The week following the school festival was filled with excitement and chatter about the manga club's victory and Ryo's impending costume day. Aiko couldn't wait to see Ryo in the maid outfit she had picked out, and she made sure everyone knew about it.
On Monday morning, Ryo arrived at school with a resigned smile, wearing the frilliest, most extravagant maid outfit Aiko could find. The halls erupted with laughter and cheers as he walked through, waving like a beauty queen on a parade float.
Aiko approached him, struggling to contain her laughter. "You look amazing, Ryo. Pink really does suit you."
Ryo rolled his eyes but grinned. "You know, I have to admit, you've outdone yourself. But remember, revenge is a dish best served cold."
Aiko smirked, crossing her arms. "I'll be waiting, music boy."
Throughout the day, Ryo endured endless teasing and photo requests, playing along with good humor. During lunch, he found Aiko in the courtyard, drawing in her sketchbook. He sat down beside her, adjusting his frilly apron with a dramatic sigh. "I hope you're enjoying this, Aiko."
Aiko looked up, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I am. But I think you secretly love the attention."
Ryo leaned in, his face close to hers. "Maybe I do. But I think you just love seeing me flustered."
Aiko blushed, her heart skipping a beat. "Maybe a little."
Ryo chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You know, Aiko, there's something I've been meaning to do since the festival."
Aiko's breath caught in her throat. "Oh? What's that?"
Ryo leaned even closer, his lips just a whisper away from hers. "This," he said softly, closing the gap and pressing his lips to hers in a gentle, lingering kiss.
Aiko's eyes fluttered shut as she kissed him back, her heart racing. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of Ryo's lips and the fluttering sensation in her chest. When they finally pulled apart, Aiko was breathless, her cheeks flushed.
"Well," she said, her voice teasing but her eyes filled with affection, "that was unexpected."
Ryo smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Get used to it, manga girl. I plan on surprising you a lot more."
As the day went on, their playful teasing continued, now with an added layer of romantic tension. Every time Ryo passed by Aiko, he would lean in and whisper, "Kiss me already," making her blush and laugh.
During their afternoon music practice, Ryo took every opportunity to steal kisses, each one more teasing than the last. "You're going to drive me crazy, you know," Aiko said, trying to focus on her piano playing.
"That's the plan," Ryo replied with a grin, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek.
Later that evening, as they walked home together under the soft glow of the streetlights, Aiko decided to turn the tables. She stopped abruptly, pulling Ryo to a halt. "What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.
Aiko smiled mischievously, pulling him closer. "Kiss me already," she whispered, her voice playful and tender.
Ryo's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with affection. "With pleasure," he murmured, leaning in and capturing her lips in a sweet, lingering kiss.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Aiko felt a sense of contentment and happiness that she had never experienced before. Their playful teasing had brought them together, but it was their genuine affection that made their bond unbreakable.
Pulling back slightly, Ryo rested his forehead against hers. "You know, Aiko, I think I'm falling for you."
Aiko's heart swelled with joy, and she smiled, her eyes shining. "I think I'm falling for you too, Ryo."
And so, their story continued, filled with laughter, teasing, and the promise of many more kisses to come.