The class buzzed with chatter as everyone got hyped for the long weekend. It was Friday, and Friday meant freedom.
The classroom door suddenly swung open. A wedge heel clicked against the floor, followed by a pair of crisp black slacks and a white blouse. Our homeroom teacher entered, her messy bun held in place by a shiny hairpin.
She tapped her fingers on the desk, silencing a rowdy group by the windows. "Now listen up, everyone," she said firmly. "You've all been here for two weeks now. I expect you to start acting like responsible high school students."
Her eyes narrowed at Ichimiya, who was balancing a pencil on his upper lip.
"Also, a few reminders before the weekend," she continued. "First—don't forget your assigned cleaning duties for next week. Second, our school festival planning starts next month, so come prepared with ideas."
A collective groan filled the room.
"Lastly, remember to finish your homework and stay safe."
When the bell rang, students bolted out like prisoners granted parole.
Ichimiya was the first to find me. His blazer hung open like always, and his tie looked more like a scarf than part of a uniform. "Tatsumiya! Let's walk home."
Keita and Takeshi joined us at the school gates.
"So," Ichimiya began, cheeks puffed with rice ball, "guess where I'm going tomorrow?"
"The food court?" Takeshi deadpanned.
"Close! My uncle's place. You know, the one who manages that super famous mukbang streamer? Turns out he's friends with the CEO who sponsors the channel. He invited me to sit in on a livestream!"
"That's pretty cool," Keita said, surprised.
Takeshi gave him a side glance. "Impressive—if it's true."
Ichimiya puffed out his chest. "Hey, I'm serious this time! Maybe I'll become a talent manager. Or an idol scout!"
"You can't even scout out a clean shirt," I muttered.
Keita laughed, smoothing down his hair. "Well, I've got plans too. Mika-chan finally said yes to a date."
"You mean the girl who rejected you four times?" Takeshi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"She didn't reject me—she was building suspense!" Keita declared proudly.
Takeshi rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I'm heading to a gaming competition. The prize pool's massive."
Ichimiya clapped him on the back. "Win it for us!"
"Tatsumiya," Ichimiya nudged me. "What about you?"
"Nothing planned."
Keita gasped. "Don't tell me… you're gonna be all emo this weekend."
"I prefer the term 'peaceful solitude,'" I muttered.
That evening, I found myself at Yuzuki's apartment again. At this point, it had become routine—eating, talking, maybe gaming a little. We were getting close, but not too close. Still, it was… nice.
Tonight's meal was spicy soba, fried tofu, and grilled mackerel. I didn't show it, but the smell alone had me halfway to drooling.
As we ate, the room was quiet except for the occasional slurp or crunch. Finally, Yuzuki broke the silence.
"You know, your friends are funny," she said, stirring her noodles. "Especially the chubby one—Ichimiya, right?"
"He's a foodie," I replied. "But a good guy."
She giggled. "And the one who thinks he's a smooth talker?"
"Keita. Delusional, but funny."
"I like Takeshi. He reminds me of my cousin—quiet, sharp, blunt."
"…What about me?"
She paused, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "You… you're different."
"In what sense?"
"I won't tell you. Eat before it gets cold."
I scoffed. "Should've seen that coming."
After dinner, I was cleaning up when she leaned against the table, arms crossed.
"Hey… wanna do something tomorrow?"
I froze. "Like what?"
"Shopping? There's a new mall nearby. And maybe the amusement park?"
"Why?"
She tilted her head with a teasing smile. "Because I'm bored, and my friends are busy. Besides, weekends aren't meant for sulking."
I raised a brow. "Why me?"
"Well, I also need to buy groceries. Carrying all that alone is tiring. Plus… you're the only person I know who's strong."
"So I'm your pack mule now?"
"Exactly!" she said brightly.
I sighed. "Fine. But if you're late, I'm leaving."
"Thanks, Ryuto." Her voice softened. "I won't be late."
Unbeknownst to me, she had planned this all along.
The next morning, she was waiting by the apartment gate.
She wore a light green skirt, a white blouse, and sneakers. Her hair was braided neatly. Spring green eyes sparkled under the sun.
I felt overdressed in my black hoodie and jeans.
"You look different," she said.
"Same to you."
She smiled. "Shall we?"
First stop: a quiet bookstore. She dragged me into the fantasy section.
"Look!" she whispered excitedly. "The new volume of Twilight Alchemist!"
I had no idea what that was. Still, her joy made me smile.
"You're smiling," she said.
"No, I'm not."
She grinned wider. She knew.
Next, we hit a fashion boutique. I waited while she tried outfits.
"Which one looks better?" she asked, stepping out in a blue dress.
"They're both fine."
She pouted. "That's not helpful!"
Eventually, with help from the staff, she picked a red flared long-sleeve dress with snowflake patterns and soft white linen at the hem.
Before we could leave, she shoved some outfits at me too. I caught looks from the other guys in the waiting area—silent prayers for my survival.
She bought a scarf for me without asking. I didn't argue.
"Can we hit the food district now?" I asked.
"Of course!"
After shopping, we were starving. So we hit the amusement park.
The place was loud. Kids squealed, teens screamed on roller coasters, and couples held hands like their lives depended on it.
We played a few games—Ferris wheel, haunted house, and even a shooting booth. She took photos every chance she got. I groaned. She didn't care.
But then—
"Where's my phone?" she gasped.
We retraced our steps. Nothing.
Then, just as we neared the Ferris wheel—
"Um… is this yours?" A little boy held out her phone.
Yuzuki gasped. "Yes! Thank you!"
"Mommy found it," he said, pointing at a nearby woman.
We bowed in thanks.
The woman smiled. "Are you two here for the Couple Harmony Contest?"
"…Excuse me?"
She pointed to a signboard. "Matching outfits, hairstyle makeovers, and a chance to win wagyu beef dinner!"
"We're not a couple," I said quickly.
"Shame," she said. "You two look perfect."
Before I could escape, an attendant grabbed us. "Couple #12! Contest starts in ten!"
"We're not—"
"We're in," Yuzuki said with a nervous smile.
"What?!"
"Free food!" she whispered. "And clothes. Don't ruin this!"
In the dressing tent, they gave us autumn-themed outfits.
She wore a flowing beige dress with floral embroidery. I had a light brown blazer with gold thread. They styled our hair—hers curled, mine slicked back.
"You look…" I started.
"Stupid?"
"…Nice."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
I blushed as I left the tent.
The contest was ridiculous. We answered questions, posed like cheesy couples, and even had to act out a dramatic scene.
When it came time for the "princess carry," I refused.
So she picked me up.
The crowd roared. I wanted to disappear.
We got second place. The prize? Wagyu beef dinner.
The sun began to set as we left.
"That was fun," she said.
"It was weird."
"Admit it—you smiled."
I said nothing.
She stopped walking. "Ryuto?"
"Hm?"
"Thanks for today. You didn't have to… but you did."
I turned. Her green eyes were so honest, so calm.
And for a second, I didn't find her annoying at all.
"…Thanks," I muttered.
"For what?"
"The date."
"…It wasn't a date!" I snapped.
She laughed. "Sure. Not a date."
In my head, I didn't know what was happening.
But one thing was certain—
I wanted to know this girl better