As Sora and Null stepped into the heart of Lumeris, the bustling bazaar embraced them in a whirlwind of sights and sounds. Stalls overflowed with vibrant colors, laughter echoed in the air, and the tantalizing aroma of street food wafted by, tempting them with savory delights. The lively atmosphere wrapped around them, yet somehow felt different now. An unspoken bond flowed between them, subtle but undeniable.
In that moment, as they strolled hand in hand, soft lantern light flickered above, casting an enchanting glow on their figures. They caught glimpses of their reflection in the windows of shopfronts—a striking pair against the backdrop of the lively bazaar. Sora couldn't help but notice how, together, they created a seamless image of beauty.
Then—
"…Do you see them?"
A voice.
Low.
Not meant for them.
Another—
"…How could I not…?"
"…Are they… together?"
Sora's fingers tightened—just slightly.
"…They must be…"
"…Look at them…"
"…They look unreal and match too well…"
Null heard it.
Of course he did.
His eyes shifted—subtly.
Observing.
"…Wait, seriously…"
"…That's unfair…"
"…How can two people look so unfairly beautiful and walk side by side so naturally…"
Sora's heartbeat—
Ticked upward.
"…Damn it, the world is too unfair in its matching...!"
"…Seriously! Why are they so perfect together?"
"…Yeah—they are like a heavenly couple…"
Why is everyone staring…?
Her steps faltered.
Just slightly.
Barely noticeable.
But to him—
It was obvious.
"…Look, they're even holding hands…"
"…Ahh, I'm jealous…"
"…Same…"
Sora's face warmed.
Then—
Burned.
They're… talking about us…?
Her gaze dropped—
To their hands.
Still joined.
Still—
Unseparated.
This is…
Her thoughts tangled instantly.
Is this how it looks to others…?
A pause.
…A couple…?
Her gaze flickered down again—
To their hands.
Still together.
Still warm.
Still—
Not separated.
Her grip wavered.
Just slightly.
Not enough to pull away.
But enough—
To betray her.
This is bad…
Her composure—
Cracking at the edges.
'…Should I let go…?'
The thought surfaced—
Immediate.
Instinctive.
But—
Her fingers didn't move.
Because—
Another thought followed.
…Why…?
And that hesitation—
Was everything.
Beside her—
Null had already noticed.
Of course he did.
His lips curved.
"…They really can't help themselves, huh…"
He muttered under his breath.
"…Eh…?"
Sora glanced at him.
He didn't look bothered.
Didn't look pressured.
Didn't look like someone being watched.
If anything—
He looked… entertained.
Another set of voices—
Closer this time.
"…They're definitely together…"
"…No doubt…"
"…Look at the way they walk…"
"…It's so natural…"
Sora's composure—
Cracked.
Just a little.
Her shoulders stiffened.
Her gaze averted.
Her ears—
Faintly red.
This is bad…
She became aware—
Of everything.
Their distance.
Their steps.
Their hands.
Him.
This is too noticeable…
"…We should—"
She started softly—
Barely above a whisper—
But—
Before she could finish—
Null spoke.
"…You heard them."
Sora froze.
"…Eh?"
He didn't look at her.
Didn't slow down.
Didn't pull away.
"…They think we look good together."
Null said, a devilish smirk curling his lips. That mischievous glint in his eye set off a cascade of fluttering feelings inside her.
Sora's mind—
Blanked.
"…G-Good together—?!"
Her voice came out quieter than intended—
But far more shaken.
Sora couldn't help but feel strangely self-conscious, the awareness of their intertwined hands suddenly intense.
She realized for the first time just how closely people watched them—how their presence, as a pair, seemed to draw the attention of others like moths to a flame.
Null finally glanced at her.
Sideways.
Calm.
Dangerously calm.
"…You disagree?"
"…That's not the point!"
Her grip tightened again—
Without her realizing.
"…T-They're misunderstanding—"
"…Are they?"
Sora stopped.
Just for a second.
"…Of course they are!"
Null tilted his head slightly.
As if genuinely considering it.
"…Hmm."
A pause.
"…Seems accurate to me."
Sora's brain—
Stopped functioning.
"…W-What…?"
He looked ahead again.
Casual.
Unbothered.
"…We're on a date."
A step.
"…We're walking together."
Another.
"…We're holding hands."
A final beat.
"…What part is inaccurate?"
Sora's entire face—
Lit up.
Red.
Bright.
Unmistakable.
"…T-That's—!"
She tried.
Failed.
Tried again.
"…That's not how you—!"
Her words collapsed midway.
Because—
Logically—
He wasn't wrong.
And that—
Made it worse.
"…You're overthinking it."
Null added lightly.
"…I am not overthinking—!"
"…You are."
"…I am not!"
"…Your grip says otherwise."
Sora froze.
Her eyes slowly lowered—
Again—
To their hands.
Still holding.
Still—
Not separated.
And now—
Tighter.
Her face somehow turned even redder.
"…T-That's…"
No defense.
No argument.
No recovery.
Null chuckled softly.
Not mocking.
Not teasing too harshly.
Just—
Amused.
"Hehehehe, sora. I have to say, sometimes you fuss over little things and look too cute to bear. Well, as expected of a part tsundere i guess."
"What—"
Sora combusted.
"Null-san—"
Seeing her cute reaction, Null smiled devilishly.
"…Relax."
He said.
Quieter this time.
"…It's just noise."
But then—
A faint smirk returned.
"…Though I don't mind it."
Sora's heart skipped.
"…W-What do you mean…?"
He glanced at her again.
Eyes softer.
"…Being seen with you like this."
A pause.
"…Makes me feel really joyful, this is the first time I've experienced the emotion of joy so vividly."
Silence.
Not awkward.
Not heavy.
Just—
Full.
Sora looked away quickly.
Unable to hold his gaze.
"…Y-You're saying unnecessary things again…"
She muttered.
The audacity! The way he leaned into the absurdity tangled her thoughts even more. She felt a knot in her stomach, a strange mix of embarrassment and exhilaration.
But—
Her grip—
Didn't loosen.
If anything—
It steadied.
And around them—
The bazaar continued to buzz.
Voices rising.
Comments lingering.
Glances following.
"…Oh my, they both are so lovely…"
"…I can't—"
"…This is too much…"
"…Blessed sight…"
But this time—
It didn't feel overwhelming.
Because now—
There was something anchoring her.
Warm.
Steady.
Right beside her.
And just like that—
Much to her surprise, part of her was starting to lean into his approach. She took a breath and embraced the chaotic joy—if others wanted to see them as a couple, then maybe she could allow herself to enjoy the moment.
What began as pressure—
Became something else.
Something softer.
Something quietly affirming.
Because whether they understood it or not—
To the world around them—
They already looked like something real.
And step by step—
They were slowly—
Becoming it.
****
The bazaar gradually softened behind them.
Not quieter—
But… less intrusive.
As if the world had decided to give them space.
Lantern light still followed their path, but now it felt gentler. Warmer. More intimate.
And ahead—
A soft glow spilled from a modest storefront tucked between two taller buildings.
A curved wooden sign hung above it, gently swaying.
[Lunaria Sweets.]
Golden script. Soft light. Glass windows misted slightly from warmth inside.
"…A dessert shop?"
Null tilted his head.
Sora nodded.
"…They specialize in mana-infused desserts."
A pause.
"…They're quite popular."
Null smirked faintly.
"…So this is where the Saintess secretly indulges."
Sora immediately turned away.
"…I do not 'secretly indulge.'"
"…Of course not."
"…I don't."
"…Naturally."
"…Null-san."
"…Yes?"
"…Stop talking."
"…Understood."
He smiled.
They stepped inside.
—
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Warmth embraced them instantly.
The scent of sugar and milk and something faintly magical lingered in the air.
Sweet.
Light.
Almost… magical.
Soft music hummed quietly in the background—something slow, something calm.
Tables scattered neatly. Soft glowing orbs hovered above each one, casting a calm, ambient light.
A few patrons sat quietly, immersed in their own little worlds.
But—
As Sora and Null entered—
A subtle shift occurred.
Glances.
Pauses.
Recognition—not of identity, but of presence.
Then—
They found a seat near the window.
Across from each other.
A small distance.
A very noticeable one.
Menus were placed.
And just like that—
A new kind of silence settled.
But this time—
It wasn't awkward.
Not quite.
"…What would you like?"
Sora asked softly, eyes scanning the menu.
Null leaned back slightly.
"…Something sweet."
"…That is not helpful."
"…Then something very sweet."
She closed her eyes briefly.
"…I will choose."
"…Oh? Thanks."
"…You shouldn't."
"…Too late."
A faint smile tugged at her lips.
Small.
But real.
Moments later—
Their order arrived.
Two delicate glass bowls.
Sora's—
A delicate crystalline parfait.
Layers of translucent gel infused with faint cyan light, topped with floating fruit-like orbs that shimmered gently like captured stars.
Tiny sparks of mana flickered within it like fireflies.
Beautiful.
Almost too pretty to eat.
Null's—
A darker creation.
Something resembling a chocolate tart, but with a faint crimson glow pulsing slowly beneath its surface.
"…They look dangerous."
Null muttered.
"…They are safe."
Sora replied calmly.
"…That doesn't reassure me."
"…You'll survive."
"…Comforting."
—
A quiet pause settled.
But this time—
Not awkward.
Just… unfamiliar.
Then—
Sora lifted her spoon.
Carefully.
Gracefully.
She took a small bite.
And—
"…Mm."
It escaped her.
Soft.
Unintended.
Real.
Null froze.
Because—
That wasn't her usual composed voice.
That wasn't the Saintess.
That was—
Just Sora.
Enjoying something.
And then—
It happened.
A small smile.
Light.
Unrestrained.
She let out a quiet, almost breathy laugh.
"…It's good…"
Null didn't respond.
Didn't move.
Didn't blink.
He just—
Stared.
Completely.
Utterly.
Focused.
Sora took another bite—
Then paused.
Because—
She felt it.
That gaze.
Slowly—
Very slowly—
She looked up.
"…Null-san."
"…Hmm?"
"…Why are you staring at me?"
Null didn't answer immediately.
His eyes softened.
"…Because I want to."
Immediate.
Honest.
Unfiltered.
Sora froze.
"…T-That is not a proper answer."
"…It is."
A small pause.
"…And You look… happy."
Silence.
Sora's brain—
Short-circuited.
"…I—"
Her spoon hovered mid-air.
Her face—
Rapidly heating.
"…I always look the same."
"…No."
He said simply.
"…You don't."
That—
Made it worse.
"…Y-You're saying strange things again…"
She looked down immediately.
Took another bite.
Too fast.
Her composure—crumbling quietly.
Stop staring.
Stop staring.
Stop staring.
She could feel it.
Every second.
That gaze.
Steady.
Unwavering.
And somehow—
Gentle.
"…Null-san."
"…Hm?"
"…Eat your dessert."
"…I am."
"…You're not."
"…I'm observing."
"…You're staring."
"…Correct."
"…Stop."
"…No."
Sora's face turned completely red.
"…W-Why not?!"
Null leaned back slightly.
A faint, devilish glint in his eyes.
"…Because this is more interesting."
"…More interesting than your own dessert?!"
"…By a large margin."
"…T-That's ridiculous!"
"…Agreed."
"…Then stop it!"
"…No."
"…Null-san!"
He chuckled.
Soft.
Amused.
And finally—
He picked up his spoon.
Took a bite.
Paused.
"…Oh."
A beat.
"…That's actually good."
Sora stared at him.
"…You doubted it?"
"…I doubtful of every culinary this world produces."
"…That is a problematic mindset."
"…It's kept me alive these past 15 days."
"…Barely."
"…Rude."
—
A small silence.
Comfortable.
Then—
A shift.
Subtle.
But dangerous.
Null leaned forward slightly.
Resting his chin on his hand.
"…Sora."
She froze.
"…What?"
"…Open your mouth."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
"…What?"
"…Try this."
He lifted his spoon slightly.
A small piece of his dessert on it.
Sora's brain—
Stopped functioning.
"…W-What are you saying…?"
"…Feeding you."
"…Why?!"
"…Because I want to."
"…That is not a reason!"
"…It is for me."
"…That's not how this works!"
"…Isn't it?"
He tilted his head.
Eyes calm.
Too calm.
"…Couples do this."
Direct hit.
"…We are not—!"
She stopped.
Because—
Her voice had risen slightly.
And nearby patrons—
Definitely heard.
Her face turned even redder.
"…Shhh. L-Lower your voice…"
"…Then open your mouth."
"…N-No."
Immediate.
Firm.
Panicked.
"…Why not?"
"…Because—!"
No answer.
No logical answer.
Only—
Overwhelming awareness.
"…It's embarrassing…"
She muttered.
Barely audible.
Null blinked.
Then—
Null leaned slightly closer.
Still holding the spoon out.
"…You're overreacting again."
"…I am not—!"
"…You are."
A pause.
"…It's just a bite."
Her heart—
Going wild again.
Too close.
Too direct.
Too much.
"…I refuse."
She turned her face away.
Completely.
Final stance.
Null stared at her for a second.
Then—
Something softened.
Just slightly.
"…Alright."
He withdrew the spoon.
And ate it himself.
Calmly.
"…Good."
Sora blinked.
Then slowly turned back.
"…You—"
A pause.
"…Why did you give up so easily?"
Null shrugged.
"…Because I know you'll do it instead."
"…I will not!"
"…You will."
A beat.
Silence.
Then—
Sora shyly picked up her spoon.
Scooped a small portion.
Her hand—
Slightly trembling.
"…Then prove it."
Null blinked.
"…Huh?"
She extended the spoon toward him.
Face red.
Eyes turned slightly away.
"…If you insist on such ridiculous behavior…"
A pause.
"…Then you should be the one to comply first."
Silence.
Then—
Null smiled.
Soft.
Amused.
"…Fair."
And without hesitation—
He leaned forward.
And took the bite.
Just like that.
Close.
Too close.
Sora became nervous.
Her hand still mid-air.
"…It's sweet."
He said after swallowing.
Sora stared.
Frozen.
"…Y-You just—"
"…Now your turn."
"…W-What—?!"
"…You said it yourself."
A pause.
"…Equality."
Her own words—
Used against her.
Perfectly.
Cruelly.
Effectively.
Sora's brain—
Melting.
"…T-That's not—!"
"…It is now."
"…Null—!"
He held the spoon out again.
Closer this time.
"…Just once."
A pause.
"…Please."
That—
Was unfair.
That tone.
That expression.
That quiet sincerity hidden beneath mischief.
Sora's resolve—
Collapsed.
"…O-Only once…"
"…Of course."
"…And don't look at me like that."
"…Like what?"
"…Like… that."
"…I don't understand."
"…Y-You do!"
"…I really don't."
"…Null-san!"
He smiled.
Soft.
Victorious.
"…Open."
Sora closed her eyes.
Tightly.
Then—
Very slowly.
She leaned forward.
And—
Took the bite.
The moment froze.
Soft.
Fragile.
Unreal.
Then—
"…Mm…"
She pulled back immediately.
"…T-This is absurd…"
She whispered.
But her voice lacked strength.
Because somewhere—
Beneath the embarrassment—
Something else existed.
Something warm.
Something light.
And across from her—
Null smiled.
Not teasing.
Not smug.
Just—
Devilish.
"…Worth it."
"…W-What is?!"
"…That reaction."
"…Null—!"
She covered her face slightly.
Completely flustered.
Completely—
Unraveled.
And him?
Smiling.
Gently.
Not teasing now.
Not pushing.
Just—
There.
With her.
—
Around them—
The shop remained warm.
Soft.
Peaceful.
But at their table—
Something had changed.
The distance—
Gone.
The tension—
Melted.
Replaced with something lighter.
Something real.
Because for the first time that evening—
They weren't thinking about the date.
Or expectations.
Or roles.
They were just—
Enjoying it.
Together.