“Shall I go with this? No, maybe this one. Or maybe this one? Or maybe… UGH! What’s wrong with me? Why do I care so much of what I wear?!”
The sun was starting to set for the day, and the young goth bunny, Kuromi was inside her house frantically going through different outfits that she had. But for what reason? No doubt it was for a special occasion. But it seemed like she didn’t have much time left as she suddenly heard a knock on her front door.
“What? He’s here already?” Kuromi softly said to herself. She then shouted out, “Um… w-w-wait! Hold on! I’m not quite ready yet! I-I still need a little more time!”
Kuromi then heard someone respond back to her from behind the door; but it wasn’t who she thought it was.
“Huh? What are you talking about, Kuromi? It’s me, Melody!”
To Kuromi, it was a slight sigh of relief of who it was instead. But she still felt a little curious as she walked over to the door to open it and greet who was there.
“Oh. Hi, My Mel,” said Kuromi, “What are you doing here, exactly?”
“Just thought I stop by to say hi to one of my best friends,” said Melody as she walked in. She then held up a little bag that had something scrumptious inside, “I also just came from Kitty’s café where I bought some delicious dark chocolate cookies. I knew you loved those, so I figured since I was passing by your house, you might want one or 2… or 3.”
Kuromi loved the sound of that. Dark chocolate was her favorite kind of chocolate. But she knew that she couldn’t accept it.
“O-oh, um… thanks a lot for the offer, My Melody,” said Kuromi hesitantly, “But… I’m afraid that I have to decline.”
“You?” said Melody in slight shock, “Denying an invitation for some delicious dark chocolate cookies? That doesn’t sound like you.” Melody then placed her hand on Kuromi’s forehead and said, “Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m perfectly fine,” said Kuromi as she lightly pushed Melody’s hand away, “I’m denying the cookies because I’m probably going to eat something else later… with someone else. I… I-I-I have a date.”
Suddenly upon hearing that, Melody gasped as her eyes went wide. She then dropped her bag of cookies and squealed with delight as she zipped up to Kuromi and gave her a big hug.
“Oh my gosh, Kuromi! You’re going out on a date!? That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you! This is definitely more important than eating cookies!”
“Um… yeah. I suppose it is,” said Kuromi feeling a bit awkward.
Without hesitation, Melody went over to Kuromi’s nearby closet and began sorting through it until she came across a plain, black silk dress that had little purple frills along the bottom. She then went over and placed it on Kuromi only to fawn over how well she looked in it.
“There we go,” said Melody, “You should wear that dress. It just screams ‘my first date’! Plus, you look so adorbs in it!”
“Are you sure about this?” Kuromi questioned, “It seems a little… plain.”
“Well of course! You don’t want to go all out on your first date! Save that kind of stuff for later down the road! And besides, don’t you like it? You do have it in your closet for a reason after all.”
After going to a mirror and looking at herself in the dress, Kuromi twirled a bit and then had a little smile as she said, “Well… okay. If you say so.”
Melody then zipped back in front of Kuromi with dazzling eyes and asked, “So… who is the lucky boy that gets to hang out with you tonight? Is it… Badtz-Maru?”
“Uh… s-sorry. It’s not him,” said Kuromi.
“Really? Wow. I was sure that it was going to be him. You had a secret crush on him for like… ever!”
With a little blush, Kuromi responded, “Yeah. I did; and sorta still do. But… I figured I’d give someone else a chance.”
“Nothing wrong with that!” said Melody happily, “That’s very mature of you! So, who is it then? Poochacco? Keroppi? Cinnamon Roll? Baku? Chococat? ‘GASP’ Or maybe it could even be… Pompompurin? But not Daniel though, cause he’s already taken!”
Melody pretty much thought that Kuromi’s date was going to be one of the names she guessed. But much to her surprise, Kuromi lightly shook her head and said, “Actually… you’re still wrong. I’m not going out with any of them tonight.”
“What?!” Melody exclaimed, “But… but if you’re not any of those guys, then who are you dating?!”
Kuromi was a bit nervous about it, but she was all set to tell Melody her answer.
“Well… this may come as a surprise to you; but actually… I’m going out… with…”
But right before Kuromi could say it, there was another knock on the door. Both Kuromi and Melody looked over at it in slight hesitation. But then Melody shouted, “I’ll get it!”
“W-w-wait, My Mel!” said Kuromi suddenly, “About my date… he’s…”
It was then Melody opened the door to greet who was behind it. But unexpectedly to her, the one standing there in a cute blue vest with a rose pinned on it was… her younger brother, Rhythm.
“Huh? Rhythm? Wh-what are you doing here?”
Rhythm himself was a bit surprised to see his older sister there. He smiled nervously and said, “O-oh! Uh… h-hey, Melody. Um… is Kuromi here?”
“Well of course she is, silly,” Melody answered, “This is her house after all. But if you want something from her, it might have to wait. She’s about to go out on her first date; and the lucky boy who is going out with her should be here any minute!”
“Um… actually, Melody,” said Kuromi, “Rhythm… is my date.”
At that moment, Melody’s eyes grew wide again and was at a loss for words as she kept looking back and forth at Kuromi and Rhythm. She then broke her silence as she shouted, “WHAT?!!! You and him? Him and you? My… little brother is your date?!”
“I sure am,” said Rhythm with a little blush, “Kuromi is nice, you know; and I kinda wanted to spend some quality time with her… just the two of us.”
“Yeah, that’s pretty much it,” said Kuromi, “I hope this won’t be… you know… too weird for you.”
Melody was still trying to get over her shock on finding this out. But once she calmed down, Melody just smiled as she responded, “Well… I would be lying if I said that I didn’t find this just a little weird. It’s definitely out of the blue for me.” She then went over and gave Rhythm a little hug as she added, “But you know what? I’m proud of both of you. I never would’ve thought that one of my best friends would be dating my little brother.”
Rhythm then let himself in and approached Kuromi showing a little smile as he said to her, “Wow, Miss Kuromi. You look very cute in that dress. It suits you well.”
Right off the bat, Rhythm was already feeding Kuromi compliments; and she kinda liked it. Kuromi couldn’t help but blush a bit as she responded, “Heh. Uh… thanks. My Melody picked it out for me. Y-you look very cute too in your tuxedo shirt and bowtie. Very snazzy.”
“Thank you,” said Rhythm as he straightened out his bow tie and posed, “Gotta look good on my first date.”
Melody couldn’t help squee a bit towards the two as she said, “Aw, look at you two! So dressed up and complimenting each other. You’re both being so adorable right now! It’s wonderful!”
“Come on, Sis,” said Rhythm feeling a bit embarrassed, “Don’t embarrass me like that.”
Not wanting more and more time to keep going by, Kuromi took ahold of Rhythm’s hand and said, “Well, look at the time. We better get going Rhythm.”
Rhythm blushed a bit from Kuromi’s action; but then smiled as he said, “Oh! Okay, Miss Kuromi!”
“Please, just… call me Kuromi. No need to call me miss.”
Doing a little bow, Rhythm responded, “Okay. Sorry, M… uh… I mean, Kuromi.”
“So, what are you two planning to do together this fine evening?” Melody asked, “Something romantic?”
“Wh-what?! No!” Kuromi shouted feeling flustered, “Its nothing like that. We’re just… going to go and see a movie at the theater. That’s all.”
“We haven’t decided which movie to see yet though,” said Rhythm, “But I’m sure we’ll figure it out once we get there.”
“I see,” said Melody, “Well then, have fun you two. Don’t stay out too late.” Melody then winked at Kuromi as she said, “And you be good to my little brother. Okay, Kuromi?”
Kuromi slightly rolled her eyes as she responded, “No need to worry about him, My Melody. He’s…”
Kuromi then looked over at Rhythm who smiled at her; and then she proceeded to smile herself.
“He’s in good hands.”
And with that, Kuromi and Rhythm walked out of the house along with Melody. Melody waved at them as they walked off; and Rhythm shouted, “Bye bye!”
“Wow,” said Melody to herself out loud, “I still can’t believe that those two are dating now. I’m not sure how this will go, but I’m sure that it will be interesting.”
With the evening still at its infancy, Kuromi and Rhythm were now out taking a stroll together towards the direction of the movie theater while holding hands and enjoying each other’s company.
“Isn’t My Melody wonderful, Kuromi?” said Rhythm with a smile, “She’s really sweet, nice, and caring. I couldn’t ask for a better sister.”
“She’s definitely something alright,” Kuromi responded with a little eye roll, “But… I respect her for that. I’m an only child, so I guess I don’t really know what that is like.”
“Its okay. There is no shame in that,” said Rhythm, “You’re still great regardless, Kuromi. You’re such a good friend to my sis; so much in fact that you are kinda like sisters in a way.”
Kuromi couldn’t believe that she heard him say that. She blushed feeling a bit flattered, but she tried not to show it by smirking and saying, “Are you sure about that? Because if that is true, then that means that you would be kinda like my brother. That would make this date a bit weird, wouldn’t you say?”
Both Kuromi and Rhythm had a good laugh together. Not even at their first destination and they were already having a bit of fun. It was then that Kuromi realized that this date was going to go swimmingly. But before they knew it, Kuromi and Rhythm finally reached the movie theater.
“Well, we’re here,” said Kuromi, “So… is there any specific movie you want to watch together?”
Rhythm was looking at the different movie posters that were displayed outside of the theater. But his eyes suddenly noticed a movie that caught his attention as he said, “Oh! Look, Kuromi! ‘Bessie’s Big City Adventure’ is still here! I already saw this a couple of weeks ago, and its great!”
“Oh… r-really?” Kuromi said a bit hesitantly.
“Yeah! It’s about a Labrador puppy named Bessie! She accidently gets separated from her family when they move to a ‘Big City’; and she goes on a huge adventure throughout the city to reunite with them! All while making some new friends along the way!”
Not that Kuromi hated the premise of that movie, but she felt like it was movie that played safe and had a story that was too predictable. But she tried to go along with it anyway as she said, “Oh, wow. Um… that’s an… interesting choice.”
However, Rhythm could tell that Kuromi didn’t seem too interested in the choice he picked. His ears drooped a bit as he said, “You don’t want to see it? Do you think it sounds a bit silly?”
“N-n-no, no, that’s not it!” said Kuromi trying to avoid an awkward situation, “I’m sure… it’s a fun little movie. Its just… um… oh! This! A cool new movie just came out, see?”
Kuromi brought Rhythm’s attention to a certain movie poster. One that at first glance made Rhythm feel a bit curious.
“Whoa.”
“I know, right?!” said Kuromi excitedly, “’Ruby, Bunny Vampire!’ A story of a young, ordinary bunny who was bitten and turned into a vampire! However, despite all of that, she uses her new form of powers for good; and it’s up to her to save the world from a horrible and terrible EVIL! Oh man, its sounds awesome!”
Suddenly, Kuromi looked at Rhythm and noticed that he was just standing there staring at the movie poster as his body was slightly shaking. Kuromi only assumed the worst thought as she was willing to cave in.
“O-Oh! Um… but I guess… it does seem a little violent; and it looks a bit scary too. So… I-I’ll understand if you feel like you… can’t handle it.”
But much to Kuromi’s surprise, Rhythm just took a deep breath and then took out some money to place it at the cashier window. And with a determined expression on his face, he said, “Two tickets for the next showing of ‘Ruby, Bunny Vampire’, please!”
Once the money was taken, the cashier handed Rhythm the tickets as they said, “There you go. Enjoy your movie.”
“W-w-wait, really?!” said Kuromi, “I-I didn’t mean to guilt trip you like that or anything.”
“What? Of course you didn’t guilt trip me, Kuromi,” Rhythm responded, “I do like that other movie; but… I’ve have seen it before. But after hearing you describing this movie, it does sound pretty cool and exciting. It may sound a little scary; but I can be brave… for you.”
Rhythm then handed Kuromi one of the tickets he bought for them; and Kuromi just bliushed a bit feeling flattered. It really seem that Rhythm was taking new risks that would easily spook him. He wasn’t the same young boy as he was before.
“Well then… fine by me I guess,” said Kuromi as she took her ticket, “But if you end up having nightmares afterwards, don’t blame me.”
“Ha! It will take more than a scary vampire story to make me back down. Bring it on!”
Kuromi and Rhythm headed inside the theater where they both bought a small bucket of popcorn to share together. And a few minutes later after taking their seats, the movie was beginning.
“This is going to be so awesome!” Kuromi exclaimed.
But looking to her side, Kuromi saw Rhythm sitting in his seat staring at the screen and sweating a bit observing the ominous opening credits and title along with hearing the creepy music that went with it.
With a little chuckle, Kuromi placed her hand on Rhythm’s shoulder as she said, “You know… it’s technically not too late to late to turn back. I guess you have any doubts, just say the word; and we can bounce.”
Hearing Kuromi say such a thing did tempt Rhythm a bit. Bit he shook that thought away as he said quietly, “N-no way. Absolutely not. Besides, we already paid. We can’t let that money go to waste. As long as… y-you’re with me, I’m going to watch and enjoy this movie.”
“Suit yourself.”
Once the movie started, Rhythm was able to get through a good bit of the movie without feeling jumpy. Even during the moment of Ruby changing into a vampire. But once the movie got to its first main fight, Kuromi was so ecstatic watching it play out. However, Rhythm was shaking a bit while suddenly grabbing onto Kuromi’s arm.
Kuromi noticed and smirked at him as she said, “Aw, are you scared? You want some comfort cuddles?”
“N-n-no,” said Rhythm hesitantly while still shaking a bit, “Just… uh… making sure that… Y-YOU aren’t s-scared. That’s all.”
“I think I’m good,” said Kuromi, “But if I do get a little freaked out at some point, you can cuddle me and hold me close for comfort, okay?”
Hearing what Kuromi said caused Rhythm to suddenly blush and straighten up as he responded, “O-o-okay. I-I will.”
‘Heh heh. Aw, how cute,’ Kuromi thought to herself, ‘He’s trying to be tough for me. Oh well, something tells me that’s not going to last long.’
From there, Rhythm continued to hold his own watching and enjoying what the movie was providing on screen; even if he still showed a bit of jitteriness at times. But it was when the movie was ramping up to the climax of the movie where the huge final battle took place that Rhythm was getting a bit scared. A scene where the character Ruby was up against a huge horde of demons that was being led by their powerful demon lord in which by Rhythm’s eyes was the most terrifying thing he has ever seen.
The character, Ruby on screen was standing her ground as she shouted, ‘Enough, foul demon lord of the underworld! You have no control over me! It doesn’t matter who I am now! This place is still my home, and I will do everything in my power to defend it! You will all fall… by my Vampire Killer!’
Vampire Killer was the name of the scythe-like weapon Ruby used throughout the movie.
‘So, you refuse to join us and instead choose death?’ the Demon Lord questioned, ‘Very well. RIP HER TO SHREDS!!!’
Rhythm jumped in his seat upon hearing that and then witnessed all of the scary demons charging at the screen freaking him out even more. Surprisingly, Kuromi didn’t noticed but instead was getting into the cinematic action.
“Oh man, this is so awesome! I always love these action packed final battle scenes!”
Ruby on screen readied her weapon and dashed forward as she tore through a lot of the demons barely getting a scratch on her. Once out, Ruby went straight towards the Demon Lord who suddenly let out a huge snarl as he dashed at Ruby screaming at the top of his lungs…
“DIE!!!!!”
Upon that and the clashing impact, Rhythm literally screamed out of fright as he leapt out of his chair and into Kuromi’s arms. Kuromi was caught off guard seeing what happened suddenly seeing a shaking Rhythm in her hold. Rhythm suddenly stopped and noticed his situation and looked up to see a smirking Kuromi looking down at him. Rhythm smiled nervously and blushed feeling embarrassed of what had just happened.
“Don’t’ worry, ya little scaredy cat,” said Kuromi with a little chuckle, “I’ll protect you.”
Moments later, the movie ended. And after watching most of the scrolling credits just to see who worked on it, Kuromi and Rhythm walked out of the theater feeling very satisfied of the featured presentation they just witnessed.
“That movie was SO worth the money!” shouted Kuromi, “And… I guess you almost went through the whole thing without screaming.”
“Heh. Well… I did try my best,” said Rhythm feeling a bit embarrassed, “But the movie was pretty cool. And at least it had a happy ending with Ruby banishing those demons back to the demonic realm. Although, it didn’t really help when Ruby was on the brink of defeat before pulling off that last resort move. That… that was a bit too much.”
Without much hesitation, Kuromi placed her arm around Rhythm and held him close to her causing him to blush once again. Kuromi knew doing what she did would help get Rhythm’s get over his stressful thoughts.
“Well, no need to feel embarrassed,” said Kuromi, “I actually found it rather cute of how you were clinging onto me like that. Glad to know that I make you feel safe.”
Rhythm knew that Kuromi was right. He chuckled softly as he said, “Heh heh. Y-Yeah, well…”
But suddenly, Rhythm felt his stomach rumble a bit. He placed his hand on it realizing what was going on saying to Kuromi, “Oh my. You know, despite eating that popcorn, it was surprisingly not very filling. I’m still pretty hungry.”
Kuromi felt her tummy too as she felt it rumble a bit as well, “Heh. Looks like I’m feeling the same way. I’m still pretty famished myself.”
It was at that moment their next destination for their special date was clear.
“Well… what do you say?” said Kuromi to Rhythm, “Wanna go somewhere to eat together?”
“A dinner date?” Rhythm responded, “Sure. That sounds good to me.”
