The next morning, Kiana practically bounced into the living room, her grin wide enough to rival the rising sun. Kouga trailed in after her, yawning, his hair still a mess from sleep.
"We're going on a date this Saturday!" Kiana announced proudly, puffing out her chest like she had just conquered the world.
Bronya blinked once, then gave her usual monotone reply. "Congratulations, Kiana. Try not to blow anything up during your romance operation."
"Bronya!" Kiana pouted, though the blush on her cheeks betrayed her happiness.
Himeko chuckled into her coffee, swirling the mug lazily. "Well, well, didn't think you had it in you, Kiana. Congrats, both of you."
Mei offered a smile, soft and supportive, but the faint strain around her eyes didn't go unnoticed—at least, not by Kouga. Kiana, however, too caught up in her own excitement, threw her arms around Mei in a tight hug.
"Don't worry, Mei, I won't ever leave you out!" Kiana beamed, pressing her cheek against Mei's shoulder.
Mei's smile held, but her hands trembled ever so slightly as she returned the embrace. "Y-Yeah… of course."
Kouga watched the two of them quietly, his own expression unreadable. Somewhere in his chest, though, he felt the weight of the morning settle heavier than expected.
Later that morning, once classes began, Kiana couldn't hold back her excitement. As soon as the teacher gave her the floor to speak, she stood up in front of everyone with her usual grin.
"Everyone, I've got an announcement! Kouga-senpai and I are going on a date this Saturday!"
The classroom buzzed with chatter instantly. Some students whistled and clapped, others teased her, while a few of the girls sighed with mock heartbreak. Even Fu Hua, calm and composed as always, offered a small nod of approval.
"Congratulations, Kiana. May this bring you growth," Fu Hua said simply, her words firm yet genuine.
Kiana nearly exploded with joy at the support, beaming as she thanked everyone. Kouga, however, kept his head down, eyes locked on the notes in front of him. He wasn't trying to be rude—he just preferred not to get wrapped up in the storm Kiana had kicked up.
Fast forward — Saturday.
The day of their date finally arrived.
Kiana had taken the entire morning to prepare, keeping her usual twin braids but dressing in a fresh outfit: a white blouse with short puffed sleeves, a pastel blue skirt that stopped just above her knees, and matching sneakers. She looked both casual and cute, her bright energy fitting perfectly with the style.
Kouga, on the other hand, kept things simple. A fitted black T-shirt and jeans, paired with a black jacket that added a subtle edge to his otherwise understated appearance. The kind of outfit that didn't scream for attention but made him look effortlessly put together.
When the two met up at the campus gates, Kiana bounced on her heels, her smile wide and almost contagious. "So? How do I look?" she asked, twirling lightly in her skirt.
Kouga scratched the back of his head, glancing her up and down before giving a small smile. "…Cute. It suits you."
Kiana lit up instantly, her face turning the shade of a ripe tomato as she jabbed his shoulder with her finger. "D-Don't just say it so casually!"
With that, the two of them set off into the city, their first official date just beginning.
"Where do you wanna go?"
Kouga gave Kiana a side-eye as they strolled through the city. Kiana walked sideways beside him, her grin so big it was almost blinding. She had already grown bored of the skyscrapers and bustling streets; she wanted the date to move forward—fast.
"Tell you what," Kouga said, halting as he turned to meet her eager eyes. "Why don't you pick the first place, and I'll pick the next?"
"Cop out!" Kiana puffed her cheeks, scanning their surroundings. Then her eyes lit up. Without warning, she grabbed his hand, her grin sharpening into something almost mischievous. "Arcade time! Round two—this time I'm winning!"
Kouga sighed as she dragged him across the crosswalk, but he didn't fight her grip.
At the arcade
"Another round to me," Kouga said flatly as he holstered the plastic gun. The screen flashed his new high score while upbeat music blared.
Kiana groaned, digging for coins to feed into the machine again. But Kouga caught her wrist just in time.
"Enough. If we keep this up, you'll bankrupt yourself before the date's halfway done."
Kiana huffed, but his calm smile softened her resistance.
"Fine. Where do you wanna go then?"
"The park," Kouga said. "Something different."
Homuland Park
The amusement park was alive with color and laughter. Kiana's energy burned brighter than the neon lights as they tried everything—from roller coasters that made her scream like a banshee, to water rides that left them both soaked, to silly photo booths where Kiana forced Kouga to make faces.
Finally, they slowed down, sitting outside a small ice cream shop. Kiana offered to grab their cones, skipping inside with her braids bouncing.
Kouga, however, stood. "Wait here. I need to check something. Back in a minute."
Kiana pouted but nodded, too distracted by the ice cream counter to notice the seriousness in his tone.
Kouga slipped into the side streets of the park. The uneasy feeling had followed him ever since they left Himeko's residence—sharp, watchful eyes trained on him.
And then he found the culprit.
"…Bronya."
The small girl stood calmly, her blank stare giving nothing away, though her presence was unusually heavy.
"Subject Kouga," she began. "A troublesome development has occurred. Mei-neesama requested my aid."
"You're tailing us," Kouga interrupted, his voice steady. "It wasn't even hard to notice."
Bronya nodded, unsurprised. "Correct. Mei-neesama has exhibited symptoms of jealousy and emotional instability. She insisted on observing Kiana Idiotka, while Bronya monitors you."
Kouga flinched slightly, though he tried to hide it. "…And how did you slip away from her?"
"Mei-neesama's attention is fixed on Kiana Idiotka. Bronya simply used that obsession as cover."
"Figures." Kouga exhaled. "Then do me a favor—keep Mei distracted until this date's over."
Bronya studied him silently for a long beat. Then: "Da. But in return, Bronya requests a favor."
Kouga frowned. "Which is?"
"Provide Mei-neesama the same service you are providing Kiana Idiotka."
Kouga's eyes narrowed, but he gave a short nod. "…We'll see."
When he returned, Kouga immediately noticed something off. Kiana was waiting outside with two cones in hand—but a stranger had cornered her.
"Hey, doll-face," the man sneered. "Why don't you ditch the kid act and spend some real time with me? I know a place—"
"Don't call me that!" Kiana barked, her fist tightening. "Unless you wanna be eating dirt!"
From a distance, Mei, disguised in casual clothes, tensed, ready to intervene. But Kouga was already moving.
"Sorry, but she's with me." He pulled Kiana close, slipping an arm around her waist. Her face immediately turned pink.
The man scoffed. "You serious? Why would a hot girl like her waste time with a guy like—"
He never finished. Kouga's fist cracked against his jaw, dropping him instantly.
Security rushed in, dragging the unconscious man away. Kouga turned to Kiana, his expression softening. "Sorry I took so long. Complications."
Kiana, still flushed, stared at him in awe. Then, without a word, she plopped down onto his lap, ignoring the curious glances from passersby.
"H-Hey, what are you—" Kouga stammered.
Kiana turned her head, flashing him a teasing grin. "If you're really sorry… then consider this payback."
She offered him one of the ice creams, leaning comfortably against him as the two quietly enjoyed their treats, the earlier chaos melting into a warm silence.
After a few more hours of wandering through a mall Kiana had taken a shine to—though she left disappointed when nothing caught her eye—the two finally returned to campus.
The moment they stepped into the dorm, the warm smell of cooking drifted through the air. Kiana immediately bolted forward, following her nose with a big grin. Kouga trailed after her, already sensing the tension hanging in the apartment.
In the kitchen, Mei stood at the stove, her shoulders stiff, her face clouded with a sour expression as she stirred the pan. Bronya sat at the table with her handheld console, though her sharp eyes flicked between Mei and the new arrivals. Himeko, beer in hand, looked like she'd seen this drama before and had long since given up trying to stop it.
Kiana bounded into the kitchen like sunshine on legs. "What are we eating today, Mei-senpai?"
"Stuff." Mei's reply was flat, her tone sharp enough to make Kouga wince. Kiana, however, remained blissfully oblivious, tilting her head in confusion while still smiling brightly.
Kouga decided to intervene before things escalated. "Kiana, why don't you go take a bath first?"
She turned to him with a pout—then her expression shifted into mischief. "Ohhh, I get it. You just wanna plan your date with Mei-senpai next."
Mei froze mid-stir, whipping her head back toward them in shock. Kouga barely had time to react before Kiana darted forward, planted a quick kiss on his cheek, and skipped out of the kitchen, humming to herself.
That left Kouga with Mei.
He walked up behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her waist. Mei stiffened, her hands tightening on her chopsticks.
"Let go," she demanded, struggling against him.
Kouga held firm, gently but unyielding. When she tried to push him off, he spun her around just in time to dodge the swipe of her chopsticks. Now facing her, he finally noticed the faint tear streaks on her cheeks, her eyes already brimming again.
Then Mei's tears flowed freely, and Kouga immediately pulled her into a comforting embrace.
"You… Kiana…" she tried to speak between shaky breaths.
"You were scared," Kouga finished softly. "That if Kiana and I got closer… we'd leave you behind."
Mei pushed back slightly, trying to form the words. "No—yes—but it's not just that…" She steadied her breath, then admitted, cheeks flaming red:"I… like you. Both of you. And I didn't even know who I was jealous of."
Kouga blinked, then gave her a small, knowing smile. "You do realize, if I don't take you on a date soon, Kiana will drag you on one herself, right?"
Mei's face turned even redder.
Kouga continued, "From what I've seen, she's always had feelings for you. So don't act surprised."
Mei's shoulders slumped, her blush refusing to fade. "Right… I was just being stupid."
Kouga reached out and flicked her forehead lightly, cutting her off before she could spiral. "You're not stupid. But next time, talk to me when something's bothering you. That's why I'm here."
She stared at him for a moment, then slowly nodded, her lips curling into a small smile.
"…So about what Kiana said earlier," Mei mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Only if you want to." Kouga answered before she could work herself up again.
"YES!" Mei blurted out, surprising even herself. Her blush deepened as she smiled shyly. "I… I want to. Could we… do it soon?"
"Next week would be best," Kouga said simply.
Mei's expression softened into genuine relief. "Okay." With that, she returned to cooking, her mood lifted, her movements lighter than before.
From the table, Bronya raised a thumb without looking up from her console.
Himeko groaned into her beer. "I swear, this place is turning into some kind of rom-com…"