As the sun rose over Yomi High School, Yuuki was already running late, and now he was racing against the clock, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Why, does this always happen!" he said, filling with frustration.
He thought to himself, "maybe it's because of the summer holiday that causes him to overslept everyday".
"THIS IS GOING TO BE ANNOYING!!"
However... today was different; he had finally manage to "not forgot" to bring his bike, and with the wind at his back, he pedaled furiously down the streets.
The trill of the speed and the wind brushed against his face coursed through his as he maneuvered through the bustling streets, weaving past pedestrians and other cyclist. The familiar route felt exhilarating, the cool morning air refreshing his senses.
As he approached the school, he spotted Rena standing by the entrance, her cheeks flushed and her eyes widened by surprise.
"Yuuki" she called out, her voice audible over the rush of wind.
Yuuki drifted to a stop, his tires screeching against the pavement. "Sorry, I'm late!" he exclaimed, breathless.
Rena's eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and embarrassment "You really need to be careful!" she lectured, though a smile crept onto her lips.
As they stood together, Yuuki couldn't help but notice how Rena's cheeks is still pink from the cool morning air. He felt a warmth spread through him, and for a moment, time stand still. Their eyes locked, and he could sense a connection forming- a bond that felt exciting and terrifying.
"Are you ready for the first day?" Yuuki asked, trying to break the tension.
Rena nodded, her gazed shifting to the school building, "Yeah, I think I am. I just hope I can find my way around.
Before Yuuki could respond, a familiar figure caught his eye. Kenzo was approaching, his expression a mix of anxiety and determination. Yuuki waved out, but Kenzo seemed to be lost in thought, his mind elsewhere...
"Hello?" Yuuki said, with concern as he watched his friend's uncharacteristic silence and distant expression.
Kenzo was still seemed to be lost in thought, his gaze fixed on a point beyond Yuuki's shoulder. It was as he was retreated to his own world, inattentive to the bustling activity around him.
Yuuki place a gentle hand on Kenzo's shoulder, trying to snap him out of his fantasy.
"Hey man, talk to me," he urged, his voiced laced with worry.
Kenzo blinked, his eyes finally focused on Yuuki's face. "Huh? Oh, sorry, I was just..." he trailed off, his word failing him.
Rena, sensing the tension, stepping closer to Kenzo. "Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice soft and soothing.
Kenzo glanced at Rena, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just thinking of some stuff..."
"You know we're here for you, right?" Rena said, in the weight of the moment.
"Thanks," Kenzo replied, his gazed drifted back to the entrance, where Akiko was standing.
Yuuki felt sympathies for Kenzo. He could only imagine how difficult it must be for him to see her again after all this time.
As they entered the school, Yuuki's mind was still racing. He wanted to support Kenzo, but he also felt a surged of excitement about his connection with Rena..
Just as he was about to suggest they head to class, Kenzo's expression shift dramatically.
"Uh, guys, I need to go," Kenzo said abruptly, turning around and walking away.
"Kenzo wait!" Rena called out, but he was already disappearing from the crowd.
Yuuki exchanged a worried glanced to Rena "What just happened?"
"I don't know, but It can't be good." Rena replied, her voice fille with concern.
As they settled into their first class, Yuuki couldn't shake the feeling that today was crucial moment for all of them. He stole glances from Rena, who was focused on the teacher. The connection between them felt closer, and he found himself wanting to explore it deeper.
The homeroom teacher- Mr. Takeshi started the lesson, Yuuki's mind wandered back to Kenzo's expression that shifted dramatically. He scribbled a quick note to Rena: "Should we check on Kenzo during lunch?"
Rena nodded slightly, her conveying with concern. Just then the classroom door slid open, and Kenzo slipped in, looking messy. The teacher paused, raising an eyebrow.
"Sorry, I'm late" Kenzo muttered, quickly taking a seat at the back of the class.
Yuuki tried to catch his eyes, but Kenzo kept his gaze fixed on his desk.
The rest of the morning passed with introductions and course outlines. When the lunch bell finally rang, Yuuki leaped from his seat.
"Kenzo, wait up!" Yuuki called to his friend.
Kenzo hesitated, his hand on the doorframe. "Look, guys I appreciate your concern, but I just need some space right now."
Rena stepped forward, her voice gentle yet firm. "We're your friends, Kenzo. Whatever is going on with Akiko, you don't have to face it alone.
Kenzo's hand slumped. "It's complicated. I thought I was over her, but seeing her again... it's bringing up a lot of old feelings."
Yuuki placed a hand on Kenzo's shoulder. 'Why don't we go grab lunch together? You can talk if you want, or we can just hang out."
After a moment, Kenzo nodded. As they made their way to the cafeteria, Yuuki couldn't help but notice Rena's hand brushing against his. The spark he felt earlier intensified, and he wondered if she felt it too...
The cafeteria was buzzing with energy, students chattering excitedly about their first day. As they found their table, Yuuki spotted Akiko across the cafeteria, sitting alone.
Their eyes met briefly, and he saw a flicker of sadness across her face.
"So, Yuuki said, turning back to Kenzo, "what happened yesterday? Did you talk it out with Akiko?"
Kenzo pushed his food around his plate. "Yeah, I did." She wants to explain why she left, to make things right. But I don't know if I'm ready to hear it.
Rena leaned in, with a soft voice. "Sometimes, it's better to hear to truth to move forward, even if it's painful."
"I know..." Kenzo replied.
Yuuki nodded in Rena's words, his eyes drifting back to where Akiko sat alone. An idea starting to form.
"You know," he said, "Maybe we could invite Akiko to join us? It might be easier to talk things out in a group."
"You guys, please... like I said, I don't know If I'm ready to handle her" Kenzo replied.
Rena placed a gentle hand on Kenzo's arm. "Don't worry, we'll be there for you. Sometimes, facing our fears head-on is the best way to overcome them."
After a tense silence, Kenzo let out a deep sigh. "Alright. But... could you guys invite her over? I don't think I can do it by myself."
"Alright." Yuuki nodded, standing up. As he walk towards Akiko's table, he felt a nervousness in his stomach. He was about to potentially change his friend- Kenzo's relationship with Akiko, in a bad way...
But, he still let out. "Hey, Akiko," he said, approaching her table. "Would you like to join us"?
Akiko looked up, surprise evident on her face. Her eyes darted to the table, lingering on Kenzo for a moment before returning to Yuuki.
"Are... you sure?" she said hesitantly.
"Of course. Come on, there's plenty of room." Yuuki replied.
As they walked back to the table, Yuuki could felt the tension in the air. Rena scooted over to make a room, and Akiko sat down.
For a moment, no one spoke. The silence stretched on, thick with unspoken words and lingering feelings.
Finally, Rena broke the ice. "So, Akiko, how are finding the first day of school?"
Akiko's shoulder relaxed slightly. "It's... different. A lot have changed since I left."
Kenzo's gaze remained fixed on the food, but Yuuki noticed his gripped on his chopstick tightening.
As the conversation began to flow, Yuuki found himself 'hyper-aware' of Rena's presence beside him. Their shoulder brushed occasionally, sending small shivers down his spine. He wondered if she had the same electricity as him.
Suddenly, Kenzo voice cut through Yuuki's thougths.
"Why did you leave?" he asked abruptly, finally looking up at Akiko. The pain in his eyes were clear, but there was also a desperate need for answers.
Akiko face fell, her eyes glistering with unshed tears. "I... I was scared," she admitted softly. "My parents were talking about moving, and I thought it would be easier to just... disappear. I didn't want to hurt you, Kenzo. I thought a clean break would be better."
The air around the table grew heavier with emotions. Yuuki and Rena exchanged glances, slightly agreeing to be there for their friends but not to interfere.
"You still hurt me" Kenzo said. "You hurt me more than you can imagine."
Akiko nodded, with unshed tears rolling down her cheek. "I know. And I'm so, so sorry. I was young and stupid, and I've regretted it."
As Kenzo and Akiko continued to talk, their voices low and intense, Yuuki felt Rena's hand slip into his under the table. He turned to look at her, seeing understanding and warmth in her eyes. As he squeezed Rena's hand gently, he felt a surge of excitement for what the future might hold.
Then, the lunch bell rang signaling the end of break...