[October 24, 2030, 2:00 AM.]
[Shirou had just wrapped up his work at the office, ready to head home. As he rode his motorcycle down the quiet streets, something caught his eye-a woman sleeping near a lamppost outside a closed eatery.]
Shirou: pauses, glancing at her
That woman seems familiar...
[He slowed down and pulled over, deciding to check on her.]
Shirou: muttering to himself
Why's she sleeping here? It wouldn't be safe if someone with bad intentions finds her.
Let me wake her up. shakes her gently but she doesn't stir.
She won't wake up. It's too dangerous to leave her here...
Guess I'll have to carry her. carefully lifts her up and places her on his motorcycle.
This is going to be tough, but I'll manage. he rides carefully, bringing her to his house.
[At Shirou's place, he gently laid her down on his bed and tucked her in with a blanket. Exhausted himself, he collapsed onto the couch, his eyes drifting shut.]
[A few hours later, the woman awoke, looking confused as she found herself in an unfamiliar room.]
???: yawns, blinking in confusion
Huh? Where am I...?
[Shirou, still half asleep, heard the noise from the bedroom. He stood up and went upstairs.]
Shirou: opening the door
Ah, you're awake.
???: sits up, disoriented
Wait, why am I here?
Shirou: I found you asleep outside near an eatery. You seemed really out of it, so I decided to bring you here to rest.
???: Oh... okay. But why was I sleeping there?
Shirou: I'm not sure. Maybe you were just really tired?
???: I... don't know. I guess that's possible.
Who are you, by the way?
Shirou: I'm Shirou Fukushima. Nice to meet you.
Shizuka: I'm Shizuka Tenkou. Nice to meet you too.
Shirou: How old are you?
Shizuka: I'm 21. You?
Shirou: I'm 22.
Shirou: I made breakfast if you're hungry. Want to join me downstairs?
Shizuka: Sure, thanks.
[They went downstairs to the kitchen. As they prepared their meal, Shizuka's mind wandered, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something about Shirou seemed familiar.]
Shizuka: Hey, can I ask you something?
Shirou: Of course. What's up?
Shizuka: Do I... know you from somewhere?
Shirou: I don't think so. I'm pretty sure we just met last night. Why do you ask?
Shizuka: I'm not sure. It's just... you seem familiar, that's all. Let's eat.
[As they sat down to eat, Shizuka took a bite of Shirou's omelette and was surprised at how good it was.]
Shizuka: Wow, this is really good! How did you make it so tasty?
Shirou: It's nothing special-just eggs, salt, a little MSG, and a quick fry.
Shizuka: Huh. Well, you'll make a great husband someday. Your wife's lucky.
[Shirou nearly choked on his food, surprised by her comment.]
Shirou: Pfft—hey, don't say things like that!
Shizuka: Hehe, sorry.
[After breakfast, Shirou started washing the dishes. Shizuka's phone suddenly rang.]
Shizuka: picking up her phone
Hello? Mom?
Shizuka's Mom: Shizuka, where are you?
Shizuka: I'm at a friend's house...
Shizuka's Mom: We're leaving for Kyoto for a month—there's a festival coming up. I locked the house before we left, but don't worry, I've asked Mio to help with your things. Just stay there for now, okay?
Shizuka: Wait, how am I supposed to get my stuff?
Shizuka's Mom: It's all at Mio's. She's helping out.
Shizuka: Okay, but why didn't you tell me about the trip earlier?
Shizuka's Mom: Your phone was unreachable last night, so we're calling now.
Shizuka: I see. Have fun, Mom. Stay safe.
Shizuka's Mom: You too, sweetheart. Take care.
[Shizuka hangs up the phone.]
Shirou: Was that your mom?
Shizuka: Yeah. She and Dad are on a trip for the festival in Kyoto. They'll be gone for a month. Some of my things are with Mio.
Shirou: So, what now?
Shizuka: I was thinking of staying in a hotel for the month, but my money's tight right now.
Shirou: If you're okay with it, you can stay here. I don't mind, and I get pretty bored being alone.
Shizuka: Are you sure?
Shirou: Yeah, no problem. It'll be fine.
Shizuka: Thanks so much.
Shirou: No problem. Just don't feel like you're a burden or anything.
Shizuka: By the way, where are your parents?
Shirou: They're in England right now. They retired a few years ago and are traveling. This house is mine while they're away.
Shizuka: That's cool. I wish I could travel like that.
[After breakfast, Shirou and Shizuka went to Mio's apartment to collect Shizuka's things. Mio greeted them with a hug.]
Mio: Hey, Shizuka!
Shizuka:
Hi, Mio!
Mio: What's going on?
Shizuka: I need to pick up my stuff. My mom sent it here.
Mio: Sure, follow me. she leads them to the room with Shizuka's things.
Shizuka: Thanks, Mio.
[Shirou picked up the bags and headed toward the car.]
Mio: You're such a gentleman, Shirou. Thanks for helping out!
Shirou: No problem.
Mio: teasing So, Shizuka... where did you find your husband?
Shizuka: Huh?! He's not my husband! He's just a friend I met last night!
Mio: From the club?
Shizuka: Definitely not.
Mio: Then where?
Shizuka: I met him outside an eatery. He found me unconscious on a lamppost and brought me here.
Mio: Wait, what? Did he, uh, do anything... weird? teasing
Shizuka: No! He let me sleep in his bed and slept on the couch himself.
Mio: Oh, what a shame...
Shizuka: Mio! Stop it!
Mio: I'm just kidding!
[Shirou finished loading the car with Shizuka's things.]
Shirou: All done. Ready to go, Shizuka?
Shizuka: Thanks again, Shirou.
Mio: Take care, you two!
Shizuka, Shirou: Bye, Mio!
[On the drive back to Shirou's house, Shizuka turned to him.]
Shizuka: Thanks again for helping me out with all of this.
Shirou: No problem. Happy to help.
[Later that day, after helping her settle in, Shirou showed Shizuka to her room.]
Shirou: This is your room for now. It's pretty spacious since my parents took most of their things with them.
Shizuka: Thanks, Shirou.