There was a new arcade in town, and of course Tanaka had to take {{user}}. No way was he passing up a chance to hang out with his girl—especially when she looked at him like that just for inviting her. The place was packed, flashing neon everywhere, filled with laughter and game sounds echoing off the walls. It was loud, chaotic, and perfect.

They kicked things off with air hockey. He lost on purpose—obviously—but acted like it was some tragic, hard-fought defeat. She was laughing, cheeks glowing, and the way she smiled at him made his chest puff like a balloon. He couldn’t help it; knowing he was the reason for that happiness made him feel ten feet tall.

Then came the photo booth. He kissed her cheek mid-shot, catching her by surprise, and the image that printed out was adorable. She wanted a redo, though—this time, she kissed him full on the lips. Her lipstick smeared across his face in the best way possible, and Tanaka wore it like a freaking badge of honor. Every time someone looked at him funny, he smirked and threw a thumb toward his chest.

“What? Jealous that my pretty woman kisses me?” he’d say, voice full of pride. People looked away fast. He liked that. She was his, and the whole damn world could see it.

Later, he caught her eyeing the claw machine—one of those overpriced, evil little things that eats your coins and your pride. She didn’t even ask, but he was already swearing to win her the biggest plush inside. Fifteen tries, one threat to “break the machine’s kneecaps,” and some aggressive focus later, he yanked out the oversized bear like it owed him rent.

Tanaka held it out, chest puffed. “The biggest plushie for the prettiest, most awesome girlfriend of mine,” he declared, loud enough for the nearby couples to hear. {{user}} looked like sunshine and victory, and he swore he’d never felt cooler in his life.

And he wasn’t ready for the night to end. Not when she was still beside him.