After seeing Sumire off, I returned home, took a shower, and got ready. Maybe it was because of the rain yesterday, but the sky today was unusually clear. I turned on the TV to catch some morning shows. Same old news, same old unfunny comedy sketches. But at least they kept me from getting sleepy.
Ayaka arrived just like yesterday. She knocked on the door first, holding her usual umbrella—even though there wasn't a single drop of rain today. As soon as she saw me, she smiled gently.
"Good morning, Hiro."
"Yeah, let's go."
We walked to school together. I'd gotten used to Ayaka's pace, not too fast, not too slow, just steady. Very... Ayaka.
As soon as we entered the classroom, Ayaka sat down with her usual graceful manner. I had barely taken my seat when—
"A-Ayaka, can I ask you about this part?"
A familiar voice came from in front. Shun.
He stepped up with a notebook already open, wearing a shy but hopeful smile. He must've been waiting for the perfect moment to approach her.
I glanced at them. Ayaka blinked once, then gently took his notebook.
"Hm? This part? It's from yesterday's formulas. Did you forget to write it down?"
Shun scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.
"I was gonna copy it after class, but… I fell asleep…"
Suspicious.
Not about the notes. But about someone suddenly getting this motivated, only when Ayaka's involved.
I was pretty sure this guy had been lurking around, waiting for her. Trying to stage a "coincidental" encounter.
It made sense, though. Just one smile from Ayaka—that gentle, snow-melting smile and guys like Shun were done for.
I leaned back in my chair, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold like a déjà vu straight from the game.
Ayaka explained everything patiently, her handwriting neat, her tone calm and clear. Anyone listening would feel like they were truly being heard. It was scary how she didn't even need to try, she just drew people in.
After the explanation, Shun walked back to his seat, face slightly flushed, his eyes still drifting. Yeah, he fell hard. One smile was all it took.
Not that I was any better. I'm just better at hiding it.
When lunchtime came, Ayaka said she had something to do with the student council and told us not to wait. I had nothing else to do, so I headed toward the Literature Club room.
I had only made it halfway down the hallway when—
"Nice going, Hiro."
A voice called out behind me, teasing and full of excitement.
I turned around. It was Kaori, holding a book but clearly amused.
"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.
"My class was buzzing this morning," she said, crossing her arms. "About a super cute girl."
"Oh really…" I replied, pretending not to care.
"She didn't look gloomy anymore. Changed her hairstyle, light makeup, totally different vibe." Kaori smiled knowingly.
I blinked, then slowly nodded as I realized—
"Oh, you're talking about Su—"
"HEY, WHAT ARE YOU TWO TALKING ABOUT?!"
A voice cut me off.
I turned toward it then froze.
Sumire.
She was lightly jogging toward us, hair neat, her face glowing with soft makeup. A gentle scent floated in the air as she stopped in front of me.
She smiled—not shyly, not hiding behind her bangs.
That smile… it was honestly adorable.
She tilted her head, eyes looking up at me, bright and clear.
"Good afternoon… Hiro."
I felt my heart skip a beat.
Kaori nudged my shoulder, grinning.
"What did you do to her, Hiro?"
I… didn't know how to answer.
The three of us walked down the hall toward the clubroom. Kaori on my left, Sumire on my right. I noticed, Sumire hadn't stopped smiling since she showed up.
She started telling Kaori about last night, how she got caught in the rain, collapsed, how I helped her home, lent her clothes… Kaori listened with growing surprise, occasionally letting out a soft "Ohh~."
Of course, Sumire didn't mention… the kiss. She ended the story with me helping her rest. But the way she spoke—like she was cherishing every second.
That gentle smile never left her face. Her eyes sparkled, as if she were reliving every moment in her heart.
I glanced sideways, yeah, I had to admit it. Sumire was really cute today. Like a whole new person.
Kaori smiled too. She rarely warmed up to people so easily, but with Sumire… maybe it was because they were alike. Both book lovers. Both quiet souls in a noisy world.
The atmosphere between us wasn't loud, but it felt… warm.
We arrived at the Literature Club room. I slid the door open—empty. No Ren in sight. He must've gotten caught in that event. In the game, this was around the time Ren started getting tangled up in all sorts of messy stuff.
I walked in and sat in my usual seat. Kaori sat across, Sumire sat right next to me. Her hairstyle was still the same as last night, pulled gently to one side. That soft scent was still there. I felt myself relax without realizing.
We all took out our lunch. I pulled out my usual sandwich.
But then—
"U-um…"
Sumire softly spoke, pulling out a pastel-colored bento box. She handed it to me, her hands trembling slightly, cheeks red.
"This is… to thank you for helping me yesterday…"
She twirled a strand of hair and looked away, clearly flustered.
Kaori giggled, teasing:
"Oooh~ Homemade lunch for Hiro~"
I froze for a second. S-She made me lunch!?
I looked at Sumire. She was so close, I could lean a little and touch her shoulder. Her face was red, her hands fidgeting.
My heart skipped again.
I smiled gently. "Thanks, Sumire."
She replied with a tiny "Hehe~" and a shy nod, still avoiding eye contact.
I opened the bento. Simple dishes, but neatly arranged: tamagoyaki, little octopus sausages, stir-fried veggies, and two rice balls with sesame seeds. Nothing fancy, but I knew it was made with care.
For the first time ever… I wanted lunch at school to last forever.