⚡ Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a Date which hasn't been released in EN yet!⚡
[Released Date: Feb 2026]
[Section 1]
Ding—
The lingering chime of the bell under the antique shop’s eaves slowly faded away. I lay sprawled over the coffee table, my pen tip scratching nonstop across the notebook.
Tomorrow was Valentine’s Day, yet I was still troubled over our date itinerary.
Footsteps approached from afar. After seeing the customer out, Shaw returned, casually sinking into a soft chair.
Shaw: You’ve been at it for ages—still not done?
MC: It’s not that it’s not done… it’s just that there are too many places I want to go with you, no matter how I arrange the time, it’s never enough.
A shadow carrying a hint of mint fell over me. He took my notebook and scanned it carefully.
Shaw: Boating on the lake, doing some knitting crafts, and then browsing the market… Since when did a single day become 48 hours long?
Shaw: Just remove the few I suggested first. We can find time to go later.
Seeing him lift the pen to cross things out, I hurriedly snatched the notebook back.
MC: Wait! Those plans are pretty interesting too—you can’t just remove them!
He neither agreed nor disagreed, only tugged lightly at the corner of his mouth, then tapped directly on a line I had crossed out.
Shaw: Then what’s with this amusement park?
Shaw: Weren’t you the one who said you absolutely had to go there after filming that promo video for them before?
Looking at the note that had been almost scratched beyond recognition, I pressed my lips together, feeling a little regretful myself.
MC: …Of course I want to go there too.
MC: But Valentine’s Day is their opening day. It’ll definitely be packed with people everywhere.
MC: Anyway, the tickets the park gave me don’t have an expiration date, so we can just go another day.
Hearing this, he shrugged indifferently and leaned back into the chair, reaching for the bass guitar standing nearby and casually plucking the strings.
I buried my head again and sighed at the notebook in frustration.
MC: …So where exactly should we go?
The smooth bass line by my ear suddenly took a turn, as if he were pinching his throat to imitate my tone from earlier.
Bass: Where~ should~ we~ go~?
I froze for half a second, then immediately glared at the person across from me who couldn’t hide the curve of his lips.
MC: Shaw!
Bass: Shaw~~
This guy! I lunged at him angrily, fists clenched, about to give his arm a couple of hits.
Shaw [surrenders]: Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore.
Shaw: If you’re this torn, want to try the method I suggested to that customer earlier?
Thinking of how that customer, after hesitating for a long time, had left happily clutching an incense burner, I nodded thoughtfully.
MC: What method?
He took out his phone and sent a digital dice into our chat.
Shaw: We each pick one plan. If it rolls an even number, we go to your choice; if it’s odd, we go to mine.
MC: …That’s it?
Shaw: The greatest truth is simplicity, returning to basics.
Shaw: Alright then. Tomorrow’s first stop—I choose a clay pot congee hotpot. What about you?
Seeing that he didn’t look like he was joking, I blinked.
MC: Then… I’ll choose morning tea.
Following his gaze, I tapped the screen. The dice spun a few times before slowly coming to a stop—
An odd number.
—
[Section 2]
In the private room decorated in a modern Chinese style, the dark sandalwood window lattice was half closed. Strands of morning light spilled in, making the ink painting on the wall look even more elegant and refined.
The thick seafood congee bubbled away in a clay pot. I scooped up a spoonful and brought it to my mouth; the rich aroma spread instantly, drawing a soft sigh from me.
MC: So fresh. No wonder you chose this place~
Shaw: Of course. When has my taste ever been bad?
He lifted his hand and tipped a plate of prawns into the pot, when the private room door behind him suddenly sounded with two light knocks.
We both turned around to see a server walking in, carrying a tall stack of bamboo steamers.
Waiter: All your dim sum is ready.
MC: Huh? So you can have dim sum here too?
Shaw: Congee alone won’t fill you up, so I picked a place that has everything.
I vaguely understood his intention, and a sweet, warm feeling spread through my chest as I smiled and lifted the steamer lid.
Steaming-hot dim sum came into view. Just as I was about to pick up my chopsticks, something occurred to me.
MC: By the way, I once saw a psychological test about dim sum~
MC: Just follow your instincts first—pick the snack you want to eat the most!
As I spoke, I unlocked my phone and pulled up a post I had saved earlier. He gave a soft chuckle and casually popped a piece of barbecued pork pastry into his mouth.
Before I could even find the section about it, he spoke first, his cheeks still full.
Shaw: Let me guess. It says I have a clear-cut personality, with a bit of sharpness?
MC [dumbfounded]: …How did you know?
Shaw: Isn’t this kind of thing easy to guess? If you pick something soft and sweet, they say you’re gentle and easygoing. If it’s crispy and firm, they say you’re distinctive and stubborn.
I glanced down. What the post said matched his words almost exactly.
Seeing the smug look on his face, a mischievous thought suddenly crossed my mind, and I curved my lips into a smile.
MC: No no no~
MC: It also says that people who like barbecued pork pastry may seem hard to approach, but are actually using sharp edges to hide their inner thoughtfulness.
He narrowed his eyes and leaned closer, looking suspicious.
Shaw: You’re making that up. There’s no way it says that.
MC: But some people really are quite considerate. Taking me out for morning tea, peeling crab legs for me…
Shaw [in a slightly threatening tone]: …..See through it, but don’t say it out loud. Got it?
He snorted softly and spooned the prepared crab meat into my bowl.
The clinking of porcelain mixed with quiet laughter. After eating and drinking our fill, we walked out of the restaurant side by side.
Across the street, a familiar piece of music suddenly played. I followed the sound and saw my promotional video for the amusement park playing on the outdoor screen opposite us.
On the screen, mascots bounced around with their round bodies, and exciting rides appeared one after another..
If only opening day weren’t today…
I tucked away the trace of regret rising in my heart and turned to Shaw with a smile in my eyes.
MC: Time to roll the dice again. This round, I chose the dome cinema!
He folded his arms and slowly shifted his gaze from the screen back to my face.
Shaw: Sure. Then I chose that amusement park.
MC: …You’re serious? If we go now, just getting in will probably mean lining up forever.
Shaw: Silly. It’s exactly at this time that there’ll be fewer people.
Shaw: There’s an opening-day performance today, so most visitors will rush there early.
Shaw: If we go now, we might be able to avoid the crowds and play for a while.
MC: Hmm… when you put it that way, it does make sense.
I nodded, eyes fixed on the dice he had rolled.
As it spun rapidly, I silently prayed in my heart: please let it be an odd number…
Under our gaze, the dice on the screen came to a steady stop — four.
MC: ………
I shrugged regretfully and took his hand, and was about to cross the street. Just as I stepped forward, he pulled me back.
Shaw: …Going to sit in a cinema for two hours straight right after eating would be uncomfortable. Let’s walk around somewhere more open.
He looked at me steadily for two seconds, the curve of his lips finally turning into a playful smile.
MC: What do you mean…?
Shaw: It means I’m cheating.
Shaw: I just want to go to the amusement park with you.
—
[Section 3]
The sweet scent of cotton candy drifted through the air. In the distance, the drop tower suddenly plunged downward, followed by bursts of screams.
My gaze swept across couples holding hands and laughing together, then I turned and curiously poked Shaw beside me.
MC: Shaw, why did you go back on your word this time? Going back on your word doesn’t seem like your style.
At my question, he withdrew his gaze from the surroundings and tossed out a seemingly unrelated topic.
Shaw: Do you know what the result of yesterday’s customer’s dice roll was?
MC: Hmm… it made him buy the incense burner?
Shaw: Wrong. If he had followed the dice, he should have bought the tall-footed bowl. But the moment the dice settled, he understood what he truly wanted.
He tilted his head and gave me a meaningful glance.
Shaw: So when people hesitate, it’s not because there are too many choices. It’s because they can’t see which one is truly the best choice in their heart.
I froze for a moment, realizing he had seen through my earlier hesitation. I coughed lightly and looped my arm through his.
MC: Heh, you noticed~
Shaw: I’m not stupid.
Shaw: Alright, since we’re here, don’t just stand around. Where should we go first?
I looked around excitedly. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a red panda mascot shuffling out from the entrance, and my eyes lit up.
MC: Let’s take photos with it first!
Seeing us approach, the red panda mascot waved its paw adorably.
I handed my phone to a staff member to take some photos for us and quickly straightened my clothes.
Next, I stood on tiptoe, trying to form little panda ears above Shaw’s head.
But just as my hand was halfway up, another palm came down on my head like a ‘Mount Tai pressing down,’ stopping me in place.
Shaw: Behave yourself.
MC: Just cooperate a little!
The red panda, half a head taller than Shaw, quietly raised its paw and copied him, placing its paw on his head.
Shaw: ……
MC: Ha!
I couldn’t help laughing.
He clicked his tongue lightly, then suddenly reached out and pinched my cheek instead.
MC: You’re taking “revenge” on the wrong person!
I snorted, though the corners of my lips couldn’t help curving upward, letting the camera capture the little commotion.
Under the teasing gaze of the staff member, we tilted our heads in sync before the camera, letting the happiness spread freely.
Staff member: Last one. Try a different pose~
As the staff member lifted the camera again, I blinked, thinking about what pose we hadn’t tried yet.
Instinctively, I glanced at Shaw beside me and saw him curl his lips knowingly.
My hand, still suspended in midair, was suddenly grabbed. My balance shifted, and I fell solidly into his cool, refreshing embrace.
His hand around my shoulder tightened slightly. At the very last second, his bright, bold smile brushed against my cheek.
Shaw: You’ve been cute enough. Time for something different.
Click—the heavy beat of my heartbeat overlapped with the shutter sound. The lively surroundings blurred into background noise.
Warmth spread slowly across my cheek. Even without looking at the photo, I knew this moment would be the most perfect capture.
After waving goodbye to the red panda, I was led out of the photo area by Shaw.
Staff member: Today our park is holding a special couples’ event. Complete the challenges and you can win a mysterious grand prize. If you’re interested, you can join~
The staff member returned my phone and handed me a colorful flyer.
I scanned the words on it, my eyes lighting up as I turned to Shaw.
MC: Want to check it out? The closest one to us seems to be…. the disco spinning ride over there!
He tilted one corner of his mouth upward, lightly gripping my wrist, eagerness clear in his tone.
Shaw: Let’s go have a look.
—
[Section 4]
Pushing through the bustling crowd, Shaw and I finally stepped onto the disco spinning ride and found seats right next to each other.
The machine started up slowly. The laughter of the couples around us tangled with the upbeat music, lifting my mood along with it.
The amusement park decorations that had been hidden by the crowd now sprang vividly into view. Swaying with the rhythm, I tugged at his sleeve.
MC: This ride feels pretty relaxing, kind of like sitting on a boat.
MC: Looks like that mysterious grand prize is as good as ours~
Buzz—
The platform beneath us suddenly jolted. I was caught off guard and thrown up from my seat, only to be pressed back down quickly by Shaw’s fast reflexes.
Shaw: Hold on tight. This is just the warm-up. I don’t want to see you launched straight out of here.
Amused by his tone, I wrapped my arms around the one he had placed protectively in front of me.
MC: Hehe, then I’ll hold onto you tightly. Even if we get launched away, I’m getting launched out together with you~
Shaw: Sure. Then hold on tighter.
As he spoke, he gently pried my hands off his arm. Before I could feel confused, he guided them around his waist instead.
Shaw: You’ve got to grab the right place.
My heartbeat seemed to hit the fast-forward button. The warmth beneath my palms felt like a subtle current, brushing lightly through my whole body.
The flowing music and cheerful laughter filled my ears. Amid the swaying, I gradually sank into his presence, letting the person beside me become the warmest support in that moment.
But the ride’s jolts grew more intense. The out-of-control shaking nearly threw people off.
The open platform seemed to magnify every vibration. Waves of weightlessness surged up again and again. I finally shut my eyes and buried my face in his chest.
The couples around us gradually gave up. In the blink of an eye, only two or three pairs were still holding on.
The arm around my waist tightened a little more.
Shaw [concerned]: We’ve had about enough fun. Maybe we should—
MC: ….no!!
I cut him off decisively, instinctively tightening my arms around him.
Shaw: Tsk, stubborn again. Then don’t close your eyes. Fix your gaze on something far away.
I forced my eyes open just a crack. In my line of sight, we were being tilted high into the air at a frightening angle.
My heart jolted violently. I squeezed my eyes shut again and burrowed further into his embrace.
MC: I’d rather stay dizzy like this. I don’t dare look….
Shaw: Then you’re going to miss the message I left for you on the electronic screen.
Shaw: Not going to look? It’ll switch to the next one in a few seconds.
Curiosity overpowered fear at that moment. I snapped my eyes open, and almost at the same instant, rows of colorful daytime fireworks burst in the distance with a loud bang.
It was as if the entire romance of spring had been splashed across the sky—soft pink wrapped in pearly white, tender green streaked with flowing gold—each color racing to leave its mark.
I stretched my neck, swaying left and right, trying to make out the words through the drifting smoke.
Shaw: What are you shaking for? You’ll only get dizzier.
MC: Didn’t you say you left me a message…
Shaw: …….
Our eyes met. The way his lips parted was clearly reflected in my pupils. I paused, then suddenly realized.
MC [angrily]: You tricked me again, didn’t you? You didn’t post anything on the confession wall at all!
Seeing me huff and turn my head away, he chuckled softly and rested his chin on top of my head.
Shaw [in a sweet whisper x1]: I did want to upload something while we were in line.
Shaw [x2]: But some things aren’t meaningful unless you say them in person.
MC: …Then what were you going to say?
Shaw [x3]: A lot of things. For example… Happy Valentine’s Day.
Shaw [whelp- he's so lovesick]: And it’s you who keeps my world interesting.
—
After we stepped off the ride, a staff member approached us with a smile.
Staff member: Congratulations! Please accept your prize — a single ice cream voucher!
Shaw: …..So this is the “grand prize”?
I couldn’t help laughing. Shaw let out a short scoff and immediately pulled me toward the nearest ice cream cart.
His gaze swept across the options behind the glass. Before I could say anything, he decisively ordered one.
And he picked my favorite flavor.
This person today…
I took the scoop of ice cream from the staff member. Thinking about all of today’s plans, I pressed my lips together slightly. Out of the corner of my eye, I suddenly caught a faint glint of reflected light.
Following it, I saw a little boy on a nearby bench playing with some park badges in his hand.
One of them clearly bore the image of the red panda we had just taken photos with.
An idea flashed through my mind. Under Shaw’s puzzled gaze, I held up the ice cream and quickly walked toward the child.
MC: Hi there. Can I trade this for your red panda badge?
Child: Wow~ ice cream~ I have several red panda ones anyway~
Taking the cool badge into my hand, I smiled and ran back to Shaw, carefully pinning it onto him.
Shaw: You traded for it yourself. Why give it to me?
MC: Hehe. Today is our holiday. Of course you need a little gift too.
Shaw: Me?
MC: Mm-hmm~ But it’s not just this badge. Next is your turn! Let’s go do something exciting—something you want to play.
He paused, rubbing the badge on his chest, then smiled at me.
Shaw: You’re such a fool. Haven’t I been doing exactly what I wanted all along?
MC: Huh…
Shaw: What, you think I was deliberately giving in to you today, choosing whatever you chose?
MC: Wasn’t that the case?
Shaw: That’s because the one I chose was you.
Shaw: So whatever choice you make is fine. It’s what I want.
Shaw: No matter what it is, I’ll experience it with you.
My heart stirred. I blinked in sudden understanding.
MC: You mean I’m your “optimal choice”?
Shaw: Tsk. Do you really need to confirm that?
MC: Of course. Say it again properly~
Shaw: I don’t repeat nice words. But I can confirm it in another way.
He leaned slightly toward me. In his eyes, shimmering like flowing gold, my reflection was clear.
Even the sunlight seemed to favor this moment, falling softly over our intertwined hands and casting our joined shadows on the ground.
My heart filled with a gentle sweetness, warm and enveloping. I couldn’t help smiling as I rose onto my toes—
Until his breath blended quietly with mine.
And just like that, it became another perfect Valentine’s Day.
Did the recent event and I’m LOVING kagari skjhshkjsijns
(Spoilers for kagari's route/ending in the event)
The way he talks is so funny to me and refreshing at the same time😭😭
When he said that he and mc are flower buddies because she’s from rhodolite dbhdjjekeks
The fact that he followed mc around because he wanted to give her her wallet back but didn’t want to disturb her while eating☠️☠️ like that’s sweet but wtf😭 I thought since he loved daroyaki and she got the last one he wanted to steal it from her or something but nope lol, he sure fooled me there for a sec.
I also love how genuine he is. It makes me laugh with the really casual tone😭
How can i not get obsessed after this kind of response?? I love that even when he disagrees with her or she does something stupid he doesn’t make fun of her or says really rude things idk how to describe it but it definitely feels like he’s talking for her best interest while also not seeming forceful or annoying at the same time
Hes geniune in a really funny way😭😭 i love that about him. Like what kinda of compliment is that?? I get what he means but it’s so silly😭
Just wish emma would tease him back too sometimes😔
NONONONONO YOU GUYS DONT GET IT THE GODS ARE AMERICANIZED!!! ZEUS IS A PARANOID TYRANT BECAUSE THATS HOW AMERICANS THINK OF KINGS!!! POSEIDON IS MELLOW RATHER THAN TEMPERMENTAL BECAUSE THE ANCIENT GREEKS DIDNT KNOW HOW TO TRAVERSE THE MEDITTERANEAN AND THE SEA WAS VERY DEADLY TO THEM BUT AMERICANS VIEW THE SEA AS A VACATION!!! ARES IS VULGAR AND CRUEL AND A BULLY BECAUSE THATS HOW (most) AMERICANS VIEW WAR - AS A LAST RESORT BECAUSE WAR IS RUTHLESS!!!! DEMETER IS AN OVERBEARING MOTHER IN LAW BECAUSE AMERICAN WOMEN HAVE MORE RIGHTS THAN ANCIENT GREEK WOMEN AND NOW HAVE THE ABILITY TO CHOOSE WHO THEY MARRY SO IN THIS VERSION OF THEIR STORY PERSEPHONE MADE THE CHOICE TO WALK INTO THE UNDERWORLD AND BECOME A QUEEN AND STEP INTO HER OWN POWER BUT HER MOTHER CANT LET HER DAUGHTER GROW UP AND TRIES TO HOLD ON TOO TIGHT - THEIR STORY IS STILL THE PAIN THAT A LOT OF MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS EXPERIENCE JUST DIFFERENT TO ANCIENT MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS!!!! THEY'RE MODERN!!!!! THEY'RE AMERICANIZED!!!! PLEASE NO LISTEN TO ME THEY REFLECT THE CULTURE AND THE TIMES LISTEN TO-
What is your biggest hope for book 8? Mine is that we'll go back full circle and Crowley is fired as headmage and now has to work as janitor at NRC
oh GOD no, janitorial work is noble and arduous and so often thankless, Crowley wouldn't last an hour. this man can barely manage to keep NRC from physically falling apart even with a full staff and support system, and you expect him to have the ability to keep it clean now? hold on where's that Nandor the Janitor gif
also, let's be 100% real here, who else would even take over. who else is willing to prostrate themselves before the school board and also can understand the ancient, arcane, inconsistent magic of the archive numbering. who else could fill his comfy little throne.
(to actually answer the question: if it turns out all the stuff about Raverne is just flavor and means nothing and we never actually find out what happened to him, I'm gonna cry)
annaxmalina
discoholicmusic
romaincrisis
