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Episode 1: Blank Space

Episode 1: Blank Space

On a Summer afternoon in 2020, after the sun's gone down, Nasa sits on his bed with his legs crossed and looks at his bank information on his phone, seeing that he has 5,285,621 yen (Roughly 52,856.21 USD) in his checking account and 1,576,825 yen (Roughly 15,768.25 USD) in his savings account. He sighs and tosses the phone towards his pillow.

Nasa: (I guess I made it. Then, why don't I feel anything?)

He looks around his small apartment as a clock ticks from over his head. After a moment, his doorbell rings and he immediately turns towards it.

Nasa: (What could Kaname want at this hour?)

Nasa gets up, puts his phone in his pocket, and walks to his front door. As he opens the door, Nasa's met with his angel standing before him, shining in the moonlight with a blank expression on her face. His eyes widen as his heart slows.

Nasa: H-Hi.

Tenshi: You're Nasa Yuzaki, right?

Nasa: You're that woman who saved me.

Tenshi: (“That woman?” I guess he wouldn't know my name) That's right. My name is Tsukasa Tsukuyomi. May I come inside?

Nasa: Anything for you. Would you like some tea?

Tsu: Yes, please.

Tsukasa steps inside and takes off her shoes as Nasa closes the door and gathers his tea supplies.

Tsu: Mind if I look around?

Nasa: Go ahead. This'll take a minute.

Tsukasa looks in the bathroom.

Tsu: (Small bathroom. No bath. No shower. No washer or dryer. Basic necessities)

She turns back towards the kitchen.

Tsu: (Fridge with freezer. Stove-top. No oven. No microwave. No toaster. Basic necessities)

She steps into the bedroom.

Tsu: (Bed. Closet. Table with just two cushions. Clock. Shelves. No TV. No games. No manga. He must be tight on money)

She clutches her bag's handle.

Tsu: (That's alright. I can help him save and spend better to afford the both of us. This can work... One bed. One small bed... That's okay. We can sleep with our backs to each-other. Unless if he's creepy. But, he can't be, can he?)

She breathes slightly quicker for a few seconds before she sets her bag next to the table and sits down. Meanwhile, Nasa makes the tea and pours it into two cups.

Nasa: (I can't believe it. My Kaguya came back! Hasn't aged a single day since I last saw her... It's been a really long time. Why's she here now? What took so long?... Tsukasa Tsukuyomi. I'll never forget that name. I know her name!)

He brings the tea to the table and almost gives her a cup when she brushes her hair to the side with her well-trimmed fingers and he freezes.

Nasa: (My gosh...)

She takes the cup of tea.

Tsu: Thank you very much.

Nasa: A-Anytime.

He sits on the opposite side of the table and they both sip from their cups at the same time.

Tsu: Oishi desu.

Nasa: Domo arigatou. So, what brings you here?

Tsu: (Here it goes) I don't know if you remember it, but we made an agreement two years ago.

Nasa: To go on a date, right? I'd be honored to take you out for a night.

Without changing her expression, Tsukasa lightly blushes.

Tsu: Do you remember the other part of the agreement?

She tries to breathe calmly.

Nasa: You mean the part where we have to get married first? I don't expect you to go through with that.

Tsu: Why not?

Nasa: Well, we don't really know each-other. I just learned your name. We don't have to move that quickly. What if we don't like each-other?

She looks down at the table.

Tsu: You wouldn't marry me, would you?

Nasa: I didn't say that. I just meant that we can take it slower.

Tsu: (What does he mean? Should I just give it to him?)

She looks up at him.

Tsu: … What would you do if I gave you a marriage license right now?

Nasa: A marriage license? Well...

He stares into her eyes.

Nasa: I might just sign it.

Tsu: (You better not be joking) Good.

She pulls a marriage license out of her bag and sets it on the table with a pen.

Tsu: H-Here you go.

Shocked, he slowly sets down his tea.

Nasa: (She's for real? WHAT?!! What Should I Do?!) Who are these witnesses?

Tsu: Just random people from the streets.

Nasa: You can do that?

Tsu: If they have their seals with them... That said, you'll need your own seal, family registration, and ID, if you want to sign.

He looks at her. Tsukasa's eyes are glued onto the license.

Nasa: … I'll be back.

She watches him as he gathers his documents from different drawers. He then sits back down and writes in his information before raising his seal.

Nasa: Before I make this official, I need to know how old you are.

Tsu: It says I'm 18, doesn't it?

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He studies her face.

Nasa: (Telling the truth. Of course she is) Right. How silly of me.

As his seal hovers above the license, Tsukasa's expression goes almost fully blank.

Tsu: (He won't do it, will he? Am I too young? Too old?... I shouldn't have expected this to work in the first place)

Nasa: (I'm really doing this! I'm marrying my Kaguya. My hero. My... Gosh! She's beautiful!)

Nasa presses his seal against the license and lifts it back off as Tsukasa's eyes widen and her breathing stutters. She takes the license and holds back tears and a shake as well as she can.

Tsu: (He really did it! We're doing this!... That's how he writes his name. Hoshizora. Nasa) Th-Thank you.

They stare at each-other and smile.

Nasa: So, what now?

Tsu: Now, we take this to Musashino City Hall and make it legally official.

Nasa: You think they're still open?

Tsu: Definitely. Shall we go?

Nasa: You bet! I-I mean, yes.

The two take their things, leave the apartment, and walk down the outside set of stairs. They then walk through the streets together.

Nasa: You know what's weird?

Tsu: What is?

Nasa: I just learned your name and it's already changed, miss Yuzaki.

Tsu: *Giggles* Miss Yuzaki. Tsukasa Yuzaki. Tsukasa Yuzaki. (I like that name) Tsukasa Yuzaki.

They both smile and Tsukasa blushes.

Tsu: I-I'm being silly, aren't I?

Nasa: I think it's cute that you like your new name. Maybe it helps that you're so pretty.

She smiles bigger and blushes harder.

Tsu: You sure know how to compliment a girl. You must've had a lot of girlfriends.

He blushes.

Nasa: (Did I say that out loud?) Actually, I used to be really busy with my studies, but then I saw you that day. And, I just haven't seen a woman like you since then.

Tsu: (Am I his first crush? What if I break his heart? I can't do that. I have to be a good wife. He's been so nice to me) Thank you for being so nice to me. Please, take good care of me.

Nasa: I always will. You can bet on that.

After a long walk, the two find Musashino City Hall, walk inside, and find a night clerk.

Yoru: What can I do for you?

Nasa: We'd like to submit our marriage license.

The older man gives them a warm smile.

Yoru: Is that so? Let me see here.

Tsukasa hands him the license. He looks it over before looking at the two of them.

Yoru: Oh. You just made my day. What a nice-looking young couple. I'll get this put through right away.

He puts the necessary documents away.

Tsu: That's it? We're married?

Yoru: That's right. Here's to a long and happy marriage.

The man gives Tsukasa a small plant in a pot.

Nasa: Thank you for being so quick, sir.

Yoru: No need. The faster you two can be together, the better. Have a great night.

Tsu: You too!

The two step outside of the building and look at the moon.

Nasa: What a beautiful night. (I can't believe what's happening!)

Tsu: Darling? I know this has all gone really fast, but I thank you for committing to this with me. I may not be the perfect wife, but I'll try my best to make you happy.

He smiles.

Nasa: Thank you for proposing in the first place. I never thought I'd get married this soon, but I'll be the best man I can be for you. I promise...

The two happily stare at each-other for a while. Nasa raises his right hand.

Nasa: May I take your hand this night, miss Yuzaki?

With the plant in her right hand, Tsukasa gives him her left hand.

Tsu: You may call me “Tsukasa.”

Nasa: Right. Tsukasa...

The two walk off with their hands locked together and their fingers twitching. Tsukasa blushes.

Tsu: We might need to get a bigger bed soon, if we'll share one together.

Nasa: Let's get one now.

Tsu: But, those can cost tens of thousands of yen (Hundreds of dollars USD). It really can wait.

Nasa: So can marriage, but I have the money and I'd be happy to spend it on you.

She blushes harder.

Tsu: A-Alright then.

The two find the closest bedding store and they look through the many rows of different mattresses.

Nasa: So many different kinds. (Which one could bring her the most comfort?)

Tsukasa's stare fixates on a futon.

Nasa: Hm. Is that what you want? It goes on the floor.

Tsu: It's a little cheaper. It might be good for while we're getting to know each-other. After that, we can use it as a guest bed maybe?

Nasa: Sounds smart to me.

The two buy the futon and walk out.

Nasa: Is there anything else you need?

Tsu: Well... It can wait.

Nasa: You sure? We're out now and I can afford it.

Tsu: You're certain that you can?

Nasa: Definitely.

Tsu: … I didn't get any of my bath products before I left.

Nasa: Then, let's find some.

Half an hour later, the two head towards the apartment.

Tsu: I can carry one of the bags.

Nasa: There aren't that many. I've got this.

Before long they reach the apartment door.

Nasa: Um. The key's in my left pocket. Could you get it out?

He turns his left side towards her.

Tsu: You want me to r-reach in your...

She blushes.

Tsu: Just, drop the futon.

Nasa: Right.

As soon as he puts the futon's bag down, Tsukasa picks it up.

Tsu: (My bag!)

They enter the apartment, lock the door, take their shoes off, and set the bags and plant on the kitchen counter.

Tsu: Is there a bathhouse nearby that you go to?

Nasa: Yes. Every morning. Would you like to go there now?

Tsu: Why? Do I smell weird?

Nasa: Not at all.

She smiles.

Tsu: Kidding. We can leave those bags there until tomorrow.

Nasa takes back the futon bag.

Nasa: I'll get this set up.

Tsukasa scans the apartment quickly.

Tsu: (Have to do something calming) I'll clean up the tea.

She gathers the tea cups together and Nasa moves his table and cushions. Then, she washes the dishes and pot as he sets up the futon and dresses it with a blanket and a pillow. He then looks at her as she finishes up.

Tsu: I'm gonna go...

She notices him staring.

Tsu: I'm gonna get ready for bed.

Nasa: You don't want anything to eat?

Tsu: No, thank you. (I don't think I could eat if I tried)

Tsukasa walks into the bathroom with her personal bag. Nasa then closes his door, changes into his pajamas, walks into the kitchen, and brushes his teeth at the sink. After he finishes up, Tsukasa walks out of the bathroom with her own pajamas on and her hair tied up in two balls on her head. Nasa freezes with his mouth open.

Tsu: What is it?

Nasa: Um. Your hair.

Tsu: It's ugly, isn't it?

Nasa: No. It's really cute.

She smiles.

Tsu: (He's really sweet!) Let's get to bed.

The two walk into the bedroom and they both kneel down towards the futon.

Tsu: … Please. I can take the floor. This is your apartment.

Nasa: This is our apartment, and I want to make you comfortable.

Tsu: If that's true, then you'll let me lay down here.

Nasa: … Well... Alright.

Nasa turns off the lights and the two slip into their beds.

Tsu: Good night, darling.

Nasa: Good night, Tsukasa.

After a few minutes, Tsukasa falls asleep, looking peaceful on her back and breathing calmly. Meanwhile, Nasa stares at her face and takes in every detail he can through the darkness.

Nasa: (I really married her. My Kaguya. My Tsukasa. She's so beautiful. So cute. I wish she were up here if only I could hold onto her... How will I ever get any sleep tonight knowing that my true love could be just a few feet away from me? No. That she Is just a few feet away)

Four hours later, Tsukasa's breathing changes and she starts wriggling around.

Nasa: Hm?

After a moment, she slowly gets up, walks into the kitchen, gets a glass of water, and drinks it all while still sleeping. She then goes back to bed and rolls around.

Nasa: (Does she do this every night? I guess I can get used to that)

Tsukasa clutches his blanket, rips it off of him, and wraps it around herself.

Nasa: (Maybe not that)