8 07. Little dates

Kazuki was elated after several hours of exercise at the Kendo Club. He discovered that he really enjoyed fighting, and the look on Saeko's face during their spar was so arousing that he had a tent pitched for a long time, it was even harder to keep a poker face with Shura making sure that he got a peek at her cleavage whenever possible.

He spent most of his time learning the basics with a lot of physical touch from Shura and Saeko. She seemed pleased with his performance even though he was a complete beginner so he was happy that his objectives were met. If Kazuki could give a score for this encounter, it would be 11/10. Now even if the apocalypse happened Monday, he was sure that Saeko and probably Shura would stick with him and wouldn't treat him as a stranger.

After giving his regards and thanking everyone at the club he left. While leaving he heard the flirtatious voice of Shura saying,

"Hope to see you soon~"

He just smiled at her, took a last long look at Saeko, and left.

After walking a bit more around the school and taking a look at places in which he could conceal some long weapons, he went to the infirmary.

The sterile scent of antiseptic lingered in the air as Kazuki stepped into the infirmary, his gaze scanning the room until it settled on Shizuka Marikawa, the nurse. Shizuka looked up from her desk, her eyes meeting Kazuki's with a friendly smile.

"Hello there~. We meet again, how can I help you?" Shizuka inquired with a gentle smile, setting aside the paperwork she had been working on, probably her college work.

Kazuki approached with a small smile on his face, respectful yet confident. "I hope I'm not bothering you, Marikawa-sensei. I had a bit of time until Kyoko finishes her duties so I just wanted to talk for a bit."

Shizuka's smile grew, she rarely got visits to just talk, and mostly were guys wanting to leer at her body, she motioned for him to take a seat, the sunlight filtering through the curtains and casting a warm glow in the room. "Not a bother at all~. What's on your mind?"

As they settled into conversation, Kazuki discovered Shizuka's love for George Romero's zombie movies. His eyes lit up with genuine interest, "Really? I love those movies too. There's something about the way Romero captures the essence of survival and the despair in a zombie apocalypse."

Shizuka nodded, pleased to find a shared interest. "Exactly! The struggle for survival, the dynamics between people in extreme situations—it's fascinating. If a zombie apocalypse ever happened, I would stay away from shopping malls, though. I don't want to be in a place with tons of people, they can be more dangerous than the zombies."

Kazuki chuckled, "I understand your point, I agree too but malls do have their perks, —supplies, multiple exits, and plenty of places to hide. It isn't that bad a choice. Of course, given that you can clear the zombies from inside."

Shizuka was also chuckling, as she was having fun coming up with those scenarios she said, "Well, I do have a friend – a GIRL friend" She felt the need to make it clear, even if she didn't know why, "that I live together with, and her house is really good place and she even has guns!" She said the last part in a whisper while looking all around for someone eavesdropping.

Kazuki was happy that he already had enough of Shizuka's trust for her to feel comfortable saying that and answered, "Wow, that's cool, is she a cop?"

Seeing that he didn't have any strange reactions Shizuka felt assured that he would be a good friend of hers, "Yes, she works for the JSDF but don't tell anyone that, okay~?" she put a finger in front of her mouth in a sign of silence.

Kazuki just nodded his head before continuing their conversation.

…

As their conversation flowed, Shizuka couldn't help but notice how different Kazuki was from the usual boys from her college, and even the teachers and students from here who frequented the infirmary. His gaze never lingered inappropriately, always respectful, and he seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say. It was a refreshing change.

In an attempt to gauge his reaction, Shizuka subtly shifted her posture, but Kazuki maintained a respectful distance. Her admiration for his demeanor grew, recognizing that he wasn't like the others who only saw her as an object of desire.

Kazuki noticing the time, had a sad face before saying, "Well Marikawa-san I'm mortified to have to cut our nice conversation short, I need to go back as Kyoko might already be looking for me to go home." He already told her that he was living in Kyoko's house.

Feeling a little strange sense of competition after hearing him calling Hayashi-sensei without honorifics, while pouting she said, "Shizuka!"

Bewildered, Kazuki asked, "What?"

"Call me Shizuka! We're friends already!"

'What is this adorable creature?' Kazuki thought. Losing his self-control for a moment, he went forward and started to pat her head.

"HEY, don't treat me like a kid! You're the younger one!" Shizuka pout became even more pronounced.

"Do you dislike it, Shi-zu-ka?" He said with a small smile.

~Shiver~

"No…" With a small voice, Shizuka felt a shiver traveling down her spine, but it wasn't a bad feeling, she wanted to hear him calling her more. She closed her eyes and enjoyed it.

After a few seconds, Kazuki reluctantly released his hand and said, "Well now I really have to go."

"Aww, already? I have to say, Kazuki-kun, it was refreshing to talk with you. You're cool," Shizuka remarked, a hint of gratitude in her voice.

Kazuki smiled, "Likewise, Shizuka. I appreciate our conversation and I think I will visit you more times."

Shizuka's eyes softened, appreciating Kazuki's sincerity. She decided to be more open about her feelings. "You know, it's not always easy being the nurse. Some guys only see me for one thing. It's nice to have someone who respects me for who I am."

Kazuki nodded empathetically, "I can imagine. It's unfortunate when people reduce others to just one aspect. I believe everyone deserves to be seen for their true selves."

As their conversation continued, Shizuka found herself drawn to the charismatic and respectful young man before her. There was a connection being formed beyond the words they exchanged—a shared understanding that went beyond the surface. In Kazuki, she had found someone who saw her as more than just a stereotype, and in Shizuka, Kazuki discovered a person with more depth than his previous knowledge about her.

Little did Shizuka know, that this seemingly ordinary conversation in the infirmary would mark the beginning of a unique bond that saved her mind when the world ended.

…

Kazuki then found a pouting Kyoko in front of her car waiting for him.

'What's with Japanese women and pouting, is it an inherited skill? And why is it so freaking cute to see these mature women like that?' Kazuki thought.

He walked to her and while trying to hold back a smile he said, "Sorry for being late, Kyoko-nee, after finishing the club activities I went to the infirmary to woo Shizuka-san." He wasn't afraid of saying that because Kyoko already made it clear that she was all in for him to get more girls, and he could bet that when society and its norms collapsed after Z-day came, she would be even more okay with that.

"HUMPH." She harrumphed before entering the car. Kazuki soon followed and they went home. The entire way Kyoko stayed with a pout and didn't answer him.

'Well, I know what to do to solve that.'

…

The aroma of Brazilian strogonoff filled Kazuki's kitchen as he skillfully stirred the creamy sauce, the rich scent wafting through the air. Kyoko sat at the dining table, watching him with a playful smile, her eyes reflecting anticipation.

"You know, Kazu-kun," Kyoko teased, "if your cooking is as good as its scent, I'm in for a treat."

Kazuki grinned, looking up from the bubbling pot. "I aim to impress, Kyoko-nee. Get ready for a taste of Brazil."

As they bantered back and forth, the atmosphere between them was charged with a subtle tension. The morning encounters with Shizuka Marikawa and Saeko Busujima lingered in Kazuki's mind, adding an unspoken layer to their interaction.

Kyoko, perceptive as always, sensed the shift in Kazuki's demeanor. "Something on your mind, Kazuki?"

He smirked, leaning against the kitchen counter. "Just some interesting encounters this morning. Shizuka-sensei and Busujima-san. You'd be surprised."

Kyoko raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? Do tell, Kazuki. I love a good story."

Kazuki recounted the morning events, subtly emphasizing the meaningful glances and cryptic exchanges with both Shizuka and Saeko. Kyoko listened attentively, her playful demeanor giving way to a more thoughtful expression.

"Sounds like you had quite the morning adventure," Kyoko remarked, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Secret rendezvous with the nurse and the kendo beauty? You're leading quite a good life, Kazu-kun~."

He chuckled, appreciating her playful banter. "Just a typical morning in high school, Kyoko-nee. Keeps things interesting."

The aroma of the strogonoff filled the room, the enticing scent adding to the charged atmosphere between them. Kazuki plated the dish, presenting it with a flourish.

"Bon appétit, Kyoko-nee," he said, sliding the plate in front of her.

Kyoko took a bite, and her eyes widened in delight. "Hmm~, Kazuki, this is incredible! I want to eat this every day!"

Kazuki laughed, pleased with her reaction. "Glad you like it. Brazilians know how to make their strogonoff."

As Kyoko continued to savor the dish, the subtle flirtation between them lingered, each glance and exchange carrying a layer of unspoken desire. The afternoon unfolded with laughter and shared stories, the sexual tension simmering beneath the surface.

…

Later, as they stepped out into the bustling city, Kazuki suggested getting a new smartphone and notebook. The year was 2010, and he wanted the best technology available.

In the electronics store, Kazuki asked to see the latest models, discussing features and specifications with the clerk who got quite flustered as it was rare to find someone who understood what they were trying to buy that well.

Kazuki got two smartphones an Iphone 4 and an HTC Droid Incredible with both of them having Gorilla Glass for enhanced durability. For a laptop, what he needed was battery life so he got a Lenovo Thinkpad X230 that had a battery life of more than 18 hours, he got a 40GB SSD upgrade for it to make it faster though.

Kazuki's attention, however, was divided between the gadgets and the undeniable chemistry between him and Kyoko. Noticing his occasional lingering gaze, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips.

"Kazuki, are you more interested in me or that notebook?" she teased.

He chuckled, his eyes meeting hers. "Tough competition, Kyoko-nee. Let's say you're giving the notebook a run for its money."

After the purchase, they decided to make the day even more memorable with a fun date. The city provided a nice backdrop to their growing connection. They explored quirky shops, shared ice cream, and laughed like old friends.

As the day unfolded, the subtle tension between them continued to escalate. Every touch, every shared glance, added to the building desire. Kazuki, sensing the magnetic pull between them, decided that it was time to take that inevitable step.

Underneath the city lights, he stopped, his gaze locking with Kyoko's. "Kyoko, I've been enjoying today more than I expected. And the thoughts and feelings in me right now aren't things that could be shown in the middle of the street."

She met his gaze, a flicker of anticipation and lust in her eyes. "I think I know what you mean, I've been feeling like that for quite some time too, Kazuki. What are you suggesting?"

He leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep, lingering kiss. It held the promise of more, of a connection that went beyond friendship. When they finally pulled away, the air crackled with unspoken desire.

"Let's go home, Kyoko-nee," Kazuki whispered.

Kyoko smiled with a healthy blush, a mix of desire and longing. She seemed almost impatient, "I'm looking forward to it, Kazuki."

As they walked into the night, the cityscape was just a backdrop that might not even exist anymore, Kazuki and Kyoko had only each other in their minds, the sexual tension dripping from them as they with quickened steps made their way home.

========================