The Day I Promised to be Brave...

Next Day...

[3rd POV]

Deep in the underground chambers of Kaiba Corps, Seto stood quietly in an open white room. Closing his eyes, Seto relaxed his shoulders as a mechanical voice echoed deeply around him.

*Commencing Project SYN-01 Codename Synchro - Test #20 Awaiting Command*

"Begin," Seto said as the machine in the ceiling came to life. Generating a hologram of Yugi Mutou, he gazed at his opponent calmly.

*Commencing Simulation*

When the experiment began, several monsters appeared on Yugi's side of the field. Drawing a card, Seto took a deep breath and glanced at his Duel Disk, where countless wires ran from the device into the walls, connecting to various circuits.

"Command, forceful summon of Blue Eyes White Dragon," Seto ordered, and his familiar companion appeared on the field.

[Blue Eyes White Dragon: 3000 Attack]

"Let's begin!" He shouted, his voice turning serious, "I will summon Maiden with Eyes of Blue!"

With a flash of light, standing before Seto was a woman. She was dressed in a traditional robe with light blue markings, similar to a priest's garb. With white hair and beautiful blue eyes, her familiar appearance left him momentarily stunned.

[Maiden with Eyes of Blue (Tuner LVL 1): 0 Attack]

Regaining his focus, Seto frowned, "Now I will commence the synchronisation summon using both my Blue Eyes White Dragon and Maiden With Eyes of Blue!"

An intricate green circle appeared beneath Blue Eyes, White Dragon, and Maiden With Eyes of Blue. The circle expanded, engulfing the two monsters as a flash of light formed from their body. Seto's eyes flashed with anticipation as they began to merge into a much more excellent shape.

Suddenly, sparks and smoke began to seep out of his Duel Disk. The room rumbled as lights flickered and the machinery overloaded from the intense power. Struggling, Seto quickly took off his Duel Disk and grabbed his deck as the device exploded, filling the room with smoke.

*System Protection Program Activated*

The holograms instantly shut off as emergency ventilation and sprinkler systems put out the small fire across the room. 

*Pausing Test* 

"Report, test 20 ends in failure also." Seto spoke out loud in frustration, "While the project tuner is successfully summoned, there are still issues when performing the synchronisation summoning." 

"I hypothesise the technology at this time is still not as advanced as seen in the future. Further investigations will be needed..."

When Seto finished his analysis, the machines began to turn off one by one as he stood quietly in the room—remembering the incident months ago with trespassers from the future fueled him to develop the new method of summoning. Although the time seemed to be far off still, Seto believed that he was getting closer...

As he lost deep in thought, the door to the room opened. His assistant, Roland, arrived with a towel in hand. "Sir, your appointment with Miss Sano will start in an hour."

"Is that so?" Seto replied while wiping the sweat and water off his body, "I should go get ready now."

"Should I have someone prepare the usual outfit?" Roland asked, and Seto froze, "Sir?"

"I will handle it myself," Seto responded and moved to the door. Watching his back, Roland smirked at his master's uncontained excitement. With a chuckle, Roland wished Seto luck and that whatever happened would work out...

One hour later...

Arriving at their meeting place, Seto spotted Yuna waiting patiently in the distance. As if sensing his presence, Yuna took her eyes off her phone, and their gaze met. Light seemingly returned to her eyes as she approached him with hurried steps.

"Kaiba... You're here..." She muttered with relief.

"I'm sorry. Did I make you wait long?" Seto instinctively apologises, and Yuna shakes her head, explaining that she just got here as well.

Staring at Yuna, Seto's eyes subtly lowered as he scanned her appearance. Contrary to her regular outfit, she's dressed in a white one-piece dress.

The outfit has a simple design with a thin white ribbon wrapped around her waist, which emphasises her chest, and an open collar that reveals her neck and collarbone. Gazing at Yuna's face, Seto also noticed she had applied some light makeup, which further improved her looks and left him stuck in his spot.

"Does this not... suit me?" Yuna asked hesitantly when she noted his dumbfounded stare.

"Ah..." Seto subconsciously made a stupid sound and averted his gaze, "No, it really suits you... You looked... good (beautiful)..." He spoke with difficulty as his true thought almost revealed itself.

"That... so..." Yuna responded with a blush, "Kaiba looked... good (handsome) as well..." Similarly to Yuna, Seto also made changes to his regular outfit. Now, instead of his white trench coat and black shirt, he wore a dark blue blazer with a grey shirt underneath, creating a smart but casual appearance.

Feeling embarrassed, Seto coughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. Taking a deep breath, he glanced at her, "Should we go?" Yuna gulped and nodded as they both stepped into the park...

[Yuna's POV]

Thanks to Kaiba's presence, we were able to skip the long line easily and entered Kaiba Land. As Kaiba was conversing with the staff, I felt a slight vibration in my back pocket. Taking out my phone, I scanned the messages that were flooding the group chat.

[Mokuba: Big Sister, have you met with Big Bro yet? He said he's going to meet you at the amusement park soon.]

[Yuna: I just met him now.]

[Serenity: What?! Big Sister, are you cheating on me?! You're so mean!! 😭😭😭]

[Noah: Who's cheating with who? I don't think she made any plans with you.]

[Mokuba: Yeah, she's way out of your league.]

[Serenity: WAHHH, Sister, they are bullying me! 😱😱😱]

[Yuna: Cut it out, you two]

[Serenity: Big Sister... 🥰🥰🥰]

[Mokuba:... Look anyway. Brother is a bit shy and stupid sometimes, so Big Sister must be assertive!]

[Yuna: Assertive?]

[Noah: Be more physical or something. Get him to notice you. It's okay since you guys are on a date after all.]

[Yuna: WE'RE NOT LIKE THAT!]

[Noah: Sure]

[Mokuba: Sure]

[Serenity: Sure 🙃]

[Noah: For example, you can hold his hand.]

"What are you looking at?" Kaiba suddenly appeared behind me, and I hurriedly hid my phone from his prying gaze, "Who's contacting you?"

"No, it's nothing!" I yelled hurriedly, and the phone continued to buzz uncontrollably.

[Noah: Hold]

[Mokuba: His]

[Serenity: 🤚]

Taking a deep breath, I desperately calmed my nervous heart. "Kaiba..." I mumbled shyly and reached out my hand, "There's a lot of people here... We might get lost... so..."

"What..." Kaiba stared at my hand in a daze, "You..."

"It's okay if you don't..." I hurriedly added and retracted my hand, "Let's just walk.."

However, before I took a step, Kaiba tightly grasped my hand, and I froze on the spot. Turning around like a rustic robot, his face remained composed as my body gradually grew hot.

I could feel the hard calluses on his palm, and his fingers twitched as they wrapped over mine. Trying to ignore the sensation, I looked around me. Our surroundings were filled with dazzling sights of advanced technology. Countless rides were built in various places as people's excited screams filled the air. Along the streets, there were holographic displays of cartoon characters and Duel Monsters interacting with children as their parents watched with bright smiles.

"Is there something that you wanted to try?" Kaiba asked attentively.

"I don't have anything in mind..." I answered honestly while shaking my head, "Actually, I wished Kaiba to tour the park with me..."

Kaiba: "Tour the park?"

"...Kaiba Land is your dream, right?" I continued while playing with my hair, "I want to see Kaiba's dream... Is that okay?"

He seemed surprised by my unexpected answer as he stared at me deep in thought. Eventually, Kaiba chuckled and nodded, "Then let's go and don't get lost..." Slowly, he led me deeper into the park, and I followed with excitement.

[3rd POV]

As they strolled together, Seto stole glances at Yuna, who walked beside him with quiet grace. Each subtle movement of her arm brushed against his, and the gentle touch of her hand in his sent thrilling sparks through his body, electrifying his every step.

Remembering Yuna's request, Seto quietly observed the structure of the park. In fact, just as Yuna have said, each of the rides and designs has some meaning in Seto's life. While oblivious to the public eye, for the Kaiba Brothers, these structures implicate something personal.

Now, Seto felt himself opening up every little secret one by one. Some were embarrassing, some were wholesome, and there were even some that were dark. All of these memories gradually resurfaced as Seto spoke nostalgically.

"Kaiba... that ride... Why would you make that?" Yuna asked while pointing at a roller coaster ride. As the cart passed over them, screams filled the air as the roller coaster went through dozens of intense turns that felt dizzy just looking at it.

"That..." He muttered, "Back when we were in the orphanage, there was another child. We weren't friends, but we were friendly with each other. I haven't heard from him ever since I left, but I remembered that he had always wanted to try those types of exhilarating things."

"Is that so..." Yuna replied with an understanding smile, "Then... should we try?"

"Try that? Are you sure?" Seto questioned, and she shrugged.

"Why not... Is perhaps Kaiba scared?" Yuna smirked and lightly nudged his shoulder.

"Hmph, don't be ridiculous", Seto scoffed, "I don't mind you clinging to me when you get scared."

"Hah?!" Yuna pouted and blushed, "Well... I don't mind either!" She huffed sulkily as they approached the line. Thanks to Seto, they were quickly able to bypass the long queue and secure two spots next to each other.

By the time the roller coaster started to move, Yuna and Seto were still staring at each other with daring smiles, and both refused to back down. However, they found themselves soon regretting it...

Five Minutes later...

"Are you alright?" Seto asked worriedly as Yuna trembled, "We can sit down if you want?"

"Ha... Ha... How in the world are you fine?" She questioned while catching her breath, and he smiled wryly.

"I guess I'm just used to this sort of thing." He confidently lied and hid his shivering fingers. Thankfully, Yuna didn't seem to notice and Seto patiently comforted her.

'Roller Coasters are no joke...' The two thought in unison while trying to hide their anxiety from each other...

Ten minutes later...

"Hold on... I need to go to the restroom..." Yuna explained apologetically as she let go of Seto's hand.

Momentarily staring at his freed hand, Seto frowned before watching her walk to the public bathroom. When she's inside, Yuna lets out a deep sigh while fanning her flushed face. The mere notion of holding his hand was driving her crazy, and the previous bold attitude was nowhere to be seen...

Taking a deep breath, Yuna stared at herself in the mirror, "Come out..." At her summon, several figures suddenly appeared behind her. Turning to face the six dragon maids, she smiled awkwardly, "Is my appearance still good?"

Like a professional pit crew, the dragon maids diligently combed her hair and reapplied her makeup. To Yuna's disbelief, her appearance seemed to transform before her very eyes, and she nervously touched her face. When the maids retracted their hands, Yuna's face seemed to sparkle as they nodded in satisfaction.

"Thank you..." Yuna spoke gratefully, "I will try my best..."

House Dragonmaid smiled and bowed professionally while Kitchen and Nurse Dragonmaids gave her thumbs up, but Parlor and Laundry Dragonmaids giggled as they mimicked kissing the air.

Embarrassed, Yuna averted her gaze and frantically unsummoned her spirits. Leaving the bathroom, she went to locate Seto. Noticing his figure in the distance, Yuna eagerly approached Seto before stopping, her eyes turning cold as she stared at the people surrounding him.

Some pests seemed to have appeared without her looking...

Meanwhile...

"Hello, what's your name?!"

"Kyaa, he's so handsome..."

"Are you perhaps single?"

Annoying voices filled Seto's ears as he stared sharply at the three girls who suddenly arrived out of nowhere. Glancing at the parents and children around him, he clenched his fists and suppressed his seething anger, not wanting to lash out and make a scene.

Unfortunately, his silence only provided them with the opportunity to probe further. As the nuisance around him grew, a girl emerged from the crowd and grasped his arm. Surprised, Seto looked down at Yuna, who was smiling wryly.

"S... Sano?"

"Sorry for taking so long..." Yuna muttered apologetically, "Should we go now?"

With a slight nod, Yuna led Seto away, and the crowd quickly made a path for them as they gradually began losing interest. Glimpsing at her, Seto noticed the twitch in her brows, and her smile seemingly didn't reach her eyes.

"Sano,"

"Hmmm?" Yuna tilted her head and observed him with the corner of her pupil.

"I have already promised to spend the day at your request." Seto calmly explained while gazing ahead, "So I'm not abandoning you." He answered honestly but felt strange as Yuna's pace noticeably slowed down, "Sano?"

"Y... You!" Yuna covered her face and whimpered, "You and... that mouth of yours!!"

Seto:???

"Fine!" She suddenly shouted and ran forward, "Like you said... Let's go do that then!!" Boldly grabbing his hand, she pulled him along, and Seto chuckled before willingly submitting himself to her lead...

For the rest of the day, the two spend their remaining time having fun and experiencing all sorts of rides. Allowing them to have a memory they both couldn't have when they were young.

As the sun began to set, the park was starting to get more and more vacant, allowing Yuna and Seto to walk more freely. Wandering mindlessly, Yuna suddenly stopped when she spotted something that piqued her interest.

"Kaiba... Should we ride that?" What she pointed to was a tall Ferris wheel near the centre of the park that allowed the visitors to get an entire view of Kaiba Land.

Confused by Yuna's choice, he lets himself be willingly dragged towards the Ferris Wheel. Before Seto could question her dedication, the door firmly closed behind them, and the Ferris wheel slowly brought the cabin to an ascend. 

When they reached the top, Yuna's eyes focused on the expanding scenery. Her eyes shone serenely at the view, "It's beautiful..."

"Nn..." Seto nodded, and Yuna glanced at him with an apologetic smile.

"Sorry... You must not find this interesting, right?" She asked with an awkward giggle, "This doesn't seem like something... Kaiba would normally do..."

"I don't particularly hate it or like it." Seto answered honestly, "However, I wouldn't have known if I hadn't tried."

Yuna chuckled at the Seto-type answer and placed her hand beside him. Seto suddenly flinched as their fingers grazed each other. Even if they held hands for the entire day, for some reason that right now, just a mere touch right now sends a shiver down his spine.

"Did you have fun today?" He questioned, and Yuna hummed.

"I have never been to an amusement park before... It's very exhilarating..."

"That's good," Seto nodded and felt relieved. "It would be pointless if it wasn't."

Yuna laughed, and Seto's ears twitched at her voice. "Kaiba is quite the worrywart..."

"Is... that bad?" He asked nervously, which caused Yuna to laugh even harder.

"No, I like that... That meant you cared..." She responded and stared at the scenery, "I'm delighted that someone like Kaiba is one of my friends..."

"One of?" Seto subconsciously repeated her words and hurriedly shut his mouth in embarrassment.

"Well, there's Mokuba... Serenity and Noah..." Yuna smirked, "Yugi and the others too, I guess... But they're just classmates..."

Seto smiled wryly when he found himself competing with his siblings, and Yuna picked up his reaction, "Is Kaiba perhaps jealous that his only friend has friends other than him?"

"That..." Seto averted his gaze, "I know some other people too..."

Yuna giggled, "Don't worry... Despite having many friends, I feel Kaiba was probably someone who changed me the most..." Staring at the ground, she took a deep breath, "Lately, when I was with Kaiba, I found my anxiety seeping away, and I was happy that I could talk this much without stuttering..."

"Do Kaiba hate... my way of talking?" Yuna asked while tilting her head.

"I never hated it. It doesn't matter how you speak because it won't change who you are." Seto carefully chose his words, and Yuna's eyes curved pleasingly at his answer.

"Kaiba... You're really unfair sometimes..." She blushed slightly and sighed. 

"You know, I was never really a good person..." Yuna admitted, and Seto wanted to deny it but quietly closed his mouth as she continued, "Despite looking like I was being kind, I'll only do something when I can benefit from it... so I'm quite greedy."

"I always wanted more... But I never know what I actually wanted..." She explained, "But recently, I kept having this urge... It's driving me insane, and... it took me some time to realise what it was..."

"Kaiba..." Yuna muttered calmly, "May you close your eyes for a second?"

Confused by Yuna's request, Seto hesitantly closed his eyes and waited with anticipation. With his vision blocked, he heard Yuna shuffling in her seat as she gradually moved closer.

Before Seto could react, something soft and gently pressed against his cheek. Freezing in shock, his eyes snapped open, and he watched as Yuna kissed him with affection. Realising what was happening, Seto instinctively moved, but he froze as Yuna's hand firmly held him in place.

When she slowly backed away, Yuna smiled, and her pupils trembled in anxiety and resolve, "Seto Kaiba... I think I'm in love with you..."

It was as if a gust of wind swept over Seto, and his eyes widened. Yuna's words kept repeating in his mind like loud drums, and his body was unable to react to this shocking news, "Y... You're joking..." He muttered while clenching his fists.

In response, Yuna chuckled and grabbed Seto's hand. In a tense atmosphere, she hesitantly brought his palm over her chest. Desperately trying to ignore another sensation, Seto sensed Yuna's rapidly beating heartbeat that matched his own, "Do... you think I'm joking now?"

"Sano I..."

"Shhhhh..." Yuna hushed and placed a finger over his mouth, "I don't want to hear it yet... I don't think I can handle what comes after..."

Yuna's body shivered uncontrollably, and Seto had an urge to embrace her. However, he refrained from doing so for her sake. When Yuna finally moved away, Seto felt disappointed that the Ferris Wheel reached its end.

As the cabin door automatically opened, she slowly stepped out before pausing by the entrance. "Let's end it here for today... I'm quite embarrassed myself..." She confessed with a red face, "So... When we see each other again in Japan... Will you give me your response then?"

"Sano..." 

"Sano... Sano..." Yuna mumbled with a small sigh, "Please stop addressing me like that... It's way too formal..."

"See you later, Kaiba..." She continued, "I await the day I could call you... Seto too..."

Without waiting, Yuna left, leaving Seto alone. When he finally snapped out of his daze, Seto frantically ran out of the cabin. However, it was already too late, as Yuna's figure was nowhere to be seen; all that was left was the lingering feeling of her touch and scent.

Subconsciously, his legs carried him back to where his escorts were parked. Occasionally, Seto still tried to look around, hoping to spot the girl who held a firm spot in his heart.

"Sir..." Roland approached him with a bow, "You have returned."

"Y... Yes..." Seto stammered with regret, "L... Let's go back..."

"Hold on, sir," Roland interrupted him, "There's something on your face,"

Handing him a mirror, Seto observed his cheek, where a faint lipstick mark was firmly printed on his cheek. Touching where Yuna left her tracks, Seto held his breath, and his face turned bright red. 

'I'm not going to get any sleep tonight...' Seto thought as his heart churned with happiness and excitement...

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I hope you enjoy it!