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Chapter LXXX: A Blessing in Disguise
Kota and Akiko decide to spend their weekend together, planning a fun-filled day of activities and bonding. They meet up at their favorite hangout spot, ready for a day of adventure and relaxation.
First on their list is a game of billiards. The atmosphere is lively, with the sounds of clinking balls and laughter filling the air. Akiko, with her competitive spirit, quickly takes the lead.
“Looks like I’m winning again, Kota!” Akiko teases, lining up her next shot.
Kota grins, pretending to be offended.
“Only because I’m letting you. Watch this!”
He makes a dramatic attempt at a difficult shot, only to miss completely. Akiko bursts into laughter, and even Kota can’t help but join in.
After a few more rounds, they head to a nearby karaoke booth. Armed with microphones and a long list of their favorite songs, they take turns belting out tunes. Akiko’s voice is surprisingly good, while Kota’s enthusiastic but off-key singing adds to the fun.
Following their karaoke session, they stroll to a cozy cafe. They order their usual drinks and settle into a comfortable corner, chatting about their favorite anime series.
“Have you watched the latest episode of ‘Mystic Warriors’?” Akiko asks, sipping her latte.
“Not yet,” Kota admits. “I’ve been busy with the On-the-Job Training Program. But I heard it’s amazing.”
“It is! The plot twist was insane. You have to catch up,” Akiko says excitedly.
Their conversation shifts to an investigatory series Akiko has recently started watching. Her enthusiasm piques Kota’s interest.
“It sounds intriguing,” Kota says. “Maybe we should start watching it together.”
Akiko nods, her eyes lighting up.
“Definitely! We can binge-watch it this weekend.”
As lunchtime approaches, they walk to the park food court. The park is bustling with families and couples enjoying the pleasant weather. They find a table under a large tree and dig into their food.
“So, how’s the On-the-Job Training Program going for you?” Akiko asks between bites.
Kota takes a sip of his drink before answering.
“It’s been great. I’m learning a lot about architecture and getting hands-on experience. What about you?”
Akiko smiles.
“Same, but in our department, it’s just inside the office”
They share stories from their training, laughing at the funny moments and sympathizing over the tough ones.
After lunch, they decide to do some shopping. They head to a store filled with anime merchandise, spending hours browsing through posters, figurines, and other collectibles.
As they leave the store, Kota notices the sky turning grey.
“Looks like it’s getting cloudy. But don’t worry, it’s not going to rain,” he assures Akiko.
They continue their shopping spree, moving to another merchandise shop. However, as they step outside, the first drops of rain begin to fall.
“Great timing, Kota,” Akiko says with a playful smirk.
They make a run for the food court to take cover just as the rain starts pouring down. The sound of raindrops hitting the roof creates a cozy ambiance.
They find a table near the entrance, watching the rain together. Despite being caught in the downpour, their spirits remain high.
“Remember that time we got caught in the rain during the school festival?” Akiko reminisces, leaning into Kota.
“How could I forget? We ended up soaked and had to dry off in the library,” Kota replies, smiling at the memory.
They talk about their past experiences, from school events to their many dates. The rain outside intensifies, but inside, it feels warm and comforting. Kota wraps his arm around Akiko, pulling her closer.
“Even with the rain, today’s been perfect,” Akiko says softly.
Kota nods.
“Every day with you is perfect.”
As they sit there, enjoying each other’s company and the rhythm of the rain, they realize that these simple moments are what make their relationship special. No matter what life throws at them, as long as they have each other, they can handle anything.
As Kota and Akiko continue to shelter from the rain, the cold begins to seep in, and their hunger becomes more apparent. Akiko's stomach rumbles loudly, and she giggles in embarrassment.
"I'm starving, Kota," she says, her voice tinged with a mixture of humor and discomfort.
"And I could really use some water."
Kota pulls out his wallet to check, but it's completely empty. He sighs, a bit frustrated.
"You know, Akiko, if I had any money right now, I’d order you some food, even if it meant I’d go hungry. But as it stands, I’m broke."
Akiko bows her head on the table, bored and a bit disheartened. Just as they’re about to resign themselves to their hunger, a kind-looking tourist approaches their table.
"Excuse me," the tourist says with a gentle smile.
"I noticed you two might be in need of some sustenance. Here, I have some extra food."
To their surprise, the tourist hands them a calzone and a large omelet. Their eyes widen in amazement.
"This is incredible," Akiko exclaims, her eyes lighting up. "I love calzones!"
"And I love omelets," Kota adds, equally surprised. "Thank you so much, ma’am."
The tourist sits down with them, smiling warmly.
"You know, I was once a student like both of you. I attended high school here many years ago."
Curious, Akiko asks, "Where are you living now, ma'am?"
"Oh, I’m from the Philippines," the tourist replies, her eyes twinkling. "From the capital of the second northernmost province."
Kota and Akiko are amazed by this.
"That sounds like a fascinating place," Kota says, intrigued.
The tourist offers them some water, and to their surprise, it's their favorite brand of drinking water.
"You seem to know just what we like," Akiko says, taking a grateful sip. "This is really kind of you."
As they continue talking, the tourist shares stories about her life and experiences, creating a sense of warmth and connection despite the rainy day. However, as Kota and Akiko turn to thank her again, they realize she has vanished.
The two sit in stunned silence for a moment.
"Did... did she just disappear?" Akiko asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kota nods slowly, equally perplexed.
"Yeah, I think she did. That was really strange."
Despite the mystery, they feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The unexpected encounter has turned their dreary afternoon into a memorable experience.
"Well, whoever she was, she definitely made our day," Kota says, smiling at Akiko.
Akiko nods, her eyes shining.
"Yeah, it's like we met a guardian angel."
As they finish their meal, the rain begins to lighten up. With renewed energy and spirits lifted, they decide to talk and talk about the mesmerizing and unexpected blessing and the mysterious tourist who brought a touch of magic to their day.
The rain subsides, and the sun breaks through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the food court. Kota and Akiko start gathering their things, ready to leave. Just then, Akiko’s grandma appears, her face a mix of worry and relief.
“Oh, thank goodness you’re safe!” she exclaims, enveloping Akiko in a tight hug. “I was so worried when the rain started pouring down.”
“Relax, Grandma,” Akiko says with a smile. “Kota’s got it covered.”
Kota nods, adding,
“Yeah, I’m like her personal bodyguard. Minus the suit and earpiece.”
Akiko’s grandma eyes him skeptically.
“So, what’s this I hear about taking food from strangers?”
Kota grins sheepishly.
“Well, we were starving and had no money, and this tourist just swoops in and hands us food. Like a culinary superhero.”
“Superwoman with a side of calzone,” Akiko chimes in.
Her grandma frowns.
“You know you shouldn’t take food from strangers. It’s dangerous.”
Kota holds up his hands defensively.
“I saw the cook make it. Right there in the kitchen. It was legit.”
Her grandma sighs in relief.
“Alright, but be more careful next time. Not all heroes wear aprons.”
Akiko and Kota burst into laughter.
“Thanks, Grandma,” Akiko says, squeezing her hand.
As Akiko’s grandma leads her to the car, Akiko waves back at Kota.
“Talk to you later!”
“Sure thing! See you!” Kota waves back, heading home with a grin.
Back at their respective homes, they jump onto YourBook, scrolling through memes and laughing at the latest viral videos. Suddenly, Kota’s eyes widen as a notification pops up.
“Hey, Akiko,” Kota types excitedly,
“Check this out! Ms. Soumei just announced a field trip! We're staying in Kyoto for two days!”
Akiko responds almost immediately,
“OMG, that sounds amazing! Kyoto with you and the squad? Yes, please!”
Kota can’t help but smile.
“This is going to be epic. We need to plan what we want to see and do.”
Akiko types back,
“First stop: ancient temples. Second stop: all the food stalls. We’re going to eat our way through Kyoto.”
Kota laughs.
“Sounds like a plan. And maybe we can get some souvenirs. Something better than a tourist handing us food.”
They spend the next hour planning their trip, their excitement palpable. As they finally say goodnight, Kota feels a sense of anticipation and happiness. Despite the unexpected challenges of the day, it has ended on a high note. He looks forward to the upcoming trip, knowing it will be another chapter filled with unforgettable memories.
Kota closes his laptop and smiles to himself.
“Kyoto, here we come,” he says aloud, mimicking a dramatic movie trailer voice.
The next morning, Kota wakes up with a spring in his step.
“Just a few more days,” he says to himself. “And then, Kyoto.”
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