[28 September 2025]
[Sunday]
[11:29 am]
Kabukicho pulsed with life on this Sunday morning. The lively streets were full of tourists, teenagers, adults, and couples alike. The smell of crepes and coffee wafted through the air as the casual conversations of the busy streets mingled with the low sound of music.
The towering skyscrapers held electronic billboards that illustrated colorful lights and beautiful visuals, displaying eye-catching animation from popular anime titles. The sight was truly amazing to witness.
Or at least, that's how it seemed in Sophia's eyes. To Keith, it was just like any other day. The two of them walked down the street as they headed toward Seibu Shinjuku PePe.
"Kei," Sophia inquired, looking at Keith as they sauntered down the street, their steps synchronized.
"Yeah?"
"Where are we going?"
"How many times are you gonna ask me that today?" He sighed. "We are going to Seibu Shinjuku."
"I know, I just wanted to hear you say it." She clarified with a chuckle, looking around, completely memorized by the bustling street.
While Keith glared at her with a frown, he couldn't help but acknowledge the beautiful dress she was wearing. It was a yellow dress with a lovely floral design; it highlighted her curves and slightly mature figure. But as Keith looked at her, a sudden thought finally dawned on him.
Hold up. Where exactly has she been getting clothes all this time? Last time I checked, she only had her school bag on Friday. So how did she get all these outfits?
Keith looked forward as they walked a few more steps, then he finally asked while Sophia was still admiring a group of street performers.
"Hey, Sophia."
"What is it?" She turned and looked at him with an inquiring expression.
"Where exactly have you been getting clothes all this time? Please refrain from calling me a pervert, though—I'm just curious, is all."
"You are a pervert," Sophia answered, causing Keith to frown immediately as another weary sigh escaped his lips. "After you told me to knock on your door when I needed something, I texted Miss Adriana and told her I needed clothes. Then she and Mr. Ben brought them to me while you were in your room. And, yeah, that's basically it."
"Oh, okay, I see…" Keith halted, and then a realization hit his head like a speeding train. He pondered silently.
Wait a second. Mr. Ben and Miss Adriana are here in Japan?! If that's really the case, then why the hell is she living with me?
He glanced at her, a look of utter confusion shaping his features. They're her servants, so why doesn't she ask them to cook for her? I mean, they cook way better than I ever could, so why…
Keith finally realized the truth as his internal muse continued, his expression matching that of an annoyed, furious cat. This was their plan all along! Aunt Emily!!!
He shook his head and decided to let it go. Worrying about it now was just going to make Sophia cranky and annoying again, and he didn't want to deal with that kind of headache.
The two walked for a while longer and finally made it to Seibu Shinjuku. They entered the building and were immediately welcomed by the pleasant aroma of various restaurants.
The sight of so many people walking around the mall was comforting for Sophia, while Keith pulled down his cap, hiding his face desperately.
Sophia looked around, and then her eyes landed on Keith, who had grown tense and a little shaky as they walked. She immediately remembered why he was acting this way, and a wave of sympathy washed over her.
"Kei, are you okay?" she asked, her tone deeply worried.
"I'm… I'm fine."
"Kei, please don't lie to me."
"I'm not lying. I just… I don't like being around people…"
"Oh. Now that I think about it, I remember you were like this even back then. When I asked your mom and Miss Emily, they told me you had social anxiety. Am I right?"
Keith lifted his cap a bit so he could see her. He flinched slightly when he heard her say "your mom," but he quickly forced himself back to normal as he listened to her. Then, he replied.
"... Yeah. I have a hard time being around other people. But I'm starting to… well… at least, I'm trying to get through my anxiety. Sometimes I just can't help it, though. I tense up when I hear people talk or laugh."
Keith lowered his cap again, his voice low and bittersweet. They walked past a group of teenage girls who were chatting and staring at their phones near a cafe.
As they strolled past, a new crowd washed over them like a river. They walked casually without rushing, and Sophia kept listening to him, her face laced with concern.
"I just feel so small in a place that's full of people. Usually, I try my best to avoid everyone as much as I can, even at school… but… I… I want to change. I want to be able to walk around people like any other normal person. With time, I'll finally get there… but for now… it's baby steps, I guess."
A concerned look appeared on her face. Sophia hadn't realized that his anxiety was this serious, but now she was seeing it firsthand.
She tried to reach for his hand, but her ears turned bright red at the thought of doing something so bold. She hesitated for a few moments, but then she forced herself forward, thinking:
Come on, Sophia. Grab his hand. This is your chance. It's so simple—just grab his hand. He needs emotional support, so come on.
Sophia continued the internal civil war in her head until her iron-forged determination took over her mind and body.
She reached out, grabbed his hand, and held it tightly as they walked. Her hand turned red along with her face and ears, and her eyes closed in an embarrassed plea. Keith felt her warmth and looked at her, his own face turning slightly red.
"Uhh… Sophia, why are you holding my hand?"
"B-B-Because you seemed to be feeling down, so I thought that this might make you feel better. Was I wrong?" she asked. Her blue eyes shone beautifully, her lips appeared pinker than usual, and her cheeks burned red, but her expression was completely genuine.
"I-I guess not. But do you really want to hold my hand?"
"Don't make me say it, dummy."
They walked with their hands tightly woven together, their fingers intertwined. Both of them shared the red glow of embarrassment as they entered a grocery store called Ichikawa Groceries.
Once they reached the frozen meat section, they finally let go of each other's hands. Keith, feeling less flustered now, compared the prices of beef and chicken, while Sophia still looked dazed, as if she hadn't quite moved on from what had just happened.
"Which do you prefer, chicken or beef, Sophia?" Keith asked while Sophia stared into the distance with a gentle smile on her face. "Hey, Sophia. Are you listening?"
Sophia snapped out of it and looked at him with a startled, surprised expression. She then queried, "What? Did you say something?"
"I was asking if you prefer beef or chicken?"
"Oh! Either one is fine. I'm not a picky eater, so you can buy whatever you think is best."
"Alright."
Keith took a nearby basket, placed both chicken and beef inside, and continued looking for other items, like onions, carrots, eggs, and various vegetables.
With the help of the princess, he bought everything they needed and headed toward the checkout. He paid and walked out of the store carrying plastic bags full of groceries.
"Why did you buy so much?"
"Because I'm not planning on coming back here for a while, and also because I have another mouth to feed now. How unfortunate for me."
"Is that right, you big jerk?" Sophia muttered, pinching Keith's arm.
"Ouch! That hurts, woman!"
"Moron!"
"Easy there, Princess, you'll ruin your image," Keith teased, his voice radiating sarcasm.
"Whatever."
The two of them walked out of the mall, continuing their playful bickering all the way home. After a while, they made it back to the house and started unpacking the groceries.
When they finished, Keith taught her how to make omelet rice—his favorite dish in the entire world. They finished cooking and sat down to eat, their casual quarreling taking place yet again.
The two also talked about school and reminisced about the past as they ate. After finishing up in the kitchen, they headed to their rooms to prepare for tomorrow's school day.