Riku Yamadera opened one eye and stared at the clock.
11:02 AM.
A groggy groan escaped his lips as he stretched and ran a hand through his messy black hair. His body still felt a little sore from yesterday's chaos — the Finger Bearer mission, Sukuna, everything — but it was nothing major. His regeneration had taken care of most of it hours ago.
He grabbed his phone from the nightstand and immediately saw the message waiting for him.
[Akari 💖]
Babe, don't tell me you're still in bed. You promised today.
Riku smirked as he texted back.
[Riku]
I'm up. Just moving slow.
[Akari 💖]
Liar. I bet you're still shirtless and half-asleep.
[Riku]
Only half right.
[Akari 💖]
Mmm. Lucky me. Hurry up. I want to see you.
His heart did that thing again. No nerves. No doubts. He just liked hearing from her. They'd been doing this for months now. Dates, late-night texts, movie marathons, cuddles on rooftops. He didn't have to guess anymore — Akari Minazuki was his girlfriend.
And somehow, that still felt surreal.
After a quick shower and getting dressed, he checked himself in the mirror. Plain black tee, silver chain, slim-fit jeans, clean kicks, wrists still weighed down by the hidden ten-ton bands under his sleeves. His hair was slightly damp but styled up just enough to give a chill, effortless look. He grabbed his phone, wallet, and keys and headed out.
She was already waiting for him in front of the station, sipping an iced latte with one hand, other hand casually resting on her hip. Short dyed-pink hair, fitted black skirt, red crop top, gold accessories shining against her warm brown skin. Her curves? Still very illegal. Her face? Stunning as always.
She spotted him, and her eyes lit up. "About time, Yamadera."
He leaned in, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her like he meant it — because he did. A soft hum left her throat as she leaned into it.
"Morning," he mumbled against her lips.
"Afternoon," she corrected with a grin. "I've been out here for ten minutes trying not to look like I got stood up."
"You? Stood up? Never."
"Mmhm. You better make up for it."
"I was thinking food."
She linked her arm through his. "Good answer. Walk and decide or pick somewhere now?"
"Walk," he said. "I like when you rant about restaurants."
She laughed. "Only because you don't read reviews."
"Why would I when I have you?"
They strolled through the shopping district, teasing each other, talking about nothing in particular. Akari told him about her cousin's new dog. Riku ranted about how vending machines should accept phone payments. She grabbed his hand when they crossed the street. He didn't let go even after.
Eventually, they stopped at a ramen spot with outdoor seating.
They slurped noodles, complained about the heat, debated pineapple on pizza (Akari was firmly pro), and argued over whether horror movies were better than thrillers. The conversation never died. Not once.
"I swear, if you make me watch that zombie flick again, I'm kicking you out of my house," she warned.
"But I like watching you freak out and hide behind pillows."
"I don't hide," she said.
"You screamed when the toaster popped."
"That toaster was suspicious and you know it."
He laughed and leaned back. "I missed this."
"We just saw each other yesterday."
"Yeah, but we were both half-dead and covered in sweat."
She gave him a knowing smirk. "Still cute though."
After lunch, they wandered into a boutique, mostly so Akari could try on ridiculous sunglasses and force Riku to rate them. She picked out three pairs she didn't even need. Riku paid without comment.
Then came the ice cream stand. She got strawberry, he got vanilla. She smeared some on his nose "by accident" and giggled as he wiped it off.
Eventually, they wound up on a quiet bench near the park's edge, people-watching and occasionally trading soft glances. The air was warm. The breeze was light. She rested her head on his shoulder without a word.
Riku glanced down at her, feeling that little knot in his chest — the one that didn't come from stress or cursed energy or the looming threat of war. Just… something soft. Real.
"You happy?" he asked.
Akari nodded. "With you? Always."
He kissed the top of her head. "Same."
They stayed there until the sky started turning orange. When it was finally time to walk her home, she held his hand the entire way, swinging it between them like they were kids.
Outside her building, she turned to face him.
"Today was perfect."
"It always is with you."
"Smooth," she whispered, before leaning in to kiss him again. This one lingered a little longer.
When they pulled apart, she smiled softly. "Text me when you get back?"
"I always do."
She stepped back, waving over her shoulder as she disappeared inside.
Riku stood there for a second, hands in his pockets, watching the door.
Then he turned, looked up at the sky, and started walking.
Whatever came next… it could wait.
Today belonged to them.
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How many times did I cringe writing this....80 times and yes I counted. Anyways I'm a bit lost on what I should so next if you guys have any ideas left me know please.