Super Busy Sunday!

After a fairly ordinary week in Towano, I was hoping today's date might be something really special...and it was. Rinko met me at the station wearing a crisp white coat and a new twin-tails hairstyle. It was snowing a little bit, so she carried her polka-dot umbrella, and the overall look was charming.

I found out later that today (02.02) is officially "Twin-Tails" day in Japan (to commemorate fans' obsession with this hairstyle). Maybe that's why Rinko changed to twin tails today??? Anyway, I'm a twin-tails fan too, so I'm certainly not complaining. We went to the Japanese Sweet Shop for a snack, and Rinko ordered a yummy ice cream sundae.

Then it was time to take the train to our much-loved Mountain Area.

When we arrived at the Hot Springs, we were able to go in to the Onsen area for the first time. Nothing happened apart from this shot, but it was still nice to be there with Rinko.

Then we swung back to the Lakeside Restaurant for a cup of tea and some more respite from the cold.

The date was greatly extended today, first when Rinko came back to my place for some music and gaming (and kissing)...

...and then when I went back to her place for a snack and a study date. Sadly, I'd used up my photos by that stage - but, trust me, it was fun. Later in the day, Rinko met me during Library Committee duty. The twin-tails hairstyle looks cool with her school uniform.

I met her at the TV Studio late in the afternoon.

We rode our bikes back to Shin Towano.

And then we finished off what had been a SUPER busy day by meeting at the Coffee Shop.

Saturday

During today's half-day at school, I took the opportunity to meet Rinko in the Library. I like this particular view of the Towano High School Library, where Rinko-chan works in the Library Committee (and my character does, too).

I have to say, though, that I find this hairstyle somewhat bland, and I kinda hope Rinko changes it on our date tomorrow.

In the early evening I called Rinko for another short meeting, and was able to travel by bike with her to Ten Feather Station and visit the TV studio. The interesting thing is that this is where her dad works as a director. We didn't see him, sadly...

...or maybe that was a good thing. But anyway, it was something new, and nice to ride our bikes home together through the city streets.

My final meet-up for the day was at the Coffee Shop in Shin Towano.

Looking forward to tomorrow's date, and I'm happy to say that (for the first time) I have the maximum number of hearts in all four attributes. I'm not sure what effect this will have, but I can't wait to find out. I don't know where we're going for the date, though - because Rinko scheduled it, not me. So it will be a double surprise!

First Date At The Shrine

Finally both the Shrine and the Cinema are unlocked for dating! I had to work (in the game) this afternoon, so as soon as it got to six o'clock I called Rinko and arranged a short date at the Shrine. It's a beautiful place at night, and the traditional-style Japanese music is cool too. Rinko picked up the romantic mood and wanted to kiss a lot.

I haven't seen her wear this aqua top with lace trim before, and it looked really pretty with her patched white jacket. And Rinko really loves the Killer Bambies shoulder bag I gave her, because she carries it just about everywhere.

I took these next couple of shots while I was walking her home from the Shrine. Once again, with the gyro sensor turned on, you can see so much more detail in the backgrounds - in this case the lovely tall tress and some city buildings I've never noticed before.

This last shot is taken outside of Rinko's apartment building. I think one of the many things that helps to establish Rinko's character is the fact that her family is obviously not rich. Yeah, her dad works as a director at the Towano TV Studio, but he's also recently remarried and now has a new wife and step son to support. Apartment living is much more a reality for families in Japan, especially in the cities, where land for houses is so scarce. It's a tiny little touch in the game, but it adds a lot of realism.

Now tomorrow is the big date for night-time sakura viewing. Our one month anniversary next Friday. And in just ten days, we'll be travelling to Japan! Plus it's my birthday on the 4th of May!!! Exciting times are ahead.