Chapter 47: Evening
As they strolled toward the ice cream shop, Raizel felt a sense of contentment wash over him.
Akeno glanced up at him, her expression playful. "So, what flavor are you thinking? I'm torn between chocolate and strawberry."
"Why not both?" Raizel suggested, a grin spreading across his face. "You can never have too much ice cream."
"True! You're starting to sound like a pro at this," Akeno teased, nudging him lightly with her shoulder. "Maybe I should take you shopping more often."
Raizel chuckled, feeling a sense of ease. "As long as it with you though, I'm all in."
When they reached the ice cream shop, the vibrant colors of the various flavors caught Raizel's eye. He watched as Akeno eagerly pointed out her favorites, her excitement infectious.
"Look at this one! It's bubblegum flavored! Can you believe it?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight.
Raizel raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his lips. "Bubblegum? That's a bold choice. Are you sure you're not just a kid at heart?"
"Absolutely! And you should embrace your inner child too," Akeno replied, sticking her tongue out playfully. "Life's too short to be serious all the time."
As they placed their orders, Raizel couldn't help but admire how effortlessly Akeno brought joy into every moment. It was refreshing, and he found himself wanting to be around her more.
With their ice cream in hand, they found a cozy spot on a nearby bench. Raizel took a bite of his double scoop, the sweetness melting in his mouth. "This is amazing! I think I could get used to this."
Akeno laughed, her eyes sparkling. "See? I told you! Ice cream makes a date even better."
As they enjoyed their treats, Raizel felt a sense of peace enveloping them.
[Look at you two, all cozy and cute! This is the stuff of romantic comedies!]
The system chimed in, but Raizel ignored it, focusing instead on Akeno's animated expressions.
Just then, a group of kids ran past them, giggling and chasing each other, breaking the moment. Raizel chuckled, shaking his head. "Looks like we're not the only ones having fun today."
"True! It's nice to see everyone enjoying themselves," Akeno replied, her smile returning. "We should do this more often. Just hang out and enjoy life."
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As Raizel and Akeno finished their ice cream, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the night sky. The streetlights flickered to life, illuminating the path ahead as they strolled hand in hand, their laughter echoing softly in the evening air.
The world around them felt magical, and the gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers.
As they approached Akeno's house, the atmosphere shifted slightly. The warm glow of the porch light illuminated the entrance, and Raizel and Akeno paused in front of her door, their playful banter fading into a comfortable silence.
"Thanks for today," Raizel said softly, his gaze locked onto Akeno's. "I had an amazing time."
Akeno smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. "Me too. I didn't know shopping could be so much fun, especially with you."
Raizel took a step closer, his heart racing as he felt the tension in the air. "I think we make a pretty good team."
Akeno's breath hitched slightly as she looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with emotion. "I think so too."
In that moment, the world around them faded away, and Raizel leaned in, capturing Akeno's lips in a hot, passionate kiss. It was a brief yet electrifying moment, filled with the promise and passion.
Akeno melted into the kiss, her heart racing as she wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling the warmth radiating from him.
After a short passionate kiss they pulled away. Akeno's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson as she turned to face him, a mix of embarrassment and joy washing over her. "We were just… um, goodbye!"
Raizel said calmly, his own cheeks slightly pink. "Yeah?, just a friendly kiss."
"Friendly? That looked a bit more than friendly to me!" Akeno teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "We are definitely a couple!"
"Hmm." Raizel just hugged her in the night while humming at her questions.
Akeno shot Raizel a playful glance, her smile returning as she leaned into him. "Well, I guess we are now, you got me."
Raizel laughed, feeling a sense of warmth and camaraderie with his friends. "Thanks, i guess?"
As the laughter subsided, Akeno turned to him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "So, let's meet tomorrow then? You should go home now."
Raizel shrugged playfully, a mischievous grin on her face. "Maybe just a little. I couldn't resist hugging you."
Akeno's cheeks flushed again, and she playfully nudged Raizel. "You're making me blush!"
"Good! You should be proud of how amazing you are," Raizel replied, his voice warm and sincere.
...