Timeline: Before the Tournament

Pri knows she should focus on training, she should work harder to make Pandora stronger. To fulfill the goal of the siblings, distraction wasn't allowed considering that annoying dark prince is getting stronger as well.

But you see...

Before coming to Japan, Pri had spent countless hours scrolling through TikTok, captivated by the trending reels of people exploring Japan's mini supermarkets. She watched in awe as they customized their own drinks, picking from an endless variety of colorful juices, sodas, and toppings, or created unique instant ramen bowls by mixing different ingredients. The idea of walking into a store and crafting something so personal seemed so exciting-almost like a mini adventure in itself.

She couldn't explore much back in her own homeland, the place she should go are the place that has a strong hotspot, like ruins, mountains and more. But, she want to try other things too!

So when she finally stepped into a real 7-Eleven in Japan with Valt by her side, since her senpai insisting to take a break, she couldn't contain her excitement.

(It felts so wrong and right at the same time)

Setting that aside....

The shelves were packed with everything she had seen in those videos-rows of neatly arranged bottled drinks, instant ramen cups with enticing labels, and shelves of colorful snacks she'd only dreamed of trying.

"Wow, it's just like the videos!" Pri exclaimed, her eyes darting from one aisle to another, completing forgetting her persona. "I've seen so many people customizing their own drinks and ramen bowls. It looks so delicious!"

Valt chuckled, stuffing his hands into his pockets, those hazel brown eyes gleam in fondness. "Yeah, convenience stores here are pretty awesome. You can mix and match drinks, add toppings to ramen, and even grab fresh snacks. People love getting creative with it."

Pri's eyes lit up as she grabbed a can of milk tea and a small bottle of flavored syrup. "So, do people really mix these together?" she asked, holding them up with excitement, like a kid receiving a candy from the sweet store.

Valt nodded, subtly reminding that Pri is just like her sister. "Yep! Some people like to make their own flavors by combining drinks. You can mix milk tea with caramel syrup or even add fruit juice to soda. There's no wrong way to do it." He pointed toward the ramen section. "And ramen? You can grab instant noodles and customize them with eggs, green onions, or even cheese from the store."

Pri grinned, not the same smile you see during her battle, a genuine one instead. "That sounds amazing. Back home, I'd never think of doing that in a store."

Valt laughed, hiding the clench fist behind his back. "Yeah, Japan's convenience stores are on another level. They've got everything, and it's all good quality too."

Pri nodded in agreement, taking in every detail, something not related to beyblade. "I can't wait to try making my own drink!"

(That's good. Nobody is stopping you, Pri)

As they wandered further into the store, Pri's excitement only grew. It felt like stepping into one of those TikToks, but now, she was the main character.

🍜

Pri walk over to the drink section, scanning the shelves with curiosity. "Alright, time to put my TikTok skills to the test" she said to herself, grabbing a chilled bottle of milk tea and a small carton of strawberry milk. She turned to Valt with a proud expression. "I saw someone mix these before, and it looked amazing."

Valt raised an eyebrow, amused. "Strawberry milk and milk tea? That's an interesting combo. You sure about that?"

Pri nodded enthusiastically. "Trust me, it's gonna be great." She also grabbed a small bottle of caramel syrup from a nearby shelf. "Just to add a bit of sweetness."

(She never considered herself having a sweet tooth. But it's so...tempting!)

Moving to the ramen aisle, she picked up a cup of tonkotsu ramen. "Okay, so for this, I'll add cheese for extra creaminess and a soft-boiled egg for protein!" She glanced at Valt. "Am I doing this right?"

Valt laughed, watching her excitement, she knew a lot a combination for a tourist. "You're going all out, huh? Sounds good, but make sure to balance the flavors. Too much cheese and it'll overpower the broth."

(Point taken. She tend to go all out when doing fun things hehehe)

Pri followed the steps she had memorized from countless videos. First, she poured hot water into the ramen cup, letting it sit while she focused on her drink. She carefully mixed equal parts of milk tea and strawberry milk in a cup, adding a drizzle of caramel syrup before shaking it gently.

"Okay, now for the taste test." Pri took a big sip, her eyes lighting up. "Oh wow! It's creamy, sweet, and has a nice tea flavor-it's perfect!" She turned to Valt triumphantly.

"Let me try," Valt said, taking a sip. He nodded approvingly. "Not bad! It's like a dessert in a drink."

Feeling confident, Pri turned her attention back to the ramen. She peeled back the lid, stirred in the cheese, and gently placed the soft-boiled egg on top. The steam carried a rich, savory aroma that made her stomach growl. "This looks so good," she said, grabbing chopsticks - she's glad to able to learn - and diving in.

However, in her excitement, she took a large mouthful without waiting for it to cool down. Instantly, her eyes widened as the scalding broth hit her tongue. "Ah! Hot! Hot!" she yelped, waving her hand frantically in front of her mouth.

Valt burst into laughter, not expecting this reckless from someone like her. "Pri, you gotta take it slow! Hahaha"

Desperate to cool down, she grabbed her drink and took a massive gulp-only for the ice-cold liquid to hit the roof of her mouth like a shockwave. She froze mid-sip, clutching her head. "Brain freeze!" she groaned, her face scrunched up in pain.

Valt doubled over, laughing even harder. "You went from burning your tongue to freezing your brain in five seconds!"

(How is that even possible?)

Pri fanned her face, her cheeks flushed, she only realize she's been acting childish ever since she enter this mini store. "I didn't think this through at all..." she mumbled, half-laughing, half-pained.

Valt patted her back. "Lesson learned. But hey, at least your drink's a success!"

As Pri finally recovered, she took slower sips and smaller bites, grinning. "Okay, next time, I'll pace myself. But this was still so worth it."

Valt chuckled fondly. " You nailed it-just maybe work on your timing."

Pri laughed, already thinking about what combo to try next. Thankfully she can eat a lot because there's no way she'll let this opportunity pass.

As Pri continued sipping her drink, cautiously this time, and nibbling on her ramen with newfound patience, Valt watched her with a small, almost imperceptible smile. She was so absorbed in the experience, her eyes lighting up with every sip and bite, like she was discovering a whole new world right in this tiny market.

🍜

Deep inside, Valt felt a quiet sense of relief. Seeing Pri like this-excited, carefree, and even a little childish-was a nice change. He knew she had a lot on her plate, always carrying herself with a certain air of "responsibility" and maturity. But here, in this moment, she wasn't overthinking things or worrying about anything serious. She was just... enjoying herself.

Without that "mask"

He watched as she happily tapped the side of her cup, her expression bright with wonder. "Valt-senpai, I think I've found my new favorite drink," she said proudly, holding it up like a trophy. "You have no idea how satisfying this is!"

Valt raised his impressed eyebrow, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't go overboard next time. No one's competing for the fastest drinker, y'know."

Pri laughed, the sound light and uninhibited. "I can't help it! It's too good!"

(Ever since she went to Japan. She never fell anything like this!)

Valt's gaze softened slightly as he leaned against the counter, watching her continue her food adventure, like cotton candy wrapping around his heart. There was something comforting about the way she was acting now. The influence of Bell and other others was actually good.

Maybe, he thought, it was good for her to have moments like this. To forget the pressures and expectations and just... be happy.

"Hey, Pri," he said casually, "Japan's got a lot more fun stuff like this. We should check out some other places too. But next time, together with the dark prince gang"

Pri looked up from her ramen, her eyes sparkling with curiosity not until she heard the last part. "Really? Like where? I don't mind. As long as the dark wasn't there. I only accept Hannah"

Valt shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips. Her secret tsundere can be worse than Bell sometimes, their rivalry is really interesting. "You'll see. Just don't give yourself another brain freeze when we do. And don't put anything in the food that will harm Bell. "

Pri rolled her and smile cheekily. "No promises."

(Oh, he thought she'll only accept Hannah. Then suddenly she want to prank Bell now)

As they left the store, Pri still cradling her drink like it was the best discovery of her life, Valt couldn't help but feel a little lighter. And deep down, he hoped she'd have more moments like these. Moments where she didn't have to be anything but herself.

🧋