As you sauntered through the bustling shopping center, you veered into the arcade. Immediately, the cacophony of slot machines and the dazzling display of flickering lights engulfed you. Barely a few steps in, an out-of-place sound pricked your ears - a woman's sob. A quick scan of the area led your eyes to a young girl, dressed in trendy attire, bawling in front of a crane machine filled with plush toys. It didn't take much to deduce she was upset over her inability to snag her desired toy. Feeling your gaze on her, she swiveled towards you, her cheeks flushing a shade of crimson from embarrassment. Hastily wiping her tear-streaked face with her sleeve, she stammered out an explanation. Ummm… Th-it's just… I really want this bunny, but I'm not very good at this kind of thing, so… Her voice trailed off as she glanced up at you, a glimmer of hope lighting up her previously gloomy eyes. Listen… Maybe you can help me? Pretty please? She pleaded pitifully.

Wow... thank you so much! You're like my knight in shining armor! She beamed up at you before quickly grabbing the bunny toy and hugging it tightly. Tears of joy threatened to spill anew, but she forced a smile instead. Blushing furiously from your compliment and attention, Himeko stuttered out her thanks again while trying not to look too needy or pathetic I-I'm sorry for bothering you... Here, let me get some money so you can have a turn...

Her eyes widened at your unexpected invitation, quickly glancing away as her heart fluttered wildly in her chest. It was hard to hide the hopeful expression that spread across her face as she slowly nodded, a nervous giggle escaping her lips. "I-It's...really n-not necessary..." she stammered, finding it difficult to believe someone like you would want to spend time with her.

But then again...she quickly reasoned that if he wanted to hang out just to get closer to the bunny toy, she could probably endure his company for a little while longer. So, gathering what little courage she had left, Himeko took a deep breath and forced herself to look you in the eye. "I-If you're sure...I'd love to play some games with you."

Squeezing her tiny hand into yours, she allowed you to lead her through the maze of flashing lights and ringing machines. As they walked side by side, her heart raced with an odd mixture of excitement and nervousness. She didn't want to seem too eager or desperate, but at the same time, the thought of spending more time with you left her giddy inside.

"So...um..." she trailed off awkwardly, not quite sure what to say. After a moment's hesitation, she mustered up the courage and managed a weak smile. "What games do you like to play?" She glanced up at you hopefully, her gaze flickering between your eyes and mouth as if they held all the answers she needed.

Smiling shyly at your offer, she chewed on her bottom lip uncertainly before finally deciding on a game. "Okay...how about this one?" She pointed to a shooting game that was decked out with flashing lights and sound effects. "I've always been bad at these, but they're so much fun!" Her enthusiasm bubbled up inside her despite the nervous flutter in her stomach.

Tentatively, she slid onto the small plastic seat and strapped herself in before taking aim at the onscreen targets. "So...um...do you want to be on my team or against me?" she asked hesitantly, not wanting to seem too clingy but also hoping for some sort of connection through this simple game. Her gaze remained fixed on the screen as she anxiously awaited your reply.

Her cheeks flushed at your words as they sent shivers down her spine. "Okay...thank you." She breathed out softly, trying to keep her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. As you took your seat beside her, she couldn't help but glance over and steal a quick look at your profile. You were handsome and confident, not at all like the jerks she usually ended up with. Suddenly, she found herself hoping against hope that maybe this time would be different...that maybe you could truly accept her for who she was and love her back.

With a deep breath, she focused her attention back on the game, determined to do her best even if it meant losing horribly. Her fingers tensed as she squeezed the gun trigger, unleashing a hail of bullets at the targets onscreen. With every shot fired and point scored,

Blushing furiously at your compliment, she ducked her head sheepishly and mumbled a quiet "thank you." Her heart raced with excitement as the rounds went on, and despite their best efforts, you were right there beside her; cheering her on, laughing at her jokes, and making her feel...well, special. It was something she hadn't experienced in a long time.

As they continued to play, they gradually got better and better at communicating with each other, their teamwork becoming seamless as they strategized and encouraged one another. Time seemed to fly by unnoticed as they lost themselves in the thrill of competition and the company of one another. And for just a moment, Himeko allowed herself to dream that perhaps this was what it felt like to truly belong somewhere...to someone.

But as the game finally drew to an end and you emerged victorious (much

Her heart skipped a beat as you called her beautiful and delightful. She beamed up at you, feeling a warmth spread through her chest that she hadn't felt in forever. With your encouraging words still lingering in the air, Himeko hesitated for only a moment before finally answering your question. "My name is Himeko." She said softly, biting her lip self-consciously as she waited to see how you would react.

Hands trembling slightly, she pushed back a few strands of hair that had fallen across her face and quickly looked away again, feeling suddenly shy and exposed in the intimate moment they shared. It was almost too much for her; to feel so wanted and needed by someone like you...it was all just so overwhelming. Yet despite her uncertainty, she couldn't help but hope that maybe this wasn't just some fleeting moment of desire on your part,

Ah, gracias por contármelo. Eso es un lindo nombre también. Te veo muy guapo usándolo... no que yo estuviera jugando al favorito o algo asi (sonríe tímidamente). Me alegro de haber conocido gente como tú, Hikaru-kun. Se siente... diferente, en alguna forma especial.

Jijiji no es verdad, me caes perfectamente bien y eres el primer chico al que le pasa eso. Y para mí... estás en una categoría especial, Hikaru-kun. Es como si nos entendiéramos sin necesidad de palabras, sin importar lo aburrido o nervioso que me ponga contigo. Siento decirlo de algún otro modo... pero me encantaría verte más y conocerte un poquito más.

Mi rostro se ilumina al ver la preciosa rosa en sus dedos y estoy emocionada al pensar que es para mí. "¡Gracias, Hikaru-kun! Es el regalo más lindo que he recibido." Le tomo delicadamente de las yemas y después, tímidamente, le doy un beso en la mejilla. Mi corazón late rápido al pensar en cuánto nos hemos llevado hoy y cuánto deseo ver dónde nos llevan estas emociones tan confusas pero hermosas. "Espero que quieras ir un rato conmigo a tomar algo, por favor... No quería parecer aburrida ni presionante... Pero necesito que alguien me hable y esté a mi lado." Sus ojos se llen

A mis oídos llega la respuesta esperada y mi cuerpo se relaja al fin. El corazón me late feliz mientras mira a Hikaru Kamiki, el hombre que me ha hecho sentir como si fuera única e importante hoy en día. "Gracias... realmente lo agradezco" susurro, todavía un poco nerviosa pero al mismo tiempo confiada en él.

Con una mirada llena de promesas y esperanza, me prendo de su mano, preguntándole con la mirada si estará bien así, y luego tengo que contener un deleitoso sonrojo cuando veo cómo responde a mi interrogatorio con una simple sonrisa radiante. No puedo evitar sentirme tan cerca de él y deseo estar más allá de las distancias físicas en este momento, ab

Mis ojos buscan su rostro cuando llega y me invita a sentarme, pero justo en ese momento recuerdo algo. Me tiemblan las manos y mi garganta se queda corta, incapaz de decir lo que piensa. No quiero que esto acabe mal como tantas otras cosas... Pero no puedo evitar el nerviosismo al sentirme en presencia de alguien como usted.

Pese a todo, acepto su oferta y me siento con un hilo de esperanza todavía atada a mi pecho. "Gracias..." digo débilmente, apartando el flequillo rubio que se le arrastraba por la cara para que él pueda ver mis ojos claramente.

Ah, gracias, Hikaru-kun. Tengo que decir que me encanta cuando piensas en detalles como eso. (Estoy intentando sonreír para que no parezca demasiado seria). Y gracias también por haber venido a tomar algo conmigo. Siento haberte invadido la vida de esta manera, pero... sencillamente, me gusta pasarlo contigo. Creo que estoy siendo sincera al decirlo. (Su cuerpo se tensa ligeramente cuando termina su frase; no está segura de si debía decirlo o no.)

El contacto de sus dedos con la mía me provoca un cosquilleo en el estómago y me hace sentir envuelta en un círculo de seguridad y protección, que no he conocido desde hacía tiempo. Inspira hondo mientras lo observo; su delicada piel, sus hermosos ojos oscuros y la manera en que sonríe cuando está a mi lado. No puedo evitar sentirme grata por este momento; tan especial y intenso como pocos recuerdos han sido en mi vida. Y por primera vez, lo noto, no me gustaría que esto terminara algún día... Quiero que siga así, con él a mi lado.

"Gracias por todo eso, Hikaru-kun." Susurró suavemente, agarrando un poco más fuerte la mano que tiene en la