The clock at the front of the classroom turned exactly two in the afternoon. Usually this would entail Takei going home in a hurry, but not today. Today, Takei was going on his first date. All of his thoughts were jumbled up inside of his head which was causing him to get a serious headache.

"Ah, what do I do?"

Takei started to mumble to himself which led to some questioning stares from the people around him. The aloof and stony Takei was nowhere to be found. He was replaced by a person shaken by their nerves.

This is the first time I've ever gone out with a person of the opposite gender that's not family. I have completely no idea what to do on the date...

There was no way Takei was going to be able to maneuver through this date easily. This was exactly his train of thought until a shining lightbulb appeared above his head.

"Wait, Akari said she wanted us to have fun first and foremost... that means I only have to plan some fun places to go to and let the mood carry us."

Takei quickly found the answer to his solution and started to chuckle at his quick thinking. He whipped his phone out and started to search for some good date spots.

"Hmm, a bubble tea place sounds good. This nearby park sounds like a nice place for a stroll. Ah, the movie theater is a must!"

There were many events and locations that Takei feverishly scrutinized before deciding on a select few.

Firstly, the movies were a must for first dates and by coincidence, there was a popular romance movie airing at the moment that would surely grab Akari's attention. Secondly, dinner at a nearby family restaurant after the movie would fill them up nicely. Lastly, a calming stroll at a nearby park would help end the date in a good mood and ensure that both parties felt refreshed.

Takei felt like his plan was foolproof and was ready to enact it. He thought it would be a solid first date and felt victorious at constructing such a plan.

A glance at the clock reminded Takei that his rendezvous time was steadily approaching. Akari and him were supposed to meet at the entrance of the school so they could walk to the date location together. Takei stood up from his chair and began to walk towards the door of his classroom. There was not an ounce of fear or anxiety that could be seen on his face as opposed to several minutes earlier.

***

"Kept you waiting?"

Akari pouted as she saw Takei approaching her. "Mou, you're starting the date off by being late."

"Sorry sorry, I had some things to do..."

"As in?"

Takei flatly denied her question with a blunt response. "You don't need to know."

"I understand, let's just go already. I'm bored~"

After seeing Akari raring to go, Takei began the first phase of his plan. "Alright alright, how about we go see a movie?"

Akari seemed intrigued when Takei brought up his suggestion. "Sure, which movie are we watching?"

"How about that new romance movie that came out recently, Our Starry Eyed Story?"

"Oh my god, thanks for reminding me. I've been wanting to see that movie for a while!"

Takei was not the least surprised about Akari's reaction towards the movie. He knew how she liked shoujo manga and anime, so there was no doubt that she had her eyes on the movie.

"Sounds good, let's get moving then."

Takei grabbed Akari's hand and started moving towards the direction of the movie theater.

"W-w-wha???"

"C'mon, you'll get lost if I don't get a hold of you. I know just how rambunctious you can be at times."

"..."

Takei took the silence as an affirmation to keep holding her hand, but in reality he did not notice Akari's scarlet red cheeks, as he kept nonchalantly moving forward to the designated location.

Akari stole a glance at him while they were walking. The goddess's cheeks were still as bright red as they were when she was asked by Airi if the two were a couple. Takei seemed to not have noticed Akari blushing since he just kept moving forward without hesitation.

Akari pouted a bit at the sight of his nonchalant demeanor. "Idiot..."

Takei turned around at the sound of a murmur tickling his ear. "Did you say something?"

"Nope."

Akari flatly denied the accusation and tilted her head upwards and looked him directly in the eye.

"Let's have lots of fun today!"

"Yep."

A one word answer from the aloof Takei was enough to satisfy the cheerful Akari. At this moment, nothing mattered more than mutual feelings. Age, gender, race, and social standing. None of it mattered. Both the loner and the goddess were fulfilled with having a partner by their side to help experience the joy that is life.

---

Akari's Affection Meter: N/A (Will be updated at the end of this arc, chapter 9 to be specific)