Moran

So... today has finally come.

Wait, it's today, right? I didn't get it mixed up, right?

Okay, today's the day for sure!

Hang on, what am I supposed to do at the movie theater again?

I'm sure I looked it up, but I've already forgotten! Gosh, I'm an idiot!

I know I searched like this... Ah, there it is.

Let's see... First, take advantage of the darkness to hold the other person's hand.

Second, lean on them during an emotional scene.

Third, if there's a scary scene, jump into that person's—

What's got you staring so hard?

Agh!

Y-you! When did you get here?!

Just now.

And don't start on me about the knocking.

I kept at it, but you didn't answer, so I just came in. Figured something might've happened.

Well, well... Looks like something's happening today, huh?

Is today your little date? No wonder you've been grinning—

N-n-n-no!!

What do you mean "no"? You've been counting down the days for a while now.

Every day, you ask what day it is.

And c'mon, Moran, this is your first date.

Hey! How'd you know that?!

How could I not know?

I can read you like a book.

...

Sometimes when I look at you, you remind me of my mom.

... Sorry, but I don't want a daughter like you.

A daughter like Sakura, though... Now we're talking...

What?!

Get over here! I'll teach you a lesson!

Anyway, Moran... since it's your very first date, you're not seriously going out like that, are you?

!

Wh-what?! What's wrong with it?

Do I... not look good?

It's not that... You just look like you always do.

No!

I spent a very long time washing myself today!

I even put on scented body lotion!

And... and I put on something called lip... lip gloss too!

I can't tell at all, Moran.

You gotta wear something that really stands out.

Don't you have a pretty dress or something?

No...

Oh, come on. Really?

If you don't believe me, have a look for yourself.

Wow... how do you have a closet full of the exact same outfit...?

I get that you have a signature look, but this is practically a uniform...

I know, you don't have to say anything.

I was thinking about getting some new clothes not too long ago,

but I kept feeling like maybe it'd be too much.

And then when I actually tried to pick something, I had no clue what to choose.

You should've asked me or the others.

How could I ask such a thing? It's embarrassing.

What time's your date?

12.

You've only got 20 minutes left. It's too late to go buy new clothes now.

So just wear that and get going.

That...?

What do you mean?

You want me... to wear this?

How could I wear this?!

You guys bought it for me!

Yeah, we got it for you to wear.

Can't say I've ever seen you do that, though.

I...!

If I wear it around, it might get ruined.

And besides, it just doesn't seem right for the boss of the Peony Association to be seen wearing something like this...

That's the point, Moran.

You're not showing up as the Peony Association's boss.

And like I told you, dates are all about standing out.

Put your hair up, stick that pin in, and head out.

That cadet of yours is gonna love it.

But I have no idea how to use this.

At this rate, Moran, you're gonna be late!

Hurry up and take it with you!

...

No, I just don't think he'll like something like this...

...

Well, might as well give it a try.

?!

Ack!

Wh-where did it go...?

Oh no!

...

Ugh, it's ruined...

This is exactly why I didn't want to wear it out...

I wore it to look good for... err, I mean...

It's a gift from my subordinates for... uh...

Ugggh, how am I supposed to explain this?!

... All right.

!

How'd you know?

... Yeah, you're right.

It's precious to me.

W-wait!

Is that really okay?

We already got the movie tickets,

and it's the one you said you liked, right, Cadet?

Huh?

*Sniff*

But... our first date...

No, you're right... But still, our first date...

I swear I'll pay you back someday.

Let's go!

So this is your room?

Why are we here?

You?

... Thank you, Cadet.

Is there anything I can do to help?

Anything at all, just say the word!

That's easy enough! Leave it to me!

Here you go!

It's fine. Just take your time.

Yeah, that's right. It's a peony.

It's a hairpin.

Um... Cadet?

I'm sorry I didn't explain myself properly earlier.

My underlings gave me this as a gift when I officially became the boss.

They didn't have a penny to their name, but they scraped together enough to buy it.

They said, "It's a peony for the Peony Association!"

and handed it to me.

Back then, I couldn't really show it,

but I was so happy.

It felt like I was truly being recognized as the boss.

Honestly, I kept wondering what would happen if I couldn't live up to the role.

Deep down, I was so worried.

You know how it is...

In front of the guys, I shout and act all confident, but inside... I'm trembling.

Yeah, that used to happen a lot.

But after I got this, I started feeling more confident.

Guess that's why it's so precious to me.

It's like proof that my subordinates really trust me.

You know... I've never actually worn this before.

That's part of the reason, too.

If I were to wear it, it wouldn't stay 100% intact.

It probably would've broken soon after I got it, anyway.

You know how rough we can be in the Peony Association, haha.

I have a bigger reason...

It's, uh... kind of embarrassing.

Th-think about it!

I'm the boss of the Peony Association.

I need to be overflowing with charisma,

but this is so... big and eye-catching...

How am I supposed to go around with a pretty flower hairpin in my hair?!

My subordinates would think I'm completely ridiculous!

So I've just been keeping it in a drawer...

But today, well... it's a special day.

Hm? What is it?

What...? Huh?

Wh-wh-what?!

Y-you saw me wearing this?!

Ahh... Y-you did...?

!!!

You can't just say that out of nowhere...!

My heart... It's beating way too fast!

Ugh...

I can't... I'm so embarrassed!

S-stop...! If you say any more, I'll really—

I said stop—Huh?

You fixed it, Cadet!

Wow, you're really good with your hands.

You did such a good job.

Huh? Why not?

Oh, I didn't know.

Phew... I'm so relieved.

Thank you. Thank you so much, Cadet.

I truly...

I swear I'll repay you for this someday—

How?

Got something in mind?

Just say the word. I'll do whatever you want!

Huh? But isn't it too late to watch it now?

"See what you're fighting for;"

"See what we're all fighting for."

"Then there's no fear you can't overcome."

...

Ack!

N-nothing. It's really nothing!

...

*Sigh* How am I supposed to do this sort of thing?

I don't have it in me.

"Dun da dun, da dun ♪"

"L-look over there!"

A-an emotional scene...!

Now's my chance.

Uh, um, n-no!

It's nothing at all!

"Rat-tat-tat-tat!"

A-ahhh!

Th-that was a scary scene...!

No, I mean... um...

Ahh... Ahhhh...!

C-Cadet...! What are you...?

Wh-where do you think... your hands are going?

I-I-I-I...

Ngh!

Uh... ahh!

W-w-wait!

A-at least give me a... w-warning!

Ahh... ngh...

...!

No, this time I'm gonna do it!

...

Can I... do it one more time?

It's over...

I-it was fun!

Especially the boom! And the rat-tat-tat!

And the kablamo!

...

... Sorry. I couldn't focus on it.

R-really? Why not?

Wh-whoa!

Th-the hairpin you fixed should be ready now, right?

I'll go get it!

So this glue turns transparent when it dries!

It looks like new!

Thanks, Cadet!

Um... Cadet.

I know it's a bit much, but could I ask you for one more favor?

Well...

Could you help me put this in my hair?

As you saw earlier, I tried doing it myself,

but I guess I'm just not good with my hands, so it didn't work.

I don't usually do anything with my hair, so I don't really understand the tutorials.

So, would you help me?

I-I'm ready, Cadet.

You can start.

Eek!

Ngh!

Ahhh, s-stop it!

C-Cadet!

Are you trying to start something?!

Mm...

P-please do.

...

Cadet, I'm really... sorry and grateful for today.

I know it's a bit late to say this, but today was my first date.

So... I-I was nervous, excited, and all over the place.

I tried to prepare for everything,

but in the end, nothing went according to plan.

Even so, you kept stepping in, guiding me, taking care of me.

This day could have been a total mess, but it turned out to be something really wonderful.

How should I put it...? You were so cool today.

You felt not like a cadet, but like a captain!

I... really wanted to tell you this.

Ha, haha! I'm so glad I finally could.

It's a bit easier to talk like this, with my back turned.

I-if I face you... our eyes meet, right?

Every time that happens, it feels like my heart might burst.

C-cute? Me?!

Hmm... That's strange.

Even after hearing you say that, my pride isn't hurt at all.

I'm actually... happy.

Maybe it's because when I'm with you, I can forget being the boss and just be Moran.

No, maybe it's because I'm just a woman...

Ugh...

Even with my back turned, my heart's starting to race.

You're way too good at talking.

R-really?

Do I look okay?

Ha, hahaha.

Thank you, Cadet.

Since you said it looked really good on me, I really wanted to wear it and show you.

...

Um, so...

Can we meet like this again next time?

I'll really make sure I'm prepared

as a boss... no, no,

as myself!

...!

Great!

I'll continue to cherish...

both this hairpin and you.