Ryan held a small gift box in front of Rika, who stared at him with sparkling eyes, holding the video game controller with an expression of childish expectation.
"D-Did you buy me a video game?" she asked, her voice laden with a playful, feigned innocence.
Ryan sighed, relaxing his shoulders and slightly tilting his head to the side. "Arnn... actually, no. This box is pretty small for a video game, don't you think?" He raised the package slightly, as if to reinforce his point.
Rika chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her fingertips. "I know, silly! I'm just teasing you! But then... tell me what's inside!" Her excitement was contagious, and even Hanyuu, beside her, tilted her head from side to side, her violet eyes shining with curiosity as she held herself back from exploding with anticipation.
Ryan smiled, extending the small box to Rika. "Why don't you find out for yourself?"
She took the gift delicately, as if it were something precious, and began to open the wrapping with the utmost care. She used her nails to peel off the adhesive tape at the corners, ensuring that the paper wasn't torn carelessly. As soon as the box finally opened, her eyes widened at the sight of what was inside: a delicate light blue shirt with a bow, a headset, and hair accessories.
"Aaaah! This is so cute!" Rika exclaimed, holding the items with a radiant smile.
Ryan settled on the arm of the sofa, crossing his arms with an amused smile. "Well... you haven't figured it out yet, have you?"
Rika looked up at him, blinking a few times. "Figured out what? Is there something special about this?"
He let out a chuckle, shaking his head slightly. "Actually... this is a Hatsune Miku cosplay."
The sparkle in Rika's eyes intensified instantly. "Aaaaah! Now it makes sense!" She hugged the clothes to her chest, bouncing slightly in place. "I'm going to put it on right now!"
Without hesitation, she began to lift her own blouse, revealing part of her skin before being interrupted by an adorable little shriek from Hanyuu.
"Auuuuu~! Wait a minute, Rika!" The little goddess gestured desperately, her face already flushed.
Rika stopped, blinking at her with an innocent expression. "Huh? What is it?"
Hanyuu fidgeted nervously with her hands, trying to formulate words convincingly. "A-Are you going to change here? Right in front of him?!" Her trembling voice showed the nervousness of someone dealing with something far beyond her control.
Rika smiled slightly, her gaze becoming slightly provocative. "I don't see a problem. I don't mind Ryan seeing me."
Hanyuu turned even redder, her small hands clutching the long sleeves of her dress. She tried to find a logical way out of the situation and, in a flash of desperate creativity, raised a little finger. "A-auau~! But since this outfit is a special gift from him... why not create some suspense? That way it will be more exciting when he sees you wearing it!"
Ryan, who was watching the scene with a crooked smile, tilted his head and crossed his arms. "Gee, Hanyuu... you're kind of a buzzkill, you know?" He sighed theatrically, before admitting with a shrug, "But you have a point. Suspense always makes things more interesting."
Rika laughed, turning with light, graceful steps. "In that case... I'll be right back!" She took the clothes and hurried to Ryan's room, leaving the two of them alone.
Hanyuu remained restless, fidgeting with her fingers nervously before casting a shy glance at Ryan. "I-I'm sorry..."
He raised an eyebrow. "Sorry for what?" His smile was relaxed. "You don't look like a goddess when you act like this, you know? Have more confidence in yourself!"
Hanyuu's eyes widened for a moment, as if his words had more impact than they should. Then, she lowered her head, clasping her hands in front of her chest. "Y-Yes! I'll try!"
Meanwhile, in the room, Rika carefully put on each piece of the cosplay, feeling excited as she fastened the headset and adjusted the accessories in her hair. With a skillful touch, she divided her blue hair into two adorable ponytails, analyzing her own image in the mirror.
She turned slightly, examining herself from different angles, a small smile forming on her lips. "Will... will he like it?" The anticipation made her heart beat a little faster. Ryan seemed to like Hatsune Miku so much... would he now see her the same way?
And then Rika continued to get dressed, putting on her blouse and skirt.
A few minutes passed, and Ryan, who had spent the time teasing Hanyuu, soon heard the soft creak of the door opening. He turned automatically, feeling a wave of anticipation course through his body.
And then, there she was.
Rika appeared in the doorway with a sparkle in her eyes, her cheeks tinged with a subtle shade of pink as she played with the ends of her hair. "So... did I turn out as you expected?" Her voice was soft, laden with a sweetness that hit him right in the chest. To top it off, she raised her hand and made a peace sign, her expression endearingly shy and yet confident at the same time.
Ryan froze. For a moment, his mind simply stopped working.
He blinked a few times, swallowing hard, and then a silly smile formed on his face. "I... I don't know what to say... It's better than I imagined." The sincerity in his voice was undeniable, and his eyes sparkled like those of a child who had just seen his greatest dream come true.
Hanyuu smiled warmly at seeing Rika dressed in the cosplay, her eyes shining with admiration. "Aaah, Rika-chan! You look so beautiful!" Her voice was sweet, full of tenderness, but her exclamation was abruptly interrupted by an explosion of enthusiasm from Ryan.
"You are definitely my ichiban ohime-sama!" He declared, with a contagious, almost theatrical animation.
Hanyuu cringed at the sudden energy, blinking in confusion. Rika, on the other hand, blushed visibly, shrugging her shoulders shyly, not knowing exactly how to react.
"I... I really look like Miku, don't I?" Her voice came out soft, hesitant, but full of innocent hope. She felt Ryan's intense gaze on her, which made her heart beat faster.
It was then that Ryan, without any filter or hesitation, announced his intention with the conviction of someone who had already made an unquestionable decision.
"I really want to kiss you."
Rika blinked, surprised, but soon a graceful smile curved her lips. Slowly, she raised her arms, as if surrendering herself to him, body and soul. As for Hanyuu...
"AUAUAU~!" She exploded in an intense blush, covering her face with both hands as she turned to the other side, kicking her feet in the air like a frightened puppy.
But Ryan and Rika paid no attention to Hanyuu's adorable outburst. The two embraced, their bodies pressing against each other in a gesture filled with warmth and affection. Ryan ran his hand through her long hair, now styled like Miku's, feeling its softness between his fingers as he gazed deeply into Rika's bright eyes.
"Rika... My Mini Miku..." His voice was low, filled with genuine admiration. "I think one of the best things I've ever done in my life was to have saved such a pure gaze..."
Rika sighed softly, her fingers resting on his chest, feeling the rhythmic beat of his heart. Her voice came out laden with emotion, as if each word were a confession whispered to the wind.
"I... waited for many years... But I don't regret it for a single second."
And then, their lips met in a passionate kiss. Rika felt a single tear roll down her cheek—a tear of emotion, of fulfillment. She pressed herself against him, her fingers exploring his body with the gentleness of a kitten seeking affection.
Ryan, in turn, ran his hands along Rika's waist, down to her butt, giving it a light squeeze as he pulled her closer, nearly lifting her skirt in the process. But the moment was interrupted by a muffled squeak.
"AUAUAUUUUUUUUU~!" Hanyuu was huddled on the floor, trembling, with her hands pressed against her face and her eyes tightly closed, as if she wanted to disappear. Her skin was so red that she looked like she was about to explode.
Ryan and Rika, still embracing, slowly separated from their kiss and looked at Hanyuu. Ryan raised an eyebrow before letting out an amused sigh.
"Sorry, Hanyuu... But you know how it is... Rika is very tempting." His mischievous smirk made Rika giggle softly.
Hanyuu turned her back, still trembling and covering her face. "I-I-I'm sorry for interrupting you! Auau~ I-I'll go to the bathroom and stay there-"
"Don't even think about it!" Ryan interrupted her, his voice firm but without any harshness.
Rika nodded, her expression soft and understanding. "That's right, Hanyuu! I don't want you to be alone. You are important to me!"
Ryan smiled and placed a tender kiss on Rika's forehead before approaching Hanyuu. His steps were slow but filled with intention. He knelt down in front of her, extending his hand in a welcoming gesture.
"You are part of Rika... And that means you are also important to me."
Hanyuu raised her eyes, shining, reflecting a vulnerability that made Ryan's heart ache. He could see how small she felt at that moment, as if she were in a place where she didn't belong.
"B-but... I'm intruding..." Her voice was almost a whimper, full of uncertainty.
Ryan, however, smiled tenderly. "No, Hanyuu. You never would be. Everyone has their own time. And you are a lovely girl, with an incredibly sweet heart."
Hanyuu hesitated for a moment, but finally took Ryan's hand. He helped her up gently, without letting go of her hand.
It was then that Ryan made a decision. A definitive decision.
"Since you are important to Rika... I've already made my choice. I will take your heart for myself as well."
His words were spoken with an overwhelming naturalness, without hesitation or doubt.
Hanyuu's eyes widened, her hand instinctively tightening around his. Her face flushed intensely, and her mouth opened, but no coherent words came out, only confused murmurs.
"B-but I- I- I already-"
Ryan tilted his head, a mischievous smile dancing on his lips. "No excuses, Hanyuu. I've already made up my mind."
Hanyuu was left speechless, unable to formulate a response. Rika, in the background, simply smiled and clapped her hands excitedly.
"pachi pachi pachi! Ryan is really very good with words!"
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