D-Day (2/2)

She sat with a growing sense of anticipation, her heart brimming with hope for an even better show. It had been a few minutes since they'd completed the walkthrough, and now, seated inside a spherical glass enclosure with dimming lights and a cool, comfortable atmosphere, she found herself feeling optimistic.

She hadn't been disappointed so far, but this show would be the deciding factor in whether she'd call this a great date. For now, she remained calm, seated quietly, waiting for the show to begin.

"Are you comfortable?" Issei whispered close to her ear, his voice warm and gentle.

She nodded silently, a small gesture to confirm she was.

He smiled, pleased by her response, and slowly reached out, his hand brushing against hers before settling on top of it.

"It's starting," he said softly. Her attention snapped to the part of the sphere glowing a vibrant cyan, the rest of the space dimming into shadowy tranquility.

The cyan light compressed into a tiny, glowing point, puzzling both her and the audience. Seconds passed in hushed confusion until the light imploded in a spectacular burst, a wave of shimmering bluish energy cascading through the enclosure.

Smoke in various colors began to rise around them. It wasn't harmful—just a visual effect—and carried a pleasant, calming aroma.

It smells like the ocean… she thought, taking in the scent.

The energy rippled like rings on water, expanding and contracting in mesmerizing patterns. Gradually, the ripples began forming shapes.

"That's not very accurate, is it?" Issei chuckled quietly.

She smiled faintly, nodding in agreement. She understood they were depicting the Big Bang, but the sequence veered far from scientific accuracy. Not that it mattered. The display was symbolic, visually stunning, and undeniably captivating.

The formation of Earth followed, a massive, fiery ball of molten heat, cooling and solidifying rapidly. Moments later, an asteroid struck, ejecting debris into orbit.

"That's the moon," Issei whispered, pointing at the coalescing fragments.

Earth's surface cooled further, water bodies formed, and life began its slow but momentous emergence.

Bacteria.

Tiny, microscopic organisms appeared, followed by the creation of a breathable atmosphere and the long, winding path of evolution.

Simple cells gave way to complex ones. Complex cells led to multicellular organisms, and soon soft-bodied creatures emerged.

"It's gorgeous," she whispered in awe, watching plants and fungi spread across landmasses, paving the way for life on the surface.

The timeline fast-forwarded, showcasing amphibians, reptiles, and the countless species that followed, leading to the present day.

Then, to her surprise, the progression reversed.

"What's happening?" she asked, turning to Issei. He only smiled.

Intrigued, she refocused on the display, realizing they were traveling back to the origins of life—this time exploring the depths of the ocean.

Primitive algae and sponges gave rise to jellyfish-like creatures and other soft-bodied marine life.

"Beautiful…" she murmured, enchanted by the sight of early shelled creatures forming.

Jawless fish appeared, signifying the dawn of vertebrates. Bony fish followed, alongside coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems teeming with life.

The colors, the motion, and the immersive scent of the ocean enthralled everyone. It was unlike anything she'd experienced before.

And she… she couldn't help but gaze ahead with misty eyes. Quickly, she brushed away the tears before anyone noticed.

The show continued, Issei's grip tightening slightly around her hand. She couldn't help but marvel at the contrast between this Issei and the version of him she'd come to expect—the perverted boy who'd leap at the first sight of a woman.

This Issei felt different.

And, for reasons she didn't want to explore yet, she liked this side of him.

She found herself enjoying this Issei far more than the one she had imagined before.

By the time the show ended, her thoughts of him had shifted, and she began to see him in a new, more favorable light.

"How did you like it?" Issei asked, his gaze shifting to the now-transparent glass walls that revealed vibrant aquatic life beyond.

"I can't quite put it into words," she replied, her voice tinged with awe. "It was… breathtaking. Stunning doesn't even begin to cover it."

"You loved it?"

"I loved it," she answered immediately, her enthusiasm lighting up the space between them.

Issei's face broke into a bright smile. "I'm so glad to hear that."

The atmosphere around them subtly transformed, the cozy, cinematic vibe of the show giving way to the refined charm of a restaurant setting. Waiters and waitresses in sleek uniforms moved about gracefully, attending to guests.

One of them approached with a polite smile. "What would you like to have this evening, sir? Ma'am?"

The menu felt textured, like running fingers over the delicate ridges of a seashell. It was beautifully designed but unmistakably themed. Despite the oceanic ambiance, the menu leaned heavily toward pescatarian dishes, with an impressive array of seafood offerings alongside a modest selection of vegetarian options.

She found it amusing and oddly fitting, though she couldn't help but imagine the awkwardness if someone allergic to seafood had come here.

"What do you recommend?" Issei asked the waiter, clearly thinking along the same lines as her. Letting an expert guide them seemed like the safest bet.

"I'd suggest the Flavor Notes of the Sea," the waiter said with practiced ease. "It's our highest-rated chef's tasting menu, an eleven-course journey inspired by the ocean's essence."

Issei turned to her with a soft smile. "How does that sound?"

It was an easy decision. She nodded immediately.

"Excellent," the waiter replied. "Would you like to pair it with wine, or perhaps a tropical mocktail selection?"

She glanced at Issei before shaking her head lightly. "No wine for me, thank you. I don't prefer alcohol."

It wasn't entirely true, but she felt this wasn't the right moment for a glass of wine.

"I'll have the same as her," Issei chimed in.

The waiter gave a small bow and disappeared, returning shortly after with the first course.

"This is the Amuse-Bouche," he announced, setting down an elegantly plated dish. "We call it Sea Breeze Morsel—a delicate tartlet made with seaweed and kelp, topped with smoked oyster foam and a hint of lemon gel."

As he explained the history and inspiration behind the dish, neither of them could fully focus. The artistry on the plate demanded attention, and the tantalizing aroma heightened their anticipation.

When the waiter finally stepped away, they exchanged amused glances. Without a word, they picked up their utensils and took their first bites.

"It's… good," she said, savoring the delicate flavors.

Issei nodded in agreement, though his expression turned slightly bemused. "Good, definitely. But it's not exactly what the average Japanese person would expect in terms of taste… or portion size."

She chuckled. "That's fancy dining for you. Art on a plate, but barely enough to satisfy a sparrow."

He grinned, and together they polished off the tiny dish in moments.

The unique flavors lingered on her tongue, a delightful departure from traditional Japanese seafood. It wasn't just the taste—it was the experience. And as they awaited the next course, she realized that this was turning into a night she'd remember fondly.

The tartlet was gone in two bites—though even they couldn't quite explain why it took two instead of just one.

Next came the seafood starter, aptly named Tidal Elegance—a delicate arrangement of tuna sashimi, yuzu, sesame, cucumber ribbons, and just a hint of sea salt essence.

Then came the third and fourth courses: Shellfish Delight and Sea Vegetable Creation. The former, Pearl of the Ocean, featured a poached scallop with sea urchin cream, caviar, and vanilla-infused beurre blanc. The latter, Kissed by the Tides, was a grilled octopus dish paired with sea beans, pickled kelp, and a miso-lime dressing.

The procession of dishes continued:

Crustacean Elegance, Lobster Symphony: Lobster tail with saffron beurre blanc, charred leeks, and fennel salad.

Fish in Its Purest Form, Ocean's Embrace: Pan-seared black cod with seaweed butter sauce, roasted fingerling potatoes, and seaweed pesto.

Deep-Sea Fish & Ocean Infusions, Deep Blue Reverie: Seared bluefin tuna with soy-ginger glaze, wasabi foam, and seaweed-crusted rice.

Coastal Soup or Broth, Fathom's Depths: Lobster bisque with cognac cream, lobster coral, and crispy crab skin.

Ocean-Inspired Vegetables, Shoreline Harvest: Charred baby carrots with seaweed butter, roasted root vegetables, and kelp dust.

Ocean Dessert, Waves of Indulgence: Sea salt caramel mousse with coconut sorbet, passionfruit gel, and a crisp seaweed tuile.

Petit Fours, Whispers of the Tide: Lemon and sea salt macarons, sea buckthorn jelly, and chocolate-covered sea almonds.

At first, they doubted the small portions would be enough to fill them. But with the gaps between courses, the refreshing drinks, the detailed explanations, and the tantalizing aromas, they found themselves completely satisfied by the end.

Surprisingly so, in fact, that for a moment, they simply sat in silence, exchanging amused and delighted glances.

"Thank you," she said at last, a warm smile lighting up her face. "I can't remember the last time I had such an incredible experience."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Issei replied, his voice carrying a quiet satisfaction. The ambience around them, coupled with their conversation, made the evening feel perfect.

They talked for what felt like hours, their laughter and soft voices filling the air. But as their conversation naturally slowed, they became aware of how empty the restaurant had grown.

Embarrassed, she looked around and then back at him. "I think… we should go."

Issei followed her gaze, noticing the now-deserted space. He nodded with a small laugh. "Yeah, we should."

They left the restaurant, stepping out into the posh alley. The journey back to the park where they had started felt much shorter, as if time itself had bent to accommodate the evening's charm.

"So…" she began, glancing at him. "This is the end, huh?"

Issei didn't reply right away. His eyes lingered on her, his expression soft yet contemplative.

"I loved everything you planned today," she said earnestly. "I had so much fun."

He stepped closer, his voice warm and inviting. "How about we spend a little more time together?"

Surprised, she hesitated for a moment before giving him a small nod. "I… okay."

They shared a smile, the kind that spoke of unspoken understanding.

"The swing?" he suggested.

"Sure," she agreed, her voice light with anticipation.

Because what better way to end a magical evening than under the stars?

<Congratulations! You have completed the quest!>

<Quest: Complete the date with Raynare>

<Rewards Acquired: {Flight}>

<Flight: Manifest draconic wings to float and fly through the skies>.

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