Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 2: Dates]

I listen carefully to what else he has to share.

Shin: "I really had no idea what I was doing, just let myself be carried away by her. But I did okay, I think, and there was also no clumsiness attack or anything!"

"That's great, Shin!", I comment.

Shin: "Haaah~! Oh man, I was so nervous!"

My cheeks get warm with my next question: "And...ehm, you know...how did it feel for you?"

Shin: "It was just incredible! Everything tingled, I thought my chest was going to explode. Her lips were so soft! And how she smelled!", *gulps nervously*, "How she tasted."

"That sounds really nice...I'm very happy for you.", I grin.

Shin: "When time comes for you, it'll be just as fantastic!" *gives me another quick hug*

His statement makes my body prickle.

Shin: "Speaking of which, and what's been going on between you two?"

I exhale loudly, "Well...", and then tell him about the Mochi incident...

[Same evening, mall 'Wish Hub']

By now, we had a good meal at a diner that was perfect for the occasion, casual and not so bumptious, but not cheap either. After that we had a fun time in the bowling alley where we booked two hours of playing time (unfortunately I couldn't beat Kotatsu in the second round either, but it was a close one).

And now, our next and last destination of our double date is the mall called 'Wish Hub'. That's where the action is today evening. 'Wish Hub' is located in the outskirts of Tokyo, just like the bowling alley we were at, so it's pretty fitting. It only takes us a few minutes to get there by public transport.

The moment we enter the mall, we are immediately caught up in the hustle and bustle around us. There's really a lot going on.

The mall consists of three rectangular floors where you can find many different shops. For this event, all are open until midnight, and you can live out your shopping mood to the fullest. Those who have already done enough shopping or need a break from it can devote themselves to the different stalls, competitions and games. For us, of course much more the latter is of interest.

We start on the third floor and want to work our way from top to bottom, taking our time to look at everything we find interesting. I enthusiastically lean over the railing and look down into the mall from above with big, glittering eyes. The center is open and offers a great view down to the first floor.

The organizers did things in style and thus delivered an awesome decoration to the visitors. Everything is kept in black and white. What is particularly impressive is the huge hologram that is played in the center of the mall. In an artistic way, it captures the theme of the event, 'Made for each other'. Here too, the colors black and white play an important role to remind us of Yin and Yang.

For a while the two colors are alone, searching for something, and then they find each other, swirl around each other, until finally they merge into one, forming something complete. The romantic in me is pleased by this beautiful metaphor.

According to the motive of the event, couples or dates are of course primarily addressed, but singles who might meet their future sweetheart this evening are of course also welcome and can throw themselves into the action.

The fact that this of all things is picked up as a motive during our double date is an exciting coincidence (we only read it online on the way here) that causes the butterflies in my stomach to go wild. The realist in me, however, just snorts in annoyance. Well, you know what I think about 'soul mates'. You can't find something like that on the next corner. But today I'm happy to let the romantic in me take the lead, since it's our double date after all.