Part 2
The neon lights of Akihabara flickered with a hypnotic rhythm as Touma walked through the crowd.
He had arrived at Arcadia — one of the most popular arcades in the area — ahead of schedule, but he didn't mind.
Spending time there had become a tradition between him and Hina.
—Alright, newbies. Time to learn your place —he said with a confident grin, dropping a few coins into the Tower Fighter EX machine.
A few players gathered around the cabinet as they recognized him.
On-screen, a frenzied battle began between his character and a formidable-looking challenger.
—C'mon, old man! —shouted one spectator—. That guy's top 100 ranked!
Touma just smiled.
After years of playing here, he knew exactly how to handle the competition.
Five minutes later, his opponent was flat on the ground — taken out with a dramatic K.O.
—Nice match —said the rival, clearly surprised but respectful.
—Thanks. But don't let it get to you. Hina's even worse than me when she's in the mood.
As if summoned by her name, Hina suddenly appeared and threw her arms around his shoulder, grinning like a champion.
—Touma! I leave you alone for five minutes and you're already asserting dominance?
—Hey, it's tradition, isn't it? —he replied, shrugging.
Hina eyed the machine with a competitive gleam.
—Mmm, I think it's time I reminded you who's boss around here.
—Ooh! Couple battle? —someone from the crowd called out.
—We're not a couple! —they both snapped in unison.
The machine accepted their credits, and within seconds, the screen lit up with their match.
As always, their rivalry stirred up laughter and even a few bets among the nearby players.
After several intense rounds, they decided to take a break.
—I think I've had enough of this game. What do you say we check out something else? —Hina said, stretching.
—You mean the gacha machines?
—I want something sweet. How about crepes? Or ice cream? Oh, oh —what about an ice cream crepe! —she added, eyes sparkling.
—Always with the sweets. Fine, let's get your frozen crepes. My treat —Touma said with a smirk.
—Yay! I want one with strawberries and whipped cream!
They left the arcade laughing and chatting, heading toward a small alleyway stand that sold crepes.
With their treats in hand, Touma and Hina continued wandering the colorful streets of Akihabara, weaving through tourists and otakus carrying bags full of merch.
—Look, Touma! It's the limited-edition Magical Luna artbook! —Hina cried out, rushing toward a shop window.
—Another Magical Luna item? How many artbooks do you have already?
—Doesn't matter! This one has exclusive illustrations!
Hina darted into the shop, full of energy, while Touma sighed and followed, already used to her whims.
While she flipped through shelves with excitement, he wandered over to the collectible figures section, where a few customers were passionately debating the best version of a mecha character.
Eventually, Hina emerged, triumphant, hugging her new prize with a huge smile on her face.
—Okay, what now?
—I don't know, Hina. You're the one leading this Akihabara tour.
—Hmm... —She scanned the area until her eyes lit up again—. Ooh, check that out!
Touma turned his head just in time to see her pointing excitedly at a nearby claw machine.
Inside the glass case sat an adorable bunny plush with long ears and a big ribbon on its head, staring at them with innocent eyes.
—Touma, you have to win it for me!
—Me?
—Yes, yes, come on! I dare you to get it.
—I don't know, Hina. These things are rigged.
—Ugh, you're just saying that because you've never won one.
Touma felt his gamer pride take a direct hit.
Without another word, he pulled out a coin and slid it into the machine.
The claw descended with precision... and failed miserably.
—Pffft!
—Hina, don't laugh.
—Sorry, sorry… —she said, though her grin clearly said otherwise.
Touma tried again.
The claw dropped, grabbed the plush for a moment… and then let it fall just before the prize chute.
—This thing's a scam —he muttered, frowning.
—Yeah, sure, sure.
Hina stepped up, inserted a coin with a confident smile—
Seconds later, the bunny plush dropped neatly into the tray.
—…How did you do that?
She hugged the bunny to her chest with smug satisfaction.
—Experience.
—I'm never trusting these machines again.
—Also, never challenge me in a gacha game —she added with a mischievous grin, cuddling the plush.
They kept walking through the crowd, weaving between neon signs and storefronts packed with figures and cutting-edge tech.
In one of the main alleys, a maid in a vibrant uniform approached them with a beaming smile.
—Welcome, goshujin-sama and ojou-sama! Would you like to visit our café?
Hina and Touma exchanged a glance.
—Uh… we're good, thanks —Touma said, looking away.
—Aww, but you two make such a cute couple! I'll give you a special discount if you go in together!
They stood in silence for a beat.
—...
—We're not a couple! —they blurted out in unison.
The maid chuckled softly and walked away, leaving Hina with a faint blush on her cheeks.
—Pfft, can you believe her? —Hina said, rolling her eyes.
—Yeah, totally ridiculous —Touma replied casually.
But the maid wasn't the only one.
More than once, as they passed store windows, Touma noticed shopkeepers giving them that "young couple" look.
To him, it was absurd.
To Hina... she wasn't so sure.
By the time they noticed, hours had already passed.
Hina checked her phone and smiled.
—Touma.
—Hmm?
—Time for the last stop of the day.
Touma looked ahead and saw the glowing sign of a karaoke place just a few steps away.
—Oh no...
—Oh yes! Come on, it's tradition!
Before he could flee, Hina grabbed his arm and dragged him inside.
—You're singing something this time —she said, adjusting the mic.
—Nah, I'd rather watch you make a fool of yourself.
—Shut up and pick a song! —she snapped, throwing a cushion at him.
Touma sighed and browsed the menu.
Finally, he picked a classic anime song they'd both known since childhood.
As the music began to play, something in the air shifted.
They sang together, laughing at first — but gradually, the energy of the moment drew them in.
Hina looked at him for a second longer than usual.
Touma felt something too — something different.
But before he could think too much about it, the song ended.
—Ahem... —Hina cleared her throat— That was fun.
—Yeah... —Touma looked away, a hint of color rising to his cheeks.
They sat in silence for a few seconds, until Hina shook her head and grinned, her usual energy returning.
—Alright, alright! One more round!
—Fine, but I'm ordering drinks and snacks first.
—Yeah, sounds good... but no ice. I don't want you using that as an excuse when you lose.
—Huh? Don't think I'm letting you off easy —Touma said, adjusting his glasses with a dramatic flair, like some anime villain.
Hina burst into laughter.
—That's the spirit!
The night continued as always — full of laughter, teasing, and challenges.
But something in the air had changed.