As the group finally reached the bustling cafeteria, they formed a line to get their food. Just as Shiriku and the others were about to make their way through, Ayaka's voice cut through the chatter, capturing everyone's attention.
"Shiriku!" Ayaka called out, her tone playful yet warm, drawing the attention of Shiriku and his friends.
Shiriku turned to see Ayaka approaching, a smile spreading across her face as she greeted him. "Hello, Shiriku," she said with a friendly tone, her eyes twinkling with gratitude. "Thank you again for what happened on the weekend. You really saved me from a fall."
Shiriku chuckled nervously, feeling slightly embarrassed by the attention. "Oh, that?" he replied, his tone casual as he tried to downplay his actions. "It was nothing. Anyone would have done the same."
Ayaka shook her head, her expression sincere as she looked at Shiriku. "No, not just anyone would have stepped in like you did," she insisted, her voice soft yet firm. "You have a kind heart, Shiriku, and I appreciate your help more than you know."
Shiriku's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at Ayaka's words, his gaze shifting slightly as he tried to deflect the praise. "Well, um, thanks, Ayaka," he mumbled, his tone awkward yet grateful.
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Sachi and Junichi, growing increasingly hungry, couldn't contain their impatience any longer. Junichi interrupted with a hint of urgency in his voice, "Hey guys, we're about to starve here. Can we please finish up whatever you're doing?"
Shiriku, realizing the situation, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're right. Let's wrap this up."
Before the tension could escalate further, Junichi intervened once again, attempting to diffuse the situation. "Guys, Sachi and I are starving, so let's finish up and order our food."
Ayaka, sensing the tension, turned to Shiriku with a polite offer. "Shiriku, would you like to join me at my table after you've ordered?"
However, Fuyumi interjected with a subtle hint of attitude in her tone. "Ehem, Shiriku, Sachi, Junichi, and I have already decided to sit at our usual table, so we'll have to decline your offer."
Shiriku seemed genuinely surprised by Fuyumi's assertion. "We did?"
Fuyumi's frustration simmered beneath the surface as she replied firmly, "Yes, we did."
Junichi, noticing the tension, stepped in once more, trying to lighten the mood. "Alright, let's not make a big deal out of this. We're all hungry, so let's just grab some food."
Shiriku nodded in agreement, eager to diffuse the tension. "Sorry about that. Ayaka, you're welcome to join us if you'd like."
Fuyumi couldn't help but feel exasperated by Shiriku's obliviousness. "This guy... he's so dense!"
Ayaka graciously accepted Shiriku's invitation. "Oh, thank you. I'd be happy to join you."
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As Shiriku settled into his seat at the table, he found himself sandwiched between Fuyumi on his right and Ayaka on his left. The atmosphere was still buzzing with the events that had unfolded earlier, and Shiriku felt a desire to lighten the mood. He cleared his throat and initiated a conversation.
"So, uh... guys," Shiriku began, turning his gaze to Sachi, Junichi, and Aoi, "have any of you seen that new movie that just came out? I heard it's getting great reviews."
Sachi, with her playful nature, responded first, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "Oh, I watched it last weekend! It was absolutely hilarious. You should definitely check it out, Shiriku."
Junichi, always ready with a witty remark, chimed in with a smirk, "Yeah, and Sachi here couldn't stop laughing, even during the serious moments. It was quite a spectacle." Aoi simply shook her head.
Sachi playfully nudged Junichi, retorting, "Hey, it was a comedy! I can't help it if the movie was hilarious from start to finish."
Shiriku nodded, glad to see the conversation flowing and the atmosphere lightening up. He glanced at Ayaka, who had been relatively quiet during the discussion, lost in her own thoughts. Sensing an opportunity to engage with her, he turned his attention toward her.
"Ayaka, what about you? Have you seen the movie?" Shiriku asked, his voice warm and inviting.
Ayaka's eyes sparkled as she looked at Shiriku, her gaze carrying a hint of romance. "Actually, I haven't seen it yet. I was hoping maybe we could watch it together sometime." Her words hung in the air, carrying an unspoken invitation.
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Fuyumi, who had been observing the interaction between Shiriku and Ayaka, couldn't help but feel a pang of irritations. She shifted in her seat, trying to gather her thoughts and decide how to respond.
Before Fuyumi could intervene, Shiriku, oblivious to the romantic undertones, chuckled and shrugged casually. "Sure, Ayaka, that sounds like a plan. We can all go watch it together. The more, the merrier!"
Fuyumi's eyes narrowed slightly as she felt a surge of determination. She was not one to back down easily. With a determined smile, she interjected, "Actually, Shiriku, I was thinking we could have a movie night at my place this weekend. I've got a collection of classic films we could watch."
Shiriku's eyebrows rose in surprise, caught off guard by Fuyumi's sudden proposal. He glanced back and forth between Ayaka and Fuyumi, sensing the tension in the air. Trying to diffuse the situation, he deflected the conversation.
"Ah, that sounds like fun, Fuyumi. I'm sure we'll have a great time watching those movies. By the way, has anyone tried the new dessert they're serving here? I heard it's absolutely delicious." Shiriku diverted the conversation, hoping to steer it away from the romantic tension between Ayaka and Fuyumi.
As they discussed the delectable dessert options, Ayaka's flirtatious demeanor persisted, her words laced with playful innuendos. She leaned closer to Shiriku, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Shiriku, I heard that dessert is best enjoyed with someone special. We should definitely try it together."
Fuyumi, not one to be outdone, maintained her composure and countered with a smirk. "Well, Shiriku, if you're up for it, I can give you a taste of my homemade sweets. They're known to rival any dessert you'll find here."
Ayaka's persistence was unwavering as she pressed on, her eyes locking with Shiriku's. "Shiriku, why settle for anything less when you can have the sweetest treat right here? Don't you agree?" Her tone was teasing, yet filled with underlying hints of seduction.