February in Tokyo was often one of the coldest months before finally gradually transitioning toward spring at the end of the month or early March. The night air felt piercing, although the city lights and crowds tried to warm it up.
At 6:30 PM, in Setagaya District, Tokyo.
Right at the North Exit of Sangenjaya Station, under the dim glow of streetlights, Naoki stood waiting for his date to arrive.
Although this was his first date in this second life, he chose not to appear excessive. Naoki looked far more normal compared to other urban youths; he wore a thick black unbranded jacket, a plain short-sleeved shirt as an inner layer, comfortable black sweatpants, and high-top sneakers.
Technically, his appearance seemed simple, but his handsome face was still hard to hide behind the jacket collar.
And that handsomeness was what drew attention.
"Hey, look at that... So handsome."
Two young girls, possibly college-aged, who were passing nearby, suddenly slowed their pace. They looked at each other, then smiled mischievously.
In the current matriarchal era, social norms had completely reversed. Women were the proactive party, and hitting on men in public had become commonplace. Soon after, two young girls in fashionable clothes approached Naoki with smiles full of intent.
"Hey, handsome!" one of them greeted warmly. "All alone? We're going to karaoke. Want to join? It'll be fun!"
"Hello, handsome. All by yourself? How about coming with us to karaoke? We'll pay, you know." One of the girls invited while trying to touch Naoki's arm.
Naoki gently pulled his arm away and answered politely. "Sorry, I'm waiting for someone. Thanks for the offer."
However, that rejection actually offended them. In a world where men were the lower caste, rejection was considered an insult to female authority.
"Who are you waiting for? A girlfriend? Impossible to be on a date in those shabby clothes, right?" The girl's gaze swept over Naoki's simple clothing with slight contempt.
"Don't be arrogant. Just come along, we won't hurt you." The other girl forced while roughly pulling Naoki's jacket collar.
Previously, in this world with its social hierarchy, as an ordinary man, Naoki might have felt trapped and helpless in a situation like this. Fighting back against women in public could result in serious legal problems for a man. However, after receiving the Peach blessing, why should he endure this humiliation?
His previously neutral face turned cold. His dark red eyes narrowed, and a barely visible dangerous aura began to emanate. He was ready to say something, or perhaps do something more tangible.
But that wasn't necessary.
*SRING!*
A portal opened and closed in an instant. Tenka appeared with the grace of a predator, placing both hands on the girls' shoulders.
"Ne~" A voice sweet yet filled with something that made hair stand on end, was heard in their ears. "What business do you have with my boyfriend?"
Both girls froze. Their courage instantly shrank when they realized who was standing behind them. Not just because of her extraordinary beauty, but because of the strong aura indicating that Tenka was a Peach eater. After all, they were both just ordinary civilians.
Although the percentage of Japanese women who obtained Peaches was far higher compared to any other country, Peaches were still a rare commodity that wasn't just given to every woman.
Only those who had certain potential or positions could get them. In fact, many women remained ordinary citizens without superpowers.
"S-Sorry! We didn't know! Please forgive us!" they screamed in unison, their faces turning pale instantly.
Without waiting for an answer, they bowed deeply and hurriedly fled into the station crowd, leaving Naoki and Tenka alone.
Tenka watched them leave, then the smile on her face turned warm and genuine as she looked at Naoki.
"Sorry I'm late, Naoki-kun~ It seems leaving a man like you alone in public is quite dangerous for women's heart health."
Naoki sighed, a small smile finally appearing on his lips. "It's okay. In fact, you arrived just in time for a dramatic rescue scene."
Tenka laughed lightly, then naturally linked her arm with Naoki's. "Let's start our date. Tonight, I'm putting all control in your hands."
Naoki had planned this date with careful consideration. Their first destination was Carrot Tower, the iconic building in Sangenjaya that was only a few minutes' walk away. They both immediately went up to the 26th floor to the Sky Carrot Observatory.
This observatory was famous for being free and offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo, with the mighty Mount Fuji in the distance on clear days.
On a night like this, although Mount Fuji was invisible, the countless city lights created a glittering ocean of artificial stars, a calm and very intimate atmosphere to start a conversation.
As soon as they arrived at the observatory floor, Tenka walked to the wide glass. She stood still for a moment, gazing at the cityscape spreading below her.
"So beautiful..."
After a while, Tenka glanced at Naoki beside her, their fingers already tightly interlaced without realizing it.
"Honestly, Naoki-kun... I've seen panoramas far more magnificent than this from the top of Tokyo Tower and Kyoto Tower. In comparison, this place might seem ordinary."
She turned her face completely toward Naoki, a small meaningful smile appearing on her lips.
"But strangely, tonight I feel far happier here. Even though the view isn't that spectacular." Tenka looked into Naoki's dark red eyes. "Is this because you're by my side? Is this what they call the feeling more meaningful when with someone special? That wherever we are, or whatever we do, everything feels more satisfying compared to being alone?"
Suddenly, Naoki slapped his own forehead. "Oh yeah! How could I miss something this important."
Tenka raised her eyebrow, looking curious. "Naoki-kun forgot something?"
"Yeah. I forgot to give you the most basic compliment. Tenka." Naoki looked at her directly, with clear sincerity, "You look very, very beautiful tonight. So different from when you wear your military uniform. Very captivating."
Tenka's face brightened slightly, her smile becoming sweeter. "Fufufu... Glad to hear it~ My effort getting ready for an hour wasn't in vain, then."
As a mature woman aged 21, she didn't react with the excessive shyness of a high school girl. She accepted that compliment with confidence.
Moreover, in this inverted societal order, it was very rare for women to maintain their feminine side in front of men. Instead, the majority of women were actually dominant and cold.
They then walked slowly along the observatory, looking for a more private viewpoint while still enjoying the scenery. Besides them, there were several other couples also on dates. However, what Naoki saw from some of those couples actually made him somewhat uncomfortable.
He saw several men who acted "spineless" with very submissive gestures resembling sissies, while their women behaved like tomboys and were rough.
(Compared to Tenka whose personality still has the gentleness of a normal woman like in my previous life, these other women are far from the image of a virtuous wife desired by the majority of men) Naoki thought to himself. He felt very grateful to have won Tenka's heart.