19.1
(12 days later...)
[11 AM, at a local race track. The weather poses a bit with clouds as wind softly breezes down the circuit, mixed with the high-revving of various bikes and cars. Among them, Muichiro is seen making a low-speed pass on the apex, fully kitted for racing. He speeds down the track, overtaking a car and two slower bikes before taking the next turn.]
(While riding.)
Muichiro: (Ahh, I've missed this... the thrill of the chase, the fresh smell of rubber... the intensity and reaction management...)
(He clicks a gear up.)
Muichiro: (I feel alive here all over again. So glad I came out today.)
(He enters a steep V-curve section and clears it when another biker suddenly catches up to him. Muichiro watches him make a pass and slow down a bit. Mui catches up and makes his own pass, then slows down. The second biker nods to him, and he responds. They take turns making passes on each other until the final turn. They both cross the line before the other biker signals to Muichiro for a brief stop to chat.)
Biker: How's it going, bro?
Muichiro: I'm alright, dude. How you doing?
Biker: Ah, same as you, haha. I saw you taking those turns far better than some other riders I've seen.
Muichiro: (chuckles wryly) Oh, really? Was that what it looked like?
Biker: Yeah, you looked pretty confident back there... Do you ride often?
Muichiro: That depends... You looking for a challenge?
Biker: Well, a challenge isn't what I initially intended when I came by you...
(He smirks.)
Biker: Then again... it has been quite a while since I had a good race... and you look like you're up for it.
Muichiro: Ahaha, (I didn't prepare much for a race today. Also, I think he was serious about it...) Sorry, but how about we schedule for another time? Today was only for me to practice the track again.
Biker: (sighs) Oh, that's a shame. And I've already gone ahead and called you the best rider on the track... Well, now that you wanna leave, that makes you come second... (smirks) after me, of course...
Muichiro: (So that's his game, huh... Fine, I'll play along.) Alright, dude, let's go. First to cross the line after three laps wins.
Biker: (smiles) That's what I like to hear. You're on!
(They shake hands in agreement, and a while later, the guys are on the starting grid. The track runs clear as track marshals maintain order for the short sprint race while the eager crowd watches and murmurs from the sidelines.)
(Muichiro puts on his helmet, and the biker starts his bike. Mui looks over...)
Muichiro: By the way, is that the CBR1000RR or Fireblade?
Biker: Oh, this? It's the amped-up version, the mighty Fireblade.
(The biker loudly revs twice and leans, ready to start.)
Biker: Regretting your decisions?
Muichiro: Oh... (That extra HP might be trouble...) I can handle it.
(He starts his bike and revs up. The red lights flash... 3... 2... 1...)
Muichiro: (But I'm Muichiro.)
(The lights flash green, and they both burst off the starting line, going down the horizon as the sound gets further away.)
(End.)
---
19.2
[An hour later, Muichiro rides down the road leading to the supermarket. The wind blows slowly in his face as he gets minor flashbacks to the race he just had...]
Muichiro: (...The race was a success... A while after, the other biker came down to comment on my performance... I never thought it'd be that hard, but then again, I hadn't had that much fun in a long time...)
(He snaps back intermittently, smiles, and revs away from the crowd before parking at the supermarket. He gets off the bike and slowly walks over to the entrance. His mind races once more to the finish line, his first place, and the split time of 0.382 seconds he led with...)
Muichiro: (Moto2 rider, huh... I hope we can do it again sometime...)
(Inside the supermarket, Mui walks down the men's cosmetics aisle, slowly selecting what to get. He takes a perfume.)
Muichiro: Ahh, I bought this one last time... Kinda was a bit too strong for me... haha, we're not doing that all over again.
(He sets it down and, while scanning for another...)
Guy: Oh, Sasaki-kun?
(Mui looks over and sees his friends.)
Muichiro: Yoichi-kun... and Asaru-chan? You're bringing girls now to the men's section?
Asaru: Please help me ask him. I told him before that bringing me here was weird...
Yoichi: Weird? You're the one who wanted to say hi to him.
(Asaru flinches.)
Muichiro: Say hi to me? What does that mean?
Yoichi: Oh, you didn't know? Asaru-chan is a big fan of you...
Muichiro: (freezes) E-eh? Fan? Of what?
Yoichi: Of you, bro. Wait... is that bad for you?
Muichiro: (What do you think!?) Umm... how, when, and why is this—
(Asaru pushes Yoichi.)
Asaru: Yoichi, please stop explaining it like that!
(She sighs, her face a bit flustered.)
Muichiro: ...So there's a better explanation to all this?
Asaru: (plays with her fingers, quietly) ...It's nothing big. I only wanted to know the name of the perfume you use... You smell really nice most times, and my brother's birthday is coming up... I wanna just send him something nice.
Muichiro: (So she's just interested in my good choices... and is a good big sister.)
Asaru: But not that last one...
Muichiro: Hmm?
Asaru: (covers her nose) That one was too strong.
Muichiro: (Ahh... so everyone did notice...) Well, I'll not make that mistake anymore... I think it's a bit new to me that you're into guy perfumes, but...)
(He takes a bottle of blue perfume.)
Muichiro: This is what I've been on before I picked that last one, so I'm going back to it.
(She takes the bottle and smiles.)
Asaru: Thank you...
Yoichi: (This is so weird...)
Muichiro: And Yoichi, maybe next time, try not to misinterpret her.
Asaru: Exactly, you pea brain.
Yoichi: Haha, fine... that's my fault.
(A while later, they walk towards the escalator and stop at the end.)
Yoichi: You still have to get something?
Muichiro: Yeah, but I won't be too long anymore. Just some casual stuff.
Yoichi: Alright, bro. See you at school.
(Yoichi and Asaru leave the store, and Muichiro takes the escalator, using his phone as the stairs slowly creep upward.)
Muichiro: (So it remains a new bag... and those... hmm...)
(He taps a bit, becoming slightly distracted.)
Muichiro: (A bag, two shirts, and...)
(The stairs reach the top, and as he steps off, he gasps and smiles lightly towards the distance.)
Muichiro: (Naori...)
(Naori slowly turns. Her eyes beam up, she blushes, her body flinching a bit as she sees him...)
Naori: (softly) Baka-chiro...
(End.)
---
19.3
[Accessories corner... aisle 7...]
Muichiro: How about this one?
Naori: Hmm... this one's cute, but it's not something I really like...
(He sets it down and reaches for another sneaker.)
Muichiro: How about these... They look really cool.
(She looks at it for a while, then sees a slightly matching pair...)
Naori: Honestly...
(Her eyes gleam.)
Naori: They're both so cute!! I wanna take them both.
Muichiro: Then buy them both...
Naori: I can't! That'll mean breaking the bank.
Muichiro: Okay... then buy one.
Naori: (shakes her head) No, no! I want them both!!
Muichiro: (It's like watching a fuzzy kitten...)
(He takes a step back and looks at her.)
Muichiro: Well then, why don't we look at other shoes down the aisle before you make your decision... At least that way, you can keep your options open.
Naori: Wah... uh...
(A girl then suddenly appears from Naori's left.)
Girl: Nao-chan?
Naori: (shrieks) H-Himari-chan... d-don't scare me like that again.
Himari: Ah... sorry about that. It's just that I lost you back there when I came out, so I came looking for you.
(She slowly notices Muichiro.)
Himari: Oh, sorry. Was I interrupting you guys?
Muichiro: (teases) Yeah, we were about to have a private moment.
Naori: (shrieks) P-p-private?! Huh?!
Himari: (teases) Ehh, so Naori also gets down on it...
Muichiro: Gets down? I practically learn a lot from her.
(Her cheeks flush bright red. She playfully hits him on the chest.)
Naori: D-don't say things like that outside!
Himari: Hmm... It's okay, Nao-chan. We're all adults here...
(She leans in closely.)
Himari: (whispers) It's okay to let out your dirty secrets.
Naori: (flustered) For the love of God, I'm not that type of girl!!!
Himari & Muichiro: (So cute...)
(A while later...)
Himari: ...So you're good?
Naori: Yeah... I'll stay here. I haven't found what I want, and I wouldn't wanna make the wrong decision...
Himari: Okay... it's just that Caleb is waiting outside... but sure, I'll let him know you changed your mind.
Naori: Yeah... Thank you.
Himari: You guys have fun, and it was nice meeting you, Sasaki-senpai.
Muichiro: Nice meeting you too. Take care.
(She walks to another friend, and they both go down the escalator. Muichiro then slowly walks the other way.)
Naori: Ohh...
(She walks behind him, slowly catching up until she reaches his shoulder.)
Muichiro: Let's hurry back and find the shoes you want.
Naori: (smiles) Okay.
(They walk down a bit more, and she scans through for something she likes, but nothing turns up.)
Naori: (whines) Aahh, we've been looking through all these ones, but I still can't find anything...
Muichiro: Ahaha, don't give up. There are still other options...
Naori: Yeah, but they're either too boyish or too plain for me... but I guess you're right.
(She stretches out.)
Naori: We should check out the other lanes before deciding finally.
Muichiro: Hey... when you're looking for shoes, what makes you enjoy it?
(They walk slowly towards the beginning again.)
Naori: ...I've never really known the reason. It's just something I find relaxing. I started building a bit of a collection a while back at home and restarted it when I got in here.
Muichiro: You must have a lot here, if I'm guessing right.
Naori: Haha, not really. Over here, it's ten compared to my eighty at home.
Muichiro: Eighty is an insane amount, haha.
Naori: Ahaha, it could be, but honestly, I—
(She spots something at the corner of her eye, slowly walks forward, and sees a very rare pair of shoes. She gasps and turns to Muichiro.)
Naori: I've gotten the shoes I want.
Muichiro: You're happy with your choice?
Naori: (smiles) Yeah... It's probably my sneakerhead instinct talking, but I'm ready to leave here with this.
(Soon, she makes her purchase at the register, and they leave the shoe store. Naori looks to Muichiro and stops walking.)
Naori: (quietly) Thank you...
Muichiro: Ohh... for what?
Naori: Helping me make the right decision.
(He acknowledges her comment, albeit slightly confused... She giggles, and they keep walking as she softly gazes at him.)
Naori: Mui-kun...
Muichiro: Hmm? What's up?
Naori: What did you come here to get?
(End.)
---
19.4
(A while later, Naori and Muichiro are outside the supermarket.)
Muichiro: I guess we're done for this part. You got all you need now, right?
Naori: Yeah... and I think the new backpack looks good on you too.
Muichiro: You think so?
(They slowly walk together. He takes it off and inspects it again.)
Naori: Yeah, the duality of the colors, the blue outline matches your hair, and I think that's cool.
(Muichiro gasps/scoffs softly.)
Naori: (confused) Hmm, what's that?
Muichiro: You didn't see what you did now?
Naori: What are you talking ab—
(She suddenly realizes, freezes, and covers her reddened face.)
Naori: (I JUST COMPLIMENTED HIM!!...)
Muichiro: (Ah... she just realized...)
(He smiles.)
Muichiro: Well, thanks for agreeing I look good.
Naori: THAT'S NOT WHAT I SAID, BAKACHIRO!!
(Muichiro chuckles softly. A while later, they reach his bike. A car leaves the parking lot as Muichiro prepares to get on.)
Muichiro: Oh, umm...
(He takes off the bag...)
Muichiro: Put it on. It won't be comfortable for us both if I wore it.
Naori: Oh, okay.
Muichiro: And thanks... I have it now 'cause you helped me pick it out... I appreciate it.
Naori: (gasps) It-it was no big deal...
(A soft smile slowly creeps on her face.)
Naori: (softly) But I'm glad I could help... (I'm glad you like it.)
(She puts on his helmet, slightly concerned about him, but he reassures her with a smile. He starts the bike.)
Muichiro: Hold on...
(She slowly but deliberately wraps a soft grip around him. He notices, and they pull away from the supermarket, taking the right road towards the dorms...)
Naori: (Hold on... to... hold...)
(A while later, in front of Naori's dorm, he stops at the entrance and she comes off the back. He shuts off the engine.)
Naori: Well, I um... I...
(She smiles, flustered, while playing with her fingers.)
Muichiro: I had fun with you today...
Naori: (chuckles softly) You took the words from my mouth.
Muichiro: ...And I said them to you.
(A brief silence lingers for a while among the rustling trees. She clutches her fingers together, blushes again... then slowly reaches for the bag and returns it to him.)
Naori: (quietly mutters) ...So many questions...
Muichiro: Hmm?
Naori: I... I have so many questions to ask... but I don't know where to start. I ran away from you, I hurt you... but now... why?
(She walks forward slowly and lightly hits his chest. Muichiro remains quiet...)
Naori: (sighs) Why? (Why do I want to be around him? Why am I attracted to him, why do I feel... safe... and seen in front of him?) Just... why?
(He slowly holds her hands and pulls her into a hug. She tears up a bit and hugs him back... The moment lingers for a while. A butterfly then casually lands on the mirror of the bike...)
Muichiro: Naori...
Naori: Yeah?
Muichiro: Do you wanna go on a date?
(She gasps. The scene pans back to the bike and the butterfly...)
Naori: ...Eh??
(End.)
---
19.5
[4 PM, Obito's dormitory... Asuka's room... Inside, Iori lies on her bed reading a novel. Buster lies half-asleep beside the bed, his ears twitching. She flips a page over, and Asuka appears from the corner.]
Asuka: You seem invested in that book...
Iori: Oh, yeah... it's been a good read so far. Are you done with it?
(She flips a page.)
Asuka: Yeah, it's one of the first books I've had while in here...
Iori: Oh, really...
(She slowly looks over to the shelf, then the table.)
Iori: Your room also tells the same story... (And it's not only stories.)
(Asuka giggles softly and sits on the bed.)
Iori: Umm... why do you like books so much?
Asuka: (That's one way to be direct...)
Iori: (Was that too direct?)
(Buster yawns and falls back asleep.)
Asuka: (teases) Really? You mean aside from being a literature student?
Iori: (chuckles) Sorry, but yeah... you seem to like them even outside it being a school choice.
Asuka: Books, to me, have their own adventures... Each genre makes the body feel some kind of emotion... I think that's the part I love to explore most.
Iori: I can see how these can do that... but then...
(Iori gets up.)
Iori: You have books on astronomy, baking... and even an atlas... What do you need an atlas for?
Asuka: Ahaha... d-don't you believe in diversity?
(Iori sighs softly.)
Asuka: Besides, another reason I love stories is because Obi-kun always told them to me... We couldn't have time to sit and read, so he always told and acted them out. He always made me happy.
Iori: (smiles) I'm no expert, but I can guess that's what cheered you on towards being diverse...
Asuka: Why'd you say that?
Iori: 'Cause Obito never told straight stories... He always put two and two together, and something fun came out... If you ask me, that trait rubbed off on you.
Asuka: Haha, maybe...
(Suddenly, Obito knocks twice. Asuka lets him in.)
Obito: Hey, didn't know I'd still meet you guys.
Asuka: You got lucky. We were just talking about books and stuff. How was the art gallery?
Obito: Ohh... it was awkward. The person that invited me couldn't make it, so I was stuck with his talkative friend... By the way, I brought you burgers...
(She collects them and shares them with Iori.)
Both: Thank you.
Asuka: (giggles) Oh, and calling someone that isn't too nice...
Obito: Sorry, but he just kept going on and on—
(Iori chuckles, leaving them flabbergasted.)
Iori: I'm sorry, you guys just look like a cute couple after work.
(Obito blushes. Asuka smiles and tugs at his arm.)
Asuka: ...And we just might be, who knows?
(Obito sighs, and Asuka chuckles sweetly to him. Iori smiles and gets up.)
Iori: Well, are you ready now?
Asuka: Yeah, I'll grab my purse. Come on, boy.
(Buster stands, stretches, and they move to the hallway. Asuka locks her door.)
Asuka: You have the spare with you, right?
Obito: Yeah, I'll check on it in a few minutes.
Asuka: Alright, well, we're off to the mall for some shopping...
Iori: And we'll do well to enjoy the snack on our way, haha.
Obito: Haha, got it. You're driving, right?
Iori: Yeah, my car's here.
Obito: Alright, you guys be safe. I'll see you later.
(They slowly begin to part ways while looking at each other.)
Asuka: Take care, okay?
Obito: You too... Come on, boy.
(She smiles and walks downstairs behind Iori. He goes into his room, Buster follows beside him, and a while later, a white Cayman S leaves the dormitory parking lot.)
(End.)
---
19.6
(6:00 PM, Naori's dormitory, inside Tokyo's room... She jumps in excitement while Naori lies on the bed, her palms covering her reddened face.)
Tokyo: (squeals) Gya-ha-ha-ha-haaaa!! It finally happened! I told you. I told you he had plans. I knew this would happen sooner or later.
(She hops onto the bed, sitting while happily nudging Naori.)
Tokyo: (laughs) Wow, this is so fun! I can barely contain myself anymore... Hey, what are you gonna wear? Wanna wear a red dress? Wanna borrow mine on that day??
Naori: (blushes) Y-you don't need to make a big deal out of it!
Tokyo: Haha, sorry... but I can't promise you that. I'm just excited my best friend is choosing to be happy...
(Naori slams her face into the pillow.)
Tokyo: But hey, can you tell me how he asked you?
Naori: (muffled) I've told you how it happened already...
Tokyo: Ehh? Come on, just one more time...
Naori: I've told you seven times!
Tokyo: Yeah, it just gets better when you tell it...
(Naori pouts briefly.)
Naori: (I... I guess...)
(Meanwhile... in Muichiro's dorm...)
Baji: So that's how you did it?
Muichiro: Yeah, granted, it was a bit direct, but that's how it went.
Baji: (teases) You hit her with the compliments move, didn't ya? "Naori, my Naori... how your name sounds like the petals of sunburst..."
(Muichiro chuckles.)
Muichiro: Who has the time for that? It's not like you did it for Minori...
Baji: Well, yeah... that would've been weird, haha. To be really honest, I'm proud you took the step your way...
Muichiro: I just felt it was time to make a move...
Baji: How do you feel?
Naori: Confused...
Muichiro: Challenged...
Both: Happy...
Tokyo: You think you'll make the right choice?
Muichiro: I can't decide yet... I don't know why I like her.
Baji: Then why do you want to try?
Naori: ...It's new... different.
Muichiro: ...And it could be exciting for us...
Naori: It could be... a start to our journey...
Muichiro: (smiles softly) Does that sound cringe?
Tokyo: Nahh, but you have that smile on your face again.
Naori: (shrieks) G-gah!!
Muichiro: Yeah, it just pops out often these days.
Baji: Still... you look happier than usual. That's cool.
(Muichiro and Naori freeze.)
Muichiro: (scoffs/smiles) Thanks, bro...
Naori: (blushes/quietly) ...S-shut up.
(Tokyo giggles.)
Naori: There's only one question now...
Tokyo: What's that?
Muichiro: (exhales) What's gonna happen?
Naori: (muffled panicking) What's gonna happen?!
(End.)