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Chapter Text

2/14/2010

Sunday

- Daytime

[It's Valentine's Day]

[You wake up to a beautiful aqua sky with the melody of chirping birds.]

[Despite your nice rest, you can't help but feel like you're forgetting something...]

[You feel a ring in your pocket. You take out your phone to see a text from Yukari]

Valentine's Day

Yukari: Do you know what day it is? It's Valentine's Day!

I've waited for this day for so long. You better bring a present for me!

They're holding a special event for couples at Naganaki Shrine later, I'm hoping that you would come with...?

[You decide to shake off the forgetful feeling and head to Naganaki Shrine to meet up with Yukari]

- Afternoon

Walking up to the shrine, you see the entire place decorated with Valentine ornaments. Pink and red strips are everywhere with a heart theme ever present anywhere the eye could see. New stands have been erected just for this event for couples to try out together. Many couples, old and young, hold hands and try everything out with smiles on their faces.

By the entrance you see Yukari adorned in her gorgeous pink and white yukata. She waves at you, beckoning you to come closer. You comply, walking over to her.

"Glad to see you again! Bet you're surprised to see me in a yukata again, huh? I put it on specifically for you..." Yukari giggles as she twirls around, showing off her yukata.

>You look gorgeous
It's alright
I expected that

[Yukari blushes at your response]

"H-hey, knock it off, Minato! I'm supposed to be the one making you blush today."

You link arms with a smiling Yukari as you ascend up the stairs to the shrine. Yukari's eyes travel everywhere, not landing on anything specific. It seems like she doesn't know where to go first.

How about the Takoyaki stand?
>How about the fortune reading?
How about the Lovers Game?

"Yeah, that's right! C'mon, we should see what fates has in store for us. Hopefully it's nothing bad."

[Yukari seems to agree with your decision]

With your arms still linked, you walked up to the new fortune stand and it's tender. The booth itself was decorated in a velvet blue with a scarlet red cloth covering the table behind the stand. Underneath the booth is a bright sign in red text reading 'Test your relationship's future! Right 30% of the time.'

From your side, Yukari chuckles and shakes her head in disbelief. "Right 30 percent of of the time? What kind of advertisement is that? Still, the stand looks pretty fun and cute."

The person at the fortune booth looked comically suspicious. A velvet cloak covers their whole body, even shadowing their face. Somehow, without their face being shown, you know they're staring intently at you.

"Doth thou wanteth thine futures revealed?" An ominous voice speaks in your head as if the person was telepathic. For some reason, it reminds you of someone... "I sense a Fool and a Lovers. Come now, there's no reason to hesitate."

Yukari looks at the cloaked individual skeptically before shrugging, unhooking her arm with yours. "Sure, give it your best shot!"

Pulling out tarot cards from seemingly nowhere, the Booth Worker slides the cards on the table in a neat row. Randomly, they take take out two cards from the deck and examine them.

[You're confident that's not how fortune telling works, but somehow this lackadaisical behavior reminds you of someone once more.]

They seem to hesitate for a moment before looking up at you two. Tension builds in the air as the Booth Worker doesn't utter a word, making Yukari nervous and shuffle her feat awkwardly.

"Uh, is something the matter? It's not anything bad, is it?" She asked in a worried tone.

The Booth worker's aura suddenly changes from one of suspense to one of joy. "The cards say thou shalt have a prosperous future."

Yukari let's a sigh of relief before smiling again. "That's good. I was so worried, but I guess I had nothing to worry about. Come on, let's go play the Lovers Game next." Grabbing your hand, you two begin to make your way to the stand across the shrine.

[You feel a familiar pair of golden eyes staring at your back when you leave the fortune booth.]

"I really do hope we have a good future." Yukari says out of the blue, surprising you. "I tend to think about it a lot nowadays, you know? I was always so focused on the past but now that I have you...the future is now something I look towards and never give up, even if my life depended on it. That's why I was so serious about that fortune reading, even if it was only correct 30% of the time."

...

"What am I saying? Just forget what I said, okay!"

>I'll cherish this forever
Forget what?
Alright

"I'm being serious! You didn't hear a word I said, okay? Geez, you're such a tease."

[Despite her words, she seems happy that you want to remember your time with her]

You two stop in front game booth. It was inviting, sure, but the overload of shiny red made it a bit hard on the eyes...are those LED lights?

"Come right up, come right up! Play a game and win a prize for your loved one!" The tendent behind the Lovers Game booth tried to grab the attention of a couple but failed. Spotting you, he grinned almost manically. "Eh, you two seem like a nice young couple. Waddya say, wanna play a game a win a prize for this nice lady over here?"

Looking over at Yukari you nodded and stepped directly in front of the booth. "Alright, now here's how we're going to do this. I ask some simple questions about her and you answer. Get them all right and I'll give you a prize. Simple, but no cheating! If he gets it wrong then that's on him!"

"Seems easy enough. You better not get any of this wrong, you hear?" Yukari says with a smirk.

"Alright, first question: what is her favorite color?"

Red
White
>Pink

"You got it correct! Good job, but I guess pink is pretty easy to remember."

[Yukari seems pleased by your answer]

"Alright, second question!" The man behind the booth gets your attention again. "When is her birthday?"

>October 19th
April 2nd
March 4th

"This is almost too easy for you!"

[Yukari seems pleased by your answer]

"Time for the third question." The man smiled, as if proud that you've made it this far. "What is her favorite superhero?"

>Pink Argus
Yukari's father
President Tanaka
Me
She doesn't have one

"Such a strange question, but yeah you got it! Wait...how did you know that?"

[Yukari seems pleased by your answer]

Before Yukari could go on, the man's applause only got louder. "Congrats! Nobody has ever made it this far before! Now, onto the final question. However this time, we're going to switch the roles, yeah?" The man turned to a confident Yukari. "Final question, no pressure now. What is this young man's favorite activity?"

The previously confident and smug Yukari evaporated into thin air, being replaced with a lost one. "Minato's favorite activity? That should be easy...what does he like to do?"

A few seconds go by in complete silence, with Yukari unable to form an answer. Before long she gives a sigh of defeat. "I-I...I give up..." This shocks you. Yukari isn't the type to give up on anything, she would always give it her best even when things seemed hopeless. But now...

"Ah, so close to! But you'll get it next year. You got a good boyfriend young lady, make sure to keep him close and safe y'hear?" The man's nice words fall on deaf ears as you and Yukari began to walk away, her mood being dampened drastically.

Before you could ask what was wrong, she interrupts you. "Let's just go back to the dorm...okay?'

[You could only nod as you two head back to Iwaitodai Dorm, neither saying a word.]

- Evening

You're currently in Yukari's pink room sitting on her bed. On a nearby desk you can see the Jack Frost doll you gifted to her on Christmas. She has now changed back into her casual outfit, but her attitude is still downtrodden.

"You're probably wondering what's wrong, huh?" Yukari breaks the silence, inhaling deeply as she gathers her thoughts. "I'm sorry I worried you. It's just..."

[You put your hand on top of Yukari's reassuringly]

"Thanks. You're always worrying about me...but I guess that part of the problem. You're always worrying about me, protecting me, and learning about me. You aced that Lovers Game quiz like it was nothing! However, when it was my time to answer I just...didn't. I couldn't say a single thing. Instead I gave up, like a coward.

"That's when I realized I don't know a lot about you. You're always doing things I want to do, answering my questions, and supporting me. I never do the things you want to do, answer your questions, and learn more about you. I'm tired of people- no, I'm tired of you always being there for me. That's why I've made up my mind!"

Yukari jumped from her bed with a look of fierce determination. "I'm going to be best girlfriend you could ever ask for! You won't need anyone or anything else but me!" She looks towards you with a smile. "You don't believe me, do you? Just watch! Actually, I'll start right now. Here!"

[Yukari shoves you a cutesy wrapped box of chocolates]

"You weren't expecting that, were you?"

Wow!
>Yum!
Did you make these?

"You're saying yum without even tasting it? Is my cooking really that good?"

[Yukari seems confused by your response, but glad nonetheless]

"I wanted to try my hand at making chocolate since you liked my cooking so much last time. I made it with lots of love, so you better savor every single bite!"

[You smile and decide to show your thanks by kissing Yukari's cheek]

"Wh-what was that?! You gotta give me a warning beforehand before doing those types of things!"

[It seems like you really flustered Yukari]

"It...wasn't a bad feeling though. Geez, you're getting more and more bold by the day."

With a huff Yukari sits back on the bed before leaning on you, looking at peace.

"You're lucky I love you..."

"Hey...can we stay here for a little longer? I don't want Valentine's Day to end just yet."

[You spent a lovely long evening with Yukari.]

[You feel that as long as you have Yukari by your side, you won't need anything else. That forgetful feeling vanished as you spent Valentine's Day with Yukari]

Chapter Text

2/14/2010

Sunday

- Daytime

[It's Valentine's Day]

[You wake up to a beautiful aqua sky with the melody of chirping birds.]

[Despite your nice rest, you can't help but feel like you're forgetting something...]

[You feel a ring in your pocket. You take out your phone to see a text from Fuuka]

❤️ Valentine's Day ❤️

Fuuka: It's Valentine's Day. I hope I'm not bothering you by texting you so early; I'm just so excited!

I'll be waiting for you at Paulownia Mall. It seems they're doing another Christmas-like event, but this time it's for Valentine's Day. 

[You decide to shake off the forgetful feeling and head to Paulownia Mall to meet up with Fuuka]

- Morning

As you walked into Paulownia Mall you were blasted with numerous shades of red and white. Across the mall were projections of hearts and chocolates with cupid statues next to the entrance of every shop. The fountain was dyed pink with the letters spelling out "VALENTINE" on its rim. The ceiling, now a dome, was covered in a calming rose with cartoonish flowers dangling from it. You looked around for any sign of Fuuka only to find nothing. Before you could try again a voice called out from behind you.

"Minato! I'm sorry I'm late!" You turn around to see an apologetic Fuuka. "I know I texted that I would be waiting for you here, but putting this on took longer than I expected. Please forgive me."

It seemed like Fuuka was indeed wearing a new outfit. It consisted of a white-colored sundress with sleeves, black tights, and boots. She looked both cute and more mature at the same time. 

  You look amazing

>You should grow out your hair to match 

"Really? That might not be a bad idea...should I braid it?"

[Fuuka seems to be taking your suggestion into consideration]

"Wow, the designs are just as complex and elaborate as last time! I wonder how they got the ceiling to look like that..." Fuuka trails off before apologizing again. "Ah, sorry! I've gotten of track, haven't I?"

You shake your head, smiling encouragingly. At your smile Fuuka's mood noticeably rises. You offer your hand and she hesitantly takes it, 

"I'm so sorry for my nervousness...I probably should stop apologizing so much. It's just that today is Valentine's Day, making today extra special. It's just the two of us for the whole day, and I want to make it as special for you as it is for me.

"Um, we should probably go now. I don't want to bore you or anything..." 

With Fuuka's hand in yours, you decide to take a tour around Paulownia Mall. Every shop had been altered to fit the theme of today. 

Club Escapade now allowed minors to dance with their loved ones to lovely music. You and Fuuka both weren't the best at slow dancing, in fact she was quite clumsy, but you still had fun.

Chagall Cafè had a brand new drink along with a change of interior design. You two didn't spend as much time there due to it being completely filled to the brim with couples. Fuuka felt bad for the employees but you were simply grateful that you didn't have to clock in today. 

Be Blue V had an entirely different aura. Instead of it being ominous and filled with, well, velvet blue, it was now inviting with a soft purple. They also sold lucky charms for couples instead of the normal accessories. You both appreciated the new atmosphere it provided. 

Mandragora, the karaoke place, had a brand new set of songs, one being Memories of You. Today you learned that Fuuka has a harmonic singing voice. 

The antique shop had a new lineup of jewelry for people to gift for their loved ones. You were tempted to buy one but Fuuka stopped you, saying that your presence was a good enough gift on its own and that she didn't want to feel even more indebted to you than she already does. It was a shame, especially since the antique shop owner was willing to give you a discount since you were a regular.

Game Panic had some new arcade games, those of course being in the theme of love. You and Fuuka ignored those, instead focusing on playing a two-player sci-fi game with a surprisingly good plot.

[You spent a busy morning with Fuuka]

- Afternoon

Walking out of Game Panic, you turned to a smiling Fuuka. "That game was so interesting! I hope it gets adapted into a story or a movie. The actual game-play wasn't that good."

  Are you good at games?

>It has the potential to be a trilogy

  So, where to next?

"Yeah, right? I was so invested through the whole thing, and the plot twist was so unexpected! However, the cliffhanger was kind of predictable. N-Not to be mean or anything!" 

[Fuuka seems to agree with your opinion]

Before Fuuka could go on any longer you hear a weak meow. You look around, seeing if anybody else noticed, but every other couple continued on with their day. Once you heard another meow, you were sure you weren't hearing things. 

   Is there a cat?

 >Do you hear that too?

"Hm, hear what? I don't hear anything. Is something wrong?" 

[Fuuka seems confused at your question]

A third weak but louder meow rang out. Without thinking, your instincts as the Benevolant Purr-tector kicked in, forcing you to move to the sound of the hurt cat while dragging Fuuka along. 

"H-Huh? Wh-what are you doing? Where are we going?"

You two eventually stopped in an abandoned alleyway. At the end of it was a bleeding and damaged cat who seemed to be struggling to breath. By your side Fuuka gasped before rushing towards cat's side, examining it. 

"Oh no! It's extremely hurt, wh-what should we do?!" 

  Say our prayers

>Treat it

  Bring it to a professional

"Y-Yeah, that's right! I'm not sure we have enough time to find a veterinarian. Let's try to stop it's bleeding first."

[Fuuka looks happy by your response]

"I'm nowhere near Hiraga-senpai's skill level, but my parents were doctors. I do know a little about treatment. N-Not to brag or anything. S-So, we should start...we should probably start..."

Fuuka seems to be hesitating. Is she nervous? You walk up to her and bend a knee next to her, placing your hand on her shoulder comfortingly.

The effect is almost instantaneous. Fuuka immediately calms down and focuses. She begins to treat the cat to the best of her ability, assessing the situation and applying bandages wherever necessary. Your mind was so busy trying to figure out whether Fuuka always carries bandages on her or not that you were shocked when she got done. 

"Alright, I've done the best I could. Here, let's take this kitty to a nearby vet." You nod at Fuuka's suggestion. You pick up the hurt cat carefully, walking by Fuuka's side to find someone who could take care of it.

[You and Fuuka spend the rest of the afternoon looking after the cat]

- Evening

You were currently in Fuuka's room sitting next to her on the floor in front of a table. On the shelf of flowers was a small plant she was growing gifted by you on Christmas. Fuuka, looking extremely apologetic, had changed back into her casual outfit. 

"It's so late. I'm sorry for taking so long treating the kitty. We spent such a lot of time taking care of it that the sun has set. I probably wasted your time, didn't I?"

>Time spent helping someone isn't time wasted

  Stop apologizing 

  I forgive you

"Yeah, you're right. Sorry- I mean, I won't make that mistake again."

[Stopping herself from saying sorry, Fuuka seems to agree with your philosophy]

"I thought the cat was doomed. If you wasn't there with me then I don't know what I would have done. I didn't think I was good enough go be able to take care of it. I was too busy being negative by comparing myself to Hiraga-senpai and what would happen if I failed that I forgot all about the task at hand. Thank you for always being by my side Minato." 

After saying her thanks, Fuuka grabs the neat box of chocolate from the table and gently hands it to you.

"Here, I made you this. I thought about the cookies I made for you on Christmas and thought I could do better. The recipe for chocolate seemed so simple...but I messed up a lot. This is actually the seventh box of chocolate that if made for you."

[You sweatdropped at Fuuka's statement, but accepted the gift with a smile anyway]

"I realized something after helping that cat. I want to be able to protect and help anyone I can, I want to make sure they have a promising future. Everyone had done so much for me and I want to extend that kindness to others. Thanks to you, I now know that the future is not something to be afraid of, but something to look forward to. 

"You're the best thing that ever happened to me. Really. With you around I'm able to have this positive outlook instead of my negative one. I-I can't even imagine what I'd do in a future without you in it. So, please, let's make a positive future together."

[You nod and decide to show your commitment by kissing Fuuka's cheek]

Fuuka giggles at your action and lays her hand on top of yours, more confident than the last time she did this.

"It's still Valentine's Day, so you should stay by my side a little longer, right?"

"I want you by my side...always."

[You spent a lovely evening with Fuuka]

[You feel that as long as you have Fuuka by your side, you can give her all the positivity and love she deserves. That forgetful feeling vanished as you spent Valentine's Day with Fuuka]

Chapter Text

2/14/2010

Sunday

- Daytime

[It's Valentine's Day]

[You wake up to a beautiful aqua sky with the melody of chirping birds.]

[Despite your nice rest, you can't help but feel like you're forgetting something...]

[You feel a ring in your pocket. You take out your phone to see a text from Mitsuru]

Valentine's Day 🍫

Mitsuru: I apologize for messaging you so early in the morning Arisato-kun. 

I have never spent a Valentine's Day with anybody before, especially with a lover.

I've made special reservations for just the two of us at Chagall Cafè. I'll be there in the afternoon. 

[You decide to shake off the forgetful feeling and prepare for your date with Mitsuru]

- Afternoon

"I originally planned for us to go to a diner, but I felt that was unnecessary. This way, we are more relaxed and are able to continue the tradition of attending local establishments."

You and Mitsuru sit at a table across from each other. This way, you are able to get a better look at her. As always, she looks as stunning as before, even if she was only wearing her casual outfit accompanied with a fur coat. You tell her this, in which she replied with "Thank you. I'm thinking getting a new look, and your kind words only inspire confidence."

Chagall Cafè looked fairly similar to before, albeit with a few dashes of pink here and there. The main change was the addition of a new drink, which was apparently a special kind of coffee guaranteed to deepen your relationship with your partner, that came with curry. 

"I have never been to a cafè before, well at least a small one like this. Is there anything I should know, Arisato-kun?"

  Drink your tea with your pinky finger out

>Enjoy yourself, it's Valentine's Day 

  Wait 5 minutes before eating

"Hm, I suppose you're right. I don't see anybody else acting in a particular manner."

[Mitsuru nods in understanding]

"Truth be told, I was a bit nervous. This is our second date after all, on Valentine's Day as well nonetheless. However, upon seeing your face, all of my worries vanished in an instant. You tend to have that effect on me so...thank you for that."

>You're welcome

  I was nervous, too

"Always calm and collected, as expected from you."

[Mitsuru seems to appreciate your calmness]

"It seems like you always know what to do, even in the face of adversity. I always admired that about you, and it was one of the things that drawn me to you in the first place. Whenever we crossed paths at the dorm I felt...attracted to you. At the time I thought it was just respect, and maybe it was back then, but now..." 

Abruptly, Mitsuru stopped talking and looked to the side. "I apologize. This is supposed to be a date, and yet all I've been doing is singing your praises."

>Don't worry, it makes me happy 

  I don't care

  How about I praise you instead?

"Is that so? Well, I'm glad that I can make you happy."

[Mitsuru seems pleased with herself]

[You and Mitsuru talked for a while as you waited for your coffee and curry]

In front of you and Mitsuru's were two plates of curry. It smelled so heavenly that your nostrils could barely comprehend it. Simply looking at it one could tell it was prepared by a master-class chef. 

"This looks exquisite. Pardon me for my ignorance but... how do I approach this?"

  Eat the rice and wash it down with sauce

  Mix the rice and sauce together

  Finish the sauce first then the rice

>Do whatever you feel is best

"Do whatever I feel is best...? That's right, I must make my own decisions, even if it's frowned upon."

[Mitsuru somehow took a lesson from your words...but you're not completely sure if she get the right message]

"Alright, Bon Appétit!" You and Mitsuru take one bite from your respective curries...and that one bite was enough to give you both a euphoric experience. "...! This is delicious! C'est magnifique!"

It didn't take long for you and Mitsuru to finish the curry and coffee. You turned to Mitsuru, who currently had a contemplative face, when you were done. "I wonder if I should ask for the recipe. What's your opinion on the matter?"

 >Don't ask, this is what puts bread on the table

   I'll ask with you

"I suppose you're right. The ramen shop also used the same logic."

[Mitsuru seems to agree with your decision]

Mitsuru looks at you with a small smile, a nostalgic look adorning her features. "I've missed this feeling. Lately I've been dealing with my responsibilities as a Kirijo along with my student council president duties. It has been a long while where you and I can eat together like this. Don't you agree?"

You nod, making Mitsuru's smile grow bigger. "You're so quiet, it's such a mystery on how someone as silent as you can be so caring. Don't misunderstand, It is a nice change of pace. It gives me a sense of...tranquility. What I'm trying to say is you have all of the required attributes of a leader.

"Somehow, in someway, you were able to unite everyone at the dorm, even though we were all practically strangers at the time. After my father's death...you were the first one to spend time with me, without me even asking. Yes, Yukari was there for me, but you took the initiative without hesitation. I want to do the same. I want to be like you. I want to be able to care for the most important person in my life without doubt."

Mitsuru's warm expression turned into an icy glare, making you visibly shiver. "I'm no fool, I can tell that you're taking on too much responsibility on your own. I, of all people, know that look best. You're trying not to worry anyone, attempting to be the person everyone can look up to. But you're human too, and you deserve a break. Let me help you. Let me take on some of your burden. Let me share some of your pain. That's what I'm here for. Do you understand?"

>You caught me

  I understand 

  I'm afraid I don't understand 

"This isn't a game, Arisato. I genuinely want the best for you."

[Mitsuru seems to worry about you a lot]

"I used to think you were the perfect leader, but now I realize you are just like me. Please...don't be afraid to tell me when something is wrong. I don't want you to follow the same path I did. When everything seems so hopeless...when you just want to run away and leave it all behind."

A brief silence falls over the table as you and Mitsuru wait for the other to reply. Eventually, you decide to speak up first, apologizing. Mitsuru shakes her head, deciding to take the blame. "No, it's my fault, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

  I thought I was going to get executed

  No, it's my fault. It won't happen again 

>I'll forgive you if you give me a kiss

A small smirk graces Mitsuru's features. "Be careful with what you wish for; you might get more than what you bargained for."

[Your attempt at lightening the mood seems to have succeeded]

"I almost forgot that this is supposed to be a date. Once again I have digressed. Well then, shall we continue?" 

[You spent a romantic evening with Mitsuru]

- Evening

Royalty. If there was one word in the whole English language to describe Mitsuru's room, it would be royalty. Regal, elegant, and extravagant would be close seconds. This room is truly fitting for an empress like Mitsuru.

You were sitting next to Mitsuru on a majestic couch. She had ditched her fur coat, now only wearing her casual outfit along with the lucky charm you gave her on Christmas. Mitsuru shuffled anxiously, not quite sure what to say.

"Um...welcome back." Mitsuru started, "Please make yourself comfortable." 

>Is there something wrong?

  Don't mind if I do

Mitsuru let out a small sigh. "Nothing gets past you. Yes, there is actually something I want you to have."

[Mitsuru hands you an expensive box of chocolates]

"At first I thought of placing another special order for you like I did on Christmas. Although, after I did some thinking I figured it wouldn't be as...personal. So I hired a chef to tutor me how to make the perfect chocolate just for this occasion. So...um... I hope you like it."

Mitsuru, previously calm and composed, was now blushing profusely. "Arisat- I mean Minato...if you don't mind, would you like to...cuddle?"

Without needing to say a word you moved closer to Mitsuru, embracing her. A cute squeak left her mouth out of surprise before she eventually leaned onto you. "This is...a nice feeling..."

[Gently, you kissed Mitsuru's cheek while cuddling]

"Hm... if you don't mind, could we stay like this for a little longer? At least until Valentine's Day is over."

"When I'm with you I don't fear anything. I hope I can so the same for you, Minato. I love you."

[You spent a lovely evening with Mitsuru]

[You feel that as long as you have Mitsuru by your side, neither of you will ever have to face a difficult obstacle alone ever again. That forgetful feeling vanished as you spent Valentine's Day with Mitsuru]