. This girl, your friend, who reminds people so much of me – Just call me curious.
R: Well, if you really want it, I can introduce you to her at school, or something.
Rn: I’d appreciate it, thank you.
They talk some more, eat their meal once it arrives, then wait until Mio and Risa return with the check. Rin eyes the other suspiciously, unconsciously bringing her arm over her chest.
Rs: Noticing, and winking. Ahaha, don’t worry, senpai, I won’t try anything again. My hands were already fully satisfied. Grinning, looking to Rito. Though maybe Yuuki here is aching for a squeeze, as well~
R: Freezing, hand in his wallet. W-what?
Rs: I know you want to. You’re dying to know how they feel in your palms, right? The weight, the suppleness...mm, they were so soft under my touch, Yuuki.
Rn: Glowering, but casting a nervous glance at Rito. That is enough, Momioka-san. My…breasts (she softens the word) are not there for you or anyone else to maul or play with for your amusement. That is highly inappropriate.
R: A-and besides, I told you, I’m with Lala! I can’t just go doing that to another girl, no matter how attractive. *Certainly can’t let them know about Momo’s plan, either.*
Rito, unaware of the slip in his last sentence, confuses Rin’s blush to be purely Risa’s doing.
Rs: Ahh, yes, yes, you did say that. Perplexing the others, her joking manner suddenly fades, and she fixes Rito with a gentle, but sad smile. You’re really committed to not sharing, aren’t you, Yuuki…
R: ? W-well…he hesitates, thoughts drifting to Haruna, and Yui, and now even Rin. But he cannot give anything away. He swallows. Yeah.
Risa exhales quietly, the same smile straining at her lips. Rin looks at the Rito expressionlessly, wondering at the incipient tumult she feels weighing in her stomach. Perhaps Saki-sama would know.
M: Tilting her head like a curious puppy, breaks the silence at last. Hmm…you know, I think this is giving me an idea for our next café: Harem Campaign! And Yuuki, you can be our male lead!
R: Heart jumping up in his throat. W-w-w-what? *She—she doesn’t know, does she!? She can’t—but why would she suggest that?*
Rs: Playfulness flashing back into her eyes. An excellent idea. You are perfect harem lead material, Yuuki.
R: I-I don’t know what you’re talking about. Glances nervously at Rin, but she doesn’t seem to be paying attention.
Rs: Awww, neither in real life nor pretend, eh? That’s disappointing. I’m telling you, Lala-chi doesn’t seem like the type to mind spreading the love a little.
R: A-are you still talking about the café?
Rs: Her mouth curls up again. Am I?
Suddenly, a customer from across the room beckons to Mio.
M: Ah, coming! Sorry, guys, we’re a bit short-staffed today.
R: It’s fine, Sawada. We’ll probably be going in a minute, too. Oh, actually, you can keep the change, ok?
M: Brightly. Thanks! How sweet! I’ll see you at school, then. Later!
Rs: I have to head out myself, come to think of it. It was very nice to feel you—to meet you, Kujou-senpai~
Rn: Unamused. Momioka Risa. I will be prepared the next time our paths cross. Your hands wander far too freely.
Rs: Teasingly. Oh, but can you blame me? With such a sweet, tempting body as yours, it’s all I can do to hold myself back.
Rn: Blushing. Well, please do.
Rs: Ahah, well, I am sorry if I interrupted your first date.
Rn: Stiffly. Don’t worry about it. I’ve handled worse dangers than you.
Rs: A triumphant look emerging on her face. Hehe. Anyway, I’ll be off now. Oh, and speaking of Lala-chi, Yuuki, Momo called here with a message for you. She asked if you’d remembered to pack “that thing” in your bag when you left the house.
R: As if brought back to attention. Thing? What thing?
Rs: shrugs. Don’t know. She didn’t say. Said you’d know what she meant, though.
R: Umm…not really.
Rs: Oh well, just delivering the message. See you guys later!
They bid each other farewell, and Risa leaves.
Rn: What a lewd girl. And I thought Momo was bad.
R: Fumbling around for the bag at his feet, his thoughts returning to something else. They rise and walk outside. Um, senpai?
Rn: Yes?
R: You did hear her say, sorry for interrupting your first “date,” didn’t you?
Rn: Hm? She then realizes, her eyes widening. Then, flustered. Oh, I-I didn’t mean, I wasn’t…
R: Blushing, glancing at her. I-it’s alright. Just a mistake, right? It’s not like it’s a bad thing…Any guy would be lucky to go on a date with you, you know I believe that.
Rn: Quietly. You’re very kind to say so. Perhaps…another time, then, we might—
R: Rustling through his backpack, not hearing her. I wonder what she was talking about, though. What “thing” did I pack? Hm? What’s this—AH! Momo!!!”
Rn: What is it? Something wrong?
R: Suddenly red again. N-no, nothing! Sorry, I just—I just—
Rn: suspicious. What do you have there?
R: Don’t worry, it’s nothing, really!
Rn: Let me see.
R: No, you don’t want to, it’s boring!
Rn: Is it something inappropriate? She reaches for the bag, he tries to fend her off and holds it away.
R: N-no, it’s not!
Rn: Show me. She reaches again and this time snatches it from him, and pulls out the case within. W-what!? “Love Connection XXX" for PS3? “Conquer 1,000 beautiful maidens’ hearts and start your own galactic dynasty!?” And there’s a note taped to the back. “…Rito-san, some more training for the harem plan~ Good luck with Kujou-senpai! Momo <3” Y-Yuuki Rito! Good luck? Harem plan? What is the meaning of this?!
R: weakly. Momoooo…You did this on purpose, didn’t you. Ah, s-sorry, senpai. I guess I should explain.
???: Oiii, outta the wayyyy!!
Rin and Rito turn quickly at the shout to see a guy on a bicycle zooming towards them at inhuman speed. Before they know it, he’s on them, and, startled, Rito jumps to avoid being hit, but accidentally bangs right into Rin, tumbling over together as the biker rides past.
R: WAAAH!
Rn: !!!
When Rito opens his eyes again, his vision is black, and he finds he can’t breathe, his face muffled against something soft and warm and damp. His hands hang above him, grasping soft flesh and fabric. He tries to inhale and the scent sends heat shooting through him.
Rn: Nnng—Eh? Gasps. R-RITO! Mmh!! N-no, don’t squeeze my—Ah! G-get out of there!
R: Mmmmmmph! (I can’t, youre sitting on me!)
The vibrations make her double over, light-headed and hot, but she eventually manages to slide off his face.
Rn: flustered in the breast and cheek. Haah, haah…I guess…I can’t say that was unexpected. Not with you.
R: with a dazed expression, fizzles out a weak, Sorry. Takes a few moments to gather himself. I’d promise it won’t happen again, but…
Rn: Yes, you don't have to tell me twice. Still, she hesitates, there are worse boys to spend an afternoon with, I suppose…Although, I might opt for a suit of armor, next time.
He turns to her, surprised she doesn’t sound angry, as is she, and a faint chuckle escapes her throat, which she quickly stifles. But then he starts laughing, and she can’t help but smile.
On top of a building at the end of the block, Momo perches with a victorious grin.
M: I knew it would be a good idea to give that cyclist some of Onee-sama’s Hyper Boom-san Energy Drink~