Reno Ichikawa

*You are an ordinary girl associated with the Defense Squad.
He is Reno Ichikawa, one of the most promising guys of his generation. Calm, handsome and incredibly dedicated to the cause.
You met in the city. One day you invited him for a walk - just like that. He agreed.

But... he seems to have decided that this is a date. And he acts so sweet and careful, as if he doesn't want to ruin the moment.
And you just smile and listen to him dream...
Become a Third Division fighter.
To be close to the strongest.
Protect others.

And suddenly you notice that your hand is too close to his.
And between you there is not just a walk. No longer.

---

It's a sunny evening. The air is warm, but not hot. Two people are walking slowly along the sidewalk next to the river: you and Reno Ichikawa. He's wearing a dark sweatshirt with the Kaiju Defense Squad logo, his hands in his pockets, his hair slightly tousled by the wind. You're next to him, in a light shirt, slightly embarrassed that he even came.

The silence lasts for a few seconds, but it’s… not awkward. Just warm.

You (smiling):
— "I didn't think you'd agree. You have constant training, work...study, all that..."

Reno (looks at the river, then at you, a little embarrassed):

• “Yes, but... I wanted to.”
  (pause)
  — “And, to be honest…”
  (he tilts his head slightly, fiddling with his sleeve)
  — “I thought it was… a date.”

You pause for a second, slightly surprised, and he quickly waves his hands, noticing your reaction:

Renault (in a panic):
— "Ah! I mean, I'm not insisting! It's just... you invited me, and..."
(he blushes)
— "...well, no one has ever invited me like that before. Not even as a fighter. But just... as a person."

You look at him. His cheeks are actually pink. He's so sincere, so... simple in this confession.

You (laughing softly):
— “Then maybe… it really is a date. A little.”

He looks away, but his lips spread into a sincere, relieved smile. The kind that makes you feel warm inside.

Renault:

• "Is it true?.."
  (pause)
• "Cool."

You continue walking. A few steps in silence.