4Seven years after the appearance of D-Reaper, the tamers have been separated from their Digimon for seven years. The lives of these children have returned to normal. They are no longer children; they have reached the age of 17, and Ryo is now 21 years old.
At that time, Ryo and his father decided to move and settle in Fukuoka, while the other tamers remained in Shinjuku.
Currently, Ryo is on a college break, and he misses his childhood friends. He has decided to spend his holiday in Shinjuku. Ryo stood at the train station in Shinjuku, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He had decided to visit his old friends, the tamers, after all these years. As he walked down the familiar streets, memories flooded back, reminding him of the adventures they had shared as children.
Making his way to the park, Ryo hoped to find at least one of his friends there. As he arrived, a voice called out, "Ryo! Is that really you?" Ryo turned to see Ruki Makino standing there, her crimson hair flowing in the wind.
A smile broke across his face as he approached Ruki. "Ruki, it's been so long," he said, his voice filled with warmth. Ruki's face softened, and she couldn't help but admit that she had missed their old teammate, despite their complicated relationship.
"Yeah, I guess it has," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. But deep down, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him.
As Ryo observed Ruki, he couldn't help but notice how she had blossomed into a more feminine version of herself. Her once tomboyish appearance had transformed into a graceful elegance that radiated confidence. Her crimson hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, framing her delicate features. The years had been kind to her, and Ryo found himself captivated by her stunning transformation.
"You look amazing, Ruki," Ryo complimented sincerely, his voice filled with admiration. A genuine smile brightened her face, and a blush tinged her cheeks.
"Thanks" she replied, gratitude evident in her voice. " what have you been up to all these years?"
Ryo began recounting his adventures and experiences, unable to tear his gaze away from Ruki. The way she listened attentively made his heart skip a beat, reigniting the familiar connection they had once shared. Time seemed to fade away as they reminisced about their unforgettable memories together as teammates, reliving the exhilarating battles and victories that had shaped them.
As they laughed at old stories, Ryo's heart filled with a mixture of joy, nostalgia, and longing. He knew deep down that his feelings for Ruki had never truly faded, despite the complicated nature of their relationship. But he also understood that timing was crucial, especially after all the time they had spent apart.
Lost in the moment, Ryo reached out instinctively, gently tucking a strand of hair behind Ruki's ear. Their eyes met, an electric spark passing between them. The gravity of their unspoken emotions hung in the air, and the world around them seemed to disappear.
"I've missed you, Ruki," Ryo whispered, his voice filled with pent-up emotions. "not just as a teammate."
Ruki's breath hitched, her heart echoing his sentiment. With a sudden surge of self-consciousness, Ruki gently pulled away from Ryo's touch and averted her gaze, drawing an invisible line between them.
Awkwardness filled the air as they sat there, unsure of what to say next. "How about your father, Ryo? Is he fine?'', Ruki asked awkwardly.
Ryo let out a soft chuckle, relieved that Ruki was trying to shift the tension in the air. He knew she had always been perceptive and quick on her feet. "Well," he began, a playful glint in his eyes, "my father is still the same workaholic he always was. He's been pushing me to take over the family business, as usual."
Ruki raised an eyebrow, curious about Ryo's response. "And what about your dreams? Do they align with your father's expectations?"
Ryo leaned back, contemplating his answer. "Honestly, I've been having some doubts. While I understand the importance of the family business, I also want to explore my own passions and find my own path. It's a tough decision to make, but I guess that's what university is for, right? To figure things out."
Ruki nodded, empathizing with his predicament. "University life must be keeping you busy, then. Any interesting classes or events you've been a part of?"
Ryo's eyes lit up as he spoke about his university experiences. He shared stories of late-night study sessions, passionate discussions with classmates, and even the occasional party they attended. Ruki couldn't help but be captivated by his enthusiasm and the way his smile seemed to light up the room.
As they continued their conversation, the awkwardness from before slowly faded away, replaced by a comfortable familiarity.
Their conversations flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and shared memories. Ruki even found herself opening up about her own aspirations and dreams, something she rarely did. The more they talked, the more she realized how much they truly understood each other.
Hours flew by as they lost track of time, engrossed in their conversation. It felt as if they were two old friends catching up after years apart.
Eventually, Ryo glanced at his watch, breaking the bubble they had created. "Wow, time really got away from us, didn't it?" he said with a sheepish grin.
Ryo's sheepish grin grew wider as he realized how much he enjoyed spending time with Ruki. He took a deep breath, mustering up the nerve to ask her for her phone number.
"Hey, Ruki," he began, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Would it be alright if I asked for your phone number?"
A blush crept up Ruki's cheeks as she nodded, mirroring his smile. "Sure"
They exchanged phone numbers, making a silent promise to nurture the newfound connection they had stumbled upon. With this simple act, their casual encounter transformed into something more meaningful.
As they left the park, Ryo insisted on walking Ruki home. The night had grown chilly, and Ryo wanted to ensure she reached her doorstep safely. They strolled through the quiet streets, their steps drawn closer together.
The air crackled with excitement, both of them feeling the magnetic pull of unspoken possibilities. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring them together, guiding their steps to intertwine in a moment of serendipity.
Ryo's eyes were gentle and reassuring as he checked in every five minutes to ensure Ruki wasn't feeling cold. She laughed, insisting that she was fine, but secretly relishing in the attention and concern he showered upon her.
Before they knew it, they stood at Ruki's front door, bathed in the warm glow of the porch light. They exchanged lingering gazes, neither willing to let the night end just yet.
"Thank you for walking me home, Ryo," Ruki whispered softly, her words laden with unspoken desires.
Ryo smiled, his eyes sparkling with affection. "The pleasure was all mine, goodnight my queen"