Early in the morning, just before 6 a.m.,
Today was the first day Gintoki woke up early without having any work.
He didn't even know why. Was he excited? Not really. Couldn't sleep? Nope, he slept like a log last night.
He scratched his head in confusion.
"Oh well, I'm already awake. Might as well just lay around and wait for the time to pass."
In another recovery room, The sound of a phone alarm went off, causing the girl on the bed to stir awake.
Saya slowly opened her eyes, adjusting to the light as she reached out to turn off the alarm. She glanced at the time on the top-right corner of the screen—7 a.m. As she pushed herself up from bed, the doctor happened to walk in at the same time.
"You're up early today."
"Ehe, I was thinking of going out right after getting discharged, so…"
"Going out with Gintoki? Where to?" the doctor asked while putting on a stethoscope.
"I don't know what the place is called, but I know it has lots of beautiful cherry blossom trees."
"Oh, sounds like a nice place! Makes me want to go too. Alright, take a deep breath in slowly." The doctor placed the stethoscope on her chest to check her internal condition.
"Everything seems normal. Looks like you've recovered well." Saya beamed brightly upon hearing that.
"As for the other wounds, you'll need to go in for weekly cleanings until they're fully healed. I'll write you a medical certificate."
"Okay!"
After finishing the check-up and getting her documents, Saya quickly got herself ready for the outing she was so eager for.
But because of her still-healing external wounds, it took her a while to finish showering.
Once she was all set, she headed straight for Gintoki's recovery room—only to find him already dressed, napping on the bed.
"Hey, wake up already," she said, nudging his cheek gently.
"Mmm… You're ready?"
"Uh-huh." Gintoki sat up, letting his eyes scan her from head to toe.
Today, Saya wore something different than usual: a cream cropped shirt, a short black skirt above the knee, black boots, and a high ponytail. Her makeup was minimal—just a hint of pink on her lips.
She looked beautiful… and pretty well-endowed, too.
Thwack!
"OW! Why'd you hit me?! I'm still injured, y'know!"
"Why were you staring at my boobs?"
"It was an accident! Can't I apologize?"
"Ugh, whatever. Can we go now?"
"Yeah, sure." They made their way down to the parking lot.
Yesterday, Gintoki had asked Shinpachi and Kagura to drop the bike off early so they could ride to the cherry blossom park today—because if they had to walk, they'd get there tomorrow.
Gintoki put on his helmet and handed the other one to Saya. Just as she was about to get on the bike, she frowned at it.
"What's wrong? Why aren't you getting on?"
"I forgot I'm wearing a skirt… I can't sit properly like this." Saya pouted and poked at her skirt like a sulky kid.
"Do you have any pants with you?" Saya shook her head.
Gintoki sighed, got off the bike, and pulled down the kickstand.
"No choice, then." He unbuckled his belt and took off the outer layer of his yukata.
"Hold your arms out." Saya blinked but obeyed. Gintoki wrapped the yukata around her waist like a cover-up.
Now that they were close, she noticed something she hadn't before: Gintoki's face was really quite handsome. Sharp jawline, high nose bridge… She couldn't resist reaching out to touch it.
"What are you doing? Groping me?" Saya giggled and gave his cheek a playful pinch.
"You're really handsome, you know." Gintoki raised an eyebrow and struck a little pose.
"Am I? I've been handsome since birth, actually." That made Saya immediately stop smiling and give him a weird look.
"What? Why're you looking at me like that?"
"Shouldn't have complimented you." She climbed onto the bike and scooted to the back seat. Gintoki followed, grumbling.
"What's her problem… I was just telling the truth."
"Stop whining and go already." Once they were seated, he started the engine.
"Hold on tight, or you'll fall."
"Where should I hold?" Saya flashed him a cheeky grin.
"Up to you." A pair of hands gripped his shoulders, making Gintoki frown and glance back.
"Why not my waist?"
"Well, you said it's up to me."
"You'll fall holding like that. Just hug my waist." He took her hands and wrapped them around his waist.
"Then why give me a choice to begin with?"
"I didn't think you'd be this clueless."
"Alright, let's go."
"Yeah, about time. You talk too much."
"You little—!" Gintoki revved the bike and took off a little too fast, making Saya nearly fall backward. She smacked his back in retaliation.
Meanwhile, behind one of the hospital buildings… A small group of people had been secretly watching them since the two stepped outside.
"Come on, let's go already!"
"Are we really doing this?"
"Stop talking and move! If you're not coming, I'll go with Big Sis instead!"
"Let's follow them before we lose sight!"
"Woof!"
"Sigh… fine, whatever."
The road to the cherry blossom park was quite long.
The park they were heading to was over 80 kilometers away from Edo—practically crossing a prefecture.
They pulled into a gas station to refuel. As soon as Saya got off the bike, she stretched and twisted her body to relieve the stiffness.
"Ugh, so sore…"
"Well, yeah. And we've still got more than 40 kilometers to go," Gintoki replied.
"You're not sore, Gin-san?"
"Of course I am. That's why I stopped to take a break."
Saya turned to look at the silver-haired man busy refueling the scooter. He noticed her stare and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Sorry… for asking you to come this far," she mumbled.
He reached out and gently ruffled her hair. "Don't make that pouty face. I'm the one who promised your brother, remember? If I didn't come, who else would?"
Saya still pouted, and Gintoki couldn't resist pinching her cheek.
"Come on, don't sulk. I wanted to come too. Riding a bike across a prefecture is no big deal."
"Hmmph."
"Alright, let's go before the place gets too crowded." The silver scooter sped down a smaller road—a shortcut to their destination, saving time and distance.
Meanwhile, the three people and one creature who had secretly followed them had already fallen behind. Sadaharu had to run on foot, eventually collapsing halfway from exhaustion. Now, they were likely resting or bickering somewhere.
As they crossed into Yamanashi Prefecture, unfamiliar yet scenic roads surrounded them. Blue waters stretched out on both sides of the path, prompting Saya to pull out her phone for a picture.
"So pretty…"
"Told you."
"Looking at this… makes me want to move here."
"Then do it. We could visit often." Saya squinted suspiciously at Gintoki's back and gave him a light smack.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"You planned this route, didn't you?"
"What plan? Don't make stuff up. I brought us this way 'cause it's shorter, that's all."
Saya didn't believe him and opened the map app on her phone. "What's the name of the park we're going to?"
"Why?"
"Just tell me!"
"You're the one who told me, remember?"
"I forgot. Come on, tell meee!" She shook his shoulders and the front of the bike, making it wobble slightly.
"Saya! Cut it out, you'll make us crash!" She immediately sat still, lips pouting again.
"Okay, okay… I'll stop." Halfway there, they stopped at a convenience store for another break.
Saya sat on a step outside while Gintoki went inside to buy snacks. "Hey, young lady. Are you Gin-san's girlfriend?"
She turned toward the voice and saw an elderly local man smiling at her.
"Oh, um… no. Just someone he knows."
"Really? Then what brings you two all the way out here? Business?"
"We're visiting the cherry blossom park."
"Sounds like a date to me."
"Uhh… well…" That question threw her off. It was kind of a date, but if she said it out loud, she worried Gintoki might be embarrassed or get the wrong idea.
"Hey, long time no see, old man." Just then, Gintoki stepped out of the store, right on cue.
"Well, if it isn't Gin-san! You doing okay?"
"Yeah, all good."
"Heading out on a date with your girlfriend, huh?"
Saya whipped her head toward the old man. I just said I wasn't!!
"Yeah, it's a date—but she's not my girlfriend yet."
WHAT?!
She turned her head so fast toward Gintoki it might've popped off. "Not your girlfriend yet? So she's your… what, your 'talking stage' girl?"
"Well… I guess you could call it that." Saya furrowed her brows even more. Since when am I his 'talking stage'?!
Wait… what even is a "talking stage"?
After they got back on the bike, Saya was still deep in thought, trying to make sense of that conversation.
Gintoki noticed her confused expression through the rear-view mirror.
"What's with the face? Something bothering you?"
"What exactly does 'talking stage' mean… Gin-san?"
At that, Gintoki slammed the brakes so suddenly she almost knocked into him.
"You seriously don't know?" Saya shook her head.
Gintoki smacked his own forehead. "You have internet on your phone, right? Look it up."
And with that, he twisted the throttle and resumed the ride. Saya fumbled to type into the search bar, then tapped the first result she saw and began reading.
"The 'talking stage' refers to the period where two people are getting to know each other before officially becoming a couple…"
Wait a second…
Her brain processed the information.
So when he said she was in the "talking stage," that meant… he was thinking of her that way? That the two of them were… seeing where things might go?
Once the realization hit her, she considered bonking her forehead against his broad back.
But on second thought—nah. He'd probably scold her again.
They finally arrived at their destination—though a bit behind schedule, they were still within the planned time. The moment Gintoki's feet touched the ground, he twisted his back and stretched to ease the stiffness. In contrast, the petite girl beside him wasted no time. The second her feet hit the ground, she darted straight into the cherry blossom garden without waiting for him.
"Hey, where do you think you're rushing off to? The cherry trees aren't going anywhere," Gintoki muttered, slipping back into the yukata Saya had handed him.
"They're so beautiful! Look, Gintoki!"
"Yeah, yeah, I see it." He followed her to an open area, scanning his surroundings. It wasn't crowded today—probably because it was a weekday. That suited him just fine; he wasn't a fan of being packed in with strangers.
When he caught up, he stood next to Saya, who was gazing at the stream lined with cherry trees on both sides.
"Wow~"
She looked completely thrilled. Since they got off the bus, she hadn't stopped taking pictures and videos. Must be rare to see cherry blossoms like this where she's from.
"You're just taking pictures of the trees? Not gonna take any of yourself?"
"Can I?"
"Of course. You want me to take it?" She paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Smile wide, don't just stand there like a robot. Not like that! That's way too stiff."
He chuckled at her awkward smile. Sure, it made sense she wasn't used to taking selfies, but still—this stiff?
Saya pouted and fidgeted nervously. Gintoki sighed and walked over, casually slinging his arm around her shoulders.
"What are you doing?"
"Taking a selfie. This way's better."
He flipped the camera to the front-facing one, but she still looked stiff in the frame. He reached over and tugged at her cheek gently.
"Hey, I wasn't ready!"
"Ready for what? You're so tense—there's no way you'd look natural."
He glanced at the photo. It actually came out pretty well—natural and unforced. As he admired it, he noticed the little edit icon in the corner and tapped it out of curiosity.
Just then, a tap on his back made him turn around. Saya stood there with an ice cream cone.
"Want some?" He eyed the melting ice cream dripping down her hand.
"It's already melting."
"Oh—" She fumbled, unsure what to do. The one she was eating was starting to melt too.
"Give it here." He took the cone and started licking up the drips cleanly.
"Wha—Gintoki! What are you doing!?"
"Eating ice cream. What does it look like?"
But the way he did it—it made her mind wander. Gintoki had a certain sex appeal, even if his usual slouchy behavior masked it most of the time.
"You could've eaten it like a normal person..."
She muttered, glancing down at her hand where his tongue had just been. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it might jump out of her chest.
"What's wrong? You're blushing."
Out of nowhere, he leaned in close, startling her so much she accidentally smushed the ice cream right into his face.
Oh no.
He gently took her hand and pulled it away, then wiped the mess off his face. "Uh... Sorry."
He took a deep breath to calm himself and muttered through clenched teeth,
"Seriously, Saya? First you shook me so hard on the bus we nearly crashed, and now this? Ice cream in the face? What are you mad about, huh? Just tell me."
"You're the one who leaned in outta nowhere! Of course I was startled!"
"Oh, so now you're arguing?" Without warning, he gave her a light flick on the forehead.
"You're really asking for it today, huh? Think it's time for some punishment!"
"Noooo!!"
She squirmed and struggled to break free from his grip, but his strength far outweighed hers. The two ended up tangled in a chaotic mess in the middle of the cherry blossom park.
"Get over here, you little brat!"
"Let go of me, you old perv!"
"Old your butt! Not only are you stubborn, but you've got a mouth on you too! Maybe I should kiss you to shut you up!"
The threat made Saya immediately cover her mouth with both hands, then slap his muscled arm.
"Pervert!"
"Well, behave then! Or else Papa here's gonna spank that little butt of yours 'til it's red!"
"You dirty old man!! Aaaaahhh!!" She flailed wildly, shaking her head like a rock star.
"You're so damn loud!!"
Even though it had been over twenty minutes since their scuffle ended, not a single word had come out of Saya's mouth.
"Hey, why are you sulking like this? I'm not going to do anything to you."
Saya shook her head stubbornly, saying nothing. She was genuinely wary—especially after Gintoki had jokingly said he'd kiss her to shut her up if she kept being defiant.
The silver-haired man let out yet another sigh—he'd lost count—before pulling her up from her squat by the arm.
"Where are we going?" she asked, covering her mouth again as if to defend herself.
"Just follow me, okay?"
He led her down a walkway covered with natural archways formed from vines. When they reached the destination, Saya lowered her hand in shock.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
"...Very."
A large tunnel made of multicolored flowers stretched ahead. Stones and tiny waterfalls decorated the paths on either side.
"I remembered how much you love plants, so I figured you'd like this spot."
"Thank you, Gintoki. I really, really love it."
She sat down on a bench he'd prepared and took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the flowers.
Every time she took in their fragrance, it refreshed her mind—and when that freshness reached her heart, her stress and sorrow would always ease.
"So, by the way..." Gintoki said as he watched her, "Not covering your mouth anymore?"
"Oops!" Saya quickly slapped her hand back over her lips.
He chuckled and stepped closer, gently pulling her hand away.
"You're really that scared?"
(She nodded.)
"That scared, huh? I told you I was just joking. I won't do anything."
"Really?"
"Really."
He sat beside her, but that only made her shift farther away. He pulled her closer again, closing the gap between them.
His face was calm—maybe too serious—but something about it felt sincere enough for her to lower her hand.
"Heh, got you, you little rascal."
"Huh—mmph!"
The moment she dropped her guard, his lips crashed down onto hers. Her small hands clutched his shirt, beat at his chest, but his kiss only deepened.
"Mmmf—hah!"
When he finally let go, Saya gasped for air. Her cheeks burned red, and her heart pounded like a drumline on fire.
"What the hell was that!" She slapped his arm, then kicked his shin.
"That's your punishment."
"You said you were kidding!"
"That part was the joke." That part? I was just joking, I wouldn't do anything—that was the joke?
"You old perv!!" She smacked him square on the head.
"You crazy brat! That hurt!"
"You lech! You creep! You're the worst!" She grabbed his head, shook it violently, and even bit his neck.
"Ow! What the hell—you a dog or something?!" He grabbed her wrists and locked her in a hold, but she twisted and bit his arm next.
"Ow!" Just then, a message notification sounded.
rachel: I'll come pick you up in 2 hours.
Saya froze instantly.
"Your sister's coming to pick you up?" Gintoki asked. She looked up at him, lips trembling.
She didn't want to leave. She wanted to stay longer, hang out more, spend time with the kids—and with him.
"Don't make that face..." He gently stroked her hair, and she dove into his chest for a hug.
"I don't want to go..."
"I know. But that place is your home, right? You'll have to go back eventually." She didn't answer. She just buried her face into his chest.
"Tell you what—we've still got two whole hours. Let's go make the most of it."
"...Really?" She looked up, eyes shimmering with tears.
"What do you say?"
"Okay."
For the next two hours, they went to the beach they had passed before. But the whole time, Saya didn't smile once, and she never let go of his hand.
"You okay?" Gintoki asked as he sat beside her at the harbor, waiting for Rachel.
Saya only gave a small shake of her head in response.
"Why don't you want to go back? You don't want to be with me?"
"I do… but I also want to be with you, Gin-san."
"Then move in. That way we can be together."
"Okay, I'll move."
Huh? What did she just say?
"Wait… what did you just say?" Saya turned to him with a flat expression. "I said I'll move."
"Wait… seriously? Are you being serious?" Saya nodded in reply, and Gintoki burst out laughing. Saya looked down at him as he kept covering his face and laughing.
"What's so funny?"
"I'm laughing because I'm happy."
"Happy about what?"
"This means I can finally expand my Yorozuya business! The second branch of Yorozuya is going to be fancy—with air conditioning and a stylish European cafe theme. Hey, what's with that look you're giving me?"
Saya stared at him blankly before letting out a small laugh. "So that's why you're happy, huh? I've changed my mind. I'm not moving."
"What? You can't do that! I was going to make you the general manager of the second branch! You'd handle marketing and accounting too!"
"And how much would you pay me?"
"Hmm… I'll pay you whenever we get a job that month." Sigh…
"What's with that pout? Yorozuya doesn't make that much money, you know?"
"Then where do you plan to get the money to open a second branch? Planning to swindle me or what?" she said while shaking his neck in annoyance. "You could help me find jobs, and with that, I'd have money to pay your salary!"
With equal annoyance, she gave him a light smack on the arm—but even so… she really did want to stay here.
A strong gust of wind and the loud sound of a massive airship landing on the ocean's surface filled the air. The symbol of Detroit's Magic Police was prominently displayed. Looks like it was time for her to return.
"Saya, it's time to go." Saya looked up at Rachel standing on the deck, then glanced at the silver-haired man beside her.
"Can I drop Gin-san off first? Edo's far—I don't want him going back alone."
Rachel furrowed her brow and glanced at the silver-haired guy who stood expressionless next to her sister before sighing.
"Fine, but make it quick."
Saya followed Rachel aboard the airship, scanning the interior. It was spacious with many crew members—likely here to take the Eliths back.
"Wait here for now. I've got a meeting."
"Okay."
"And you—" Rachel turned to the silver-haired man who raised a questioning brow. "If you lay even a finger on my sister, I'll come back and chop your head off."
With that, Rachel walked away, leaving the two of them standing there. "What's your sister got against me, huh?"
"What did you do to her?"
"How would I know? I've just been minding my own business."
During the journey back to Edo, Saya and Gintoki chatted the whole way. Some of the crew peeked curiously but didn't dare interrupt the sweet atmosphere between them. Besides, they'd be parting ways soon—better to let them have their goodbyes now than not at all.
"Hey Gin-san, I heard from the kids you don't have a cellphone, right?"
"You say that like I'm too broke to afford one!"
"I was just asking."
"Yeah, I don't. Why?"
Saya pulled out a phone and handed it to him. "Use this. That way we can still talk when I go back home."
"For me? This thing's expensive."
"Yeah." Gintoki took the phone and examined it. If he remembered right, this model was ridiculously pricey thanks to its high-end specs. Even if he worked nonstop, it'd take him years to save up for it.
"I already added my contact info. Try it out." He followed her instructions, opening the chat—and sure enough, her contact was there. So were her siblings', Shinpachi's, Kagura's, and the Shinsengumi's.
"You added everyone else too?"
"Yeah, so you wouldn't have to waste time adding them yourself." She's… surprisingly thoughtful.
"Oh, and this too." Her small hand reached out and pulled his hand onto her lap, doing something to his wrist. "Here, wear this. I might need to hire you again later."
It was the bracelet she had given him earlier—the one that let her lend him her powers.
"Don't lose it. If you do, it's a 10 million fine."
"In that case, take it back. I don't want it anymore."
"You can't take it off. Once it's on, it stays on."
"Hey, that's unfair! So if I lose or break it, I have to pay?"
"Not my problem." The little one made a stubborn face, which made Gintoki too irritated to resist. He put her in a headlock and ruffled her hair wildly.
"You little rascal. You're so sneaky!"
"My hair's all messed up now…" Eventually her ponytail came undone, and Saya had to let her hair down. "Now I look terrible."
"Terrible? What are you talking about? You're still beautiful."
"Excuse me, we've arrived in Edo," said one of the Magic Force members. Saya, who'd been enjoying herself, suddenly lost her smile.
"Sigh… We're here already? I'll be going, then."
"I'll walk you out."
"Suit yourself."
She walked quietly behind the silver-haired man, staring at his broad back as her thoughts drifted to the past week. Her eyes began to warm, then tears slowly welled up. Gintoki, who was pushing the luggage cart, turned to look.
"Don't cry. We can still chat even if we're apart," he said, ruffling her hair again—only this time it made her cry harder and throw herself into a full-on sob.
"You crybaby…" Unable to help himself, he wrapped her in a hug, gently stroking her back and placing a soft kiss on her head.
It wasn't just Saya who felt sad—he did too. Normally, saying goodbye wasn't a big deal. But this time it felt hollow… heavy. No matter how badly he wanted to keep her, he couldn't.
He pulled back and wiped her tears, along with the snot that came out too.
"Why are you crying with snot coming out? So much for looking pretty."
Sniff "It's just sad, okay?"
"Sigh… Go on, then. If you stay longer, your sister's going to come chop my head off again." Saya pouted, reluctant to go.
"You can't stay, Saya. But when you move here, I'll take you on a month-long trip. Deal?"
"You promise?"
"Yeah."
She gave him another hug before grabbing his collar and planting a kiss on his lips. "See you."
"Yeah." She wiped away the last of her tears and waved goodbye. "Tell the kids I said bye too."
Gintoki didn't reply, just waved back as the airship slowly lifted and soared into the sky until it disappeared from sight.
She's gone now… and the feelings inside him were more clear than ever.
A dull ache spread through his chest. He wanted to cry but couldn't. What he said about her moving in—he meant it. The thing about opening a second Yorozuya branch? Just an excuse. The truth was, his feelings were growing stronger. If he said he didn't like her, he'd be lying.
Yeah, he liked Saya. He just hadn't said it out loud.
Because Saya's feelings still didn't seem completely certain, and he wasn't sure if what they had was the kind of like that meant becoming a couple.
"Gin-san, you're back?"
"Yeah. Eh? What happened to you guys?" He frowned seeing Shinpachi, Kagura, Otae, and Sadaharu all panting like they'd just run a marathon.
"We were exercising, right Big Sis?"
"Yup!"
"Really…" He didn't buy it for a second.
"Has Saya left already? We didn't get to say goodbye."
"Just message her. You've got her contact now."
"You must be lonely now that she's gone," Otae teased, smiling slyly. "If you miss her so much, just text her. It's not that hard."
As she said that, she pointed at the phone Saya gave him. Everyone gasped—especially Kagura.
"Did Saya give that to you? Why didn't I get one too?"
"Go buy one yourself if you want it."
"Wow, that model's super expensive!"
"I want one, Gin-chan! Buy it for me!" Kagura stomped and jumped onto Gintoki's back, nearly knocking him over.
"Fine, fine! I'll buy it! Just get off—you're heavy!!"
"Yay!!"
A notification popped up on Gintoki's new phone. Naturally, the three kids plus Sadaharu all crowded around to see out of pure curiosity.
"What the heck, you guys? This is grown-up business."
"Your business is our business too, Gin-chan!"
"No, it's not! Get lost!" He shoved them away and finally checked the message.
saya: Sent a photo
saya: Set it as my wallpaper already
gintoki: Send me the photo too
saya: Sent a photo
He saved the image, set it as his wallpaper, and then tried to screenshot it to send it back.
"Shinpachi, how do you take a screenshot?"
In the end, he had to ask for help. He wasn't used to these high-tech phones.
"Geez, Gin-san. Just press the volume down and power buttons at the same time."
"Thanks."
He followed the instructions, ignoring Kagura's whining, and sent the screenshot to Saya.
gintoki: Sent a photo
gintoki: You think you're the only one who can set it as a wallpaper?
saya: [Sends emoji]
He smiled, pleased, as he looked at the sakura garden photo on his wallpaper. Now they had matching wallpapers. No matter how far apart they were, their hearts weren't. That saying still held true… as long as there's something connecting you—like a bracelet, or a wallpaper.
End…