The next day, Kouga finally returned to Himeko's residence. The morning sun spilled through the windows, casting a soft glow over the familiar living room.
Kallen had decided to stay with Sakura for a while . Kouga couldn't help but smile at that memory before stepping inside.
The first thing he saw was Bronya, sitting cross-legged on the couch, completely absorbed in a handheld console. The faint sound of digital explosions echoed from the game as her expression stayed perfectly calm.
"Yo, Bronya," Kouga greeted casually. "Where's everyone else?"
Without looking away from the screen, Bronya replied in her usual monotone voice, "Himeko-sensei went to work early this morning. Kiana and Mei are in Kiana's room. Mei is helping Kiana prepare for her retake exam."
"Retake, huh?" Kouga chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck.
Bronya's eyes flicked toward him briefly. "Bronya advises not to distract them. Mei is in serious mode."
"Got it," Kouga said with a grin that already said he wasn't listening to that advice. "Thanks, Bronya."
Bronya just sighed, clearly realizing what was coming next, and returned to her game.
Quietly, Kouga walked down the hallway toward Kiana's room. He could already hear Kiana's exaggerated groans and Mei's calm, patient voice from behind the door.
A smirk crept across his face as he rested his hand on the doorknob. "Perfect chance to surprise them," he whispered to himself, before pushing the door open with a grin.
Kouga walked down the hall, stopping in front of Kiana's room. He was just about to knock when the door suddenly opened from the inside.
Mei stood there, still mid-sentence, her attention focused entirely on Kiana. "Alright, Kiana, I'm going to make breakfast. While I'm gone, you should reread what we covered last night so you're ready for your history retake, okay?"
"Yes, Mei-senpai…" Kiana answered tiredly, her voice dragging with exhaustion.
That was when Kiana finally noticed Kouga standing just outside the door. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, but Kouga quickly pressed a finger to his lips, signaling her to keep quiet. Kiana immediately understood and struggled to hold back her grin.
Mei, feeling satisfied with Kiana's answer, turned to leave—only to bump right into Kouga's chest.
"Wha—Kouga?!" Mei nearly dropped the notebook in her hands.
Kouga chuckled, clearly amused by her startled expression. "Morning, Mei. You two look like you haven't slept at all. Did you study through the night?"
Mei sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "We did. Kiana needed a lot of review."
"Hey!" Kiana protested weakly from behind her, slumping against her desk.
Kouga smiled, resting his hand on the doorframe. "You both deserve a break. Why don't you rest for a while? I'll handle breakfast today."
Mei blinked, a bit surprised. "You'll… cook for us?"
"Of course," Kouga replied with a confident grin. "Consider it a thank-you meal for all your hard work."
Kiana's face lit up immediately. "Yes! Kouga's cooking is the best!"
Mei couldn't help but chuckle softly at Kiana's enthusiasm. "Alright then… but I'll still help a little," she said, smiling faintly as she followed him toward the kitchen.
A few minutes later, the smell of food filled the house. Mei set the table while Kouga brought over the final dish — perfectly cooked omelets, warm miso soup, and golden slices of toast arranged neatly beside fresh fruit.
When everything was ready, Kiana practically threw herself into her seat. "Whoa! It smells amazing!"
Kouga, Mei and Bronya then join her.
Mei smiled, watching Kouga set down the last plate. "You really went all out, Kouga."
Bronya nod in agreement with Mei.
He shrugged modestly. "Just something simple to help everyone recharge."
Kiana took a bite of the omelet and froze, her eyes widening. "It's so good! Mei's cooking is awesome, but this—this is… wow!"
Mei raised an eyebrow, half-amused. "Oh? Are you saying his cooking is better than mine?"
Kiana waved her hands frantically, cheeks puffing as she tried to swallow. "No, no! I'm saying both of you are amazing! Mei-senpai's food makes me feel warm inside, but Kouga's food is like… an explosion of happiness in my mouth!"
Kouga laughed, leaning back in his chair. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Mei sighed but couldn't help smiling. "You really can't decide, can you?"
Kiana looked between the two of them, then grinned sheepishly. "Nope! I'll just have to eat more from both of you until I figure it out!"
Both Mei and Kouga exchanged a knowing look — and laughed.
Kouga wiped his hands on a towel and looked over at Kiana. "You ready for the history retake next week?"
Kiana puffed up her chest and put on her best confident smile. "Of course. I'll ace it. No sweat."
"Good," Kouga said, nodding. "Because Mei and I will be busy tomorrow."
Mei paused mid-bite, tilting her head. "Busy? With what?"
Kouga couldn't hide the grin. "Don't you remember? I promised to take you out this Saturday."
Mei's cheeks flamed a delicate pink as the realization hit her. "Oh — right. I forgot!" she stammered, flustered and delighted all at once.
Kiana and Bronya exchanged a look and chimed in at once, mouths full but serious. "Make her happy, or there'll be hell to pay.""Anything happens to Mei-neesama, Bronya will not forgive," Bronya added, voice steady.
Kouga raised both hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll treat her properly. No danger, no embarrassment, full gentleman mode."
Mei hid her face in a napkin, half-laughing, half-mortified. Kiana gave a triumphant little clap. "Good. And if you mess up, I'll come with you both and supervise."
"Supervision noted," Kouga said dryly. He glanced at the clock. "But we should get moving — class starts soon."
They cleared the dishes with efficient teamwork: Kouga carried the plates, Mei stacked them, Kiana and Bronya folded the napkins into little stars and scattered them across the table like she'd earned some kind of craft merit badge. There was a warm, easy rhythm to it — homey, settled — and for a moment the worry of exams, honkai, and whatever else the world might throw at them felt a little further away.
Kiana grabbed her bag and winked at Kouga. "I'll ace that history test, just so I can rub it in later."
"Then we'll celebrate after you pass," Kouga promised
The next day — Saturday morning — arrived with clear skies and the kind of sunlight that promised a perfect day out.
Kouga stood in front of the mirror, buttoning up a dark, neatly pressed shirt with rolled sleeves and a black jacket that gave him just the right mix of casual and sharp. His usual transformation gear was tucked away — today, he was just Kouga, not a Rider, not a warrior — just a guy going on a date.
He checked the time, then took a steadying breath. "Alright… let's do this."
Meanwhile, in the dorm's hallway, Mei was already waiting. She wore a simple but elegant lavender dress that matched her calm personality, paired with a white cardigan and a silver ribbon that tied her hair behind her shoulder. She looked both graceful and shy — the kind of beauty that didn't try to stand out, yet couldn't help but do so.
When Kouga stepped out and saw her, he paused mid-step. "You look… amazing," he said honestly, unable to hide the small smile tugging at his lips.
Mei's cheeks colored faintly. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself," she replied with a soft chuckle.
Kouga rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I had to make sure I looked good next to you."
Before Mei could respond, the door behind them suddenly opened, and Kiana poked her head out, wearing her usual mischievous grin. "You two look way too serious. It's just a date, not a wedding!"
Bronya appeared beside her, arms crossed. "Bronya advises restraint, Kiana. However… Bronya agrees that Mei-neesama looks beautiful."
Mei groaned quietly. "You two were spying again, weren't you?"
Kiana pretended to zip her lips. "Nope! Just making sure Kouga doesn't chicken out."
Kouga sighed with a faint laugh and extended a hand toward Mei. "Shall we get going before they start taking pictures?"
Mei smiled — a genuine, soft smile — and took his hand. "Let's."
As they walked away, Kiana cupped her hands around her mouth and called after them, "Remember! Make Mei-senpai smile, or I'll come hunt you down!"
Kouga raised a hand in mock surrender without turning around. "Message received loud and clear!"
And with that, the two of them headed down the quiet street together.
The day unfolded gently beneath a golden sky, the morning breeze carrying the scent of fresh grass and city life. Kouga and Mei walked side by side down the bustling avenue, their hands occasionally brushing as they moved with the rhythm of the crowd. For once, there were no battles, no missions — just the simplicity of being two people enjoying a rare, peaceful moment.
"Where are we going first?" Mei asked, glancing at him from beneath her lashes.
Kouga grinned. "It's a surprise."
They stopped in front of a large building with bright colors and the faint sound of upbeat music playing inside. Mei tilted her head. "A… skating rink?"
"Yup," Kouga said, hands in his pockets. "You've been studying and training nonstop. I figured you deserve something fun. Ever tried roller skating?"
Mei smiled, shaking her head slightly. "Not really. But I suppose it's never too late to learn."
A few minutes later, they were lacing up their skates. Kouga finished first and offered his hand to help her stand. She wobbled slightly, gripping his arm.
"Okay… this is definitely different from walking," Mei admitted, laughing softly.
"Don't worry, I've got you," Kouga reassured her. He held both her hands as they made their first slow loop around the rink. At first, Mei's movements were stiff, uncertain — every small slip made her grip him tighter — but soon her balance improved.
They began to glide more smoothly, her laughter filling the air as Kouga playfully twirled her once.
"See? You're a natural," he said.
"I'm only doing well because you're helping me," she replied with a shy smile.
"Then I'll make sure not to let go," Kouga said.
Of course, the universe had other plans. A moment later, another skater zipped past them, and Mei instinctively leaned too far back — Kouga tried to steady her, but they both ended up losing balance and tumbling to the floor in a heap.
For a second, there was stunned silence — then Mei started laughing, her cheeks flushed from embarrassment. Kouga chuckled too, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well," he said, still sitting on the floor, "that's one way to stop."
After another half hour of skating (and a few more small accidents), the two finally decided to take a break. They sat side by side on a bench, sipping on cold drinks. Mei leaned back, smiling softly. "I haven't laughed like that in a long time."
Kouga looked at her — really looked — and said quietly, "Then I'm glad I brought you here."
The sincerity in his voice made her heart skip for a moment, but before she could respond, he stood and offered his hand again. "Come on, next stop — lunch."
They ended up at a small, cozy café nearby — one that overlooked a quiet lake. The menu was simple but comforting: rice bowls, grilled fish, and warm miso soup.
Mei took a bite and sighed contentedly. "This is really good. You've got a good eye for places."
"I just follow good smells," Kouga said with a teasing grin.
Their conversation flowed easily — from funny moments in class to light teasing about Kiana and Bronya. Mei even opened up about her fears and hopes for the future, and Kouga listened attentively, nodding between bites.
At one point, Mei asked softly, "You've seen a lot of fighting, haven't you? Do you ever… feel tired of it?"
Kouga looked out the window at the lake's surface. "Sometimes. But then I remember why I fight — to protect peace like this. Days like today remind me it's worth it."
Mei's expression softened. "Then… I hope you get many more days like this."
He turned to her, smiling. "Maybe I will, if you're there."
She blushed and quickly looked down at her plate, hiding a small smile.
After lunch, they decided to walk through the park nearby. The air was cool, and the trees swayed gently as sunlight filtered through the leaves. Children played with bubbles in the distance; the laughter of families mingled with the songs of birds.
Mei walked quietly beside him, her hand brushing his now and then. Finally, Kouga reached out and gently intertwined their fingers. She looked at him — surprised at first — but didn't pull away.
They strolled in silence for a while, watching ducks drift lazily across the pond.
"This is nice," Mei said softly. "I didn't think I could enjoy something this simple so much."
"It's the simple things that mean the most," Kouga replied.
As they reached the park's bridge, the setting sun painted the water orange and gold. Mei leaned against the railing, eyes half-closed, and the world seemed to pause for them both.