Starting With The Sefirah Castle In The Anime World

The next day arrived.

The date location was set near Tokyo Tower.

Since this was their first date, the plan was simple, shopping and getting to know each other better.

They were supposed to meet under Tokyo Tower.

By around nine o'clock, Ren was already waiting there.

"Amamiya, sorry for making you wait."

Before long, Sonoko arrived, dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit.

She wore a gray patterned sweater paired with blue jeans, a simple shoulder bag with no visible brand, and a pair of white sneakers. Her outfit was modest but undeniably cute.

Sonoko had always carried herself well. Aside from the signature headband on her head, she was almost on par with Ran in terms of appearance.

Noticing his expression, Sonoko smiled in satisfaction.

"Well? How do I look?"

"…Yeah, you look good."

"Pfft!"

His reaction was so innocent that Sonoko couldn't help but find it adorable.

She stepped forward and casually took his hand.

"Alright then, let's go."

"You have to keep me company for a full day of shopping."

"…Yeah."

Ren had never thought too deeply about dating.

He had always assumed that dating was just about accompanying girls while they shopped, going to various places, and satisfying their desire to go out.

But after spending more time with them, he realized dating was quite different from what he had imagined.

It wasn't about a girl just wanting to go out, it was about spending time together, gradually getting closer, and breaking the initial awkwardness.

Feelings weren't something that just appeared out of nowhere; they developed little by little.

"Amamiya, you know, you're actually pretty handsome."

"So today, I'm going to change your look."

"…Isn't today supposed to be a date?"

"It is a date! But even on a date, improving your appearance is important."

Sonoko was very particular about image.

And now was the perfect time to refine Ren's look.

"First, we need to fix your hairstyle."

"Your bangs are way too long. They cover half your face."

"You don't need a full haircut, but we should trim your bangs so people can actually see you."

"And then there's the issue of your glasses."

For a moment, she hesitated, her expression conflicted.

In the end, she shook her head slightly, dismissing her initial thought.

"You can keep wearing your glasses normally, but when you're on a date with me, you should switch to a different pair."

He could use glasses to avoid drawing attention in everyday situations, but when they were out together, she preferred he wear something she chose for him.

That way, he wouldn't be too easily recognized.

"Alright! Since I've decided, let's go. I know a great barbershop nearby."

Before Ren could even process it, Sonoko was already pulling him along by the hand toward a stylish barbershop on a side street near Tokyo Tower.

The exterior and interior decor were luxurious, but surprisingly, there weren't many customers inside.

As soon as they entered, a well-dressed, elegant woman approached with a warm smile.

"Miss Suzuki, it's been a while."

"Long time no see, Ms. Ono."

Sonoko smiled before gesturing to Amamiya Ren beside her.

"Today, I need you to give my friend a new hairstyle. Do you have time?"

Ms. Ono glanced at Ren, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes.

"My appointments start in the afternoon, so I have no bookings this morning."

"That's perfect. Please take care of his hairstyle for me."

"Of course. What would you like to do?"

"I'd like his bangs trimmed so they don't cover his entire face. And maybe a few small styling adjustments. I trust you to give him some guidance."

"No problem. Leave it to me."

Ren hadn't spoken a single word through the entire exchange.

Mostly because he had no idea what to say.

He wasn't used to dealing with strangers in situations like this.

Only after he sat down did his stiff posture relax a little.

Suddenly, a fingertip pressed against his cheek.

"Hehe~ Feeling overwhelmed?"

"…Not just overwhelmed. I feel completely stiff."

Sonoko giggled and playfully tapped his face a few more times.

"This is a very exclusive barbershop."

"They usually have a packed schedule and operate on a membership system. They only serve select clients."

In other words, this was a world reserved for the wealthy and influential.

"You really do bring me into a whole different world."

"…Are you seriously saying that?"

Sonoko rolled her eyes.

"I could say the same thing about you."

But that wasn't something she could say out loud.

Yesterday, Ran's words had completely shattered her worldview.

After learning about Ren's secret and Ran's diary, Sonoko had even started feeling like her identity as a wealthy heiress was nothing special.

As they spoke, Ms. Ono got to work.

She was highly skilled and had an excellent sense of aesthetics.

With precise movements, she quickly tidied up Ren's slightly messy hair.

His long bangs were gradually trimmed away, revealing more of his face.

And as his features became clearer, the transformation became obvious.

Without the thick lenses of his glasses, his face was no longer obscured.

His features weren't particularly round; his face was on the thinner side.

Because he didn't talk much, he naturally carried a slightly aloof expression, which gave him an air of quiet detachment.

"Oh~ Just as I thought."

Looking at Ren's refined and somewhat distant expression, Sonoko knew her instincts had been correct.

Ren's looks weren't any worse than Shinichi's.

In fact, his face had a distinct elegance to it.

Sonoko didn't know exactly where this quiet charm came from, but she could feel it.

***

Bonus Chp