Sora came home after getting his revenge. As Yuki, the family's butler, opened the door for him, he immediately noticed Rika standing there with her arms crossed. He had a feeling she knew what he had done. He expected her to be mad or angry, but instead, she smiled at him and said, "Welcome home."
Sora blinked in surprise before replying, "Huh, is that all you're going to say?"
Rika shrugged. "What else?"
He narrowed his eyes. "You know what I went to do, right?"
She nodded in response.
"And you're not mad?"
Rika sighed, her expression turning serious. "Why did you do it?"
Sora remained silent—not out of fear, but because he simply didn't want to answer.
She stepped closer. "Sora, why did you hurt them?"
His crimson eyes darkened with anger. "How could I not hurt them? After what they did? After they hurt my family?" His voice was low but filled with rage. "They should be grateful I let them live. They have no idea what it's like to be the one suffering. They don't know what dirt tastes like. They don't know what it feels like to be abandoned." His fists clenched. "I know you're angry, but that's what they deserved."
Rika walked toward him, then slowly patted his head.
"I'm not mad," she said softly. "In fact, I'm happy. That's the first time someone has ever fought for me. And besides, we all know that's just how you are. So how could I be mad?"
Sora exhaled, his tension easing slightly. "This is the first… and it won't be the last time I will fight for you."
Rika gave a small, knowing smile. "Hm, I know. So thank you, Sora. Thank you for fighting for me. And… thank you for calling me family."
---
Later that evening, they all gathered around the dining table, enjoying their luxurious dinner.
Out of nowhere, Saito, the king, spoke up. "Now that I think about it, Rika and Kaiser haven't gone on a date yet."
Kaiser paused, resting his chin on his hand. "That's true… I never actually planned a date."
Jin smirked. "What a boring boyfriend."
Kaiser scoffed. "Huh? Boring boyfriend? Where the hell is your girlfriend?"
The room erupted in laughter.
Hinata, still giggling, suggested, "Why don't you two go on a date this weekend?"
Kaiser nodded. "Ooh, that would be nice. What do you think, Rika?"
She smiled. "Yes, I'd love to go on a date." Then, with a teasing grin, she added, "Or a love hotel."
Kaiser immediately pinched her cheek. "Don't joke about that."
They laughed again, the playful atmosphere lingering as they finished their meal. Soon after, everyone retired to their rooms for the night.
---
A few days passed, and finally, the weekend arrived. Kaiser and Rika had everything planned for their first official date.
The weekend finally arrived, and with it, the long-awaited date between Kaiser and Rika. The sun shone warmly over the city, a perfect day for a romantic outing. Rika, dressed in a stylish yet comfortable sundress, waited by the grand staircase of the Kaiser estate. Kaiser, in a casual yet refined outfit, descended the stairs, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of her.
"You clean up nice," he said with a smirk.
Rika playfully rolled her eyes. "And here I was expecting a compliment."
Kaiser chuckled. "You look beautiful."
Rika smiled, pleased. "Much better."
The two set off, escorted by their usual security team but keeping their outing as normal as possible. Their first stop was a quiet café in the heart of the city, one famous for its desserts. As they settled into their seats, Kaiser ordered for them, selecting a strawberry parfait for Rika and a chocolate tart for himself.
"So," Rika started, stirring her iced coffee, "what made you finally take me on a date?"
Kaiser leaned back, crossing his arms. "I had no choice. Everyone was pressuring me."
Rika gasped dramatically. "Oh no, the mighty Kaiser was forced into a date. How tragic."
Kaiser smirked. "I mean, I was going to take you out anyway. But now I have to prove I'm not a 'boring boyfriend.'"
Rika laughed. "Jin really got to you, huh?"
"Absolutely not," Kaiser said, looking away.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with teasing and laughter. After finishing their desserts, they wandered into a nearby arcade. Kaiser, despite his usual composed demeanor, turned competitive as they played various games.
Rika challenged him to a claw machine. "If I win, you owe me a favor."
Kaiser raised a brow. "And if I win?"
Rika grinned. "I'll admit you're not boring."
Kaiser smirked. "Challenge accepted."
To his surprise, Rika won on her first try, pulling out a plush cat. She held it up victoriously. "Looks like you owe me a favor."
Kaiser sighed dramatically. "Fine. What's the favor?"
Rika leaned in, whispering, "Carry me."
Kaiser blinked. "Huh?"
Rika laughed. "Not now! Just later when I get tired."
Kaiser rolled his eyes but smirked. "Fine. Just don't purposely act tired."
Their next stop was a small park where a street musician played the violin. Rika's gaze softened as she listened, the melody tugging at something deep within her. Kaiser noticed and gently took her hand.
"What's on your mind?" he asked softly.
Rika exhaled, looking at him. "Just… moments like these. They feel like memories in the making."
Kaiser gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Then let's make as many as we can."
Rika smiled, squeezing back. "You're a better boyfriend than I expected."
Kaiser scoffed. "Don't act surprised."
As the sun set, they took a stroll along the riverside. The golden hues reflected beautifully in Rika's eyes, and for a moment, Kaiser just admired her in silence.
Rika caught his gaze and smirked. "What? Finally realizing how lucky you are?"
Kaiser chuckled. "I realized that a while ago."
Rika blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice. She looked away, hiding a small blush. "Cheesy."
Kaiser smirked. "You love it."
"I tolerate it."
Their banter continued as they found a small bench overlooking the river. Rika rested her head on Kaiser's shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around her. For a while, they simply sat in comfortable silence, watching the world pass by.
"This," Rika whispered, "this is my favorite moment of the day."
Kaiser looked down at her, a soft smile on his lips. "Mine too."
And in that peaceful moment, under the soft glow of the streetlights, Kaiser and Rika knew—this was just the beginning of something even more beautiful.