The leisurely cruise that followed was like something out of a shoujo anime—two hours of calm, slow motion, with cherry blossoms fading into the distance and seagulls gliding across the horizon. The scenic banks passed by like a hand-painted scroll, each frame brimming with postcard-worthy beauty.
Eventually, the boat came to a slow stop, the sound of the docking mechanism echoing gently across the calm water.
Their destination: Odaiba.
An artificial island floating six kilometers from the heart of Tokyo, born from reclaimed city waste—yet now a romantic mecca packed with modern wonders.
"Yosh! Let's go, Onee-san," Touji said, adjusting the strap of his satchel.
Utaha-san nodded with a graceful flip of her hair, her wine-red eyes gleaming in the sunlight.
Because they hadn't overexerted themselves during the cruise—they mostly lounged in the cabin with occasional visits to the deck—the moment they disembarked, both were fully energized and ready to continue their date.
According to the plan, Touji rented two bicycles, and the pair began their mini cycling adventure around the island.
Well, adventure might've been a bit of an overstatement. They took a scenic shortcut, coasting past gentle hills and quiet alleys lined with flowers in bloom.
Then came a peaceful walk on the golden sands of the Seaside Park, their footprints side by side, etched briefly into the shoreline like delicate kanji characters.
Finally, the two stood side by side, watching the blazing sunset pour molten gold over the calm waters.
"Here," Touji said suddenly, reaching behind his back.
In one smooth motion, he revealed a bouquet of crimson roses, freshly handed off in secret by Izumi Masamune-kun (his loyal partner in crime).
"Eh...?" Utaha-san blinked, her lips parting in surprise.
Her wine-red eyes widened dramatically, sparkling like gemstones under the fiery sky. Surprise bloomed into joy, and then into something more.
"Touji-kun..." she whispered.
"I can't keep pretending anymore," Touji confessed, the words trembling on his lips. He looked into her eyes, steeling himself.
"I've liked you for a long, long time. Shiyu, please... be my girlfriend."
The moment hung in the air, suspended between the scent of roses and the rhythm of the tide.
Her eyes locked onto his, filled with emotion, soft and warm, as if her very soul had gone quiet to listen.
Her breath slowed. Her heart raced.
Thump—thump—thump—
A thousand metaphorical deer were doing gymnastics in her chest, and a light blush crept up her cheeks.
She didn't speak.
Instead, holding the bouquet tight to her chest, she closed her eyes gently and tilted her chin upwards.
—A silent answer.
Touji's breath caught.
Slowly, reverently, he leaned in.
Their lips were mere centimeters apart when—
DING!
A bright, familiar screen materialized before his eyes.
[★★★★★ Dream — Otouto-kun's bride! (Phase One Complete!)]
[You gained 11 experience points and 33333 Dream Points!]
[Dream Fulfillment Level: Apprentice (14 / 100) → Apprentice (25 / 100); Dream Points: 800 → 34133!]
Touji blinked. "Oi, timing much!?"
But the stream of information wasn't done yet—
[Congratulations! You have accumulated 10000 Dream Points. Dream Mall is now open!]
[You have obtained 'Apprentice' permission, and corresponding items have been listed!]
[As an Apprentice Dream Weaver, you enjoy a first-time 50% discount. Please decide carefully!]
"H-Haa!? There's a Dream Mall!?"
So there were levels to this thing?! With higher permissions and better loot!? And a first-time 50% off!? That was no joke!
Touji's gamer instincts kicked in.
He skimmed to the third page of the prompt—
[Dream Update: "Otouto-kun's bride!"] Dream Level: ★★★★★ Phase One: COMPLETE! Phase Two: Hold a grand wedding or have a child (either is sufficient for 50% completion). Remaining Dream Reward: 66,667 Dream Points
"A wedding or a baby, huh..." Touji muttered.
Definitely not happening this year… or next.
Still, today had been an absolute jackpot!
33,333 Dream Points in one go! That was literally 41.66625 times more than his previous two-star dream reward.
He was practically swimming in Dream Points!
...Although the measly experience gain was a bit of a buzzkill.
Touji mentally bookmarked the Dream Mall to explore later.
Right now...
He finally leaned in, brushing his lips against Utaha-san's in a sweet, lingering kiss.
Time stopped. Hearts soared.
When they eventually pulled away, both were slightly breathless.
"Ha—"
Kasumigaoka Touji gently wiped the lingering moisture from the corner of his mouth, eyes glazed with warmth. A silly grin curled at his lips, completely betraying his elation.
Utaha-san, ever observant, caught sight of his expression and couldn't help but let her mood be swept along. That dumb smile of his—it was infectious.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she smiled back, radiant and dazzling under the dimming sky.
"Let's go eat," she said, her voice melodic.
By now, the last golden traces of the sunset had faded, and the vast evening sky glowed with twilight. The Rainbow Bridge, not far in the distance, was already illuminated, its lights flickering like stars above the water. The cityscape sparkled beyond, casting a dreamy reflection on the bay.
Having spent the whole afternoon together, from games to sightseeing, their empty stomachs made their presence loudly known.
Utaha-san hummed in agreement, shifting her gaze to the bouquet of roses she held, the petals vivid even in the low light. Her head tilted slightly as she blinked in mild confusion. "Where did these roses come from?"
She was certain no flower shop staff had approached them.
Touji, still holding her hand with a relaxed smile, replied without missing a beat. "I summoned them from another world with the burning power of my love."
"Ara~ So amazing, my dear little brother," Utaha-san teased with a knowing smile, her wine-red eyes glinting with playfulness. She didn't press further. After all, a little mystery was part of the charm—and tonight was already so romantic, so perfect.
"…"
As they walked toward the Hilton Hotel restaurant, Touji's curiosity got the better of him. He discreetly opened the Dream Mall, eyes scanning the floating interface only he could see.
Three major categories lit up: [Life Skill Experience Packs], [Superpowers], and [Items].
Without hesitation, he tapped [Superpowers]. His eyes sparkled in anticipation.
Immediately, a list of flashy powers appeared before him!
NO. 1, [Clairvoyance Type · Truth-Revealing Art] Description: When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back! Price: 7000 Dream Points (Note: Only effective during face-to-face interactions. Stamina consumption applies!)
Touji paused, a confused expression forming.
Huh…?
What kind of chuuni-sounding name was that?!
Truth-Revealing Art?! What the heck!
(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Useless! Absolutely useless!
With a sigh, he scrolled down to the second entry.
NO. 2, [Reverse Telepathy] Effect: Allows the user to send thoughts directly into the mind of a designated target. Only one target can be selected at a time. Consumes stamina. Price: 7500 Dream Points.
Touji raised an eyebrow.
Now this one…
Well, it was better than the first. In some ways, kinda cool. If he wanted to, he could say something without moving his mouth.
But still! He wasn't mute!
(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Though maybe… in some cheating scenarios or poker games… it could be useful.
He shook his head.
No! He was a clean, honest youth of the Reiwa era! Gambling and cheating were things of the dark path!
Still, he scrolled further.
NO. 3, [A Cup of Moo-Moo Fresh Milk] Effect: Summons a fresh cup of milk from a Miltank in the Pokémon world anytime, anywhere. Price: 8000 Dream Points.
"…."
Touji's lips twitched.
Summoning Miltank milk? Who the heck needed that?! Though he was slightly curious about the taste… it wasn't worth the points.
Feeling increasingly deflated, he muttered, "Maybe my level is still too low. The selection's seriously weird…"
But just as he was about to give up, one listing made his eyes narrow.
NO. 49, [Solar Energy] Description: Slight physical enhancements. Sunbathing restores health and stamina. Grants you the 'Hands of the Sun'—capable of warming both body and heart. Price: 23,333 Dream Points.
"…."
Now that sounded… cool. Really cool.
But also expensive!
Touji could only skim the rest quickly. The restaurant was just ahead, its warm golden lighting spilling out through the windows like a promise of comfort.
He closed the interface with a resigned sigh.
Dinner first. Then he'd plan his superpowered future.
After all, even future heroes needed to eat.