[Scene 1 – A Chance Encounter]

  The sun sets over Porella City, casting a warm, golden hue over the bustling streets. The brawlers are preparing to leave the city for Path 6, continuing their journey toward their next medal. Just as they’re about to head out, Kouchu spots a familiar figure in the crowd—a figure he hasn’t seen in a while.

  Kouchu (excitedly):

  “Danielle! Hey!”

  Danielle, looking as graceful as ever, waves in Kouchu’s direction. She walks over with a smile, her presence radiating a calm and mature energy that Kouchu always admires.

  Danielle (smiling softly):

  “Hi, Kouchu. I didn’t expect to see you here. You’re heading to Path 6?”

  Kouchu grins, nodding enthusiastically.

  Kouchu (eagerly):

  “Yep, but actually… I was wondering if you’d like to come with us to the festival! It’s happening today, right here in Porella City.”

  Danielle’s eyes light up at the mention of the festival. She pauses for a moment before smiling warmly at Kouchu.

  Danielle (playfully):

  “That sounds wonderful. But I have a condition: do you think you could treat me like I’m special?”

  Kouchu’s excitement dips a little as he tries to process what she just said.

  Kouchu (nervously):

  “Special? I… uh… I can do that!”

  Danielle chuckles, a soft smile playing on her lips.

  Danielle (teasing):

  “I’m sure you can. Let’s go then.”

  ?

  [Scene 2 – The Festival Begins]

  The group walks through the vibrant streets of Porella City, where stalls line the streets, and the air is filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the delicious smell of food. Kouchu is practically bubbling with excitement.

  Kouchu nervously adjusts his kimono and tries to keep a composed look on his face. Danielle leads the way, chatting with him occasionally, but Kouchu is hyper-aware of his every move.

  Shauna (whispering to Sakuro):

  “I’ve never seen him so nervous. It’s kind of cute.”

  Sakuro (smirking):

  “Looks like he’s trying to be someone he’s not.”

  As the group approaches a stall selling cotton candy, Kouchu makes his first attempt to show his maturity by picking out a cotton candy stick with a serious expression.

  Kouchu (seriously, as he hands the candy to Danielle):

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “Here you go, Danielle. It’s… uh… very sophisticated.”

  Danielle looks at him, puzzled for a moment before laughing softly.

  Danielle (chuckling):

  “It’s just cotton candy, Kouchu. No need to be so serious.”

  Kouchu scratches the back of his head awkwardly, realizing he might have overdone it. Roaracryst, perched on his shoulder, offers a “helpful” suggestion in a hushed voice.

  Roaracryst (whispering in Kouchu’s ear):

  “Maybe you should be more formal, like… act like a proper gentleman! Hold her hand. Give her flowers. Show you’re mature!”

  Kouchu’s eyes widen with panic as he imagines the awkwardness of trying to act like a “proper gentleman.”

  Kouchu (hesitating):

  “I-I’m not sure about that…”

  ?

  [Scene 3 – The Festival Turns Awkward]

  The group continues to explore the festival, but things begin to go awry as Kouchu tries too hard to impress Danielle. He’s overly formal in conversations, his attempts at being polite seem forced, and he starts to miss out on the fun aspects of the festival in his quest to appear mature.

  Kouchu and Danielle stop by a game booth where people throw darts to pop balloons. Kouchu, trying to act like a refined gentleman, insists on taking the lead.

  Kouchu (in a strained voice):

  “Allow me to demonstrate, Danielle. I’ll win this for you.”

  Kouchu throws a dart, but his aim is way off, missing the target entirely.

  Danielle (laughing softly):

  “Kouchu, I’m sure you could have fun even without trying so hard.”

  Kouchu’s cheeks flush with embarrassment as he watches another competitor win effortlessly.

  Kouchu (fumbling):

  “Uh… well, that’s… that’s because they’re better than me at it…”

  Meanwhile, Roaracryst watches from a distance, trying to think of ways to “help” Kouchu further.

  Roaracryst (muttering to himself):

  “She doesn’t seem impressed… maybe I need to take more drastic measures.”

  ?

  [Scene 4 – The Dress Incident]

  The night begins to wind down, and the group heads toward the festival’s main stage where dancers are performing traditional dances. Danielle, looking radiant in a beautiful dress, joins in with the dancers while Kouchu watches from the sidelines, trying to hold himself together.

  Kouchu suddenly notices a slight tear in Danielle’s dress, and in his panicked attempt to help, he pulls on the fabric, trying to fix it. But instead, he ends up making it worse.

  Kouchu (frantically):

  “No, no, no! I didn’t mean to!”

  Danielle turns to look at him, wide-eyed, as the tear becomes more noticeable. For a moment, everything seems to freeze in time. But then, to Kouchu’s surprise, Danielle bursts out laughing.

  Danielle (giggling):

  “Oh, Kouchu! It’s okay. It’s just a little tear!”

  Kouchu, stunned by her reaction, stammers, but then he’s taken aback by her next move. Danielle walks up to him, leaning in and planting a soft kiss on his cheek, her laughter fading into a sweet smile.

  Danielle (smiling warmly):

  “You’re really something, Kouchu.”

  Kouchu stands frozen, his heart racing as he touches the spot where her lips brushed his cheek.

  Kouchu (blushing deeply):

  “Uh… w-what was that for?”

  Danielle (playfully):

  “For being you, Kouchu.”

  ?

  [Scene 5 – A Moment of Realization]

  After the kiss, the night finally settles down. Kouchu and Danielle stand by the edge of the festival grounds, watching the fireworks light up the sky. Kouchu’s mind is still buzzing, not just from the kiss, but from the experience as a whole.

  As they stand in silence, Kouchu looks over at Danielle, who is quietly enjoying the view. He takes a deep breath and speaks up.

  Kouchu (thoughtfully):

  “Danielle, you… you didn’t think I was too immature tonight, did you?”

  Danielle smiles softly, looking at him with understanding eyes.

  Danielle (gently):

  “Kouchu, you don’t need to act a certain way to impress me. You’re already perfect just as you are.”

  Kouchu’s heart swells with a mix of relief and happiness. He smiles, finally realizing that being himself is the best thing he can do.

  Kouchu (grinning):

  “Thanks, Danielle… I think I’m starting to understand what you meant now.”

  ?

  [Scene 6 – Roaracryst’s “Advice”]

  Later that night, as the group heads back to their inn, Roaracryst decides to have a “heart-to-heart” with Kouchu.

  Roaracryst (smirking):

  “So, how’d it go, Kouchu? Did you finally learn a thing or two about love?”

  Kouchu, still a bit flustered, turns to Roaracryst with a wide grin.

  Kouchu (jokingly):

  “Maybe a little. But I don’t think I need any more of your advice for now.”

  Roaracryst (laughing):

  “Fair enough, kid. I’m just glad I helped you… even if I caused a little chaos along the way.”

  Kouchu laughs, knowing that despite the mishaps, he’s grown just a little bit closer to understanding both himself and his feelings for Danielle.

  Kouchu (smiling to himself):

  “Yeah… thanks, Roaracryst.”

  ?

  TO BE CONTINUED…