The bell resounded through the classroom, signaling the end of the class, and Sensei Takahashi, was on the verge of leaving the room when Junichi eagerly dashed towards her, his voice brimming with excitement. "Takahashi - sensei, did you hear? Shiriku and Fuyumi are signing up for a couples' run next week!"
Mika's eyebrows shot up in surprise at Junichi's revelation. "Oh, is that so? Are you two a thing?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued before Shiriku and Fuyumi could intervene.
Shiriku felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck. "No, no, Takahashi-sensei," he hurriedly interjected, attempting to dispel the misunderstanding. "We're just friends who enjoy running together. It's nothing romantic like that."
Takahashi-sensei chuckled knowingly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, I see. Well, how lovely it is to experience the joys of youthful love," she remarked, giving Shiriku and Fuyumi a friendly pat on the back before turning her attention to greet the other students.
Fuyumi's cheeks flushed a deep crimson at Takahashi - sensei's comment, her mind swirling with a mix of confusion and anticipation. "Dating?" she mused to herself, feeling a flutter of excitement mingled with uncertainty.
As their next class concluded, Shiriku and Fuyumi gathered their belongings and made their way out of the classroom towards the cafeteria for lunch. Although Junichi and Sachi had already left first due to their rumbling stomachs, Shiriku appeared oblivious to any tension lingering between them. However, Fuyumi couldn't shake the nagging sensation that something had subtly shifted in their dynamic.
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They made their way to the bustling cafeteria, weaving through the throngs of students until they reached their usual spot. Junichi and Sachi were already seated, their faces lit up with mischief as Shiriku and Fuyumi approached.
She stole a furtive glance at Shiriku, her stomach fluttering with anticipation, but he simply shrugged nonchalantly.
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Just as Fuyumi was lost in thought, Ayaka and Aoi arrived at their table, their trays laden with an assortment of food. Ayaka settled down beside Fuyumi, while Aoi took a seat across from her, flashing a cheery smile at both of them.
"Hello, everyone!" Ayaka greeted, her gaze flitting between Fuyumi and Shiriku. "What are you guys up to?"
Shiriku wasted no time in filling them in on their upcoming plans for the couples' run, making sure to emphasize that it was purely for fun and devoid of any romantic undertones. Ayaka and Aoi exchanged a knowing look, their lips curling into mischievous grins.
"A couples' run, huh?" Aoi said, her eyebrows raised. "Sounds like Fuyumi - sama and Shiriku- sama are getting pretty cozy, am I right? AYAKA - sama!?."
AYAKA immediately looks toward another direction to avoid Aoi's sudden rise of voice
Fuyumi felt a flush creeping up her cheeks, a mixture of amusement and embarrassment coursing through her. She knew Aoi was just teasing, but his comment still managed to catch her off guard.
"Ah, come on, it's not like that," she replied, trying to keep her tone light and breezy. "Shiriku and I are just good friends, nothing more."
Ayaka and Aoi exchanged a conspiratorial glance, their playful expressions hinting at a deeper understanding. Fuyumi couldn't help but feel like they were seeing right through her facade.
"Sure, sure," Ayaka chimed in, nudging Fuyumi playfully with her elbow. "But you know what they say - friendship is often the first step toward something more."
Fuyumi felt her cheeks grow warmer, and she silently prayed for the bell to ring, bringing an end to the teasing. As soon as it did, she hastily gathered her belongings, eager to escape the teasing of everyone.
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Ayaka turned to Shiriku with a sly grin, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Hey Shiriku, I've got a surprise for you," she announced, her voice laced with excitement as she batted her eyelashes teasingly.
Intrigued, Shiriku raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "A surprise? What kind of surprise?" he inquired, his tone reflecting his genuine interest.
Ayaka simply smiled mysteriously, her lips curled into a playful smirk. "You'll have to wait and see," she teased, before gracefully rising from her seat and sauntering off in the direction of her classroom, leaving Shiriku to ponder the mysterious surprise.
Shiriku shook his head, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he watched Ayaka's retreating figure. He was accustomed to her playful antics and knew better than to expect any straightforward answers. With a shrug, he starts to walk, joining Sachi and Junichi on their way back to class.
As they walked, Junichi couldn't resist teasing Shiriku about the upcoming couples' run. "So, are you excited for the big day?" he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Shiriku shrugged nonchalantly, though a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I guess so. It should be fun," he admitted, his voice tinged with anticipation.
Sachi nodded in agreement, her expression warm and supportive. "I think it's wonderful that you and Fuyumi are doing something together," she remarked, her smile reflecting genuine happiness for her friend.
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LOCATION CLASSROOM 1 - A
"Fuyumi, hey," Shiriku called out, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Fuyumi glanced up, her expression guarded. "Oh, hi, Shiriku," she replied, her tone neutral.
Shiriku sensed the shift in her demeanor and faltered slightly, but he pushed on. "Um, I was wondering if... if I could maybe get your contact information?" he asked tentatively, his words trailing off.
Fuyumi's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of panic crossing her features before she quickly composed herself. "Oh, my contact information?" she echoed, trying to sound casual. "Uh, sure, I guess that's fine."
Shiriku sensed her hesitation but pressed on, his tone gentle. "It's just that... I thought it might be good for us to communicate better, especially since we're doing the couples' run together," he explained, hoping to put her at ease.
Fuyumi nodded slowly, her expression softening. "Yeah, I see what you mean. Communication is important," she agreed, her voice slightly more relaxed.
Shiriku smiled gratefully, relieved by her response. "Exactly! So, uh, could I have your number?" he asked, holding out his phone.
Fuyumi nodded, reaching for her own phone. "Sure, let me just..." she trailed off, her fingers tapping quickly on the screen as she entered her contact information.
As Shiriku entered her number into his phone, Fuyumi couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement mingled with nervousness. She tried to maintain her composure, but her heart was racing as she handed back his phone.
"Thanks, Fuyumi," Shiriku said, his tone warm and genuine. "I'll text you later so we can talk more about the run."
Fuyumi nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. "Yeah, sounds good," she replied, her voice a bit softer than before.