Miki was sitting on a bench, wearing the unknown man's trench coat. It was a bit dark so the passers-by really didn't notice or mind her, even if her crossed legs were bared to get attention. Kuroneko was asleep on her lap. She patted the cat's head gently.
"I can't remember the last time I played with a cat. But the name of the last one I played with was named Takitty ehehehe. I still can't believe that all this is happening." she said.
The man arrived, carrying a couple of shopping bags.
"What took you so long? I was getting cold." she said.
"You should know that it's my first time to shop for a girl's clothes... and underwear! You should have seen how those women looked at me when I was in the underwear section."
"Serves you right. At least you did it for me. You should be honored."
"Right." he said as he gave the bags to Miki. Miki checked out the goods then looked at him.
"Where'd you get these?"
"Why? They're too cheap for you?"
"No, no. Actually, these are quite expensive. I wanted to buy some of these before but if I did, I wouldn't be able to buy an extra Wii controller. Thanks a lot."
"Did I hear you correctly?"
"What? About the Wii controller? Yeah, mine got broken because I have alternative uses for it, if you catch my drift."
"No, the last part. But please tell me that you don't use that controller as a...."
"Ha! I know how to show gratitude too if that's what you're asking. Unless, you were expecting me to show it in another way." Miki said as she flashed her bare shoulder. "You can play with my Wii if you take me home."
"Now that you have clothes, why don't you change."
"And let them vanish again? No way! I'm taking these home. I'll wear your coat till I get there so you have no choice but to go to my place." she said as she stood up. "I don't have shoes."
"There are shoes inside the other bag."
"I told you I'm not wearing them, even the shoes."
"So what do you expect me to do? Carry you on my back?"
Miki answered him with a dagger look.
"You've got to be kidding me."
***
"Careful with your fingers. They might go somewhere."
Miki was on his back. Her hands were on his shoulders and his hands were in you know where. Kuroneko was following them.
"I guess that's what you wanted in the first place."
"Haha. You know me too well. By the way, you haven't told me your name yet...hey, that tickles."
"You should have worn at least underwear you know."
"Nah I'm used to this. Remember the costume for the LU LU LU PV? I wasn't wearing anything else waist down.
"I haven't seen it."
"Really? So what PVs have you seen? Thanks? Melodies?"
"None of those."
"What about Morning Musume PVs?"
"Nope."
"Don't tell me you only watch Berryz Koubou or C-ute PVs"
"Actually..."
"Hah! You're a loli lover! I knew it!"
"I don't have time to watch PVs. I have other things better to do."
"Like?"
"..."
"Fine. If you don't want to talk about it. What's your name by the way?"
"Ryoma."
"That's a nice name."
"Thanks."
"Faster, faster Ryoma! You're hurting me, Ryoma! Fill me up with your...ehehe. It has a nice ring to it."
"I almost dropped you, you crazy woman!"
"I'm not crazy. I was just kidding. But tell me, you liked that one, didn't you?"
"You sure kid a lot. Maybe that's why those younger girls don't really see you as leader material."
"I never was a team player anyway. I didn't choose to be in that group. Just like what happened today. I didn't want to be in that show. Tsunku had everything going behind my back. Everything that happens to me was not my decision. I hate it."
"I see."
"But if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have met you. So I'm a bit grateful."
"You say you weren't given a choice before."
"Yes."
"I'm giving you one now..."
"What? Missionary or do..."
"No."
"Then what?"
"Please tell me Fujimoto Miki, do you want to be a Rider or not?"
"I...I'm...I'm not sure..."
"Don't worry. I'll give you time to think. I don't want you to do something that's against your will. Being a Rider will be hard, and for someone like you, it will be a burden. Saving lives is a difficult task but I believe that you can do it. I was surprised why Kuroneko chose you but he trusts you so I have to do the same.You look and act rough outside but I know that you have a kind heart beneath that tough exterior. Don't worry, I won't think badly of you if you refuse. You will still be Fujimoto Miki. Well, we're here. This is your place right?"
"R..right. You can put me down now."
The door of Miki's apartment opened and out came Aya.
"Miki! Where have you been? I was so worried! I went to the studio as soon as I heard the news. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"What happened to you? Where are your clothes? And who's that guy?"
"Umm. My clothes got burned during the fire. He was the one who helped me. He's mine. I mean, his name is Ryoma."
"Thank you for helping Miki." Aya said as she bowed. "Nice to meet you. Hey you're pretty cute."
"Thank you and nice to meet you too. But to tell you the truth, she was the real hero today, not me. Please think about what I've said, Fujimoto-san. I will be going now. You can keep the coat." he said
After 2 seconds...
Miki grabbed Ryoma's arm.
"I've thought about it."
"Isn't it a bit too fast?"
"No."
"Are you sure about it?"
"I'm not sure what this is really about yet but my answer is yes. I'm going to do it. I'm going to save lives. I'm going to help others. But I won't be able to do it by myself so I need you and Kuroneko's help. You'll have to tell me everything about it tomorrow, okay?"
"Fujimoto-san..."
"Besides, I might not be able to see you again if I let you go now. Plus, I don't want to keep this jacket of yours. It's itchy."
"Fine. I'll take it once you change."
"Now why don't you join me and Ayaya inside so we can play with my Wii…"