Aquarium Date with Scarlett
The long-awaited day of my date with Scarlett sunbae had finally arrived. With most departments wrapping up exams, tons of students were heading out. You could feel their excitement to blow off steam outside Silnakwon now that the pressure was off.
The shuttle to the portal city Renova was packed with students. No seats left, so we had to stand the whole way.
The moment we arrived in Renova, we headed straight to the portal relay station. To get to the demon realm, you have to use the portals here. After verifying our identities with our student handbooks, we arrived in the demon realm city of De Run.
"Last time, we just passed through in a rush and didn't get to see much. How about we take it easy and sightsee today?"
"Sounds good. I'm glad to see you looking so cheerful, Scarlett sunbae."
"I finally knocked out all that annoying paperwork. Today, I'm gonna relax for real."
"How's Nero doing?"
"She's fine. The black adder berry cleared up her vitiligo like magic. It's all thanks to you. Thanks again."
"No big deal."
De Run was a thriving tourist hub even in the demon realm. Thanks to the portals connecting it to other worlds, it was swarming with visitors from all over.
A fair number were academy students too—probably folks heading home after exams.
"Follow me, this way."
I'd already mapped out the tourist route. No need to overthink it; the original novel had a whole episode on sightseeing in De Run. First stop: a massive aquarium.
"Huh? An aquarium?"
"One of the best in the demon realm. Super popular for dates."
"F-For the record, this isn't a date."
"Yeees, I know~"
Scarlett sunbae's protests were getting weaker by the minute. She was definitely aware of the vibe.
The De Run aquarium was a huge dome. A dolphin-shaped sign at the entrance made it obvious what it was.
A massive moat encircled the building, with a drawbridge spanning it.
"Oh ho. That's a rose shark."
Various sea creatures swam in the moat, but the one that caught our eye was the vividly red rose shark.
Sharks swimming where tourists could accidentally fall in? Seemed risky, but that was part of the demon realm charm.
Inside, you could tell a ton of effort had gone into it. It was divided into four main zones: three for marine life exhibits and one for the dolphin show room. Shows ran every hour on the hour for 30 minutes.
"Ooh, dolphin show! I wanna see that."
Scarlett sunbae's eyes sparkled. A far cry from her usual cool demeanor. She loved cats, but anything cute got her going. No way she'd skip a dolphin show.
We strolled through slowly. Plenty of spectators around, including the occasional academy couple. Scarlett pointed at one pair admiring the fish ahead of us.
"Those two. Lentscher and Lanko."
"You know them?"
"Both student council. There were rumors, but I didn't think they were actually dating."
"They sure look like a couple. Holding hands like that, anyone would assume."
I took her hand naturally as I said it. She blushed and swatted mine away.
"Don't."
"Aw~ A little skinship's fine, right?"
"I thought you weren't the type, but you're sneaky good at this?"
Sneaky? Nah, I was a pro at handling women.
"Ah! Sunbae, look over there! That rose shark from earlier."
"Huh!? Where!? Where!?"
Her eyes widening cutely as she whipped her head around—like a kitten. I seized the moment and grabbed her hand.
"Just kidding~"
"Hey! For real, I said don't!"
She was protesting, but not letting go. Not like she truly hated it. Reading a pure girl like Scarlett sunbae was child's play for me.
I matched her pace, and I felt her squeeze my hand tighter. Good sign. I squeezed back.
"That tunnel leads to the dolphin show room. Wanna go? Looks like we've got about five minutes."
"Yeah. I really wanna see the dolphin show."
We headed to the show room together. The massive pool in the center connected to the moat, matching the aquarium's scale. Seats packed the place—at least a thousand. Front row was gone as showtime neared.
"Not many spots left."
"Knew it'd be like that. Prepared for it."
I pulled a small card from my pocket. Reserved dolphin show tickets—for the front row.
"Pretty prepared."
"Average. Did it for you. What do you think?"
"I'll give you props."
We sat right by the pool. The show kicked off soon after. I'd picked this spot for the dolphin show specifically.
"Whoa! Look at that. Pink dolphin! It's really pink. Why don't we have cute stuff like that in the heavenly realm? Cats are only in the middle realm too."
"Hm. Aren't cool-cool dormice heavenly realm creatures?"
"They're cute, but they just sleep all the time—no fun raising them. And their lifespan's too short."
"Really? Thought you'd like those too."
"I do. Just won't keep one. Ah! Look! It's jumping!"
The pink dolphin leaped several meters, sailing through a flaming hoop with ease. It snatched a sardine mid-air from the trainer like nothing. Nailed the trick and even high-fived the trainer nose-to-hand.
"Wow~! Amazing!"
Scarlett sunbae was beaming, giggling like a kid. The tricks were impressive: tumbling in mid-air was standard, but shaking to the rhythm on the water's surface or doing underwater ballet with the trainer? Next level.
About time.
Splash!
The dolphin shot into the air, spraying water from its mouth in a massive burst. The highlight of the show.
"Kyaa!"
The spray hit the front rows dead-on. Scarlett and I were soaked in seconds. Dew-like droplets fell from her blue hair.
"Ugh... What a mess. Feels like we went to a water park."
"That's how aquariums work. Everyone's having fun."
The drenched folks laughed and tossed treats to the dolphins. Sold at the entrance for 5,000 kant. We'd grabbed some too.
"Oh no! We need a change of clothes..."
"Later. Feed 'em first. They worked hard for us."
She forgot she was soaked and sprinkled treats enthusiastically.
After the show, we filed out with the crowd. I pointed to the souvenir shop right next door.
"They sell clothes there. For people like us."
"Smart marketing."
"Yep. But when you're here, falling for it once ain't bad."
The clerk rushed over as we entered, eyeing our soggy state. The shop brimmed with trinkets, luxuries, accessories—and a whole clothing section.
"Oh my~! What a gorgeous couple. Academy students? Tons of you today now that exams are over."
Our clerk was a succubus. Most of the five-plus staff were.
Succubi were welcome in service jobs. Elf-level looks meant free pass anywhere. Sure, occasional customer drama, but whatever.
"Caught Pinky's naughty prank, huh?"
Scarlett tilted her head.
"Pinky?"
"The pink dolphin's name. Loves pranking pretty couples. Jealous she can't date, maybe?"
"W-We’re not a couple..."
Scarlett mumbled unconvincingly, but the clerk breezed past it.
"Can't wander around soaked. Pick something out~!"
"Th-These clothes... They're all so short."
Her soaked sky-blue hoodie and navy skirt were modest—no exposure vibes. But the shop's wares? Overtly sexy.
Body-hugging knit dresses showing every curve, tank tops with miniskirts, hot pants, bikinis—stuff any modest girl would hesitate on.
My eyes went to the nun outfit: nun-shaped, but key areas barely covered, rest meshed. Real nun wears that? Excommunicated on sight. Demon realm nun? Maybe different.
"Y-Yeah, these clothes..."
"This one's perfect for you~!"
The sharp clerk pitched hot pants and tank top combo at Scarlett—high impact.
"N-No, I don't wear stuff like..."
"Looks good. We'll take it."
I snatched it and paid.