Shion, sitting on her classroom bench, furiously scribbled in her journal, her pen moving rapidly as if she might miss an important thought. The afternoon light streamed through the large window beside Ryuzin, casting long shadows on the desk. Ryuzin sat to her left, his eyes casually drifting toward her, trying to get a peek at what she was writing.
Noticing his curiosity, Shion grinned mischievously. "Oh? Do you want to know what I'm doing?" she teased, her voice lilting as she waved the journal playfully in front of him.
Ryuzin, keeping his face emotionless, turned away slightly, his voice flat. "No," he said, the word clipped and dismissive, though the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his discomfort.
Shion leaned in, her grin widening. "You don't have to be so shy, Ryuzin-kun," she said with a soft chuckle, her words dripping with teasing affection. "After all, we're really good friends, right?" She waved the journal again, leaning dangerously close to his personal space. "Here, it's all about you."
Ryuzin's brow furrowed as he turned to her, the first sign of genuine interest breaking through his composed facade. "What do you mean, 'about me'?" he asked, a mix of confusion and suspicion coloring his voice.
Shion's eyes sparkled as she leaned back, twirling her pen between her fingers. "Curious, aren't we? Remember what I said yesterday? I'm going to figure you out. This," she patted the journal with a dramatic flair, "is my guide to unraveling your secrets."
Ryuzin rolled his eyes, settling back into his indifferent mask. "So you're stalking me now? Didn't know you were such a pervert," he muttered under his breath, his voice cold.
Before Shion could fire back, a sudden slap landed on her shoulder, startling her. "Hey, Shion! You're not going to introduce me to your boyfriend?"
Shion's face instantly turned crimson, her voice rising several notches in her flustered state. "No, no! He's not my boyfriend!" She waved her hands in protest, practically knocking over her journal. Then, with a little too much emphasis, she added under her breath, "I mean… not yet."
The girl, her long black hair swaying as she moved, grinned mischievously, leaning over Shion's shoulder. "Really?" she said, cocking an eyebrow. "Because it kinda looks like you two argue like an old married couple."
Shion froze mid-sentence, her blush deepening. She turned slowly, glaring at her friend. "Yuki, don't say weird things!" she half-yelled, half-whispered.
Yuki waved her hand dismissively, her grin never faltering. "Hey, I'm just calling it how I see it."
Yuki pushed on, her gaze now locked onto Ryuzin. "So, what's your name, boyfriend?" she asked, her tone playful but with a glint of curiosity.
Ryuzin shifted uncomfortably, clearly not used to being the center of attention. After a pause, he sighed and muttered, "Izanaji... Ryuzin." His voice was quiet, like he was reluctant to share even that much.
Shion gasped dramatically, shooting a glare at him. "Wait, you told her your name without getting all huffy? Why do you always act so rude to me?"
Ryuzin, not missing a beat, glanced at her coolly. "Because you're annoying," he deadpanned, his expression flat.
Shion's face dropped comically, her defeat evident as she slumped onto her desk. "Unbelievable," she muttered into the wood, her voice muffled.
Yuki snickered, her eyes darting between the two. "You guys are too much. Seriously, like an old married couple."
"No, we're not," Ryuzin and Shion both snapped, speaking in unison before shooting each other irritated looks.
"Uh-huh, sure," Yuki said, her smirk widening. Before either of them could protest further, a boy entered the classroom, catching Yuki's attention.
"Finally, this idiot is here," Yuki groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically.
The guy grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head as he approached. "You don't have to be so harsh, Yuki," he muttered, though the playful glint in his eyes showed he was used to her teasing.
"Whatever. Anyway, meet Shion's new friend... or maybe something more than that," Yuki teased again, ignoring Shion's protests as she pointed at Ryuzin. "This here is Izanaji Ryuzin." She turned to Ryuzin with a wicked grin. "And this idiot is called Akihiro Aki, my stupid childhood friend. Try not to catch his stupidity."
Aki gave a mock-offended gasp. "Nice to meet you, man. I'm Akihiro Aki, but ignore her—I'm definitely not an idiot," he said with a lopsided grin, sticking his hand out for a shake. Then, leaning in conspiratorially, he whispered loudly, "Also, let me tell you a secret. Shion? Yeah, she's totally my girlfriend."
Ryuzin blinked, his eyes widening ever so slightly. Before he could process Aki's words, Shion shot out of her seat.
"I am NOT, and I never will be!" Shion's voice was flat, void of any emotion as she delivered the line with the precision of someone who had to say it a million times.
Aki clutched his chest dramatically, pretending to sob. "You didn't have to crush my heart like that! What did I ever do to you?" His mock tears earned a few chuckles from nearby students.
Ryuzin couldn't help but feel an odd sense of relief at Shion's words, though he couldn't quite figure out why.
"Anyway!" Aki recovered quickly, turning to Ryuzin. "Can I call you by your first name?"
Ryuzin, now visibly flustered by all the attention, nodded hesitantly. "O-okay."
Aki grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Awesome. You can call me Aki then, Ryuzin."
Before the awkwardness could stretch any further, the school bell rang, and their teacher entered the room. The class rep shouted the usual instructions, and everyone settled down into their seats. Ryuzin, though, couldn't concentrate. His mind drifted, thinking about the sudden surge of people in his life. Why were they all so interested in him? Why would they even want to talk to someone like him?
Suddenly, something flew through the air toward him. His reflexes kicked in, and he caught the paper ball without even looking. He glanced toward the source and saw Aki gesturing for him to unwrap it. Reluctantly, he complied. Inside, scrawled in messy handwriting, was a message:
"Maybe we should all sit in the cafeteria during break and talk. By the way, Shion is mine. Well, I have a crush on her, but she's out of my league. Let's talk later. Can you help me?"
Ryuzin glanced back at Aki, who was giving him an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Shion leaned in and asked what is written on it. Without a word, he handed the note to Shion, who read it and rolled her eyes.
"That idiot," she whispered, "he's going to die by my hands one day."
For the first time, a small, fleeting smile tugged at the corners of Ryuzin's mouth. Shion noticed immediately.
"Wait! You just smiled!" she exclaimed, pointing at him as if she'd just uncovered a grand secret.
"No, I didn't," Ryuzin lied, his face straightening out again.
"I saw it! Don't lie!" she persisted, her voice rising in mock indignation.
The teacher, clearly annoyed by the commotion, cleared his throat. "Shion, if you could please sit down and stop interrupting the class?"
Shion blushed, embarrassed, and quickly sank back into her seat. The rest of the class erupted in quiet laughter, though Ryuzin remained stoic as ever.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the first half of the day and the beginning of break. Shion jumped up, eager to stretch her legs, but before she could move, Yuki grabbed Ryuzin's arm and started dragging him toward the door.
"Come on, Ryuzin-kun! We're all eating together!" she announced, as if he didn't have a choice.
Ryuzin protested weakly but eventually gave in, allowing himself to be pulled along. They made their way to the cafeteria, where they found a table near the window. Yuki and Shion sat across from Aki and Ryuzin.
"Let's see each other's bento!" Aki proposed with an eager grin.
Everyone agreed except Ryuzin, who looked like a deer caught in headlights. He had never done something like this before—eating lunch with friends. He wasn't sure what to expect, and the whole situation made him feel oddly vulnerable.
Shion was the first to unveil her bento. It was a perfectly arranged meal, clearly prepared with care and precision. "Wow, it looks so good," Aki said, his eyes widening in appreciation. "I bet you made it yourself."
Shion scratched the back of her head, looking pleased with herself. "Yeah, it's nothing special, really."
Next, Yuki opened hers. "It's so cute!" Shion exclaimed, admiring the adorable little characters shaped from rice and vegetables. "Did you make it?"
Yuki laughed. "No way! My mom did. I'm hopeless at this kind of stuff."
Then, with a dramatic flourish, Aki opened his bento. It was decorated with an anime character's face, the details painstakingly recreated with food. "Looks good," Yuki said, though her tone was a little too polite.
"Well, I bet you didn't make it yourself too, did you? Am I right, Aki?" Yuki asked, a mischievous grin dancing across her face. Her playful tone hinted at the challenge lurking beneath the surface.
Aki crossed his arms, a frown forming as he shot back, "So what? It's better than yours." The bravado in his voice was palpable, but the way his eyes darted toward Yuki suggested he wasn't quite as confident as he wanted to be.
Yuki raised an eyebrow, an amused glimmer in her eye. "Big words for someone who probably just asked their mom for help." Her playful jab struck Aki like a mischievous little arrow, igniting a flicker of anger in him.
"You asked your mum too you know" Aki replied.
"Let's see what Ryuzin brought," Aki proposed, a desperate attempt to shift the focus away from his culinary skills. He leaned forward eagerly, the tension in his shoulders easing as he reached for Ryuzin's bento.
Ryuzin sat quietly, his curiosity piqued, watching as Aki eagerly peeled back the lid of his lunch box.
"Wow, it looks good!" Shion chimed in, leaning closer. "No stupid designs like you do, Aki, and it looks really delicious." Her eyes sparkled as she eyed the colorful contents, clearly impressed.
"Can I try some, Ryuzin-kun?" she asked cutely, her voice almost melodic, as if inviting him into a secret world.
"Okay!" Ryuzin replied, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment, the red hue deepening as he felt everyone's gaze settle on him.
"Hmm, it tastes good! Did you make this?" Shion said, savoring the first bite, her eyes lighting up as flavors danced on her tongue.
"Yes!" Ryuzin stammered, a hint of pride mixed with embarrassment flooding through him. It felt good to receive praise, especially after the heaviness he'd carried since losing his parents.
"I want too!" Aki and Yuki chorused, their voices blending in a comical harmony.
"It's really good, man," Aki said, leaning back with a satisfied grin. "I might just have to hire you as my personal chef!"
Their laughter filled the air, lightening the mood and drawing them closer together.
As they began tasting each other's lunches, a camaraderie formed, the walls they'd built around themselves slowly crumbling.
"Shion-chan," Aki said, trying to keep the conversation rolling, "how did you become friends with Ryuzin?" His tone was inquisitive, genuinely interested.
"Well," Shion replied, her voice softening, "he saved me from some guys at the park the other day."
Aki's eyes widened, as if he'd just witnessed a miracle. "Really, Ryuzin? I don't know how to repay you," he said, practically crying, which brought a ripple of laughter through the group. It was comic relief that broke any lingering tension.
"Tell us about yourself, Izanaji-kun," Yuki ventured, her tone gentle, encouraging him to open up.
Ryuzin shrugged, his voice quiet but steady. "Well, I live by myself. My parents... they passed away."
An awkward silence hung in the air like a cloud threatening to burst. Yuki's expression softened, her eyes filled with sympathy. "I am so sorry if I hurt you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.
Shion felt a pang in her heart, as if a tiny hand had squeezed it, longing to comfort him.
Aki, sensing the tension, cleared his throat and proposed, "Guys, let's just talk about something else. He's clearly not comfortable talking about himself."
"Sorry!!" Yuki apologized again, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Suddenly, Shion reached out, gently holding Ryuzin's hand. "It's okay, we're here for you. Let's make good memories together." Her smile was warm and inviting, as if wrapping Ryuzin in a comforting blanket.
Ryuzin's cheeks turned a bright shade of red, and he instinctively pulled his hand away, a startled expression on his face.
Aki couldn't help but protest, fidgeting his fingers in disappointment as he thought of how Shion had never grabbed his hand like that. *Why didn't she ever do that with me?* he wondered, the thought bouncing around in his mind like an annoying fly.
"You know, Golden Week is coming. Maybe we should all go out and show Ryuzin around," Shion suggested, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Okay, I'm in! Let's make it a double date. You can be with Yuki, and I'll be with Shion," Aki declared boldly, puffing out his chest like a proud rooster.
"It's not a date, idiot," Shion dismissed him, rolling her eyes, but a small smile betrayed her amusement.
Ryuzin said nothing, simply observing the lively banter. Inside, however, he felt a warmth spreading in his chest for the first time since his parents passed away. It was like sunlight breaking through a long, dark winter.
"It's decided then," Shion said, her voice firm and bright. Everyone agreed, and Ryuzin just nodded, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.
Suddenly, Ryuzin stood up, a hint of urgency in his posture. "I need to use the toilet."
"Wait, I'm coming too," Aki said, following him.
Once inside the restroom, as the sounds of running water filled the space, Aki casually remarked, "Shion is really kind, right?"
"Hmm!" Ryuzin replied, nodding. "She's always been like that—cheerful, kind, and always listens to her heart."
Aki turned serious, leaning slightly closer. "Why are you telling me this?" Ryuzin asked, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck.
"Shion seems really fond of you. Don't do anything that will hurt her," Aki warned, the protective edge in his voice evident.
"Not my problem," Ryuzin replied bluntly, scrubbing his hands with a bit more vigor than necessary.
Aki let out a forced laugh, though it sounded a bit strained. "I've been trying for years, but it doesn't seem to affect her. But the way she talks to you and looks at you makes me really jealous."
"It's not my fault," Ryuzin shot back, shaking his head as he washed his hands.
As he looked at Aki, he noticed him bowing slightly, an expression of sincerity crossing his face. "I am really grateful that you saved her. I'll always owe you for that."
"Hey, what are you doing?" Ryuzin asked, a mix of surprise and embarrassment washing over him. This wasn't how he usually interacted with others.
"But Shion is still going to be mine," Aki declared boldly, surprising even himself. With that, he strutted out of the washroom, a hint of swagger in his step, leaving Ryuzin standing there, bemused.
Ryuzin paused for a moment, a small smile creeping onto his face as he reflected on the day's events. For the first time in a long while, hope flickered within him, illuminating the shadows that had settled in his heart.
After school ended, the group walked back together, Ryuzin feeling both excited and out of place, as if he were stepping into a brand-new world. The vibrant chatter and laughter enveloped him like a warm hug, and for once, he didn't feel so alone.
They discussed the time and date for their outing during Golden Week, their voices a cheerful symphony.
As Aki and Yuki began to leave, Ryuzin and Shion found themselves side by side, their conversation flowing effortlessly.
Suddenly, Shion grabbed Ryuzin's arm, halting him. "This is just like the day we met. We're walking together again," she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief and warmth.
"Shut up!" Ryuzin replied, feigning annoyance.
"Yeah, the same tough act too," Shion shot back, laughter bubbling between them like a refreshing spring.
In a sudden burst of energy, Shion sprinted ahead, her laughter ringing out like music. Time seemed to freeze for Ryuzin as he watched her run, his heart skipping a beat.
She stood facing him at the intersection, where her house awaited, her hand gripping her bag, hair flowing like a golden river in the breeze. "It was a fun day, Ryuzin-kun. Thank you for today, and I won't forget what I promised. I'm gonna find out what you're really about." Then, with a playful wink, she turned and left, leaving Ryuzin standing there, lost in a whirlwind of emotions.
He blinked, trying to process the whirlwind of feelings that had just swept over him. After a minute, he found himself running, a bright smile illuminating his face.
What is happening to me? He wondered, a rush of happiness flooding through him, feeling lighter than air.
But just then, a siren blared, echoing ominously through the streets, announcing an emergency evacuation to the bunker. For a moment, panic swelled within him, but he shook it off.
No, he thought, I'm going to do what I need to do.
With a determined grin on his face, Ryuzin ran toward a bright future, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.
END OF CHAPTER 10: TO A NEW FUTURE
Chapter 10: To A New Future
Shion, sitting on her classroom bench, furiously scribbled in her journal, her pen moving rapidly as if she might miss an important thought. The afternoon light streamed through the large window beside Ryuzin, casting long shadows on the desk. Ryuzin sat to her left, his eyes casually drifting toward her, trying to get a peek at what she was writing.
Noticing his curiosity, Shion grinned mischievously. "Oh? Do you want to know what I'm doing?" she teased, her voice lilting as she waved the journal playfully in front of him.
Ryuzin, keeping his face emotionless, turned away slightly, his voice flat. "No," he said, the word clipped and dismissive, though the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his discomfort.
Shion leaned in, her grin widening. "You don't have to be so shy, Ryuzin-kun," she said with a soft chuckle, her words dripping with teasing affection. "After all, we're really good friends, right?" She waved the journal again, leaning dangerously close to his personal space. "Here, it's all about you."
Ryuzin's brow furrowed as he turned to her, the first sign of genuine interest breaking through his composed facade. "What do you mean, 'about me'?" he asked, a mix of confusion and suspicion coloring his voice.
Shion's eyes sparkled as she leaned back, twirling her pen between her fingers. "Curious, aren't we? Remember what I said yesterday? I'm going to figure you out. This," she patted the journal with a dramatic flair, "is my guide to unraveling your secrets."
Ryuzin rolled his eyes, settling back into his indifferent mask. "So you're stalking me now? Didn't know you were such a pervert," he muttered under his breath, his voice cold.
Before Shion could fire back, a sudden slap landed on her shoulder, startling her. "Hey, Shion! You're not going to introduce me to your boyfriend?"
Shion's face instantly turned crimson, her voice rising several notches in her flustered state. "No, no! He's not my boyfriend!" She waved her hands in protest, practically knocking over her journal. Then, with a little too much emphasis, she added under her breath, "I mean… not yet."
The girl, her long black hair swaying as she moved, grinned mischievously, leaning over Shion's shoulder. "Really?" she said, cocking an eyebrow. "Because it kinda looks like you two argue like an old married couple."
Shion froze mid-sentence, her blush deepening. She turned slowly, glaring at her friend. "Yuki, don't say weird things!" she half-yelled, half-whispered.
Yuki waved her hand dismissively, her grin never faltering. "Hey, I'm just calling it how I see it."
Yuki pushed on, her gaze now locked onto Ryuzin. "So, what's your name, boyfriend?" she asked, her tone playful but with a glint of curiosity.
Ryuzin shifted uncomfortably, clearly not used to being the center of attention. After a pause, he sighed and muttered, "Izanaji... Ryuzin." His voice was quiet, like he was reluctant to share even that much.
Shion gasped dramatically, shooting a glare at him. "Wait, you told her your name without getting all huffy? Why do you always act so rude to me?"
Ryuzin, not missing a beat, glanced at her coolly. "Because you're annoying," he deadpanned, his expression flat.
Shion's face dropped comically, her defeat evident as she slumped onto her desk. "Unbelievable," she muttered into the wood, her voice muffled.
Yuki snickered, her eyes darting between the two. "You guys are too much. Seriously, like an old married couple."
"No, we're not," Ryuzin and Shion both snapped, speaking in unison before shooting each other irritated looks.
"Uh-huh, sure," Yuki said, her smirk widening. Before either of them could protest further, a boy entered the classroom, catching Yuki's attention.
"Finally, this idiot is here," Yuki groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically.
The guy grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head as he approached. "You don't have to be so harsh, Yuki," he muttered, though the playful glint in his eyes showed he was used to her teasing.
"Whatever. Anyway, meet Shion's new friend... or maybe something more than that," Yuki teased again, ignoring Shion's protests as she pointed at Ryuzin. "This here is Izanaji Ryuzin." She turned to Ryuzin with a wicked grin. "And this idiot is called Akihiro Aki, my stupid childhood friend. Try not to catch his stupidity."
Aki gave a mock-offended gasp. "Nice to meet you, man. I'm Akihiro Aki, but ignore her—I'm definitely not an idiot," he said with a lopsided grin, sticking his hand out for a shake. Then, leaning in conspiratorially, he whispered loudly, "Also, let me tell you a secret. Shion? Yeah, she's totally my girlfriend."
Ryuzin blinked, his eyes widening ever so slightly. Before he could process Aki's words, Shion shot out of her seat.
"I am NOT, and I never will be!" Shion's voice was flat, void of any emotion as she delivered the line with the precision of someone who had to say it a million times.
Aki clutched his chest dramatically, pretending to sob. "You didn't have to crush my heart like that! What did I ever do to you?" His mock tears earned a few chuckles from nearby students.
Ryuzin couldn't help but feel an odd sense of relief at Shion's words, though he couldn't quite figure out why.
"Anyway!" Aki recovered quickly, turning to Ryuzin. "Can I call you by your first name?"
Ryuzin, now visibly flustered by all the attention, nodded hesitantly. "O-okay."
Aki grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Awesome. You can call me Aki then, Ryuzin."
Before the awkwardness could stretch any further, the school bell rang, and their teacher entered the room. The class rep shouted the usual instructions, and everyone settled down into their seats. Ryuzin, though, couldn't concentrate. His mind drifted, thinking about the sudden surge of people in his life. Why were they all so interested in him? Why would they even want to talk to someone like him?
Suddenly, something flew through the air toward him. His reflexes kicked in, and he caught the paper ball without even looking. He glanced toward the source and saw Aki gesturing for him to unwrap it. Reluctantly, he complied. Inside, scrawled in messy handwriting, was a message:
"Maybe we should all sit in the cafeteria during break and talk. By the way, Shion is mine. Well, I have a crush on her, but she's out of my league. Let's talk later. Can you help me?"
Ryuzin glanced back at Aki, who was giving him an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Shion leaned in and asked what is written on it. Without a word, he handed the note to Shion, who read it and rolled her eyes.
"That idiot," she whispered, "he's going to die by my hands one day."
For the first time, a small, fleeting smile tugged at the corners of Ryuzin's mouth. Shion noticed immediately.
"Wait! You just smiled!" she exclaimed, pointing at him as if she'd just uncovered a grand secret.
"No, I didn't," Ryuzin lied, his face straightening out again.
"I saw it! Don't lie!" she persisted, her voice rising in mock indignation.
The teacher, clearly annoyed by the commotion, cleared his throat. "Shion, if you could please sit down and stop interrupting the class?"
Shion blushed, embarrassed, and quickly sank back into her seat. The rest of the class erupted in quiet laughter, though Ryuzin remained stoic as ever.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the first half of the day and the beginning of break. Shion jumped up, eager to stretch her legs, but before she could move, Yuki grabbed Ryuzin's arm and started dragging him toward the door.
"Come on, Ryuzin-kun! We're all eating together!" she announced, as if he didn't have a choice.
Ryuzin protested weakly but eventually gave in, allowing himself to be pulled along. They made their way to the cafeteria, where they found a table near the window. Yuki and Shion sat across from Aki and Ryuzin.
"Let's see each other's bento!" Aki proposed with an eager grin.
Everyone agreed except Ryuzin, who looked like a deer caught in headlights. He had never done something like this before—eating lunch with friends. He wasn't sure what to expect, and the whole situation made him feel oddly vulnerable.
Shion was the first to unveil her bento. It was a perfectly arranged meal, clearly prepared with care and precision. "Wow, it looks so good," Aki said, his eyes widening in appreciation. "I bet you made it yourself."
Shion scratched the back of her head, looking pleased with herself. "Yeah, it's nothing special, really."
Next, Yuki opened hers. "It's so cute!" Shion exclaimed, admiring the adorable little characters shaped from rice and vegetables. "Did you make it?"
Yuki laughed. "No way! My mom did. I'm hopeless at this kind of stuff."
Then, with a dramatic flourish, Aki opened his bento. It was decorated with an anime character's face, the details painstakingly recreated with food. "Looks good," Yuki said, though her tone was a little too polite.
"Well, I bet you didn't make it yourself too, did you? Am I right, Aki?" Yuki asked, a mischievous grin dancing across her face. Her playful tone hinted at the challenge lurking beneath the surface.
Aki crossed his arms, a frown forming as he shot back, "So what? It's better than yours." The bravado in his voice was palpable, but the way his eyes darted toward Yuki suggested he wasn't quite as confident as he wanted to be.
Yuki raised an eyebrow, an amused glimmer in her eye. "Big words for someone who probably just asked their mom for help." Her playful jab struck Aki like a mischievous little arrow, igniting a flicker of anger in him.
"You asked your mum too you know" Aki replied.
"Let's see what Ryuzin brought," Aki proposed, a desperate attempt to shift the focus away from his culinary skills. He leaned forward eagerly, the tension in his shoulders easing as he reached for Ryuzin's bento.
Ryuzin sat quietly, his curiosity piqued, watching as Aki eagerly peeled back the lid of his lunch box.
"Wow, it looks good!" Shion chimed in, leaning closer. "No stupid designs like you do, Aki, and it looks really delicious." Her eyes sparkled as she eyed the colorful contents, clearly impressed.
"Can I try some, Ryuzin-kun?" she asked cutely, her voice almost melodic, as if inviting him into a secret world.
"Okay!" Ryuzin replied, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment, the red hue deepening as he felt everyone's gaze settle on him.
"Hmm, it tastes good! Did you make this?" Shion said, savoring the first bite, her eyes lighting up as flavors danced on her tongue.
"Yes!" Ryuzin stammered, a hint of pride mixed with embarrassment flooding through him. It felt good to receive praise, especially after the heaviness he'd carried since losing his parents.
"I want too!" Aki and Yuki chorused, their voices blending in a comical harmony.
"It's really good, man," Aki said, leaning back with a satisfied grin. "I might just have to hire you as my personal chef!"
Their laughter filled the air, lightening the mood and drawing them closer together.
As they began tasting each other's lunches, a camaraderie formed, the walls they'd built around themselves slowly crumbling.
"Shion-chan," Aki said, trying to keep the conversation rolling, "how did you become friends with Ryuzin?" His tone was inquisitive, genuinely interested.
"Well," Shion replied, her voice softening, "he saved me from some guys at the park the other day."
Aki's eyes widened, as if he'd just witnessed a miracle. "Really, Ryuzin? I don't know how to repay you," he said, practically crying, which brought a ripple of laughter through the group. It was comic relief that broke any lingering tension.
"Tell us about yourself, Izanaji-kun," Yuki ventured, her tone gentle, encouraging him to open up.
Ryuzin shrugged, his voice quiet but steady. "Well, I live by myself. My parents... they passed away."
An awkward silence hung in the air like a cloud threatening to burst. Yuki's expression softened, her eyes filled with sympathy. "I am so sorry if I hurt you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.
Shion felt a pang in her heart, as if a tiny hand had squeezed it, longing to comfort him.
Aki, sensing the tension, cleared his throat and proposed, "Guys, let's just talk about something else. He's clearly not comfortable talking about himself."
"Sorry!!" Yuki apologized again, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Suddenly, Shion reached out, gently holding Ryuzin's hand. "It's okay, we're here for you. Let's make good memories together." Her smile was warm and inviting, as if wrapping Ryuzin in a comforting blanket.
Ryuzin's cheeks turned a bright shade of red, and he instinctively pulled his hand away, a startled expression on his face.
Aki couldn't help but protest, fidgeting his fingers in disappointment as he thought of how Shion had never grabbed his hand like that. *Why didn't she ever do that with me?* he wondered, the thought bouncing around in his mind like an annoying fly.
"You know, Golden Week is coming. Maybe we should all go out and show Ryuzin around," Shion suggested, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Okay, I'm in! Let's make it a double date. You can be with Yuki, and I'll be with Shion," Aki declared boldly, puffing out his chest like a proud rooster.
"It's not a date, idiot," Shion dismissed him, rolling her eyes, but a small smile betrayed her amusement.
Ryuzin said nothing, simply observing the lively banter. Inside, however, he felt a warmth spreading in his chest for the first time since his parents passed away. It was like sunlight breaking through a long, dark winter.
"It's decided then," Shion said, her voice firm and bright. Everyone agreed, and Ryuzin just nodded, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.
Suddenly, Ryuzin stood up, a hint of urgency in his posture. "I need to use the toilet."
"Wait, I'm coming too," Aki said, following him.
Once inside the restroom, as the sounds of running water filled the space, Aki casually remarked, "Shion is really kind, right?"
"Hmm!" Ryuzin replied, nodding. "She's always been like that—cheerful, kind, and always listens to her heart."
Aki turned serious, leaning slightly closer. "Why are you telling me this?" Ryuzin asked, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck.
"Shion seems really fond of you. Don't do anything that will hurt her," Aki warned, the protective edge in his voice evident.
"Not my problem," Ryuzin replied bluntly, scrubbing his hands with a bit more vigor than necessary.
Aki let out a forced laugh, though it sounded a bit strained. "I've been trying for years, but it doesn't seem to affect her. But the way she talks to you and looks at you makes me really jealous."
"It's not my fault," Ryuzin shot back, shaking his head as he washed his hands.
As he looked at Aki, he noticed him bowing slightly, an expression of sincerity crossing his face. "I am really grateful that you saved her. I'll always owe you for that."
"Hey, what are you doing?" Ryuzin asked, a mix of surprise and embarrassment washing over him. This wasn't how he usually interacted with others.
"But Shion is still going to be mine," Aki declared boldly, surprising even himself. With that, he strutted out of the washroom, a hint of swagger in his step, leaving Ryuzin standing there, bemused.
Ryuzin paused for a moment, a small smile creeping onto his face as he reflected on the day's events. For the first time in a long while, hope flickered within him, illuminating the shadows that had settled in his heart.
After school ended, the group walked back together, Ryuzin feeling both excited and out of place, as if he were stepping into a brand-new world. The vibrant chatter and laughter enveloped him like a warm hug, and for once, he didn't feel so alone.
They discussed the time and date for their outing during Golden Week, their voices a cheerful symphony.
As Aki and Yuki began to leave, Ryuzin and Shion found themselves side by side, their conversation flowing effortlessly.
Suddenly, Shion grabbed Ryuzin's arm, halting him. "This is just like the day we met. We're walking together again," she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief and warmth.
"Shut up!" Ryuzin replied, feigning annoyance.
"Yeah, the same tough act too," Shion shot back, laughter bubbling between them like a refreshing spring.
In a sudden burst of energy, Shion sprinted ahead, her laughter ringing out like music. Time seemed to freeze for Ryuzin as he watched her run, his heart skipping a beat.
She stood facing him at the intersection, where her house awaited, her hand gripping her bag, hair flowing like a golden river in the breeze. "It was a fun day, Ryuzin-kun. Thank you for today, and I won't forget what I promised. I'm gonna find out what you're really about." Then, with a playful wink, she turned and left, leaving Ryuzin standing there, lost in a whirlwind of emotions.
He blinked, trying to process the whirlwind of feelings that had just swept over him. After a minute, he found himself running, a bright smile illuminating his face.
What is happening to me? He wondered, a rush of happiness flooding through him, feeling lighter than air.
But just then, a siren blared, echoing ominously through the streets, announcing an emergency evacuation to the bunker. For a moment, panic swelled within him, but he shook it off.
No, he thought, I'm going to do what I need to do.
With a determined grin on his face, Ryuzin ran toward a bright future, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.
END OF CHAPTER : 11 : TO A NEW FUTURE