Caspian wished to crush his phone to dust. He had to run all around K-City, being led in circles by his phone's damnable GPS that had almost made him run late because it kept misdirecting him.
Thankfully, he made it on time, wearing new shoes, pants, and a shirt. It wasn't fancy, but the colors matched well, and the clothes hugged his frame in a way that showed off his physique without being skin-tight.
And now he stood in anticipation, only having to wait a couple of minutes before his beauty arrived.
Tatsumaki strolled past the crowd cluttering the paved sidewalk and the grass surrounding it, her long-sleeved cream-colored dress billowing with each step. Black buttons lined down the center, and a high ruffled collar framed her throat. A large bow rested at her chest, soft yet oddly fitting. Her sable beret tilted over wild green curls. While a dark quilted purse with a golden emblem rested at her side, but Caspian's gaze lingered on her boots — black, laced tight, their thick heels adding just enough height to be noticeable.
He had seen this outfit before on one of the manga's volume covers, but even that didn't do justice to how cute she looked right now.
"You look incredible…" he said, his voice trailing off as she continued toward him, a faint confident smile emerging on her face.
In no time, she was before him, throwing her arms around him and pulling him into a hug. "I missed you."
He didn't waste a moment either, embracing her dainty frame. Immediately, the scent of crisp green apples enveloped him.
She seems a little different, more assured? No need for me to pry. As long as she's happy, that's all that matters.
"I missed you too." He felt her body shiver slightly at his words. "You really love apples, don't you?"
She stayed in his arms. "Maybe a little… Got a problem with that?"
"Not at all. I love your scent."
Caspian glanced up, shamelessly noting the envious glares from the surrounding men. But those weren't the only gazes. It seemed many people recognized who she was, too stunned by her behavior to cry out her name.
He wasn't the only one to realize this as Tatsumaki quickly separated herself from him, causing him to glimpse her reddened cheeks.
"Ready to go?"
Tatsumaki nodded, walking close enough to him that her shoulders continuously brushed against his.
After receiving their pink access wristbands, they navigated through the bustling summer festival, weaving past colorful food stands. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of sizzling grilled meats and buttery roasted corn. In the distance, rhythmic drumbeats from a stage performance blended with the laughter and chatter of the crowd.
"Want to play?" Caspian pointed to a ring toss booth ran by a middle-aged man with a thick beard.
Tatsumaki raised her head. "You really want me to embarrass you today?"
Caspian brushed his finger against hers. "Come on then, little miss confident."
"Little?!" she shot back in mock anger, her fingers entwining with his.
By the time they reached the line, he could feel the warmth radiating from her hand. Apparently, doing something like this in front of so many people made her more nervous than she let on, but Caspian decided not to bring it up. The surroundings seemed to fade away as they stood there, quietly lost in each other's presence.
"It's the S-Class Rank 2 Hero, Tatsumaki, the 'Tornado of Terror!'"
"Who's the guy she's with? Is she on a date?"
"Wow, she's so cute in that outfit! I've only ever seen images of her online in her signature black dress."
"Kyaa! She's holding his hand!"
Nothing lasts forever. As individuals in the crowd cried out, Tatsumaki pulled her hand away from his. Yet, the moment itself didn't vanish. She stayed close to his side, despite her obvious embarrassment. Caspian couldn't help but wonder how she would act around other heroes — especially her sister, Fubuki.
Before they knew it, their turn arrived.
Caspian surveyed the numbered pillars arranged in neat rows across the booth's scuffed plywood floor. Each pillar was a small, sturdy wooden post, rising about two feet high. At the top of each pillar was a flat, circular base, just low enough to allow for a single, well-aimed ring. The pillars were painted in bright colors, their sides marked with bold white numbers corresponding to the prizes displayed on the shelves lining the booth's white walls.
"Miss Tornado, it's an honor to have you here. Your first attempt is on the house," said the bearded man, his voice warm and gravelly as he handed her three burnished red tossing rings.
"Thanks."
She wrapped the rings in her psychic aura, causing them to float toward her before she sent all three flying at once, each one landing perfectly on the three farthest and smallest pillars.
The bearded man slouched. "Miss Tornado…"
Murmurs rippled through the small crowd that had gathered behind them.
"What fine motor skills you have," Caspian remarked.
"Oh? Trying to make excuses for your defeat already?" Tatsumaki flicked her hand toward the booth. "Where does it say Espers aren't allowed?"
"She's right. That was my mistake…" mumbled the bearded man.
Caspian placed a bill on the booth's counter and promptly received his three rings. "Want to make a bet?"
"What bet?" Tatsumaki asked, her brows raised.
"It's simple. If I can land all three of my rings on top of yours without a single one of mine falling off, you'll have to grant one of my requests."
"And what's in it for me?"
"If I can't, then I'll do the same for you."
Interest in their interaction had clearly grown, as more people crowded in behind them.
Tatsumaki failed to hide the evil grin spreading across her face and nodded in agreement.
Caspian picked up a ring and tossed it in the air a few times, testing its weight and balance.
Before he began, his eyes flickered over Tatsumaki's figure before settling on her eyes. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I wonder what kind of request I'll have you grant me."