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A month had passed since my sparring match with Saeko, and things had shifted in an interesting direction. While my plans to fortify my survival team were moving smoothly, it was my dynamic with her that had taken an unexpected turn. The encounter we had during our date changed everything.
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(Flashback: The Night of the Date)
I had planned the evening meticulously. Nothing extravagant—just enough to create the perfect balance of relaxation and intrigue. Saeko didn't seem like the type to enjoy pointless extravagance, so I opted for something a little unconventional.
I picked her up in my Suburban, the deep growl of the modified engine filling the quiet street. Saeko stepped out of her home, her long purple hair flowing freely over a casual yet elegant outfit—a fitted dark-blue blouse and black jeans that hugged her frame just right. She carried herself with the same confidence she had in battle, but her eyes held something different that night—a hint of curiosity.
"Didn't expect you to take me somewhere so… lowkey," she said, smirking as she glanced at the location.
A private, high-end dojo I had reserved for the night.
I leaned against the car, smirking back. "I figured a fancy dinner wasn't really your style. Thought you'd appreciate a place where we can actually enjoy ourselves—maybe spar a little, maybe talk."
Saeko tilted her head, amused. "And here I was thinking you were just going to try to impress me with expensive food and flattery."
I chuckled, gesturing toward the entrance. "Trust me, if I wanted to impress you, I'd have arranged a bloodbath of zombies for you to slice through."
She actually laughed—a rare sight. "You do know me well, Marco-kun. Alright, let's see what you've got planned."
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(Inside the Dojo)
The place was pristine, the polished wooden floor reflecting the soft glow of the lanterns above. Traditional katanas, bokken, and other weapons lined the walls. It was a place of discipline and battle—a perfect setting for someone like Saeko.
She walked to the center of the room, running her fingers along the hilt of one of the practice swords before glancing back at me. "So? What now? You planning on sweeping me off my feet with another spar?"
"Something like that." I removed my jacket, rolling my shoulders. "But this time, we talk while we fight."
Saeko smirked, stepping forward and grabbing a wooden bokken. "Talk and fight? You're an interesting man, Di Balla-kun. Alright, let's see if you can handle multitasking."
I grabbed my own bokken, assuming a stance. "Ladies first."
She wasted no time. Her first strike came fast—clean, precise, aimed right for my ribs. I barely had time to parry before she spun, her next strike aiming for my shoulder. I dodged, countering with a low sweep that she hopped over with ease.
"You hold back a little when you fight, don't you?" she mused, dodging another thrust. "I noticed it before in our first match. You don't fight with your full strength."
I smirked, locking blades with her for a moment before breaking away. "Observation skills on point. But I fight to win, not to harm. There's a difference."
"Harming is part of winning sometimes," she countered, launching into a relentless flurry of attacks, forcing me on the defensive. "In a real battle, your enemy won't hold back."
"True," I admitted, stepping back to reset my stance. "But I'm not fighting an enemy right now. I'm fighting a woman I'd rather get to know better."
For the first time, Saeko hesitated. It was brief—just a flicker of something in her eyes—but it was enough for me to take the advantage. I stepped in, deflecting her blade and tapping her lightly on the shoulder with my bokken.
"Point for me."
She blinked, then laughed softly, lowering her weapon. "Alright, that was unexpected. I'll give you that one."
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(Post-Sparring)
After the spar, we sat by the edge of the training mat, a bottle of water in each hand. The silence between us was oddly comfortable.
"You're not like most men I've met," Saeko finally said, breaking the quiet. "Most guys either fear me or put me on some pedestal because of my skills. You don't do either."
I took a sip of water before responding. "I respect strength, and I respect the person behind it. You're strong, Busujima-san—but that's not all you are. I get the feeling there's more you don't let people see."
She stared at her bottle, fingers tightening around it slightly. "Maybe. Or maybe I just don't know how to let people see it."
That was the first time she had dropped her guard completely. I didn't push, didn't probe. Instead, I simply reached over and gently tapped her knee.
"I'm not going anywhere. When you're ready to show that side, I'll be here."
She looked at me, studying my face for a moment, then exhaled a soft chuckle. "You're annoyingly perceptive, you know that?"
I grinned. "Part of my charm."
She shook her head, but I could see the small smile on her lips. "Alright, Marco-kun. You've got my interest. Let's see where this goes."
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(Present Day, Back to Reality)
That night had marked a shift in our relationship. Saeko wasn't just another recruit anymore—she was an ally, someone I genuinely wanted to keep close.
And something told me that she felt the same.
But as much as things were progressing, the world around us wasn't getting any safer. The apocalypse was creeping closer, and soon, all the planning, training, and alliances would be put to the ultimate test.
And I needed to be ready.
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