Author's Note (A/N):
Thank you to all of you readers! We've reached 3,000+! I hope all of you are doing good, during this crisis, and without your support, maybe this story, would be a dump...that's all, and enjoy this part (Stride)of the story! Stand up! Vanguard!!
Asaka Narumi's POV
Asaka: It's another regular day for me, always serving Master Ren...but I'm starting to feel, that I don't love him anymore...
Ren: Uh? Asaka?
Asaka: Huh?
Ren; You know you're cooking right?
Asaka: Oh! Gah!! S-Sorry, Master Ren!
Asaka: I bowed my head...
Kyou: Ahaha! Probably daydreaming about someone!
Asaka: Grr! I stomped his foot! He's so annoying!!
Kyou: Yaaaw!! Ouch! That hurts!
Ren: (Giggles) Just another day...(Smiled)
Stride 24: The Dim Spotlight
Asaka: I went out to buy some groceries, for Master Ren and of course for us, but suddenly I bumped into someone. Oh! Sorry! I wasn't looking...
Misaki: Huh? Asaka?
Asaka: (Shocked) M-Misaki!?!
Misaki: Uh? What are you doing here? Alone?
Asaka: Uh...I was sent to buy groceries! Hehe...I laughed nervously, scratching my head
Misaki: Hmm...is something wrong?
Asaka: It's...it's nothing...(Sad)
Misaki: It's not "nothing", you can tell me...
Misaki holds Asaka's hand
Asaka: Alright...But then I heard someone called Misaki
Kai: Sorry Misaki, there's-huh? Asaka Narumi...
Asaka: T-Toshiki Kai?! What are you doing here?! (Shocked)
Misaki: Oh! Right...you don't know yet! Toshiki is now my boyfriend...(Blushed)
Asaka: Eh!?! R-Really!?! Wow! That surprised me...
Misaki: Y-Yeah...
Asaka: Well, congratulations you two...I wish you all the best! (Smiled)
Misaki: Thanks Asaka...
Kai: Thanks...
Misaki: What about you and Ren?
Asaka: Oh! We're still the same
Kai: Tch! Not surprising...that guy's always dense...
Misaki: Toshiki!
Asaka: No, it's fine...Kai's right
Misaki: Huh?
Asaka: Ever since, he really doesn't care about me...he's not the type of person to love someone...(Sad)
Kai: Hm...
Misaki: Asaka...
Asaka: Anyway, nice to meet you guys, and congrats again! I better go to the grocery store
Misaki: Okay...well see ya!
Kai: See you around Narumi
Misaki: I wish you and Ren will be together!
Kai: Hmph...(Smirked)
Asaka: Hm...I don't know, should I even give up? That guy is such a kid! Doesn't even know that I love him...
At the grocery
Asaka: I can't carry these 4 big plastic bags! This is too much! Phew! I'm so tired...
???: Uh? Do you need a hand miss?
Asaka: No, I got it under control...Not really
???: Are you sure? Those are pretty heavy...I insist miss, let me help
Asaka: (Sigh) Okay...I breathe heavily, I'm so exhausted! The guy helped me carry my groceries, I hold one, and he holds three...of course he's a gentleman, I carried the small plastic bag
???: How rude of me, lemme introduce myself...I'm Michael Akiyama, nice to meet-oh! You're Asaka Narumi! I'm a huge fan!
Asaka: Oh! You know me?
Michael: Of course I do! We were in the same school before, and we were classmates, on top of that I love your Cardfighting Skills! Team Asteroid!
Asaka: Oh...well uh, thanks! (Smiled)
Michael: I actually have a crush on you...
Asaka: Huh?! That shocked me
Michael: Yeah, I've sent you letters, flowers, chocolates, and asked you to go on a date
Asaka: Oh...I'm sorry I cannot remember! Hehe, because there were so many guys that wanted to date me...I scratched my head
Michael: That's understandable, and I know you're in love with Ren Suzugamori, so that's when I knew I don't have a chance to be your boyfriend...
Asaka: Ouch...for a guy like him, he deserves someone better than me...I'm sorry! And also, I think I'm giving up on Ren...
Michael: Uh? Really?
Asaka: (Sad) Yeah...he's just very dense, that's all...
Michael: Oh...that's too bad, I really thought you two are perfect for each other
Asaka: Huh? You-you do?
Michael: Yeah! I'm also a supporter for the both of you! I really respect your feelings on Ren, that's why I stopped bothering you, but what a coincidence, we meet again! Hehe
Asaka: This guy is so nice...Michael, is something else! He's handsome too! Hm...We arrived at Ren's office building, and waiting for the elevator. Here we are...
Michael: Well, I guess I'll be seeing you around again Asaka, nice meeting you again
Michael dropped the plastic bags on the floor, and waved at Asaka
Asaka: He turns around and is about to leave, but then something came up on my mouth! Uh, Akiyama wait!
Michael: Huh? What's up?
Asaka: About the date...is uh...I can't muster my words
Michael: What about it?
Asaka: Is uh, the offer still open?
Michael: (Smiles) Of course it is...
Asaka: Uh, great! I'll accept it...(Smiled)
Michael: (Joyful) You mean...
Asaka: I ran towards him, and puts my index finger on his lips...Yes, we will...(Winked)
Michael: (Blushing) Oh, wow...Th-Thanks Asaka...
Asaka: No...thank you Akiyama! Not gonna lie he's kinda cute when he's blushing
Michael: (Blushing) Uh, please just call me Michael...
Asaka: (Giggles) Okay, Michael...I kissed his cheek, which made him blush even more
Michael: (Blushing) Uh...y-yo-you just kissed me...
Asaka: (Giggles) On the cheek...that's a thank you...I hold his other cheek...See you on our date
Michael: (Blushing) O-Okay...t-tomorrow a-at 11:45 AM, at the park...on the Dragon Empire Branch...uh, d-don't be late...?
Asaka: (Chuckles) I won't...see ya! (Smiled)
Michael holds his cheek, where Asaka kissed him
Michael: (Blushing) S-See ya...ALL RIGHT!! (Smiled)
Asaka: (Giggles) He's so cute...maybe it's time to let go...my spotlight for Ren will be over
Inside Ren's office
Asaka: Here are the groceries
Kyou: About time...
Asaka: It should've been you! Some gentleman you are! (Annoyed)
Tetsu: Thanks Asaka
Asaka: Where's Master Ren?
Ren: Right here! Just in the bathroom, by the way Asaka, are you free tomorrow?
Asaka: Oh, I'm sorry Master Ren, but I have an important day tomorrow, so I won't be free
Ren: Hm...that's too bad, anyway thanks for the groceries Asaka...
Asaka: You're welcome Master Ren! (Bows Head)
Hours Later, in the living room
Ren Suzugamori's POV
Ren: Hey, Tetsu...I called Tetsu, and he auickly responded
Tetsu: Yeah?
Ren: Do you think Asaka's pretty?
Tetsu: (Chuckles) What? What makes you say that? That's the first time I heard you asking me that...
Ren: Just answer my question...(Annoyed)
Tetsu: (Giggles) Ok, ok. She's beautiful, a very attractive girl, and very sweet, especially for you...she's always soft on you. Is that all?
Ren: Not yet...
Tetsu: What else?
Ren: Do you think she's given up?
Tetsu: On what?
Ren: Actually, never mind...
Tetsu: Hm?
Ren: It doesn't matter...Why Asaka...?
Minutes earlier (Flashback)
Ren: I'm in the elevator, then the door opens, and saw Asaka with someone...Huh? I then quickly get out of the elevator, and went to hide, while listening to their conversation
Asaka: Is uh, the offer still open?
Michael: (Smiles) Of course it is...
Asaka: Uh, great! I'll accept it...(Smiled)
Michael: (Joyful) You mean...
Asaka: Yes, we will...
Ren: A date!?! She's going on a date?! With this boy?!
Michael: (Blushing) Oh, wow...Th-Thanks Asaka...
Asaka: No...thank you Akiyama!
Ren: Why Asaka!?! Why date this sore loser? I'm getting very angry...
Michael: (Blushing) Uh, please just call me Michael...
Asaka: (Giggles) Okay, Michael...
Asaka kissed Michael's cheek
Ren: Huh? What the!?! Asaka kissed that boy! I'm pissed! Very pissed, that whimp got lucky
Michael: (Blushing) Uh...y-yo-you just kissed me...
Asaka: (Giggles) On the cheek...that's a thank you...
Asaka holds his other cheek
Asaka: See you on our date
Michael: (Blushing) O-Okay...t-tomorrow a-at 11:45 AM, at the park...on the Dragon Empire Branch...uh, d-don't be late...?
Asaka: (Chuckles) I won't...see ya! (Smiled)
Ren: They're going on a date!?! What the heck Asaka! Why would you date this guy!?! It should've been me! My face turned more red!! I'm so mad! But keep your cool! Act normal
End of Flashback
Ren: Hm...I should follow them tomorrow...
Kyou: Well you're thinking deeply
Ren: Huh? Oh it's you...uh? Who are you again?
Kyou; (Mad) MY NAME IS KYOU!! OK?! REMEMBER IT THIS TIME!! KYOU YAHAGI! THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME YOU FORGOT MY NAME!
Ren: Oh! Sorry about that Kyou (Smiled)
Kyou: Grr...what are you thinking about?
Kyou crossed his arms
Ren: Nothing...
Kyou: Well, that doesn't look like it's nothing...it seems to be bothering you
Ren: (Sigh) Just thinking about Asaka...
Kyou: (Shocked) Oh! Oh, uh...what a surprise, never thought you like Asaka, ahahaha!
Ren: Why? Isn't she attractive? She's been there with me all this time
Kyou: Well, yeah she is...what are you gonna do?
Ren: I'll be a detective! (Smiled)
Kyou: Eh!?!
Ren: What?
Kyou: What are you trying to do?
Ren: Oh, right...you don't know, Asaka's dating an awful person tomorrow...
Kyou: "Awful"?
Ren; Yep! He looks like a loser, and a whimp
Kyou: So you're gonna be like a...spy on their date tomorrow?
Ren: That's right!
Kyou: Isn't that bad? What happens if you blow your cover?
Ren: I won't, because you're coming with me! (Smiled)
Kyou: Uh...WHAT!?!
Asaka Narumi's POV
The next day, on Asaka's apartment
Asaka: I woke up, and yawned...and it's already 8:32 AM! I have to take a bath, and dress up nicely...this is my first date with someone...so it has to be the best one! I'm sorry Master Ren...but I just gotta give up on you, it's clear to me, that you don't love me. I went to the bathroom, took my clothes off, then took a shower, after that I put on the towel, wrapped it around my body, then dried off...and now I gotta pick my clothing. Uh? Which is good? I don't wanna disappoint Michael...I called Misaki for help! Hello? Misaki?
Misaki: Oh! Asaka, hi! What's wrong?
Asaka: Do you have an idea, on what I should wear for my date?
Misaki: Wait, you're having a date!?! With who? With Ren?! (Joyful)
Asaka: Uh...yeah about him
Misaki: What about him?
Asaka: I sorta...gave up on him
Misaki: You what!?!
Asaka: Yeah, it's just...he doesn't care, so then I started to date with my former classmate, which is cute too...and he's so nice!
Misaki: Oh...that's good to hear
Asaka: So can you help me?
Misaki: Well my preference would be...your own self
Asaka: Huh?
Misaki: Be yourself...your clothes from before, it looks attractive on you, it suits you! And it's quite daring
Asaka: Oh, thanks Misaki!
Misaki: You're welcome! Enjoy your date!
Asaka: I will! Thanks! And we ended the call, okay...just like she said...
Ren Suzugamori's POV
At 10:50AM, in the office
Ren: Hey Kyou, you ready?
Kyou: Why do I have to do this? This is your own problem...
Ren: If you help me, I'll reward you something...I teased him
Kyou: What reward?
Ren: You'll find out
Kyou: Argh! Fine...
Ren: Thanks Kyou!
At the living room
Ren: Sorry Tetsu, we gotta leave
Tetsu: What?! And where exactly are you two going?
Ren: Just somewhere...well! Handle my work for me! Best of luck! (Smiled)
Tetsu: But wait-!
Then they both left
Tetsu: (Sigh) The usual Ren...(Smiled)
Outside the building
Kyou: So? Do you know where they're going?
Ren: Well of course I do! Although I kinda forgot...
Kyou: Oh come on...
Ren: Aha! At the park! On the Dragon Empire Branch!
Kyou: Finally...
Asaka Narumi's POV
At 11:45 AM, at the Park (Dragon Empire Branch)
Asaka: Hey! I waved at Michael
Michael: Oh! Hey! You're just in time
Asaka: Yeah, so? Where are we going?
Michael: How about we go get something to eat? It's lunch time
Asaka: Sure! (Smiled)
Michael: Great! Let's go
Asaka: I wrapped my left arm, around his right arm
Ren Suzugamori's POV
Kyou: Argh, I can't believe I agreed to this
Ren: Shh! There they are...
Kyou: (Sigh) Fine...
Ren: They're going in a restaurant, hm...
Kyou: What are you thinking?
Ren: We're going in! (Smiled)
Kyou: What!?! Are you crazy!?! That restaurant is only for dates!
Ren: Then you'll be my date on this! (Smiled)
Kyou: (Sigh) Why did I follow you...
Asaka Narumi's POV
Few minutes later
Asaka: This restaurant is great! I love the meals
Michael: I'm glad you love it...
Asaka: After this, where do we go?
Michael: I was actually planning, on the park again, you know chill there for a while? At the bench...(Blushed)
Asaka: (Giggles) Sure...
Ren Suzugamori's POV
The other side of the table
Ren: At the park, again...
Kyou: Can we just leave now?
Ren: You can go if you want, but I won't...I'm dead serious about this
Kyou: Okay fine...I'll stay
At the park
Ren: There they are...
Kyou: Holding hands together, at the bench
Ren: Time to intervene! (Smiled)
Kyou: Are you nuts Ren!?! You're gonna make Asaka mad!
Ren: Don't know, don't care...time to confront them! (Smiled)
Kyou: This guy's always out of his mind
Ren: I walked closer to them
Asaka Narumi's POV
On the bench
Michael: Hey Asaka...
Asaka: What is it?
Michael: I know I said this before, but I like you...well not just like, "like" you! But um...I...uh
Asaka: (Giggles) He's so nervous, and he's cute...I give him a quick peck on his lips, to know my answer
Michael: (Blushing) You just kissed me...
Asaka: (Blushing) That's my answer...
Michael: (Blushing) I love you...Asaka Narumi
Asaka: We're slowly leaning on each other, and about to have our first kiss! This has got to be my true love! But then...
Ren Suzugamori & Asaka Narumi's POV
Ren: Achem! I intervened
Asaka: Huh? Michael and I turned, and saw...Ren!!!
Michael: Oh...uh...R-Ren Suzugamori! Nice to meet you
Michael bows his head
Ren: I don't need your pity! I answered him rudely
Asaka: Ren! What are you doing here!?! What is he doing here!?!
Ren: What am I doing here? Last time I heard you call me was "Master Ren"
Asaka: Yeah, well we're not in the office
Ren: What's wrong with you Asaka? Why are you dating this whimp?
Michael: I'm sorry...
Asaka: No! Don't apologize to him, he's the one that ruined our moment!
Kyou: Ren, we really should go...
Asaka: You're here too!
Kyou: Uh...
Ren: Really now Asaka?
Asaka: Oh yes! That's right! You just ruined, what's about to happen between us! My long awaited kiss! From a guy I love!
Ren: Tch! As if...we're going! I quickly grabbed her forearm
Asaka: Let go of me! I quickly let go of his grip
Ren: Why did you let go!?! We're gonna get outta here now! Asaka!
Asaka: You can't force me!
Ren: Why not!?!
Asaka: Because...I looked at Michael. I love Michael!
Ren: (Mad) You what! How can she love this guy! Grr!
Kyou: Time to go Ren...
Ren: I won't let you!
Michael stands his ground
Michael: And I won't let you either
Ren: Oh! The boy seriously doesn't have a respect for me now, what a pain...
Asaka: Michael...I said it in a soft voice
Ren: Fine then! I challenge you! To a Cardfight! I pulled out my deck. Whoever wins, gets Asaka! Sound good?
Asaka: What the! I'm not a prize! Don't you get it Ren!?! You always can't see me! My love for you! It's so dim! Our love! Is very dim! That you can't even see it!
Ren: No, Asaka...I can always see your love for me...but this guy stole it from me! This weakling boy...
Asaka: You're such a jerk!
Michael: Fine, I accept the challenge!
Michael also pulled out his deck
Ren: Heh! You're not gonna win...
Michael: We'll see about that, Ren Suzugamori...I've known your skills, ever since
Ren: Yeah? Well that changes today
Asaka: Why am I the prize...?
Kyou: Isn't it obvious? Ren loves you, ahahaha!
Asaka: (Shocked) Ren...loves me?
Kyou: Yeah, we talked about it last night, he can't stop thinking about you
Asaka: Hm...Why now?! Now I'm confused! Michael is a nice guy, very generous...and so gentle. Ren is...such a dork...but there's just a lot of things I love about him...
Ren: I will get Asaka...
Michael: We'll find out...
Ren: Don't worry Asaka...I will love you forever after this match...I will have you, I won't let go of you thsi time...
Ren & Michael: Stand up!
Ren: The!
Ren & Michael: Vanguard!!
To be continued...
Pretty interesting, Ren does have feelings for Asaka🤔, find out what happens on the next part!
(Stride 25: Darkness's Hidden Light)