Atem had been planning this for some time -- a few months actually -- and it wasn’t until Anzu brought up the idea of conducting the plan on Valentine’s Day that Atem finally went about putting everything into place. Given, not much prep had to be done, he just needed to restructure his deck...
That morning, Atem ensured Yugi got a rather hardy breakfast before kissing her temple as she ran out for university. He spent the day cleaning, reorganizing, and tending to the shop as needed, so that he would have the afternoon and evening free. Come around time that Yugi would be returning home, he closed the shop for the rest of the day. It wasn’t without any sales of course, plenty of people seemed to have a similar idea to his own. But it wouldn’t dissuade or change his plan.
“Yugi, let’s go out.” he spoke up as he came up the stairs. “Let’s have some fun this evening, yes?”
It was a regular date at first -- feeding birds, going ice skating, having dinner. They even played at the arcade for a little bit. On their way home, Atem urged Yugi to follow him another direction. They walked into an outer area of downtown that started to open up to parks and suburbs, heading to once such park. Thankfully there was no one else where when they arrived. It had a wide open grassy area. He walked out to the middle of the field, opening up a locked box he’d left there.
“I want to duel.” he explained, as he pulled out two Duel Disks. He offered one to her with a smile. “Would you like to? Just for fun...”
The changes to his deck as they dueled would be of little modification at first. But as the duel went on, the changes became evident as a pattern formed. He played a few monsters that worked better in pairs. Ritual Sanctuary. Ring of Defense. Nibelung’s Ring. Change of Heart. Maiden In Love. Finally he played... Happy Marriage.
Jouno and Honda had told him the idea was far too cheesy and ridiculous. Anzu loved it. While Atem had never been one for sappy feelings or speaking his emotions, he hoped that this would bring out his intended plan to Yugi. He knew how smart she was, and if he was right, she would figure him out.
