Shay's Dilemma (A Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V Oneshot)

Shay's Dilemma

Shay Obsidian paced nervously outside the arcade, peering through the glass doors to keep an eye on his sister Lulu and his best friend Yuto. They were inside, chatting and laughing as they played duel simulators together. Shay couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and anxiety as he watched them.

"They better not be getting too close," Shay muttered to himself. He glanced at his friends Allen and Saya, who were leaning against the wall, smirking knowingly.

Allen nudged Saya with his elbow. "Looks like Shay's playing the overprotective big brother today."

Saya giggled softly. "It's sweet how much he cares about Lulu."

Shay overheard their teasing whispers and scowled. "I'm not overprotective! I'm just making sure they don't... you know..."

"Allen," Saya interrupted with a gentle smile, "maybe we should let Shay handle this his own way."

Meanwhile, inside the arcade, Yuto and Lulu were having a blast, completely oblivious to Shay's surveillance mission. Yuto was explaining the finer points of dueling strategy while Lulu listened intently, occasionally challenging him with her own insights.

After what felt like an eternity to Shay, Yuto and Lulu finally emerged from the arcade. "Hey Shay!" Lulu waved cheerfully.

Shay nodded curtly. "Ready to go to the next stop?"

Yuto raised an eyebrow. "Next stop?"

Shay nodded again, a bit too forcefully. "Yeah, the... uh, music record shop! Let's go!"

Throughout the day, Shay continued to shadow Yuto and Lulu like a paranoid ninja. At the music record shop, Shay accidentally knocked over a display of vinyls, earning him a stern glare from the shop owner and a red face from embarrassment. At the new ice cream store, Shay slipped on a puddle of spilled paint, nearly crashing into a group of giggling teenagers.

By the time they reached the park in the late afternoon, Shay was exhausted and frazzled. He had managed to prevent any romantic gestures so far, but his nerves were fraying.

As Yuto and Lulu sat down on a bench, Shay took a deep breath, preparing for the final stretch of his mission. But just as he was about to intervene—convinced Yuto was leaning in for a kiss—Shay tripped over a small step and tumbled to the ground with a loud thud.

Yuto and Lulu turned in surprise. "Shay!" Lulu rushed over, concern etched on her face.

Yuto chuckled as he helped Shay up. "Are you okay, buddy?"

Shay rubbed his sore head and mumbled, "Fine. Just fine."

Lulu exchanged a glance with Yuto, both trying to suppress their amusement. "Shay, why were you following us around all day?"

Shay hesitated, then blurted out, "Because... because I didn't want you two getting too... you know..."

Yuto and Lulu exchanged a knowing smile. Lulu gently patted Shay's shoulder. "It's sweet that you care, but I think I can handle myself."

Yuto nodded in agreement. "Shay, I promise I have nothing but respect for Lulu."

Shay sighed heavily, realizing he might have overreacted. "I guess... I guess I just worry about you, Lulu."

Lulu hugged her brother affectionately. "I know, Shay. But you have to trust me too."

Yuto grinned. "Besides, I think today was a blast, right?"

Lulu nodded enthusiastically. "It was! Thank you, Yuto, for showing me around."

Yuto blushed slightly. "Uh, no problem. Anytime."

As the sun began to set, Lulu gave Yuto a playful kiss on the cheek, causing him to turn even redder. Shay, witnessing the scene, couldn't help but smile despite himself.

Allen and Saya, who had been watching from a distance, approached with amused grins. "Well, looks like Shay's not the only one with a protective streak," Allen teased.

Saya nudged him gently. "It's nice to see them all getting along so well."

And so, with Shay's overprotectiveness slightly tempered and a newfound understanding between siblings and friends, they headed home, laughing and chatting about the day's adventures.