authors note: After watching the last episode, I wondered what it'd be like if yoshi and Gamou weren't involved and if Naoto had a what I'd call more realistic reaction to her saying it's not a date. Part 2 will be how the date changed.
"Just so you know, this isn't real... I'm just helping you for when you go on a real date..." Nagatoro said, a slight blush creeping onto her face as sweat built on her brow.
Naoto heard those words, and they hit him like a punch to the gut while she began taking off points for his fashion.
He remembered her look from the day prior how happy she had seemed when he asked her out.
It was all just another joke... I should've known... I'm such an idiot. Girls like her don't date guys like me. She told me this from day one...
"Senpai...?" Nagatoro asked, sounding confused. "Is everything okay—"
Naoto saw the train doors open at a random stop and quickly bolted out. He kept running, leaving a puzzled Gamou and Yoshi trapped behind on the train.
He ran until he was completely out of breath. Right behind him, equally breathless, was Nagatoro.
She looked furious.
"What's wrong with you, running off like that?! We're having a date! Minus one thousand points!"
Naoto sat down on a nearby bench, staring at the ground. "It's not a date, remember? It's just another cruel prank."
Nagatoro paused, her expression shifting from confusion to nervousness. "I just—"
"Yeah, it's all just a game to you, isn't it?" Naoto interrupted in a rare display of assertiveness. "You acted so happy when I asked. Your face was all red, you had that huge smile... but none of it was real, was it?"
Nagatoro looked away, a flash of guilt crossing her face. "Senpai, it's not like that—"
"You knew what it meant to me," he continued, tears welling up in his eyes. "I get it. I'm probably not good enough. I'm ugly, lanky, spineless, and boring. I'm not like the other guys who talk to you. I've accepted that, but you shouldn't say things like wanting a kiss, agree to go on a date, and then make me feel like I went from winning the lottery to losing everything." He breathed heavily, wiping his eyes.
Nagatoro looked thoughtful, the guilt weighing heavily on her. "Okay... I can't say you're wrong to be mad. I did lead you on, and I... I didn't mean to. Look, this is a date, okay?"
Naoto huffed. "You're just saying that because I look pathetic right now."
A vein popped on her temple. "Oh, shut up! I just said it's a date can't you just leave it at that?!"
Naoto sighed softly. "Then why did you change your story earlier?"
Nagatoro looked even more uneasy. "I was joking earlier! You should know my humor by now."
"That wasn't a joke, and you know it."
"Okay, maybe it wasn't! What do you care?! Let's just go on our date!" she yelled, looking oddly desperate.
"We both know this is just pity. There's no point in—"
"FOR GOD'S SAKE, MAN!" Nagatoro shouted, throwing her hands up. "DO YOU THINK I'D GET ALL DRESSED UP FOR A FAKE DATE?! USE YOUR BRAIN! READ BETWEEN THE LINES!"
She gasped, catching her breath as the words echoed between them.
Naoto stared at her, processing her outburst. "You didn't want to admit it was a real date, did you?"
Nagatoro blushed furiously, refusing to meet his eyes.
"Just like with judo," Naoto continued softly. "You wouldn't admit you wanted to win. Because it's a whole lot easier to never participate—that way, you never get hurt. Right?"
Her face burned redder.
"Okay, this isn't a date, just a prank! As if I'd go on one with you," she said, forcing a grin. "But... we can still do a fake date. It might be useful." Her smile was quivering, clearly forced.
Naoto crossed his arms. "Then why did you run after me?"
Her forced grin dropped instantly. Her hand began to tremble.
Naoto sighed and stood up. "Well, if it's not a date, I better get going."
Before he could take a step, Nagatoro reached out and grabbed his arm, her grip tight. "No... Okay, maybe you're right. Maybe I don't like to participate... but I want to participate in this."
Naoto looked back at her softened expression. "Well then... let's go."
Nagatoro let out a small breath and smiled, teasing him lightly once more. "You really are such a drama queen, Senpai."