“Its so beautiful” Ito Sayuri paused beneath the delicate cascade of cherry blossoms, their soft petals drifting like whispered secrets in the spring breeze. She reached out a tentative hand, catching a fragile bloom, and watched as it fluttered away, disappearing into the sea of pink that framed the sky. In that fleeting moment, with the fragrance of sakura all around her, Sayuri felt a quiet flutter in her heart—a gentle hope blooming like the flowers she admired.
Today was the first day back after midterms at Hoshizora High School, and the morning air was thick with the promise of new beginnings. As she stepped forward, the petals seemed to scatter alongside her footsteps, leading her toward the school gates where the familiar faces of classmates awaited. Yet, for Sayuri, the sakura’s bittersweet beauty mirrored everything unspoken—dreams, fears, and the tender stirrings of a heart on the cusp of change.
Sayuri Pov:
I walked toward the school entrance, absently adjusting my hair. It had grown longer recently, so I had tied it back with a simple clip. Just as I reached the gates, I slowed to a stop, my face scrunching with irritation. After a brief pause, I even took a step back, crossing my arms with a soft huff as I glanced toward the gate.
“He’s late, isn’t he?” I muttered, checking my watch.
It was the first day of classes for my second year, and the last thing I wanted was to be late. With a scowl, I nudged a small pebble with my shoe in annoyance—but froze when I noticed the security guard preparing to close the gate.
My eyes widened. “Ah! Are you closing already?” I blurted out, rushing toward him.
The guard gave me a look, adjusting his glasses as he sighed, “Kid, you’re about to be late for class—”
Before he could finish, a familiar voice cut through the air—one that made me freeze instantly. My heart skipped. That voice… I know it too well.
It was none other than Sato Kenji. My boyfriend.
“Oh no—I’m late!” I gasped as realization hit, shoulders jerking. The guard hesitated with the door, but in that same moment, I saw him—Kenji—running full speed toward the gate.
My lips broke into an involuntary grin, my entire face blooming with a smile I couldn’t hold back. I jumped a little on the spot, waving my arms high.
“Kenji-kun!! Hurry!!”
Kenji came running, breathless and sweaty, but still managing to catch up just in time. Our palms smacked together in a quick hi-five, and he instantly dropped onto the ground with a laugh.
“Oh man… I’m tired!” he groaned, plopping down on his butt.
I couldn’t help but giggle, already holding out my water bottle for him. As he gulped it down, the security guard gave us both a sharp glare. Kenji only grinned back cheekily.
“Old man, you’re looking handsome today as always,” he said, earning himself an even sterner look.
I sighed, leaning down toward him. “Maybe I told you not to be late today? It’s the second year midterm, you know.”
Kenji shrugged, stretching his arms behind his head with a grin. “Oh yeah? Well, your boyfriend managed to survive the last midterm without failing. Coming late this time isn’t the end of the world.”
Rolling my eyes, I tugged him up by the arm, and together we bowed to the glaring guard before hurrying inside.
Thankfully, the hallways were still crowded with students busy finding their new lockers. I scanned the section board for our names when I muttered, “But you barely passed last time. And don’t think I don’t know—you only tried because you didn’t want to miss the sports festival.”
Kenji froze mid-step, flinching before looking away with an awkward whistle.
I narrowed my eyes and pinched his arm. “I’m serious, I won’t help you again!”
He scoffed and lightly flicked my forehead, making me grunt in protest.
“You banter too much. But don’t worry—I already got a good scolding from my mother. I won’t fail this time,” he said with his usual grin.
I let out a soft sigh, but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. Soon after, he jogged ahead to catch up with his friends, leaving me trailing behind.
Just then, I felt a light pat on my shoulder. Turning around, I was greeted by a cheerful voice.
“Good morning, Sayuri-san!”
It was one of my classmates—and also one of my dearest friends. I smiled warmly.
“Good morning, Miyu-chan.”
Takahashi Miyu… I still remembered the first time we met here at Hoshizora High. Back when I had first joined, I had been so nervous, worried I wouldn’t be able to make any friends. But fate had other plans. Miyu—my childhood best friend—ended up in the same class as me.
Back in middle school, we had been separated after her family moved for business reasons. We lost daily contact for years… until now. Thanks to my scholarship, I managed to enter Hoshizora High, one of the most prestigious schools, and here she was again—looking brighter than ever.
Of course, Miyu has always been different. She comes from a wealthy family, and it shows in the way she carries herself. But to me, she’s still the same Miyu-chan I grew up with.
“Wait—” I stopped mid-step when Miyu suddenly grabbed my arm. I gave her a puzzled look.
“What?”
She only hummed dramatically, circling behind me before seizing a handful of my hair. Her eyes widened in triumph.
“I knew it!”
I blushed as she grinned.
“You grew your hair out. Back then it barely reached your shoulders.”
I let out an awkward laugh, though deep down it wasn’t disappointment toward Miyu at all… but toward Kenji. Once again, he hadn’t noticed.
With a small sigh, I muttered under my breath as we started walking toward our classroom.
“Well… at least you noticed.”
Her grin instantly faded into a scowl.
“Don’t tell me that too-carefree Kenji didn’t notice. Not again.”
I flinched, my cheeks heating in embarrassment.
“That’s not it, Miyu-chan—”
But before I could finish, she growled, clenching her fist so tightly I swore I could see a fiery aura bursting around her.
“That idiot’s gonna get it from me! This makes it, what, the fifty-first time he’s failed to notice something a boyfriend should notice?”
I sighed, giving her a helpless look. Miyu was endlessly supportive, but she had never quite approved of my relationship with Kenji. His carefree, oblivious nature only made her more vocal.
“Come on, Miyu-chan,” I coaxed gently. “Maybe he just missed it because he was in such a hurry at the gates.”
When we reached the classroom, it was already buzzing with chatter and plans. Kenji wasn’t in my class this year, so it was just the two of us. Miyu scoffed before plopping into the seat beside mine.
“That’s not something you can miss,” she muttered. “Other guys are practically looking your way—you’re really cute today. But that brat? Sometimes I think he’s gay.”
I burst out laughing at her exaggerated glare, until Miyu swiftly smacked my arm.
“Oi! I’m serious! Remember at the summer festival? He didn’t even notice your kimono. And while he was being an idiot, you got an actual confession from a senior! It’s like he doesn’t want to appreciate you!”
I hissed playfully, cupping her cheeks between my hands.
“Geez… you overthink way too much! Kenji-kun is carefree and energetic, so forgetting little things—it’s not that big of a deal. We still hang out, go on dates, and I even help him study.”
Miyu only narrowed her eyes at me, unimpressed.
“And meanwhile, you go out of your way to do everything for him—just to get noticed—and that brat still manages to fail. Is that what you’re trying to excuse?”
I awkwardly let go of her face, rolling my eyes in surrender as she protested with a little whine.
“Come on, Sayuri-san! You deserve better—”
I stopped her with a frustrated pout.
“Miyu-chan…”
****
Kenji pov:
“Aww man, I lost again.” I groaned, slumping my head down onto the bench. Without any festivals, school felt unbearably dull. I didn’t understand why Sayuri was so insistent on making me study—it just made me restless.
Suddenly, Kanazaki’s palm smacked sharply against my back. “Hey! That hurt,” I complained, shooting him a mock glare.
He grinned mischievously, winking as he wagged a finger at me. “You lost fair and square, so you owe me. What’s it gonna be? Hmm?”
I rolled my eyes and picked up my game controller again.
“Ice cream, of course,” I finished for him with a smile.
I was lucky to have such rowdy friends—Kanazaki, Subaru, and Ayame. Joining this prestigious high school as a first-year wasn’t easy, but thanks to my parents’ push—and a fair share of their money—I had made it. Sometimes I wondered if I was relying on that too much.
My head drooped as I lost myself in the game until Ayame’s voice pulled me back. “So, the rumors say this midterm’s going to be brutal. They’re even mixing the top and average classes together.”
Ayame lounged nonchalantly, one leg propped on the edge of the bench while his other foot rested on the ground.
“That’s such a lame way to start a conversation, Ayame,” I muttered with a groan, though a thought struck me suddenly. “Sayuri might actually end up in the top class, you know.”
Ayame didn’t miss a beat. “Sayuri? I saw her earlier, walking down the corridor with her friend Miyu.”
I rolled my eyes, feeling a familiar irritation flare up. Miyu—little brat—just the sound of her name annoyed me.
“She’s still tagging along with Sayuri? Seriously, dude?”
Subaru cut in, smirking. “I saw her too. And Kenji… your girlfriend looked really cute today.”
I froze, turning to look at my friends—those bastards—and asked, “What do you mean, ‘cute’?”
They leaned in with knowing grins.
“Her hair’s grown longer—she looks gentler,” Ayame explained.
“She was cute enough with that shoulder-length hair last year,” Kanazaki added casually.
Their words trailed off as my mind drifted. Had I really been paying attention to her?
I muttered softly, stopping their chatter. “She grew her hair out?”
The group fell silent for a moment, then suddenly gasped all at once.
“Ayame-kun! I’m putting lunch on the line today that Kenji will fail to notice something important again... and lose points in his relationship,” Kanazaki announced with a smirk.
I groaned in embarrassment, burying my face in my hands. “How can you bet on that? She’s going to be so mad at me. What do I even do?”
With a defeated grunt, I let my head fall back down onto the bench.
Ayame stopped grinning and leaned back, sitting casually on the desk beside where Kenji rested his head in thought. With a teasing smirk, he said, “Well, Sayuri-san never really got seriously mad at you.”
Kenji waved his hand dismissively, a smug grin tugging at his lips. “She loves me a lot.”
Kanazaki, without looking up, opened his book and muttered, “Doesn’t mean you can be this ignorant, man. Either way, Sayuri’s patience is starting to wear thin.”
Kenji gasped. “Not you too, Kanazaki!”
“I was just stating the facts,” Kanazaki replied calmly, turning a page. “Sometimes you’re too carefree, so I’m warning you about the possibilities.”
Kenji groaned, finally giving up, resting his chin on his palm as he closed the game on his phone. “Well, I started dating her, and surprisingly, it’s almost been a year. I didn’t realize some of my actions could hurt her. I mean, I’m loyal—what more could she need? She’s cute, shy… It’s not like I can keep telling her that every day. At some point, even I’ll get frustrated.”
His friends suddenly burst into laughter, making Kenji blush in embarrassment.
“We know, we know,” Ayame chuckled. “Let’s not exaggerate things—”
The laughter stopped abruptly as their homeroom teacher entered the classroom. The air shifted immediately.
They all gasped. It was him—the strict teacher infamous throughout the school. Kenji whispered to Subaru under his breath, “Really? Aoyama-sensei?”
“You better focus,” Subaru replied grimly. “He’s the guy who butchers students with his grading.”
Aoyama Wakatoshi—the name alone sent shivers through the class. A legendary figure in Hoshizora High, feared for his merciless standards. In his previous exams, more than fifty students had failed and been forced to retake the tests. The classroom filled with low groans as everyone braced for impact.
Then Aoyama spoke, his voice calm but commanding. “What’s with all this tension? I know it’s your first day of the second year’s midterms, and yes, we’ll have to cover the entire syllabus—but first…”
He suddenly turned toward the door and gestured. Kenji, who had been absentmindedly doodling in his notebook, barely looked up until he heard the next words.
“Meet the new student. She’s joining second year here at Hoshizora High.”
A ripple of curiosity swept through the class as a girl stepped inside. Some of the girls straightened in their seats, studying her with open curiosity. Her stance was strange—awkward, yet captivating.
Kenji stayed slouched, staring at the front without much interest.
“Good morning,” the girl said with a polite bow. “I’m Kato Mika. I spent my first year at Chidori High, but after receiving a scholarship, I transferred to this amazing school. I hope you’ll accept me.”
Ayame nudged Kenji’s elbow and muttered, “Her hair’s short.”
“So what?” Kenji replied, still pretending to focus on his notebook while secretly checking his phone, debating whether to apologize to Sayuri through a text or meet her in the cafeteria.
Kanazaki’s voice broke his thoughts. “Hey, isn’t that the latest game we were just playing? Look—she’s got the figurine keychain of the main character hanging on her bag.”
Kenji’s attention snapped to the new student. His eyes widened slightly. “That’s a rare game,” he muttered without thinking. “And it’s even rarer for a girl to play it…”
Subaru suddenly turned his head, making the whole group panic. They all ducked, whispering frantically so the teacher wouldn’t notice.
“Think we should invite her to our group if she plays?” Kanazaki whispered eagerly.
Kenji smacked him on the head with his notebook. “Idiot! Sir will see us.”
They all sighed, but Kanazaki’s eyes were still gleaming. “Not a bad idea, though. We could even brag about having a girl in our team.”
Kenji rolled his eyes, but his gaze drifted back to Mika. Ayame, on the other hand, spoke in a dreamy, dramatic tone. “What if she knows other girl gamers too? At least our single, lonely lives might finally find salvation.”
Kenji rolled his eyes, but his gaze lingered on Mika—and more specifically, the figurine keychain dangling from her bag. Well, not to mention… his eyes caught it for a reason. Why wouldn’t they? She was carrying something he loved, something that had been part of his everyday gaming life.
Ito Sayuri’s POV
Lunch Break
“Oh yeah!? You’re really gonna eat that much?”
I flinched, my cheeks heating as I turned to glare at her. “Do you really need to yell so loud?”
There I was, clutching two curry buns, a carton of milk, and a bag of chips, bowing slightly to the people who flinched at Miyu-chan’s sudden outburst. Before I could protest, she snatched one of my buns with a mischievous grin.
“Well, some habits never change,” she teased, taking a bite. “But today… wow, you’re really going all out.”
I rolled my eyes, hiding the small sigh that threatened to escape. My hair was tied up in a messy low bun, strands falling around my face as we made our way to an empty table.
“I’m just hungry,” I muttered, settling into my seat.
But instead of eating, my eyes kept drifting toward the canteen entrance. Searching.
“Looking for your boyfriend, maybe?”
I groaned when Miyu flicked my forehead, rubbing the sore spot as I glared at her. “What?”
“Relax, Sayuri,” she chuckled, holding her hands up in mock surrender. “He’s probably off playing games somewhere.”
I scoffed and took a bite of my bun. “You better stop.”
We ate quietly after that, chatting about random things—assignments, teachers, and the upcoming tests—until the voices of a group of girls seated beside us caught my attention.
“Hey! Did you hear about the new transfer student? She has gray hair!”
“I know, right? I heard she came from Chidori High. That local school.”
“Do you think her attitude is like those Chidori people? You know… the reputation.”
Miyu hummed. “A transfer in the middle of second year? That’s… rare.”
I handed her the milk and chuckled softly. “Maybe she got a scholarship. That would explain it.”
We returned to eating, but the canteen was buzzing with chatter, the air warm and lively. Even so… why isn’t Kenji-kun here?
“She’s in Class 1-B,” one girl said.
I froze mid-bite, the words sinking in. Class B… Kenji’s class.
“Oh, come on! You didn’t know? She won an e-sports championship last year. She’s a seriously underrated player.”
My breath hitched. Miyu and I exchanged wide-eyed glances.
Before we could react, their excited squeals pierced through the noise.
“Look! She’s here!!”
Curiosity got the better of me. I turned my head—just for a glance.
And then I saw her.
The girl with short, silvery-gray hair. She wasn’t what I expected. If I had to put it into words… she was striking. Handsome, even. Before I could process that thought, Miyu’s voice nearly made me choke on my drink.
“Isn’t that Kenji?! With that soon-to-be-popular girl?!”
I ignored her comment, but my eyes betrayed me, following the scene unfolding at the counter. Kenji was smiling—that wide, carefree smile—as he walked beside the new girl, Mika, along with his friends. They all seemed excited, maybe a little more than usual.
I wouldn’t lie. My chest tightened, just a little, seeing him like that. Why do I feel anxious over something so small? They just met. They’re just… classmates.
“—Yuri.”
I jumped when someone shook my shoulder.
“Sayuri-chan!”
Blinking, I turned to Miyu, who was staring at me with a frown.
“Where were you, lost girl? I’ve been talking to you!”
I exhaled sharply and sat upright, brushing a loose strand behind my ear, heat creeping to my cheeks. “Sorry… I didn’t hear you.”
She crossed her arms with a dramatic huff. “I said I’m surprised the new girl—who’s already getting popular—is hanging out with your boyfriend and his minions.”
I chuckled faintly, though my heart felt heavier than my tone suggested. “Kenji-kun does make friends fast.”
Miyu hissed at me, clearly unimpressed, and was about to retort when something unexpected happened.
A gentle tug.
The elastic in my hair slipped free, and my messy bun unraveled, dark strands tumbling down my shoulders. Startled, I spun around—only for my heart to skip.
“I see you’ve let your hair grow out,” he said with that signature grin, teeth flashing, eyes crinkling with warmth. “It looks cute.”
It was Kenji.
And for a second, I forgot how to breathe.
Kenji’s POV
Thank god. I almost lost sight of Sayuri, being so caught up with Mika-chan. Of course, I didn’t plan on it—I just… got carried away when I heard she had won an e-sports league. That was huge. And honestly? I wouldn’t have even known if my idiot friends hadn’t struck up a conversation with her.
Still, that doesn’t change the fact that I nearly forgot about Sayuri—and the whole reason I’d been looking for her. I wanted to apologize. Damn… she looked so surprised when I showed up just now.
Good thing Ayame suggested this little stunt instead of me going straight in with some awkward apology.
“Kenji-kun…” Her voice was soft, almost uncertain, as if she least expected me to be here. Yeah, I really did get saved this time.
Without a second thought, I dragged a chair out and sat beside her, completely ignoring her loudmouthed friend, Miyu. Resting my chin on my palm, I smirked as Sayuri quickly looked away.
“Looks like someone’s offended,” I teased, pulling her clip from my pocket and holding it out to her. Her claw clip.
She glared at me but said nothing, focusing on finishing her food. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Reaching over, I pinched her cheek gently.
“Oh, come on! I’m sorry I didn’t notice that you grew your hair out for me!”
Her face flushed pink instantly, and my smirk widened. Ah… my poor baby. It’s way too easy to make you melt.
Just as I was enjoying the moment, an obnoxious cough broke through. I didn’t even need to look up to know who it was. Of course. Takahashi Miyu.
“What?” I asked flatly.
She crossed her arms, scoffing. “Are you trying to act all cool now? Playing the charming boyfriend when I know—”
I didn’t even let her finish. With a sharp hiss, I kicked her leg under the table and turned back to Sayuri.
“Will you let her talk nonsense about me again?”
Before Sayuri could respond, Miyu let out an outraged growl. “You kicked me, you bastard—”
“Now, now. You guys can’t keep your mouths shut for even a second, can you?”
That voice—Ayame. Sure enough, when I glanced up, there they were: Ayame, Kanazaki, and Subaru. And right behind them… Mika-chan, smiling brightly as she trailed along with the group.
My grin widened automatically.
“Mind if we join you, Kenji-kun’s beloved?” Ayame announced with mock drama, and I saw Sayuri’s face turn scarlet.
She stammered, panicking under their stares. “Y-yeah! You guys can sit!”
Miyu shot me a glare sharp enough to kill, but I just gave her a smug, scrunched-up face that screamed I win.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Sayuri glance toward Mika. And I frown but shrug off.
Sayuri’s POV
Before Miyu-chan and Kenji-kun could start a full-on argument, his friends showed up, cutting the tension in half. My cheeks burned when they teased Kenji, calling me his “beloved.”
I forced a laugh, but my eyes instinctively shifted toward the girl we’d been talking about earlier—the new transfer student. Kota Mika. She’d slipped in with the group, balancing her tray with effortless ease. She smiled at me warmly, and I quickly returned the gesture… though next to me, Miyu-chan looked like she was trying to pierce the poor girl’s soul with her glare.
I facepalmed the moment Miyu opened her mouth without so much as an introduction.
“Is your gray hair natural?” she asked bluntly.
I jabbed her palm under the table and glared. Seriously, what kind of question is that? But Mika just laughed softly, unfazed.
“Kenji-kun,” she said instead, turning to him, “were you talking about her?”
Kenji grinned in response, while Mika offered me another smile—one of those beautiful, almost androgynous smiles that somehow managed to be cool and charming at the same time.
She extended her hand toward me. “I’m Kota Mika.”
For a second, I hesitated, then reached out and shook it. Up close, I could tell—this girl radiated a kind of free spirit I could never pull off. No wonder she fit in so easily with Kenji-kun’s friends.
“Kota-san,” I greeted politely.
Mika giggled and waved her hand dismissively. “Just Mika is fine.”
Before I could say anything else, of course Miyu had to interrupt.
“You didn’t answer my question, you soon-to-be-popular girl.”
Kenji hissed at her. “Mika-chan, you don’t need to answer her.”
Miyu’s jaw dropped, and Kenji raised an eyebrow at her like he’d just won some invisible battle. I sighed. Here we go again.
“Don’t start another fight,” Subaru cut in quickly, his voice strained.
Then, out of nowhere, Kanazaki clasped his hands together and looked straight at me, making me flinch.
“Sayuri-chan, we’re going to be in your debt this time,” he said dramatically.
“What do you mean?” I asked, blinking in confusion.
“Our homeroom teacher is Wakatoshi Aoyama,” he replied with the kind of seriousness that belonged in a courtroom.
I gasped. “No way…”
Beside me, Miyu burst out laughing. “You guys deserve it!”
Every single one of them glared at her while I just sighed. Kanazaki, undeterred, gave me those ridiculous puppy-dog eyes.
“I mean, you know how strict he is,” he pressed.
“Exactly,” Ayame added gravely, before flashing me a grin.
And then, before I knew it, the three of them were bowing dramatically at the same time, their voices perfectly synchronized.
“Then please, oh mighty topper of the previous midterm—our goddess of academics! Save us! And not just your precious Kenji-kun!”
I blushed furiously, heat creeping all the way up my neck. What’s with this theatrical performance?
Before I could say anything, Mika spoke up between bites of her food.
“Is Aoyama-sensei really that scary?” she asked casually.
Kenji jumped in before I could answer, his voice full of unnecessary enthusiasm.
“Mika-chan, you have no idea. Even if your answers are correct, he’ll still find faults!”
Then, before I could process, Kenji suddenly slipped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. My eyes widened, my face burning as he looked at his friends with that smug grin.
“So back off, you idiots! She’s going to teach me as usual!”
His friends groaned in unison, and I nudged him with an embarrassed squeak. “Kenji-kun!”
But he just grinned wider.
Maybe… maybe I was overthinking things earlier. Maybe Miyu-chan was wrong to make me doubt. Kenji-kun was just being himself—carefree, silly, and loud. That’s who he is. I just have to try harder for him.
Or so I thought.
Kenji suddenly moved his arm away and turned to me with a bright smile.
“Sayuri, you know… Mika-chan was the first runner-up in an e-sports league this year. Isn’t that amazing?”
I forced a wide smile, looking at Mika. “Mika-san, that’s incredible. You’re… really cool.”
She chuckled and waved me off. “It’s nothing. Although Kenji-kun was so surprised I joined his team, you know? He even invited me to his house.”
My smile faltered. Just a little.
Kenji grinned, completely oblivious. Invited her… to his house? And here I was—realizing I’d never even been there once.
“Wait.” Miyu’s voice sliced through the noise, sharp as ever. “Kenji, have you ever invited Sayuri to your house?”
The entire table froze. Ayame, Kanazaki, and Subaru hiccupped mid-drink. Kenji just rolled his eyes.
“Oh, come on! Why are you making a big deal out of this? I’ve been to her house. Her mom knows me well.”
“And she barely knows anything about you,” Miyu shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“You—” Kenji started, but I quickly reached for his hand under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“It’s okay,” I said softly. “Miyu-chan, really… Kenji and I hang out plenty.”
I spoke as if it wasn’t a big deal. As if her words hadn’t hit a nerve. But deep down… there was a flicker of something I couldn’t ignore.
Kenji let out an exasperated sigh before suddenly brightening again.
“Alright then, Sayuri—I’ll invite you to my house this Saturday.”
His words shattered my thoughts. Around us, his friends squealed like kids on Christmas, while Mika smiled widely. Kenji, on the other hand, was too busy glaring at Miyu.
“You’re invited too,” he said grudgingly to her. “Though honestly, if you don’t come, that’d be better.”
They went back to their usual banter—Kenji and Miyu trading shots like always—but I just sat there, staring at him.
He invited me because Miyu mentioned it. Because it turned into some competition of pride. Not because he wanted to.
I sighed silently, forcing a smile as I picked up my milk. Maybe I’m thinking too much. We hang out, we study at the library. My mom knows him well. That should be enough… right?
But still, there was this strange heaviness in my chest. My eyes wandered to Mika again. She was amazing—confident, easygoing, free-spirited. The kind of girl who fit right in.
Me and Kenji-kun… we bicker, we laugh, we share moments. There’s no problem between us. But sometimes, I can’t shake the feeling that we don’t look like a couple at all. That maybe… I’m the only one trying so hard to make this work.
I shook my head, pushing the thoughts away. There’s nothing wrong with being carefree. But his oblivious nature—his inability to notice the things I do, the little things I hope he sees—sometimes, it leaves me feeling invisible.
And no matter how much my heart beats for him… something always feels like it’s missing.
After School – Sayuri’s POV
I waved goodbye to Miyu-chan, who was still ranting nonstop about how much it annoyed her to even think of going to Kenji-kun’s house. “I swear, I don’t want to go there! What does he think of himself? So full of it—” she fumed, her voice rising with every word.
I placed a gentle hand on her arm, trying to calm her down. “Seriously, Miyu-chan, breathe,” I said with a small smile.
She huffed and crossed her arms, muttering under her breath. “Fine. But I can still come with you, you know. Who knows if that bastard might stand you up?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at her protective tone. “You’re too much,” I teased softly.
“Sad,” she sighed dramatically. “We could’ve gone to karaoke instead, but no—first day of second year and the teachers already had to drag us into career discussions.”
I let out a quiet laugh, clutching my hands together as I walked. She wasn’t wrong. The talk about career forms had definitely killed the mood. Every student was expected to decide on a university, a job path, or at least a dream worth chasing. Honestly, I still didn’t know what I wanted. All I knew was that getting a scholarship felt like the only thing I could truly aim for.
I was lost in thought when I suddenly gasped, nearly losing my balance as an arm wrapped around my shoulders from behind. “Yo!”
It was Kenji-kun. Relief washed over me as I exhaled sharply. “You startled me…”
He just grinned and playfully booped my nose. “Apologize,” he teased, flashing that mischievous smile at Miyu-chan. I prayed silently that they wouldn’t start bickering again.
“Well, you little chihuahua,” Kenji said with a smirk, “isn’t your house in the opposite direction? Shoo, shoo. Let me walk with my girlfriend.”
Miyu-chan looked like she was about to stomp a hole in the ground, but instead, she took a deep breath. I gave her an awkward, apologetic smile as she sighed and grabbed my hand, gazing at me with pleading puppy eyes.
“Sayuri-san, I’m going now. Let’s discuss our study material later, okay?” she said sweetly—an act that made Kenji dramatically clean his ear.
Before he could retort, Miyu stomped on his foot and ran off, waving at me. Kenji winced, groaning loudly. “That little—what was that for!?”
From a distance, Miyu yelled back, “Payback for you kicking me during lunch, you idiot! Did you really think I’d let that go?”
Kenji fumed while I facepalmed. With an exasperated sigh, we started walking. I stayed quiet as he folded his arms behind his head.
“I just can’t believe you put up with someone like her. She acts like a chihuahua all the time,” he muttered.
I couldn’t help but chuckle, picturing Miyu as a tiny dog barking furiously at Kenji. I smacked his arm lightly. “Don’t talk about her like that.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbled, rolling his eyes.
Silence fell between us as I lowered my head, my thoughts wandering back to what happened in the cafeteria, our relationship, and how I wanted to make it… better. Stronger. I was so caught up that I jumped when Kenji snapped his fingers in front of me.
“Whatcha thinking?” he asked, giving me that sweet, easy smile—the one that always made my doubts fade, even for a second.
I clutched the straps of my bag. Before I could respond, he suddenly leaned down, his face just inches from mine. I squeaked, heat flooding my cheeks.
“Are you thinking something?” His voice was teasing, curious.
My lips trembled as I tried to find the right words. I took a shaky breath, then pushed his face away with my palm. He groaned dramatically as I looked aside.
“I just wanted to ask… should I really come to your house this Saturday?” My voice was hesitant, anxious.
He tilted his head, surprised, then chuckled. “Were you worried about that? Of course, I mean it. I realized I never actually invited you before—or maybe I forgot since we always hang out outside. It’s not a big deal.”
I pouted, frustration bubbling inside me, and walked ahead. “But it sounded like you only invited me because Miyu-chan brought it up…”
He groaned and hurried to catch up, grabbing my arm. His eyes locked on mine, making me stop in my tracks. “Don’t take her words seriously, okay? I wanted to invite you, but—” He hesitated, scratched his head, and looked away.
I crossed my arms, waiting.
“Umm… well, my mom already knows about you,” he said awkwardly.
I froze. My eyes widened as heat rushed to my face. “W-what!?”
He laughed and winked. “You thought I didn’t? I told her about you ages ago. So, you better come. Though honestly, Saturday was just about playing games—I wanted to compete with Mika-chan.”
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. Maybe I was overthinking.
We kept walking, Kenji talking about random things as I nodded absentmindedly. Kenji-kun was always like this—his easygoing nature, his obliviousness. Sometimes it overwhelmed me, but as he said, it wasn’t a big deal… right?
Trying to shake off my thoughts, I smiled brightly. “Kenji-kun, can we go to the new amusement park tomorrow? We have a half-day.”
His eyes lit up with excitement. “Yeah?! Of course we can!”
I grinned wider. “You can invite your friends too if you want.”
He nodded eagerly, and we started making plans as we walked. For a moment, everything felt fine again. Maybe I was just overthinking… Miyu-chan’s words, Mika-san’s sudden appearance, Kenji’s oblivious nature. Maybe none of it really mattered.
Or so I thought.
That night, sitting on my bed, I stared at my phone, expression blank, the call log glowing on the screen. Then I hung up, his voice still echoing in my head:
“Sayuri, sorry, but Mika-chan suddenly made plans with me to go to the cyber café with Ayame and Kanazaki. You can go with Subaru and your chihuahua friend. Mika-chan asked me, so I couldn’t say no. Hope you understand…”
The excitement I’d felt earlier drained away, replaced by the same anxious heaviness that had been building all day. I’d just hummed in response then, pretending it didn’t matter. But now, staring at my phone, my lips pressed into a trembling pout, and the frustration twisted into something sharper. Something like insecurity.
I shook my head hard, tossing the thoughts away. No, it’s okay. We can go later. Mika-chan’s his friend now, so I should understand.
I plopped back on my bed, but Miyu-chan’s voice rang in my ears:
“Come on, Sayuri-san. That idiot will keep forgetting you, never prioritize what you want, and always change plans. And you’ll just forgive him every time.”
I’d laughed it off earlier. I always told myself that as long as I could spend time with Kenji, it didn’t matter. But what if… what if I was being selfish? What if dragging him to places he didn’t care about annoyed him? What if, someday, he started to hate that about me?
I buried my face in the pillow, the sting in my chest refusing to fade.
Because the truth was… I cared too much about everyone else’s feelings, and too little about my own. And Kenji—Kenji never noticed. Never even tried to notice.
And that was the part that scared me the most.
Sayuri’s POV – Saturday
“Mom, does this look good on me?” I asked, standing in front of the mirror, holding my breath as I waited for her verdict. She looked exhausted, probably from watching me wreck my room with the chaos of outfits I’d tried on. I just couldn’t decide what to wear.
At least, I’d managed to push away all the negativity from the past few weeks. Today, I just wanted to go with the flow—hang out with Miyu-chan and get to know Mika-san better. She was… amazing, honestly. So passionate about her interests. Lately, she had been getting close to Kenji-kun too. Sometimes, it felt like their vibes matched perfectly. I told myself it didn’t bother me—because it didn’t. If anything, I was happy Mika-san would be there with us.
Kenji had told me that Kanazaki couldn’t make it today for some reason, so it’d just be the three of us.
I tried on one last outfit, and behind me, Mom hummed approvingly. “This looks perfect.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks as I turned to her. “You really think so? It’s not too simple? Or too flashy?”
She huffed and made me turn back to face the mirror. “You look pretty—just like me. Oh gosh, this takes me back to my own youthful days… I used to stress like this before meeting your father at his home.”
I laughed softly at her nostalgic tone—until an all-too-familiar voice cut in.
“Mom, don’t spoil her. Tell her the truth—she looks like a potato.”
I whipped around to glare at my little brother, Soma, who had just plopped onto my bed, making the mess even worse. Recently, he’d started middle school, but his bratty attitude hadn’t matured one bit.
“I honestly wonder how you even got yourself a boyfriend,” he added, smirking.
I smacked him with a sweater. “You could at least pretend to be happy for me! If not, I won’t let Kenji-kun play with you anymore.”
He groaned dramatically. “Please. As if he’d listen to you if I dragged him away.”
“You—”
“Now, now.” Mom stepped between us like a referee. Soma only grinned.
“Don’t tease your onee-chan like that,” she scolded gently.
I ignored him after that, focusing on my light makeup. “I’ll come back to you when you get a girlfriend,” I muttered, “and I’ll expose all your weird secrets.”
“Mom! Did you hear that? Scold her too!” he complained, but I just stuck out my tongue.
Mom sighed at both of us, then her expression softened. She walked over and patted my head gently.
“I hope you have fun,” she said quietly. “Lately, you’ve seemed so stressed, and I didn’t know how to ask you about it.”
I froze, my cheeks warming. Was I really that obvious?
“Don’t worry, Mama,” I said softly. “I’m okay. Just… a little nervous. It’s my first time going to Kenji-kun’s house.”
Her face lit up instantly. She clapped her hands together. “I was so shocked when you told me he invited you!”
I smiled faintly to myself. I couldn’t exactly tell her the truth—that he’d invited me in the heat of an argument with Miyu-chan… or at least, that’s what it felt like.
Mom didn’t notice my hesitation as she handed me a paper bag. “Give this to Kenji-kun’s mom. The moment I heard you were visiting, I started preparing sweets. They’re a new recipe I’ve been perfecting.”
The sweet aroma hit me as I peeked inside. “They smell amazing. I’m sure they’ll love them, Mama. Your desserts are always a customer favorite.”
She blushed dramatically and smacked me on the back, almost knocking me over. Meanwhile, Soma was already trying to sneak a peek inside the bag.
“Mom, can I have some too?” he whined.
She flicked his forehead. “You can—after you help me downstairs with the shop. Honestly, even your father has dozed off at the reception desk.”
Soma groaned but got dragged out anyway, and before leaving, Mom gave me a cheeky smile. “Have fun, okay? I mean it.”
I smiled back as the door closed behind them. Turning to the mirror, I gave myself one last look. The outfit seemed… simple yet cute—just right. A knee-length khaki skirt paired with a long-sleeved brown turtleneck. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and exhaled slowly.
“I hope,” I whispered to my reflection, “that tonight… everything turns out well.”
A few hours later—Sayuri’s POV:
I stood outside the apartment building, staring at the nameplate that read Sato Family, the address Kenji had sent me earlier flashing in my mind. Taking a deep breath, I smoothed down my hair and tightened my grip on the small bag of sweets in my hand. It was my first time visiting, and nerves prickled under my skin.
You can do this, Sayuri. Believe in yourself, I whispered under my breath, clenching my fist before exhaling sharply to steady myself. With one last sigh of determination, I walked up to the door and pressed the doorbell.
I waited, shifting my weight nervously, my foot absentmindedly kicking at tiny pebbles on the ground. Then, the sound of the doorknob turning pulled me back to reality. The door opened to reveal a woman—middle-aged yet graceful—with a kind face and warm, welcoming smile. She wore an apron, her hair swept into a slightly messy bun, as if she’d been caught in the middle of preparing dinner.
There was no mistaking it—this was Kenji’s mother. Sato Aoi.
I bowed deeply as the door opened. “Good evening, Aunty. I’m Ito Sayuri,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. But her warm smile and the gentle way she carried herself eased my nerves almost instantly.
“Oh dear, Sayuri-san! My son talks about you often. Please, get up—there’s no need to be so formal.” Her tone was cheerful as she stepped aside, making room for me to enter.
I slipped off my shoes with the stick she offered and bowed again as I stepped inside. She continued speaking with a bright smile. “I can’t believe you’re finally here! Honestly, I was nervous too. Having sons, I never imagined how much effort it takes to keep everything tidy for a female guest—especially since this is the first time we’ve had one!” She laughed lightly, then added, “And my goodness, you’re so pretty. Kenji-kun is going to be thrilled.”
Her words made me chuckle softly, easing the tight knot of tension in my chest. I handed her the small bag of sweets I’d brought. “I’m grateful I could come today. This is from my family—my mom made it.”
Her eyes widened as she accepted the bag. “Oh, this looks delicious!”
“My parents run a bakery shop,” I explained with a smile.
“That’s wonderful,” she said warmly. “Please, have a seat. I’ll go call Kenji.”
I nodded and settled on the sofa as she hurried upstairs. The comforting aroma of dinner drifted through the air, making the atmosphere feel even homelier. She must be happy to have a guest, I thought. My gaze wandered across the living room—a large TV, shelves stacked with video game cases, and family photos adorning the walls. I paused when my eyes fell on a framed picture, but before I could take a closer look, the sound of heavy footsteps made me turn around.
“Sayuri, you came!” Kenji’s cheerful voice rang out, his usual bright smile lighting up his face as he appeared with his mother right behind him.
I smiled back, my cheeks warming. “Kenji-kun… good evening.”
He looked neat—like he’d put in some effort—and before I could process the thought, he stepped closer and playfully booped my nose as he always did. Heat rushed to my cheeks, even in front of his mother, who chuckled softly at the scene.
“Thank God you’re here on time. I was getting restless,” he said quickly.
His hurried tone didn’t escape me, and apparently not his mother either, because her brows furrowed. “I didn’t see Mika-san—” I began, but Kenji cut me off.
“Mom, I’m heading out to pick up the person I told you about,” he said.
“The new friend you made? Kota Mika?” his mother asked, already guessing.
Kenji nodded, slipping his shoes on. Then, without warning, he grabbed my arm gently. “Sorry, Sayuri. I didn’t send Mika the address because I planned to pick her up. We’re going to check out some new game models—she knows a lot about them. Can you wait here for me?”
I blinked in surprise, a small gasp escaping before I could respond. But he didn’t wait for an answer.
“I’ll be back soon!” he said, rushing toward the door.
“Kenji!” his mother called after him, fuming. “What do you mean? If that was the plan, you should have picked Sayuri-san at the same time! She came all the way here alone!”
I stepped out just in time to see him scrunch his face in apology. “I forgot, okay? I’ll keep it in mind next time!” And with that, he dashed out with a casual wave, leaving the door swinging behind him.
His mother sighed and muttered under her breath, “That idiot…” then turned to me with an apologetic expression. Her warmth made me feel even more awkward as she took both of my hands in hers.
“Dear, I’m so sorry on behalf of Kenji and his thoughtlessness. He shouldn’t have left like that—he really is an idiot. Please, don’t take it to heart.”
Panicking, I shook my head quickly, holding her hands in return. “It’s okay, Aunty, really. Please don’t apologize—I’d feel awful if you did. This is my first time meeting you in person, and as Kenji-kun said, I don’t mind waiting.”
She gave me the warmest smile, though I could still see frustration flickering behind it. Trying to lighten the mood, I glanced toward the kitchen and asked, “The food smells amazing—are you still preparing it? Can I help?”
Her sigh softened into a smile. “No, dear, please just sit and relax.”
I nodded politely, but then she clenched her fists, muttering under her breath, “That idiot is going to get a good thrashing for making Sayuri-san wait…”
A nervous laugh escaped me—she reminded me so much of Miyu-chan at that moment. I returned to the sofa, sitting awkwardly as silence settled around me. My gaze dropped to the phone in my hand, to the address Kenji had sent earlier.
His mother’s words echoed in my head: What do you mean, Kenji? You could have picked Sayuri-san at the same time… She didn’t have to come all the way here alone!
I swallowed hard, clutching the hem of my skirt. Why… why is Kenji-kun so naïve? Even after I dressed up—nothing extravagant, just something simple—I thought it would catch his attention, just a little. But… even his mother noticed what he couldn’t.
Time passed, and Kenji’s mother was still bustling in the kitchen, preparing a few more dishes. But I could sense her growing frustration—she was fuming quietly, pacing back and forth in front of me because Kenji still hadn’t arrived.
I had tried calling him, but he didn’t pick up. His mom kept apologizing over and over, her tone anxious, while I kept smiling, pretending I wasn’t bothered in the slightest.
“I’m seriously so sorry, dear. Kenji invited you and he—”
“Aunty, really, I’m okay,” I interrupted with a reassuring smile. Stepping closer, I added warmly, “Mind if I take a look at some of the dishes?”
Her expression softened immediately, her shoulders relaxing. “Of course,” she said with a small smile, and together we headed into the kitchen.
The aroma hit me first—it smelled heavenly. She had really gone all out. Fried chicken, crispy tonkatsu, flavorful curry, side dishes neatly arranged, and even dessert. Not to mention the sweets my mother had sent along.
“This looks absolutely delicious,” I said honestly, my eyes widening.
Her lips curved into a proud grin. “I won’t mind even if you lick your fingers after eating.”
I laughed at her playful tone. But before I could say more, a loud thud sounded from outside.
Did someone just… come in?
“Who could that be? Maybe Kenji. Wait here, I’ll go check—” she started, but before she could pass me, the cooker began to whistle, pulling her attention back to the stove.
“I’ll check, Aunty. You take care of that,” I offered quickly.
She opened her mouth to protest, but her hands were full, so I slipped out toward the entrance.
The door was closed. No one was there. Strange.
But then I noticed the shoes. Someone had come in.
Kenji? No… If it were him, he’d have walked straight into the living room to greet Mika-san.
Curiosity tugged at me as I walked farther in, my steps echoing faintly on the wooden floor. My eyes lifted to the staircase, and a strange feeling crept over me. I swallowed, edging closer.
Maybe… someone went upstairs?
I hesitated, but curiosity won. Pressing a hand lightly on the wall for balance, I began to climb. Step by step, thoughts swirling—when suddenly, my foot landed on something soft.
What…?
Before I could process, my balance tipped. I stumbled forward—panic shot through me as I braced for the sharp pain of stairs digging into my body—but instead, I landed on something solid.
No. Not something. Someone.
A loud groan escaped from beneath me as I squeezed my eyes shut.
When I opened them, my breath hitched.
I wasn’t lying on the stairs. I was lying on top of a guy.
His eyes were still closed, my hair spilling forward like a curtain over his face. One of my hands gripped the edge of the stair rail above his head, trembling slightly.
A guy…? A thief?!
No. His face… I’d seen it before. Just a glimpse, earlier, in a photo frame—before Kenji interrupted me.
But before my mind could piece things together, his eyes opened.
My breath caught.
They were unreadable. Cool. Detached.
He had headphones on—music still faintly playing. One of his hands rested against the stair railing, maybe from when I fell. The other… was still on me.
On my waist. Firm. Almost as if… holding me in place.
I froze. Every nerve in my body went stiff, yet my mind couldn’t process fast enough. Who is he? Why was he lying here?
My hair slid softly across his face. He didn’t move an inch. Just stared with those calm, stern eyes as if I’d disturbed something precious.
Slowly, he lifted his head. With one hand, he removed the headphones, the faint sound of music breaking the silence.
And then, finally, he spoke.
His voice was low, smooth—almost gentle—but his gaze held a sharp edge, like I’d intruded on his peace.
“Are you planning to lie on top of me all night, little girl?”
Little… girl?!
Reality slammed back into me like a freight train.
I messed up. Big time.
It was Sato-Rin, kenji older brother.
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