Return With The Bride

[As soon as Shinji steps out of the college gates, he notices a familiar figure waiting nearby. His brows furrow slightly as he recognizes her.]

Shinji: "Yuxi? What are you doing here? Why didn't you come inside with Elie?"

[Yuxi turns toward him, looking a little surprised before offering a sheepish smile.]

Yuxi: "Oh, I ran into my aunt nearby, so I stopped to talk with her. After that, I showed Elie the way to your department and figured she'd find you easily."

[Shinji sighs, rubbing the back of his neck.]

Shinji: "Still, you shouldn't have left her alone like that."

[Before Yuxi can respond, Elie gently shakes her head.]

Elie: (softly) "It's not a problem. Don't worry."

Yuxi: (guilt-ridden) "No! It is my fault. I should've stayed with you!"

Elie: (smiling reassuringly) "Really, it's okay."

[Shinji looks between them and exhales deeply.]

Shinji: "Alright, alright. Let's just go."

Yuxi/Elie: (simultaneously) "Go where?"

[Shinji freezes mid-step, suddenly realizing… he has no idea where they're going.]

Shinji: (awkward, scratching his cheek) "Uhh… Well… I don't know."

[Elie chuckles softly at his lost expression, her laughter like a gentle melody. Yuxi, on the other hand, rolls her eyes playfully.]

Yuxi: "How about we watch a movie?"

Elie: (tilting her head, confused) "A… movie?"

[Shinji glances at her, realizing that she probably has no idea what a movie is.]

Elie: (whispering) "What is a movie?"

Shinji: (leaning in, whispering back) "It's like the dramas we used to watch in your world… but more advanced."

[Yuxi squints suspiciously at them.]

Yuxi: "Hey, hey! What are you two whispering about?"

Shinji: (quickly straightening) "N-Nothing! Just explaining!"

Yuxi: "Hmph. Well, what kind of movie should we watch?"

Shinji: "I don't mind. You pick."

Yuxi: "Let's watch an action movie!"

[She clenches her fist excitedly, eyes gleaming with anticipation. Shinji turns to Elie, making sure she's okay with the choice.]

Shinji: "How about you, Elie? Is that okay?"

Elie: (smiling) "I'm fine with anything."

Yuxi: "Great! Then let's go!"

At the Movie Theatre

[A little while later, the three of them arrive at the movie theatre, the giant screens displaying trailers of upcoming films. The colourful lights and lively crowd fascinate Elie, who looks around in quiet awe.]

[Shinji walks up to the ticket counter, scanning the schedule for the next available show.]

Shinji: (thinking) "This should be interesting… Elie's first movie experience."*

[Shinji returns from the ticket counter, holding three tickets in his hand.]

Shinji: "Alright, let's go. The movie's about to start soon."

Yuxi: (grabbing Elie's hand) "Come on, Elie! Let's get good seats!"

Shinji: "Actually, Yuxi, take these tickets and go ahead. I'll grab some drinks and popcorn first."

Yuxi: "Oh? Trying to act responsible, huh?" (grinning) "Alright, don't take too long!"

[Yuxi and Elie head inside the theater while Shinji walks toward the concession stand. As he waits in line, his phone suddenly starts ringing.]

Ringtone: Bzzz… Bzzz… [Incoming Call: Mom]

Shinji: (thinking) "Mom?"

[He quickly picks up.]

Shinji: "Hello, Mom! How are you?"

Shinji's Mom: (sarcastic) "Oh, now you remember me?"

Shinji: (nervously chuckling) "No, Mom, I never forgot you!"

Shinji's Mom: "Hmph. Don't butter me up. Just answer this—are you coming home this Sunday?"

Shinji: "Well, I—"

Shinji's Mom: (firmly) "No excuses. It's your birthday. You have to come."

[Shinji blinks, momentarily stunned.]

Shinji: (thinking) "Crap… I totally forgot it was my birthday."*

Shinji: "Y-Yeah, Mom. I'll be there."

Shinji's Mom: "Good! Oh, and since Yuxi is with you, bring her along too."

Shinji: (thinking) "Ah… so she already knows Yuxi is hanging around me."*

[But then, a new thought crosses his mind—Elie. His wife is with him too. His mom doesn't know yet. The thought of introducing Elie to his mother makes his stomach twist in nervous anticipation.]

Shinji: (thinking) "Mom is going to ask so many questions… But I want her to meet Elie too."*

Shinji: "Alright, Mom. I'll come on Sunday."

[His mom hums in satisfaction.]

Shinji's Mom: "Good. Don't be late."

[Call disconnected.]

[Shinji exhales and quickly grabs the drinks and popcorn before heading inside the theatre, his mind now juggling two thoughts—watching the movie… and preparing to introduce Elie to his family.]

[Shinji settles into his seat, placing the drinks and popcorn on the small tray between him and Elie. As the movie starts, he glances at her, curious about her reaction.]

[Elie's crimson eyes widen in fascination as the screen lights up with action and colors. The sound, the visuals, the sheer scale of the cinematic experience—it's completely new to her. She leans forward slightly, fully immersed, her lips slightly parted in awe.]

Shinji: (thinking) "She's really enjoying it… That's good."

[For the first time since arriving in his world, Elie looks genuinely excited. A small, relieved smile forms on Shinji's lips.]

Shinji: (thinking) "Of course, she can't just forget her own world… It's impossible. But at least, for now, I won't let her dwell on it. If I can make her smile, even for a little while, that's enough."*

[Shinji notices how focused she is—so focused that she hasn't even realized he's already back.]

[He tries to get her attention.]

Shinji: (softly) "Elie?"

[No response. She's completely absorbed in the movie.]

Shinji: (clearing his throat) "Elie."

[Still nothing. He waves his hand slightly in front of her, but she doesn't react.]

Shinji: (chuckling, leaning in slightly) "Oi, Elie!"

[Finally, she blinks and turns toward him, as if just realizing he's been there the whole time.]

Elie: (slightly startled) "Ah—Shinji?"

Shinji: (grinning) "Here, your drink."

[Elie takes the cup from him and takes a sip. The moment the carbonation hits her tongue—]

Pop! Pop!

[Elie flinches slightly, eyes widening in surprise as the bubbles dance in her mouth.]

Elie: (blinking rapidly) "W-What is this?!"

Shinji: (laughing quietly) "It's a soft drink. The bubbles make it fizzy."

[Elie swirls the drink in the cup, watching the tiny bubbles rise to the surface before taking another cautious sip. Her expression slowly changes from surprise to enjoyment.]

Elie: (softly) "It's… strange. But I think I like it."

[Shinji watches her with amusement, resting his chin on his hand.]

Shinji: (smirking) "Everything here is new for her. Even the smallest things surprise her… She really is cute."*

[Before he can say anything else—]

Yuxi: (groaning) "Ughhh, are you two done being all lovey-dovey?"

[Shinji and Elie blink, turning toward her.]

Yuxi: (pouting, dramatically throwing herself back into her seat) "Why am I still single while you two are having your little couple moments?! I feel like such a third wheel right now!"

[Shinji snickers while Elie tilts her head in confusion, not fully understanding what 'third wheel' means.]

Elie: (innocently) "Third… wheel?"

Shinji: (laughing) "It means she feels like an extra in this situation."

Yuxi: (grumbling) "That's right! Ugh, I should've just invited a date for myself. But nooo, I thought I was going to have a fun time with my friends, not be stuck watching you two flirting right in front of me!"

[Elie, now understanding, blushes slightly, while Shinji just grins.]

Shinji: (smirking) "Well, maybe if you stopped acting like a gremlin, you'd actually get a date."

Yuxi: (gasping, pointing at him) "EXCUSE ME?! DID YOU JUST CALL ME A GREMLIN?!"

Shinji: (casually sipping his drink) "I might have."

Yuxi: (mock glaring) "I swear, Shinji, one day I will find someone. And when I do, I'll rub it in your smug face!"

Shinji: (chuckling) "Looking forward to it."

[Elie giggles softly at their bickering, enjoying the moment. Meanwhile, Yuxi crosses her arms, sulking, but a small smile creeps onto her lips as the movie starts playing again.]