The sound of running water eventually stopped.
A few moments later, the bathroom door opened, and Ryota stepped into the hallway with a towel draped around his neck. His white hair was still damp from the shower, and the clean scent of soap followed him as he returned to his room. He had finished washing up and changed into the clothes he had prepared earlier, choosing something neat and comfortable enough for a day out without looking as though he had tried too hard.
After drying his hair as best he could, he stood in front of the mirror and examined his reflection.
He adjusted his collar, stepped back, and looked himself over once more. His shirt was clean, his trousers were properly fitted, and the shoes he intended to wear had been polished the previous evening. Nothing appeared particularly wrong, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.
He ran a hand through his damp white hair, trying to make it look presentable without making it seem as though he had spent an unreasonable amount of time styling it. After a moment, he stopped and stared at himself.
"...What am I doing?"
It wasn't as though he were preparing for a job interview or an important guild meeting. He was simply going out with Rio.
A date.
Their first actual date.
The thought alone made his stomach tighten.
He had fought monsters, faced dangerous players, and survived situations that should have been impossible. He had even managed to keep his composure during encounters that would have made most players panic. Yet standing in front of a mirror, trying to decide whether his shirt looked good enough for Rio, was somehow making him nervous.
Ryota exhaled slowly and straightened his shoulders.
"Calm down. It's just a date. What's there to be nervous about?"
He paused, staring at his reflection.
"...Right. It's with Rio."
That explained everything.
He shook his head, picked up his phone, and finally left the room.
The smell of freshly prepared food greeted him before he even reached the stairs. Warm steam drifted through the downstairs hallway, carrying the scent of grilled eggs, toasted bread, and something savory that had just come off the stove. By the time he entered the dining area, his stomach was already reminding him that he hadn't eaten.
Rio stood near the kitchen counter, wearing a simple apron over her home clothes. Her silver hair was loosely tied back to keep it away from her face, and a few strands had escaped around her cheeks as she worked. Several plates had already been arranged across the dining table, while a small pan rested beside the stove and a kettle quietly warmed nearby.
Akari was already seated, happily eating from her plate.
The moment she noticed Ryota, she looked up.
"Oh. You're finally here."
Ryota glanced at the table before looking at her.
"Good morning to you too."
"Morning."
Akari returned to her food without another word.
Rio turned from the counter and noticed him.
"You're done?"
Ryota nodded. "Yeah. I just finished getting ready."
"Good. Breakfast is ready, too." She gestured toward the table. "Come eat while it's still warm."
Ryota looked at the food. There were scrambled eggs, toast, sausages, and a small bowl of sliced fruit. A glass of water had already been placed beside each seat. It was a simple breakfast, but Rio had clearly taken the time to prepare everything properly.
"Looks great," he said.
Rio gave him a brief smile.
"Then sit down before Akari eats everything."
Akari immediately looked up.
"Hey!"
Rio raised an eyebrow.
"You've already taken two sausages."
"Because they're good!"
"That doesn't mean you should eat all of them."
Akari quickly moved the remaining sausages closer to her plate, guarding them as though someone might steal them at any moment.
Ryota chuckled and pulled out a chair.
"Don't worry. I'll protect the rest."
Akari narrowed her eyes.
"You're not getting any of mine."
"I wasn't planning to."
"Good."
Rio watched their exchange with an amused expression. She then finished arranging the last few things on the table and turned off the stove. Once she was satisfied that everything was ready, she untied the apron around her waist and folded it neatly over the back of a nearby chair.
"I'll be upstairs for a while," she announced. "I still need to shower and get ready."
Ryota looked up from his seat.
"Okay."
Rio glanced at him.
"Don't take too long eating. We have somewhere to be."
Ryota nodded.
"Got it."
She gave him one last look before heading toward the stairs. Her footsteps gradually faded as she went upstairs, leaving Ryota and Akari alone at the dining table.
For a few moments, the only sounds were the clinking of utensils and the quiet hum of the kitchen appliances. Ryota picked up his fork and began eating, enjoying the warmth of the freshly prepared meal. Across from him, Akari continued working her way through her breakfast, occasionally glancing at her phone.
Then the front door opened.
"Good morning..."
Rio's mother walked into the dining area, looking as though she had only recently woken up. Her hair was slightly untidy, and she wore comfortable house clothes. She paused when she noticed Rio's apron folded over the chair, then glanced toward the staircase.
"Was that Rio going upstairs?"
Ryota looked up.
"Yeah. She finished making breakfast and went to get ready."
Her mother blinked.
"Get ready?"
Ryota hesitated for a moment. Then, remembering that he had already decided to be honest about their plans, he smiled.
"Rio and I are going out today."
"Oh?"
"We're going on a date."
The moment he said it, her mother's expression brightened.
"A date?"
Ryota nodded.
"Yeah."
A wide smile spread across her face.
"Really?"
Akari continued eating, seemingly unsurprised by the announcement. Her mother, however, looked delighted. She pulled out a chair and sat down, still smiling as she looked at Ryota.
"That's wonderful! You two have been so busy lately. Between school, work, and that game you play, I was beginning to wonder when you'd actually find time to go somewhere together."
Ryota scratched his cheek.
"Well, we've finally managed to make time."
"I'm glad." She glanced toward the staircase again. "Rio deserves to have some fun, too. She's always thinking about something or worrying about someone. Even when she's supposed to be resting, she'll find something to keep herself busy."
Ryota smiled faintly.
"Yeah. That's one of the things I like about her."
Akari paused mid-chew.
She slowly looked at him, her expression changing into a knowing grin.
"...Wow."
Ryota glanced over.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Akari returned to her eggs, although the small smile on her face suggested she had definitely noticed his comment.
Rio's mother, meanwhile, seemed pleased.
"Make sure you both enjoy yourselves. You don't have to spend the entire day worrying about responsibilities."
Ryota nodded.
"I'll do my best."
She then turned toward Akari.
"And what about you? Do you have any plans today?"
Akari shrugged while cutting another piece of egg.
"Memory's coming over."
"Oh? Your friend?"
"Yeah. We're going to play Evermount."
Her mother smiled.
"That sounds nice. Just remember to take breaks, alright? Don't spend the entire day staring at that screen."
Akari nodded without looking up.
"Okay."
Ryota glanced at her.
"You're not going to drag Memory into another dangerous dungeon, are you?"
Akari immediately looked offended.
"Why would you assume that?"
"Because I know you."
"That's not a reason!"
"Last time, you came back talking about a giant monster."
Akari pointed her fork at him.
"That was different!"
Rio's mother looked between them, slightly amused.
"What kind of monster?"
"Nothing!" Akari answered far too quickly.
Ryota leaned back with a grin.
"Apparently, nothing that nearly killed them."
"RYOTA!"
He laughed and returned to his breakfast.
Rio's mother shook her head, smiling.
"Just be careful, Akari. And make sure Memory eats something when she gets here."
"I will."
The conversation gradually settled into a comfortable morning routine. Akari continued eating while occasionally checking her phone, and Ryota finished his breakfast at a more measured pace. Their mother poured herself a drink and listened as Akari explained some of the things she and Memory wanted to do in Evermount.
After a little while, she turned toward Ryota again.
"So, where are you taking her?"
Ryota placed his fork down and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"First, I was thinking of taking her to Ceno Asta."
Her mother's eyebrows lifted slightly.
"Ceno Asta?"
He nodded.
"It's that small restaurant Akari mentioned. She told me Rio likes it, so I thought it would be a good place to have lunch."
Akari looked up.
"Oh! Ceno Asta?"
Ryota nodded.
"That's the one."
Akari smiled.
"Good choice. Sis likes that place."
Rio's mother looked pleased as well.
"That's thoughtful of you. Rio does enjoy going there. She used to visit that place occasionally, especially when she wanted somewhere quiet to relax."
Ryota smiled.
"That's what I heard."
"But you said 'first,'" her mother added, tilting her head slightly. "Does that mean you're planning to take her somewhere else before lunch?"
Ryota nodded.
"But before we go to the restaurant, I want to take her somewhere special."
Her mother looked curious.
"Somewhere special?"
"Yeah."
He didn't elaborate. Instead, he gave a slightly embarrassed smile and returned his attention to his drink.
Rio's mother studied him for a moment before nodding.
"I see. Well, I hope she likes it."
Ryota's smile became a little more confident.
"I hope so, too."
She reached for her cup, then offered him one final piece of advice.
"Just remember something about Rio."
Ryota looked up.
"What is it?"
"She's a little particular when it comes to comfort. She's not especially demanding, but she doesn't enjoy being dragged around somewhere uncomfortable or having her plans changed too suddenly. If you're taking her somewhere special, make sure she's comfortable."
Ryota listened carefully before nodding.
"Understood."
"Good luck, then."
"Thank you."
He glanced toward the stairs.
The thought of Rio coming downstairs dressed for their date made his nervousness return almost immediately. He took another sip of water, hoping it would help him settle down.
I really hope I don't mess this up.
A little while later, the sound of footsteps came from upstairs.
Ryota was in the middle of putting his dishes together when he heard them. He looked toward the staircase, expecting Rio to come down and tell him that they could leave.
Then she appeared.
And he forgot what he had been thinking about.
Rio descended the stairs at an unhurried pace, one hand lightly resting on the railing. She had changed out of her comfortable home clothes and was now dressed for their outing. Her outfit was neat and elegant without being overly formal, with carefully chosen pieces that suited her naturally. Her silver hair had been brushed and styled, framing her face beautifully. A few loose strands rested near her cheeks, while the rest fell neatly over her shoulders.
She looked different from the girl who had been cooking breakfast only a short while ago.
Not dramatically different, but enough to make Ryota pause.
She was beautiful.
He stared for a moment, genuinely forgetting to say anything.
Rio reached the bottom of the stairs and noticed him looking.
"...What?"
Ryota blinked.
"Huh?"
"Why are you staring?"
"Nothing."
Rio narrowed her eyes.
"You're staring."
Ryota quickly looked away.
"I wasn't."
"You were."
"I was just looking."
"That's what staring means."
Akari looked between them from her seat and grinned.
"Oh?"
Rio immediately glanced at her.
"Don't."
Akari raised both hands innocently.
"I didn't say anything!"
Rio turned back toward Ryota. He was still avoiding her eyes, and a faint blush had appeared across his cheeks. Her expression shifted as she realized that he was genuinely embarrassed.
A small, mischievous smile appeared on her face.
"...What?"
Ryota shook his head.
"Nothing."
Rio stepped a little closer.
"Are you embarrassed?"
"No."
"Your face is red."
"It's warm in here."
Rio glanced toward the kitchen.
"The air conditioner is on."
Ryota had no answer.
Rio's smile widened as she tilted her head.
"Ryota."
He looked at her reluctantly.
"What?"
"Do you think I look pretty?"
His eyes widened.
Akari immediately stopped eating.
Rio watched him, clearly enjoying his discomfort. She had spent enough time around Ryota to know that he could be surprisingly shameless when he wanted to tease her. It was only fair that she returned the favor.
Ryota opened his mouth, then closed it again. He looked at her once more, and this time he couldn't quite bring himself to look away.
"...Yeah."
His answer came out quieter than he intended.
"Really pretty."
Rio's teasing expression faltered for just a moment.
A faint blush spread across her cheeks. She hadn't expected him to answer so sincerely, especially when she had only asked to embarrass him.
She looked away.
"...Dummy."
Ryota smiled awkwardly.
"What? You asked."
"I didn't ask you to say it like that."
"How was I supposed to say it?"
"Just..."
Rio turned toward the door.
"...Never mind."
Akari covered her mouth, trying to hide her laughter. Rio noticed immediately and pointed at her without looking back.
"Don't."
Akari lowered her head toward her plate.
"I'm eating!"
Rio shook her head, then reached for her bag.
"Come on, Ryota. We should get going."
Ryota stood and picked up his things.
"Right."
Rio's mother smiled at them from the table.
"Have a wonderful time, you two."
Rio looked toward her.
"We will."
"Take care of each other, alright?"
Ryota nodded.
"Of course."
Rio reached for the front door and opened it. Morning sunlight spilled into the entrance, illuminating the quiet street outside. The weather looked pleasant, and the neighborhood was already beginning to stir.
Just as she and Ryota were about to step out, a knock sounded against the door.
Knock, knock.
Both of them paused.
Rio looked toward the entrance.
"...Who's that?"
Another knock followed.
She opened the door.
Standing outside was Memory.
The pink-haired girl immediately raised a hand and waved.
"Good morning!"
Rio blinked, then smiled.
"Morning, Memory."
Memory looked past her and noticed Ryota standing nearby.
"Oh! Ryota's here, too!"
Ryota waved.
"Hey."
Memory smiled brightly before glancing between them.
"Are you two going somewhere?"
Rio gave a small nod.
"Yeah. We're heading out for a while."
Then she glanced toward the dining room.
"Akari!"
Her voice carried through the house.
"Memory's here!"
From the table, Akari immediately answered.
"Okay!"
Rio looked back at Memory.
"Come in. She's already downstairs."
"Thanks!"
Memory stepped inside, carefully removing her shoes before heading toward the dining area.
Rio turned toward Ryota.
"Ready?"
He nodded.
"Ready."
The two stepped outside. Rio closed the door behind them, and together they began walking down the street.
For a few moments, neither said anything. The morning air was pleasant, and the streets were still relatively quiet. Ryota walked beside her, occasionally glancing in her direction as though he wanted to say something but couldn't quite decide how to begin.
Eventually, he broke the silence.
"...You look really nice."
Rio's cheeks warmed again.
"You already said that."
"I know."
"Then why are you saying it again?"
"Because I still think it."
Rio looked away, trying to hide her smile.
"...You're going to be annoying today, aren't you?"
Ryota grinned.
"Probably."
She sighed.
But she didn't tell him to stop.
The two continued down the street, beginning their first real date.
Inside the house, Memory entered the dining area and immediately spotted Akari.
"Akari!"
Akari looked up from her plate.
"Hey."
Memory pulled out the chair beside her and sat down. After setting her belongings aside, she glanced toward the entrance.
"...Where did Rio and Ryota go?"
Akari took another bite of her eggs.
"Sis is on a date with the idiot."
Memory froze.
Her eyes widened.
"...A date?"
Akari nodded casually.
"Yeah."
Memory slowly looked toward the front door, then back at Akari.
"...Wait. Seriously?"
"Seriously."
Memory leaned forward, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"But I thought they were always busy!"
Akari shrugged.
"They were. I guess they finally found some time."
Memory stared at her for another moment. She knew Rio and Ryota were close, of course. Their relationship had become obvious enough to everyone around them, even if the two of them still occasionally insisted on making things more complicated than necessary.
But seeing them actually set aside time to go somewhere together was still surprising.
They were usually occupied with school, work, or Evermount. Whenever they weren't busy, something else always seemed to demand their attention. There was always another dungeon to explore, another problem to solve, or another responsibility waiting for Rio.
Memory smiled.
"...That's kind of cute."
Akari shrugged again and returned to her breakfast.
"Anyway."
She pointed her fork toward Memory.
"It's time for us to continue our adventure."
Memory blinked before her expression immediately brightened.
"Oh!"
She sat up straight.
"Right! We still have Dragon's Peak to explore!"
Bubbles, who had been waiting patiently beside Memory, bounced excitedly.
"Pyu!"
Akari smiled.
"After breakfast, we're logging in."
Memory nodded enthusiastically.
"Let's go!"
The two girls continued eating, already discussing what they wanted to do in Evermount that day. Their conversation quickly shifted toward Dragon's Peak, the places they hadn't explored yet, and the monsters they might encounter.
Meanwhile, Rio and Ryota were walking toward the first destination of their date, with no idea that the moment they had finally made time for themselves had already become the subject of conversation inside the house.
For once, they weren't heading toward a dungeon, a guild meeting, or another dangerous adventure.
They were simply going out together.
And for both of them, that was something worth looking forward to.