Meeting

"Um... so... Mana, what would you like to drink? I'll get it for you." Shinji was at a loss, desperately trying to find something to talk about to avoid the awkwardness.

Mana watched his flustered reaction with amusement, covering her mouth as she giggled. "Haha, this is your first date with a girl, isn't it?"

Shinji scratched his head again. "You really are the first girl I've ever gone on a date with."

"I'm honored. Could you call me by my name? Hmm? Shinji..." Mana parted her cherry-red lips and spoke softly.

"M-Mana."

"I can't quite hear you. Could you say it a little louder, Shinji?"

"Mana! I hope we'll get along from now on!"

"Shinji... let's..." Mana's eyes grew dreamy, and her lips parted slightly.

Shinji's mind exploded! He froze, staring blankly as Mana's face slowly drew closer to his.

Even a complete idiot would have known what was happening.

Shinji trembled a little, unable to get a single word out.

At last, their lips met.

Sunlight shone on their faces, making this moment seem so sacred and pure.

Shinji felt happy, but there was something new, too-confidence.

He, Shinji, had been accepted by someone, given a precious gift by the girl before him.

Being loved felt so wonderful!

After kissing for a long time, both of their faces were flushed.

Whether it was because they couldn't catch their breath or for some other reason, I don't know. (Author)

"Shinji..."

"Hmm?"

"This is lovely..."

"Yeah. Thank you, Mana!"

"Hehe... thank you, too. For making me happy..."

Asuka and Huang Zhetian happened to catch sight of this from nearby.

For some reason, Asuka felt irritated.

Seeing that woman kiss Shinji made her feel as though she had already lost.

She and Huang Zhetian had never been as intimate as those two.

That idiot Zhetian had stolen her first kiss, but she had slapped him at the time. Thinking back on it now, Asuka felt a little guilty...

"What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry..."

"Oh... huh?!"

Huang Zhetian could hardly believe it when he heard Asuka apologize.

Everyone knew what Asuka's temper was like. For her to apologize out of nowhere, could she be... mmph?!

She had forced a kiss on him!!!

Asuka wrapped both hands around Huang Zhetian's head and pressed her lips firmly against his.

Luckily, he could still breathe through his nose...

This feeling, this taste, this...

So freaking awesome!!!

Huang Zhetian's eyes went wide as saucers before he slowly began returning her kiss with passion.

After a long while, they slowly drew apart, a glistening thread stretching between their lips.

As they kissed, the tourists on the boat watched the bold young couple with envy and wished them well.

"Zhetian-kun..."

"So you really are on a date, too."

Before Asuka or Huang Zhetian could speak, Shinji and Mana spotted them from nearby.

How could this feeling be described?

(This author can't put it into words, so you'll have to take over as the author for a moment again.)

"Hmph! Shinji, not to criticize, but look at you. You brought your girlfriend here? Why didn't you go to the amusement park?" Asuka immediately wiped the corner of her mouth.

She switched straight into mocking mode, quickly seizing the initiative and changing the subject to avoid the awkwardness of what had just happened.

"I... Mana said she liked it here. She likes the scenery around the lake, so I brought her here." Shinji was thoughtful, too.

"Asuka, this is my date with Shinji. If there's anything wrong with it, I apologize." Mana was very considerate.

She simply let Asuka say whatever she wanted.

That attitude left Asuka unable to work up much enthusiasm for picking on her.

"Since we've run into each other, why don't we have some fun together? Where are you going next, by the way?" Mana asked kindly.

Asuka didn't want to bump into them again later, either, so she told them.

"We're going to ride the Ferris wheel at noon. Right now, we're getting lunch. Tonight, we'll go to the hot springs, then ride the Ferris wheel again. What about you?"

"What a coincidence. We're going to the hot springs tonight, too. Why don't we go together?" Shinji offered kindly.

"Sure. I'll go eat with Asuka first. What about you?" Huang Zhetian hurried to change the subject to keep the conversation from stalling.

"Mana and I still need to book the hot springs." Shinji then asked, "It's already afternoon. Why don't Mana and I book for you, too, when we get there?"

"Sure. Thanks, Shinji," Huang Zhetian said gratefully.

"You're welcome, Zhetian-kun. Enjoy yourselves. We'll be going now." Mana smiled as she said goodbye.

Asuka took Huang Zhetian's hand and walked away without looking back.

Mana asked Shinji, "Does Asuka really hate me that much?"

"That's just how she is. I don't really understand her, either. Zhetian-kun probably knows her best."

"Let's head over to the hot springs and make the reservations first. Come on."

"Sure, let's go!"

"Yeah!"

After finishing lunch, Asuka and Huang Zhetian sat on the boat's railing, unafraid of heights.

They enjoyed the breeze drifting over from the lakeshore, which stirred Asuka's long orange hair.

It also stirred Huang Zhetian's young heart.

"Idiot Zhetian, thank you. This is the first time I've been this happy in years."

"Thank you, too, for coming into my life. Really, back then, I never would have dreamed..."

"Why do you sound like you knew me before?"

"I don't know, either. Is it fate? If it is, that would be wonderful."

"I'm really happy today. Consider that kiss just now your reward."

"Thank you, my princess."

"Let's go ride the Ferris wheel. Let's get on it again."

"Okay... as long as you're happy."

They hopped down from the railing, and Asuka naturally slipped her arm through Huang Zhetian's and leaned against him.

Huang Zhetian thoughtfully opened the Oil-Paper Umbrella, and they slowly headed toward the amusement park again.

This day was so worthwhile. I'll remember it forever. I'll remember that girl's smile, that kiss, her figure, and a love that will never change.

Even if this world is false, my love for her is real.