Date Acceleration II (Complete)

Chapter 10

After a split second, what instantly expanded in Shido's field of vision was alimpid, boundless sunny sky. 

Shido then went on to bring Mukuro out into the world, Shido felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Mukuro, adorned in her radiant dress depicting starry constellations, would certainly attract too much attention. Recognizing this, he sought his sister Kotori's help. 

"Ah...... That's right. ——Kotori, I'll be borrowing some of your clothes."

"Eh? Ahh, what the heck. Go ahead." Kotori quickly approved, and Shido rummaged through her wardrobe for something suitable. He returned to Mukuro's side, handing her the clothes. "Mukuro, we'll be going outside for a walk after this, but your Astral Dress is too showy, so change into this instead——"

"Oh, all right." Mukuro responded, clapping her hands. To Shido's shock, her Astral Dress dissolved into particles of light, leaving her naked and unembarrassed, her white skin exposed. Shidou was left speechless, his eyes widening. "Wha...... M-Mukuro!?"

"Whereof is Nushi-sama abash'd? Wert we not bartering raiment? Deliver them hither." Mukuro had no qualms about her nudity. She examined the clothes from Kotori, attempting to put them on, but soon wrinkled her brows in frustration. 

"Nushi-sama, this garb is unbecoming. My chest aches."

Shido felt an overwhelming silence from Kotori on the other end of the earpiece, sensing her struggle to contain her emotions. 

"No, like I said...... That isn't for you to literally wear. Aren't Spirits able to duplicate something with their spiritual power just by seeing them once?"

"Ooh, so it is." Shido quickly turned away, allowing Mukuro to remove the clothing and transform it with her powers, creating an outfit that fit her perfectly. She smiled cheerfully, and Shidou felt relieved.

"Shall we set out, Ojou-sama?" he asked with a forced smile, taking her hand like a refined butler. "Hn, hehe," Mukuro giggled, and they exited the Itsuka residence together, hand in hand.

Fast forward six hours, Shido and Mukuro strolled through Tenguu City with the help of Ratatoskr. Their date was going splendidly; they explored various shops, enjoyed a meal, and visited an art gallery Mukuro cherished. Shido noted Mukuro's preference for quiet places, traditional Japanese cuisine over Western, and classic ornaments rather than modern accessories. To his surprise, she even pointed out an antique golden fan she admired in a jewelry store.

As dusk settled over the city, they found themselves on a bench in a relatively deserted park, with Mukuro happily showcasing her newly acquired fan and humming a tune. Shido couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment; they had built a bond, and Mukuro was opening up.

"——Not bad. Within this one day, Mukuro has substantially opened the door of her heart to Shido. He's just a step from sealing her now," Kotori noted in his ear.

"A-Aah......" Shido hesitated, glancing at the joyous Mukuro. "It's just that I'm bothered by why Mukuro would lock her heart away and stay alone in space for so long."

"However, the important one isn't the previous Mukuro, but the current one, right? There's never been a reason not to seal a Spirit's power," Kotori reminded him.

As he contemplated, Mukuro suddenly giggled beside him. "Now it is pronounced just as Nushi-sama foretold. To-day hath verily made Muku of good cheer."

"Haha...... I'm just glad you like it."

"Muku's heart rests in thy favor, Shido," she confessed, her playful demeanor giving way to sincerity.

"......! Ah, really......" Shidou's breath caught in his throat. Mukuro's charm was intoxicating, and she leaned closer, urging him to declare his feelings. "I love you, Mukuro."