14 City Date

The buzzer rang, cutting me off and starting the game. Targets appeared around us, and Lyra had already begun shooting.

I quickly aimed with my hand and shot my first target, successfully breaking it. Now that I had somewhat gotten the hang of it, I promptly moved on to the next target. My pace and enthusiasm increased as I began to get really into it. As if immersing myself in a video game, my movements were becoming more fluid.

Lyra noticed that I was catching up, causing her competitive side to flare up. She pushed herself to go even faster, as she did not want to lose. However, it would be futile as I entered a flow state completely outpacing her.

The magical shoot-out reminded me of a rhythm game that I so happen to be pretty good at. Although more physically demanding, my reaction time was more or less the same.

There was also this weird feeling of knowing where the target would appear. I had this instinct, and by following it, my eyes always seemed to land where it would appear.

'I must be sensing the mana in the air.' It was the only explanation I could think of, but it made me wonder why Lyra couldn't feel it. It was apparent by her movements that she was fully relying on her vision, causing a slight delay.

'Maybe because I grew up never knowing what it felt like, so now my body is super sensitive to it.' It made sense if that were the case, but it didn't seem like a skill that was hard to achieve.

'Oh well, I guess it's because I switched tim- Okay, no concentrate Saki.' Putting my full focus back on the game, I finally overtook Lyra in points. I had reached my limit in terms of how fast I could gain points, and now the only thing stopping me was my stamina. I felt the bruises I got starting to hurt, forcing me to slow down.

*

<A couple of minutes later>

[FINISH!]

Congratulations! A new record has been set!

[Saki: 2468]

[Lyra: 2012]

[Combined score: 4480]

[Reward: 5000 arcade points!]

Hearing the words finished, I fell to the floor, completely exhausted and out of breath. My body was not meant to move that much, and the added pain only reinforced this fact.

"Holy shit Saki, since when can you do that?" Lyra also fell to the floor, completely exhausted but also amazed that I performed so well and even got the jackpot.

"I don't know; I just sort of moved." I couldn't say because I played video games, so I tried to use natural talent as an excuse.

"Wow, well, I would say we should go another round, but after that, I am already spent. How about we find a place to sit down and get a drink?" Lyra wanted to stay in the arcade longer, but after exhausting themselves with just one game, she didn't have the energy for more.

"That's fine by me, but we definitely need to try out some other games." I also wanted to stay, but right now I just wanted to rest. Plus, who says we can't come back?

"Of course, can you stand?" Lyra got up from the ground after catching her breath and offered her hand to help me up.

"I think so." Grabbing it, I get myself up, but I end up stumbling right into Lyra's chest. For a brief moment, I didn't know where I landed, but my brain quickly caught up, realising where my head was.

"Woah, it looks like you could use a shoulder haha." What I expected to be a harsh scolding turned out to be the opposite of that.

'Oh right, I'm a girl now.' I forgot that I had switched genders, meaning interactions like these are not considered big deals. However, I was overstaying my welcome as I did not move at all, enjoying the comfort it provided.

"Saki?" Lyra's face started to turn red as she looked down at me, enjoying it.

"Sorry, it felt like a pillow, and... well, as you can see, I'm quite exhausted." I quickly pulled away, my face also bright red, and prayed that I wasn't in trouble. If this were male me, I definitely would have been 6 feet under in an instant.

"It's fine; I understand, but please... not here." Lyra looked over to one of the walls, where there was a crowd of people watching. I looked over and instantly froze, realising I had just put on suite the public display.

"Okay, let's get out of here." The situation was already embarrassing enough, so having an audience made it much worse.

"Yes." Lyra wrapped my arm around her shoulder, helping me walk, and as we did, we claimed our tickets. Once it registered, we quickly exited the arcade, trying to avoid the people who wanted to talk to us about how we accomplished such a feat.

Getting out of the arcade, Lyra made her way to a nearby cafe and took a seat at one of the outside tables.

"Phew, we are free." After putting me in one of the seats, Lyra sank into her own chair, feeling the consequences of pushing herself.

"That was fun." I smiled, as in the end I really enjoyed myself, and despite the awkward situation at the end, we were able to laugh it off.

"I didn't expect to go all out on the first game; I still had a few more I wanted to show you." Lyra had thought of a few more places to try, but now that plan was completely out the window as they too required a lot of moving.

"It's fine, we can always come back; I want to come back with you… It was like a date." Muttering the last few words, it occurred to me the kind of thing we were doing. Of course, it could be seen as just two girls hanging out, but being me, this was totally a date.

Lyra tilted her head, barely hearing what I said, but wasn't sure exactly; however, my blush would give a hint.

"Haha yeah…" Lyra connected the dots with what she thought she heard and my red face. It looked like she was about to say more, but she seemingly held herself back. It was easy to tell that there was a debate going on in her head, but at this point, it felt like I just shot all my chances with Lyra. I instantly regretted muttering those words as now Lyra seemed extremely reserved.

Not to mention I would be friend-zoned anyway since a noble like Lyra wouldn't be allowed to be with someone like me, so in the end, it was pointless, may as well get it overwith.

Suddenly the two of us fell silent, awkwardly looking away as both our faces were red.

"It isn't like that!"

"I didn't mean it like that!"

At the same time, we both spoke, trying to clear up any misunderstanding, but it only made it more awkward.

"I-I, u-ummm, sorry?" I stuttered, apologising since I felt like I made the wrong choice in saying it was a date. Even if I had known Lyra longer in my past life, it still felt wrong to have romantic feelings so soon. The feelings I had before were resurfacing, and I couldn't help it; it was the exact same Lyra I knew.

I also still hadn't gotten used to being a woman, and when thinking about it, it seemed like I was taking advantage of that fact since Lyra's preference was women. There was a sense of disgust I felt for myself since I used to be a guy.

'Urgh, this sucks.' The negative thoughts were seeping their way back into my head, and I felt the spiral already beginning.

"It's fine; don't be sorry... I just ask that we take it slow. I am a noble after all, so I need to take a few precautions before anything." Lyra gave an explanation, partly dispelling the skinking pit in my stomach. I thought I had been placed in the friend zone since Lyra was so reserved, but no, she just needed to be cautious of her family, which was completely understandable.

"O-oh, I see." It was a miracle, but it only meant that I still had a chance. However, as per usual, my mind went back to the fact that I'm still lying to Lyra about myself. I felt like I needed to admit the circumstance I was in; otherwise, the guilt of taking over this body would loom over me.

'M-maybe later.' But when I even thought about speaking about it, I felt this dread of losing this chance I had been given.

"Okay, thank you. I may be a loose-cannon noble, but my parents disapprove of my actions quite a lot." Lyra opened up a little about her family, which was interesting since I had never heard this part about her. In my past timeline, she was very secretive, and all I knew was that they were not the best.

"Is it too much for me to ask what they are like?" Having let curiosity get the better of me, I wanted to know more. This would be new information and will be important to know if I want to pursue this kind of route with Lyra.

"I'll tell you a little bit, but promise me never to tell anyone about this." Lyra leaned forward with a serious expression, staring directly into my eyes.

"I promise."