It was another ordinary weekend when Sota and Tenshi arrived at Shika's house, something that had become a familiar routine for both families. Shika's mother greeted them at the door, her warm, cheerful voice carrying through the entryway.
"Welcome, Sota, Tenshi! We're having dinner tonight," she said, stepping aside to let them in, her eyes twinkling as she spoke. The house smelled like freshly baked bread, adding to the warmth of the home.
Tenshi, immediately perked up. "Can I help with dinner?" she asked eagerly, skipping off toward the kitchen without waiting for a reply. Her laughter echoed in the background as she joined Shika's mom in the kitchen, excitedly offering to chop vegetables or set the table.
Sota, however, lingered in the entryway, his eyes naturally flicking toward the stairs leading up to Shika's room. There was something different in his expression—distracted, maybe a bit restless.
Shika's mother, gave him a teasing smile. "Looking for someone, Sota?" she asked with a knowing tone.
Caught off guard, Sota scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah, actually," he admitted. "Shika and I were supposed to study for the upcoming test."
"She's out getting groceries but should be back soon," Shika's mother said with a wink. "You can wait for her in her room if you like."
Sota blinked, surprised at the casualinvitation. "Oh, sure. Thanks," he mumbled, making his way up the stairs.
As Sota entered Shika's room, he was immediately struck by the overwhelming sense of order. Everything had its place—the textbooks on her desk were stacked by size, notes were color-coded and neatly arranged in binders, and her pens sat in a perfectly straight line. The room felt like an extension of Shika herself: controlled, diligent, and meticulous.
"Her room is so... organized," he thought, wandering further inside. "I bet she has her whole study plan written out somewhere." He couldn't help but smile a little, knowing how much effort she put into everything she did.
Sota settled into the chair by her desk, flipping through one of her open textbooks absentmindedly while waiting. Time seemed to slow as he relaxed in the quiet space.
A few minutes later, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house, followed by Shika's familiar voice calling out to her mother.
"Mom, I'm back!" Shika called, balancing a few grocery bags in her hands. She had barely stepped inside when her mother's voice rang out from the kitchen.
"Shika, Sota's waiting for you upstairs!"
Shika froze in place, her heart leaping in her chest. The thought of Sota in her room, alone, made her pulse quicken unexpectedly. "He's already here?" she muttered under her breath, quickly dropping the grocery bags on the counter and rushing up the stairs, her mind racing.
Her heart pounded with every step; her thoughts scattered. "Why is my heart beating so fast? He's probably bored to death waiting for me," she thought anxiously. She hated the idea of keeping him waiting.
She burst into her room, slightly out of breath. Sota looked up from the book he had been flipping through, his calm grin lighting up his face when he saw her.
"I've been waiting for you," he said, his voice light and teasing, but there was warmth behind it that made Shika's cheeks flush slightly.
Shika exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and smiled back, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Sorry for the wait," she said, quickly moving to her desk and sitting down beside him. They wasted no time, spreading their textbooks and notes across the desk, ready to dive into their study session.
Shika took the lead, as usual, effortlessly explaining the more complicated topics. Her voice was steady and clear as she broke down formulas and equations, while Sota listened intently, nodding along and asking the occasional question. His focus surprised her—he was genuinely trying to understand the material.
"He's really serious about this," Shika thought, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. As she watched him concentrate on his notes, her mind wandered. He looked... different when he was focused, his brow furrowed in determination. It was... kind of cute.
Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly blurted out, "Focus, Shika!"—and before she realized what she was doing, she gave herself a light slap on the cheek, startling herself back to reality.
Sota paused, glancing at her with a raised eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "What was that about?" he asked, his lips twitching into a smile.
Flustered, Shika opened her mouth to reply, but thankfully, her mother's voice interrupted from the doorway. "Dinner's ready!" she announced with a cheerful smile.
Shika sighed in relief. "Saved by the bell," she thought. "We'll be right down, Mom!" she called back, quickly gathering herself.
Dinner was a lively affair. Shika's family always had a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and tonight was no different. The table was filled with laughter and conversation, and even though the earlier awkwardness between Shika and Sota had dissipated, there was still an undeniable energy in the air.
"So, how's the studying going?" Shika's mom asked, casting a glance between the two.
Shika smiled, taking a bite of her food. "It's going well. Sota's been really helpful."
Sota, caught slightly off guard by the compliment, glanced over at her, then gave a small smile. "I'm just following along with her explanations," he said, scratching the back of his head. "But maybe next time we could study at a café or library—fewer distractions."
The table fell silent for a moment as everyone processed the suggestion. Shika's mother and sister exchanged amused glances, while Shika herself felt heat rising in her cheeks. "Is he... offering to study with me again?" she wondered, feeling her heart flutter unexpectedly.
"That's... thoughtful of you," Shika said, trying to sound casual. "But I think I was just hungry," she added with a sheepish smile.
The conversation soon shifted to lighter topics, and after dinner, Shika and Sota returned to her room to finish their study session. The atmosphere between them felt more relaxed now, the earlier awkwardness replaced with an easygoing rhythm. They laughed at their mistakes, shared moments of quiet concentration, and slowly fell into a comfortable groove.
It was a simple evening, but as they packed up their notes and called it a night, Shika couldn't help but realize how much she enjoyed spending time with Sota. It was more than just studying—she was starting to feel something more.
---
The next day, during lunch break, Sota found himself on the rooftop, sitting by the railing and staring out at the distant skyline. The sounds of the bustling school below faded into the background as he lost himself in thought. Recently, he had started coming up here more often, finding solace in the quiet solitude.
The door to the rooftop creaked open, pulling him from his thoughts. Shika stepped out, blinking in surprise when she saw him sitting alone.
"You're here by yourself again?" she asked softly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful moment.
Sota, without turning around, replied, "What does it look like?" His voice carried a hint of annoyance, though it wasn't directed at her.
Shika quickly realized she might have intruded on his quiet time and offered a soft apology. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bother you."
Sota glanced over his shoulder, his expression softening. "No, it's fine. You can stay," he said, motioning for her to join him.
Hesitant at first, Shika walked over and sat down a few feet away from him. They sat together in silence, the gentle wind blowing around them, creating a peaceful bubble that seemed to block out the rest of the world.
"Why aren't you practicing with the team?" Shika asked after a while, glancing down at the field below, where the football players were training.
Sota shrugged, his eyes still fixed on the horizon. "I just needed some time to think. About my past... and what I want for the future," he admitted, his voice low.
Shika nodded, sensing the weight of his words. She didn't push for more details, but the mystery surrounding Sota intrigued her. She wanted to understand him better, to know what he was going through.
Before she could say anything else, a voice called out from the stairwell. "Sota, the coach is looking for you!"
Sota stood up, brushing off his pants and giving Shika a brief smile. "I'll see you later," he said before heading back down the stairs.
Shika watched him leave, feeling a strange sense of emptiness as he disappeared from view. "I want to get closer to him," she whispered to herself. "But I don't know how."
---
That night, Shika sat at her desk, determined to focus on her science project. Her big presentation was just around the corner, and she wanted everything to be perfect. But no matter how hard she tried to concentrate, her mind kept drifting back to Sota—the way he had looked at her while they studied, the quiet moments they had shared on the rooftop, the offer to study together again.
"Do I... like him?" she wondered, biting her lip in frustration. "Or am I just imagining things?"
Shika had always been cautious with her emotions, preferring to keep her feelings locked away until she was absolutely sure of them. But now, she wasn't sure of anything. Did Sota even notice her in that way? Or was she overthinking every little interaction?
With a frustrated shake of her head, Shika forced herself to focus on her presentation. There was no time for distractions—at least not now.
But even as she worked late into the night, the thought lingered in her mind: What would it be like if Sota knew just how much he occupied her thoughts?
---
The weekend passed by quickly, and Monday morning arrived with its usual rush of students filling the school hallways. Shika walked toward class, her mind still replaying the weekend's moments with Sota. She hadn't been able to stop thinking about their quiet time on the rooftop or the way his smile made her heart skip a beat.
Sota walked beside her, casually chatting about something from his football practice, though Shika's thoughts were elsewhere. She kept glancing at him, wondering if he had any idea of the thoughts swirling in her head.
"So, what are your plans for this weekend?" Sota asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
Shika blinked, pulled from her daydream. "I don't have anything planned yet. What about you?"
"I was thinking about going to the cinema," Sota replied thoughtfully. "It's been a while since I've seen a movie."
Before Shika could respond, Ryoku appeared out of nowhere, a bright smile plastered across her face. She must have overheard their conversation as she made her way over to them with her usual energy. "Why don't we all go together this weekend?" she suggested eagerly, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
Sota smiled, clearly not opposed to the idea. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I've been wanting to watch that new action movie."
"I heard it's supposed to be really good," Shika added, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nerves. The thought of spending more time with Sota outside of school was thrilling, though a bit unnerving.
Just then, Heizen joined the group, catching the last bit of their conversation. "As long as we're all hanging out, I'm in," he said with a grin, casually slinging his arm over Ryoku's shoulder. "I'll let Syuka know too."
Ryoku, now fully invested in the plan, turned to Luna, who was walking a few steps behind them with a stack of student council papers balanced precariously in her arms. "Luna, you should come too!"
Luna paused, adjusting the papers in her arms with a sigh. "I've got a lot of work to do for the student council this weekend..." she began, her tone apologetic.
Heizen nudged her playfully, a grin spreading across his face. "Come on, Luna! You need a break. We'll make sure you've got enough time to finish everything before the movie."
Luna hesitated, but seeing Heizen's wide grinand Ryoku's hopeful expression, she couldn't resist. "Alright, fine. Countme in," she said, finally relenting with a small smile.
---
The rest of the week passed in a blur of schoolwork, club activities, and more quiet moments between Shika and Sota. By the time Saturday rolled around, the group had solidified their plans for the cinema. Shika found herself feeling strangely nervous as she got ready that afternoon, her heart pounding a little harder than usual as she chose her outfit.
"What's wrong with me?" she muttered to herself as she glanced in the mirror, smoothing out the creases in her shirt. It wasn't a date—just a group of friends hanging out. So why did it feel like so much more?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a message from Ryoku, reminding her of the meeting time. Shika took a deep breath, grabbed her bag, and headed out.
The group gathered outside the cinema, the air buzzing with excitement. Ryoku, bounced on her toes as she talked about the movie. "I heard this film is packed with action. There's supposed to be an insane car chase scene!"
Shika smiled, though her mind wasn't entirely on the movie. She glanced over at Sota, who stood a few steps away, chatting with Heizen. He seemed relaxed, his usual calm demeanor firmly in place, but every now and then, his eyes would flicker over to her, as if sensing her gaze.
Luna joined them a few moments later, looking more relaxed than usual, her stack of student council papers nowhere to be seen. "I'm here for the popcorn, not the action," she said with a playful grin.
Heizen chuckled. "You and your snacks. I swear, Luna, you're the only one who buys more food than tickets."
Luna shot him a mock glare before elbowing him lightly. "Hey, I need fuel to keep up with all my work."
The group shared a laugh before heading inside the cinema. They bought their tickets and made their way to the snack counter, where Luna immediately ordered a large bucket of popcorn, much to Heizen's amusement. "See? What did I tell you?" he teased.
As they headed toward the screening room, Luna excused herself to use the restroom, leaving the others to find seats. Heizen, Ryoku, and Syuka went ahead to save spots, but Shika lingered behind with Sota, feeling a little uneasy for reasons she couldn't quite explain.
"Hey, Sota," Shika said softly, glancing over at him as they walked. "Don't you think Heizen and Ryoku are getting closer?"
Sota raised an eyebrow at her observation but smiled knowingly. "Yeah, I've noticed that too," he replied. "It's kind of obvious, isn't it?"
Shika nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe we should give them some space," she suggested, trying to be discreet about her thoughts. "You know... let them enjoy some time alone together."
Sota seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Good idea. They could use some alone time," he said, his voice thoughtful.
As they stood waiting outside the screening room, a few girls from their school passed by, giggling as they noticed how close Shika and Sota were standing. One of them whispered something to the other, her eyes flicking toward Shika. "Are they... dating?" one of them asked, just loud enough for Shika to overhear.
Heat rushed to Shika's face, but she quickly pushed the thought aside, not wanting to let it get to her. Before she could dwell on it, Luna returned, grabbing her hand excitedly. "Come on, we're going to miss the previews!" she exclaimed, pulling Shika along with her.
Sota chuckled as he followed behind them, his hands casually shoved in his pockets. "Wait up!" he called out, his voice light and teasing.
Inside the theater, the group found that the only seats left were in the front row, much to their disappointment. They settled in quickly, though, and soon the movie began. As the lights dimmed and the opening credits rolled, Shika found herself sitting next to Sota, her heart pounding a little faster than usual. Despite the action-packed film playing on the screen, she couldn't help but steal a few glances at him throughout the movie.
Every time she looked his way, a strange flutter filled her chest, making it hard to focus on anything else. What was this feeling? Was she imagining things? Or was there something more between them?
---
The next morning, Shika noticed a shift in the school's atmosphere the moment she stepped through the front gates. There was a murmur that followed her as she walked through the hallways, whispers from passing students that she couldn't quite catch, but the glances they threw her way were unmistakable. She hadn't done anything out of the ordinary, had she? Still, there was something about the way people were looking at her today that made her feel strangely self-conscious.
As she made her way to class, the weight of those lingering stares continued to press down on her. She tried to shrug it off at first, but by the time she sat down at her desk, the curiosity was too much to ignore.
It wasn't until she overheard a few girls chatting at the back of the room that the pieces began to fall into place.
"Did you hear? Shika and Sota were spotted at the cinema together."
"Really? I knew something was going on between them! They were standing super close."
The words sent a jolt through Shika. The rumors had already spread like wildfire. It had only been a weekend trip to the movies with friends, but apparently, the entire school had taken it as a sign of something more between her and Sota.
Her heart raced as the realization sank in. Were people really talking about her and Sota... dating? The idea seemed ridiculous at first. After all, they were just friends. Weren't they?
Shika bit her lip, unsure of what to do. She'd always been the kind of person to keep a low profile, so suddenly becoming the center of attention, even for a rumor, was unnerving. She glanced over at Sota's empty desk. He wasn't in the classroom yet, probably still running late like usual. Would he have heard about this, too? And if so, how would he react?
The bell rang, pulling her out of her thoughts.
By lunchtime, the rumors had spread even further, and it seemed like the entire school was abuzz with gossip. Every time Shika walked down the hall, she could feel eyes on her, classmates exchanging knowing looks as she passed by. She kept her head down, trying to ignore the whispers, but it was hard to block out the constant chatter.
"They're totally dating, right? They went to the movies together."
"Didn't Sota walk her home last week too? That pretty much confirms it!"
"Shika's so lucky... Sota's the captain of the football team and one of the most popular guys in school."
Each comment made Shika's face burn with embarrassment. She could feel her hands clenching tighter around the strap of her bag. It was almost unbearable.
When she reached her locker, she found Luna waiting for her with a sympathetic smile. "Looks like the rumor mill's working overtime today," Luna said, her tone light but with an edge of concern.
Shika let out a sigh, rubbing her temples. "It's ridiculous, isn't it? We just went to the movies as a group. Why does everyone think there's something going on?"
Luna leaned against the locker next to Shika, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "You know how it is. People love to gossip, especially when it comes to relationships. And you and Sota hanging out together... well, I can see why people might get the wrong idea."
Shika blushed slightly, her thoughts drifting back to Sota. It wasn't like that between them. They were friends, and Sota had always been someone she felt comfortable with. But even as she reassured herself, there was a small part of her that couldn't help but wonder... did she really mind the idea of people thinking they were together?
Luna nudged her gently. "Don't worry too much about it. Sota's the kind of guy who doesn't care about rumors. Just talk to him, clear things up if you need to. Everything will blow over soon."
Shika nodded, though her nerves still buzzed beneath the surface. "Thanks, Luna. I'll try not to let it get to me."
As the day went on, the rumors only seemed to escalate. Shika did her best to focus on her classes, but it felt like every time she turned around, someone else was whispering about her and Sota. When they arrived at their shared class, Sota finally showed up—late as usual, but his carefree smile in place. He seemed completely oblivious to the rumors flying around, which was a small relief to Shika.
During class, the teacher announced a quiz on general information for the following week, causing a stir of excitement from some students and a few groans from others.
Shika, perked up at the news. However, she noticed the way Sota's expression faltered when the teacher mentioned the quiz. He glanced down at his notes, looking unusually stressed.
After class, as the students packed up their things, Sota turned to Shika with a hopeful look. "Hey, I heard about the quiz coming up, and to be honest... I'm feeling pretty lost. Do you think you could help me study?"
Shika couldn't help but smile warmly at his request. "Of course! We can study together after school. It'll be fun."
Sota's face brightened instantly. "Thanks. But I'm warning you—I'll probably raid your fridge while we're at it."
Shika laughed softly, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease. "I've got plenty of snacks stocked. But you better be ready to work—I'm not going easy on you."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from the top student in class," Sota teased, his grin widening as he slung his bag over his shoulder. "Bring it on."
---
The day was winding down, the hallways of the school slowly emptying as the last class ended and students trickled out toward the courtyard or locker rooms. The usual hum of casual conversations and laughter echoed faintly in the distance, but in one of the shadowed corners of the school, there was an unusual tension brewing.
Sota, on his way to meet Shika for their study session, was intercepted by a familiar figure leaning against the wall near the back staircase. It was Rio. Normally laid-back, Rio now had an unusually serious expression etched across his face. His arms were crossed, and his eyes held a sharpness that wasn't there during their usual banter.
"Sota, wait a second," Rio called, his voice low. It wasn't a request—it was a demand.
Sota slowed his pace, raising an eyebrow but keeping his cool. There was something off about Rio today, and it immediately put Sota on guard. He didn't say anything, simply stopping a few feet away from him, hands casually tucked in his pockets.
Rio stepped closer, his voice dropping into a tone laced with warning. "Listen up, Sota."
Sota didn't flinch, keeping his gaze steady on Rio's face. He could sense that whatever was coming wasn't just casual conversation.
Rio's eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened as he continued, "Shika's been hurt in the past. She's not looking to get hurt again." His words came out slowly, each one deliberate, carrying the weight of an unspoken threat. "So, I suggest you stay away from her—unless you want to face the consequences."
There was a moment of heavy silence between them, broken only by the distant laughter of students outside, oblivious to the brewing confrontation.
Sota's expression remained calm and unreadable, though the tension in the air grew thicker. He met Rio's gaze head-on, unphased by the warning. "Shika and I are just friends," he replied evenly, his tone as steady as ever. "That's all there is to it."
Rio didn't back down. His lips curled into a slight sneer; his disbelief evident. "I don't believe you," he spat, taking a step closer as if to emphasize his point. "People don't act the way you do with just a 'friend.'"
Sota stood his ground, unshaken by Rio's words. He could feel the frustration radiating from him, but he wasn't about to be intimidated. "That's your choice," Sota said with a shrug, maintaining his calm demeanor. "But I know the truth."
With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Rio standing there, fuming silently. Sota didn't need to explain himself any further—he knew where he stood with Shika, and that was all that mattered.
As Sota made his way back toward the courtyard, he allowed the tension from his brief encounter with Rio to roll off his shoulders. Confrontations like that weren't his style, but he wasn't the type to let someone else dictate how he should act, especially when it came to his friendship with Shika.
He spotted her standing by the lockers, talking to Motohiro. At first glance, it seemed like a casual conversation, but the look in Motohiro's eyes told a different story. Sota could see the way Motohiro leaned just a little too close, his voice smooth as he tried to charm Shika with what was likely another attempt to flirt.
Sota's expression softened when he noticed Shika's response. She smiled politely, but there was a clear line drawn in her body language. She didn't step back, but she didn't encourage Motohiro's advances either. Her answers were brief and polite, and she kept her distance with a firm but gentle demeanor.
It was one of the things Sota admired about her—Shika never made a scene, but she always stood her ground.
Deciding it was time to intervene, Sota approached the pair with his usual easygoing smile. "Hey, Shika," he called out as he neared, his voice cutting through whatever Motohiro had been saying. "You ready to go study?"
Shika's head turned at the sound of his voice, her eyes lighting up with a mix of relief and gratitude. She had clearly been looking for a way out of the conversation, and Sota's timing couldn't have been better.
"Yeah, let's head out," Shika replied, her tone warm as she turned away from Motohiro, clearly glad for the distraction.
Motohiro's expression darkened almost immediately. His gaze followed the two as they walked away, the friendly smile on Sota's face contrasting sharply with the way Motohiro's eyes narrowed in frustration. He clenched his jaw, watching them go with a mix of jealousy and bitterness brewing inside him.
But Sota didn't give Motohiro a second glance. As they walked toward the exit, Sota and Shika fell into an easy conversation, the weight of Rio's words and Motohiro's brooding stare quickly forgotten.
---
That afternoon, Shika couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as she prepared for the study session with Sota. She made sure her room was tidy, arranging her textbooks and notes neatly on the desk. Snacks were already set out on a tray—Sota wasn't kidding when he said he would raid the fridge. She couldn't help but smile at the thought.
When the doorbell rang, her heart skipped a beat. Shika hurried downstairs to greet Sota, her mom shooting her a knowing glance as she passed by.
"Sota's here?" her mom asked with a teasing smile. "Studying again, I take it?"
Shika blushed. "Yes, Mom. Just studying."
She opened the door to find Sota standing there, his usual laid-back grin on his face. "Ready to hit the books?" he asked, holding up his own stack of notes.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Shika replied with a smile, stepping aside to let him in.
They settled into her room, the atmosphere light and comfortable. Sota immediately made good on his promise, snatching up a handful of snacks before they even opened their textbooks.
"You weren't kidding about the snacks," he said with a grin, popping a chip into his mouth.
Shika rolled her eyes playfully. "I knew you wouldn't be able to focus without them."
As they dove into the study session, Shika was impressed by how focused Sota became. He wasn't the type to obsess over his studies, but when he put his mind to something, he was dedicated. She watched as he worked through each problem, asking questions when he didn't understand something, and taking careful notes as she explained the more difficult concepts.
Occasionally, Sota would throw in a joke or make a funny comment, causing Shika to laugh and ease the tension. It was these moments—when they were able to laugh together, even while studying—that reminded her of why she enjoyed spending time with him.
After a couple of hours, Sota leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms over his head. "Alright, I think I've got the basics down. Thanks, Shika. You're seriously the best tutor."
Shika smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her at the compliment. "I'm just happy to help."
As the study session came to an end, Shika found herself reluctant to let him leave. The rumors, the teasing from her classmates... none of that mattered when it was just the two of them, working side by side. Sota had a way of making her forget all the noise around her.
As Sota packed up his things, he turned to her with a grateful smile. "I owe you one for this. You definitely saved me from flunking that quiz."
Shika shook her head. "You'll do fine. Just keep reviewing, and you've got this."
"Yeah, thanks to you," he said, his tone sincere. He paused for a moment before adding, "And... if you ever need help with anything, you know where to find me."
Shika nodded, her heart fluttering at the thought. "I'll keep that in mind."
As Sota left, Shika stood at the door for a moment, watching him walk down the street. She couldn't help but smile to herself, her thoughts already drifting back to the rumors that had been swirling around all day.
If the whole school thought she and Sota were dating... maybe that wasn't such a terrible idea after all.
---
The rumors surrounding Sota and Shika had only intensified since their weekend cinema outing. The whispers were louder, the stares longer, and it seemed like every corner of the school was filled with speculation about whether they were secretly dating. By the time the next day rolled around, the gossip had reached its peak, and it wasn't something Shika could easily ignore anymore.
As she packed up her books after the last class of the day, she could feel the curious glances from her classmates burning into her back. She tried to focus on gathering her things, but the constant murmurs made her feel uneasy. Her mind drifted, thinking about how things had gotten so out of hand. She had never thought her quiet friendship with Sota would become such a big deal.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts. "Shika, can I talk to you for a second?" It was Motohiro, standing a few feet away, his tone laced with tension.
Shika looked up, her hands pausing in the middle of placing her notebook into her bag. Sensing something off in his voice, she turned to face him, cautiously. "Sure, what's on your mind?" she asked, her brows furrowing slightly.
Motohiro hesitated for a moment, his hands twitching slightly by his sides. He seemed to be struggling with how to phrase what he wanted to say, but his frustration was evident in the tightness of his jaw and the tension in his shoulders.
"I just don't get it," Motohiro finally said, his voice a mix of frustration and hurt. He took a step closer, his eyes searching hers as if looking for some hidden answer. "I've been trying to show you how much I care about you, but you keep turning me down. Why?"
Shika blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected this conversation, though she probably should have. For weeks, she had politely declined Motohiro's advances, hoping he would take the hint without her having to hurt his feelings. Now, faced with his direct question, she found herself at a loss for words.
She let out a soft sigh, her gaze lowering to the floor for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. When she looked back up at him, her expression was kind but firm. "It's not that I don't appreciate your gestures, Motohiro," she began, choosing her words carefully. "You're a good friend, and I value that. But I'm not looking for a relationship right now."
Motohiro's face fell, though he tried to hide his disappointment. His brows knitted together in confusion. "But why not?" he asked, his voice quieter now, almost pleading. "I could give you that stability you're looking for. I'd always be there for you."
For a brief moment, Shika felt a pang of guilt. Motohiro's sincerity was clear, and she could tell that his feelings for her were genuine. But deep down, she knew that entering a relationship with him wasn't something she wanted, not now—and maybe not ever. The weight of that realization settled heavily on her chest.
She took a small step back, gently pulling her hand away as Motohiro reached for it. "I'm just not ready," she said softly but firmly. "I hope you can understand."
There was a long pause between them. Motohiro stared at her, his eyes searching her face for some glimmer of hope, but Shika's expression remained resolute. Finally, he nodded slowly, his shoulders slumping slightly as he tried to mask his hurt. "Yeah, I get it," he mumbled, though his voice lacked conviction.
Shika offered him a small, sympathetic smile before turning and walking away. But as she left the classroom, a sense of sadness weighed heavily on her. She didn't want to hurt Motohiro, but she couldn't give him what he wanted. Her heart simply wasn't in it.
As she disappeared down the hallway, Motohiro's gaze followed her, his chest tightening with a mix of frustration and sadness. He had held onto the hope that maybe, just maybe, Shika would come around. But now, that hope was slipping away, and the rejection stung more than he wanted to admit.
Just as he was about to turn away, Motohiro's eyes caught sight of Sota walking down the hallway. Something in Motohiro snapped. The jealousy that had been simmering in the back of his mind suddenly bubbled to the surface. He had seen the way Sota and Shika had been spending time together lately. He had heard the rumors. And now, as Sota walked past, the sight of him was enough to send Motohiro over the edge.
"What do you want?" Motohiro spat, his voice dripping with bitterness as he glared at Sota.
Sota, sensing the hostility, stopped in his tracks. He looked at Motohiro with calm, steady eyes, his expression unreadable. "I'm just passing by," he replied evenly, refusing to engage in whatever battle Motohiro seemed eager to start.
But Motohiro wasn't done. His fists clenched at his sides, his frustration boiling over. "You think you're so cool, don't you?" he growled. "Always showing off, always getting in the way."
Sota's gaze didn't waver. He understood where Motohiro's anger was coming from, but he wasn't going to play into it. "That's your problem, not mine," Sota replied simply, his tone firm but calm.
Without another word, Sota turned and walked away, leaving Motohiro standing there, fuming. The hallway seemed quieter now, as if the very air was holding its breath, waiting for Motohiro to calm down. But there was no calming the storm of emotions raging inside him. As he watched Sota disappear around the corner, Motohiro's chest tightened with a mixture of resentment and helplessness.
---
The following day, Motohiro made one last, desperate attempt to win Shika over. He had thought about their conversation all night, replaying it in his mind, and despite what she had said, he couldn't shake the hope that maybe, just maybe, she would change her mind.
Clutching a bouquet of flowers in his hand, Motohiro made his way to where Shika was sitting in the courtyard, her back turned as she read through some notes. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he approached her.
"Shika," he called softly, his voice trembling with nervousness.
Shika looked up, surprised to see him standing there with the bouquet. She immediately understood what this was, and her heart sank. She hadn't wanted to hurt Motohiro any further, but it seemed like he wasn't ready to give up.
"Motohiro..." Shika began gently, standing up from the bench. Her expression was kind but firm, the same as the day before. "I really appreciate the gesture, but I told you yesterday—I'm not ready for a relationship right now."
Motohiro's shoulders slumped, the hope he had been clinging to slipping away for good this time. He nodded slowly; the defeat clear in his eyes. "I get it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Shika offered him a small, apologetic smile. She wished there was something more she could say, but she knew that anything else would only drag out his pain. Motohiro stood there for a moment longer, before finally turning and walking away, the bouquet still in his hand.
From a distance, Sota had been watching the exchange. He had noticed the flowers as soon as Motohiro approached Shika, and though he hadn't wanted to eavesdrop, he couldn't help but feel relieved when Shika turned him down once again.
Sota, leaning casually against the school gate, smiled quietly to himself. He respected the way Shika handled things, always kind but never misleading. She knew how to set boundaries without causing unnecessary hurt, and that was something Sota admired about her.
As Motohiro disappeared from view, Sota gathered his things and began walking toward the courtyard, feeling content with how things had turned out. Shika remained the same thoughtful, kind person she had always been—and that was more than enough for him
--
As Motohiro entered the student council room, the air hummed with energy. Luna, Rio, and Maemi were already seated around the long wooden table, deeply immersed in discussing the upcoming open house event. This annual event was crucial—it was when new students would visit the high school, looking to get a glimpse of the school's atmosphere and extracurricular activities. It was the perfect opportunity to showcase what made their school stand out.
"Hey, Motohiro!" Luna greeted him brightly. "We're just ironing out the details for the open house."
Motohiro sat down, joining the conversation. "What's the plan for the event?" he asked, leaning forward in interest.
Luna adjusted the papers in front of her, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "We were thinking about making things a bit more exciting for the new students. Maybe a competition between the clubs—something like a relay race or obstacle course to really grab their attention."
Rio chimed in, resting his elbows on the table. "We could also have interactive demonstrations, like a robotics showcase or a cooking demo. You know, give them a taste of what each club has to offer."
Maemi nodded eagerly; her usual quiet demeanor replaced by enthusiasm. "We could even add some games or challenges for the students to participate in. And we could give out prizes to make things more engaging."
Motohiro listened intently, feeling the spark of creativity catch on. "We should make sure to highlight all the amazing activities and clubs our school has. The football club, the music club... there's so much to showcase."
Luna grinned, her eyes lighting up at the suggestion. "Great ideas, Motohiro! Let's split up the responsibilities to make sure everything runs smoothly."
As the group divided tasks and brainstormed, the sense of camaraderie grew. Later, Luna headed off to talk to Sota and Heizen, filling them in on the council's plans. True to form, Heizen quickly devised a detailed strategy, his enthusiasm for challenges shining through, while Sota nodded thoughtfully in agreement.
The day of the open house arrived, and the school was buzzing with excitement.
The football club had set up a mini obstacle course, inviting prospective students to test their skills, while the music club performed on a small stage in the courtyard, filling the air with lively tunes. The robotics club had even built a small robot that roamed the halls, interacting with curious newcomers.
Shika, moved from station to station, ensuring everything ran smoothly. She had taken it upon herself to make sure that no detail was overlooked, and by the time afternoon rolled around, everything was flowing like clockwork.
The event was a huge success, drawing laughter, applause, and excitement from the visitors. By the end of the day, Luna, Motohiro, Ryoku, Sota, and Heizen collapsed into chairs in the student council room, utterly exhausted but brimming with pride.
"That... was a lot of work," Luna said, wiping sweat from her forehead with a grin.
"But worth it," Heizen added, leaning back in his chair. "We nailed it."
Motohiro nodded, smiling. "It feels good to see everything come together. We make a pretty good team."
---
A few days later, Shika found herself buried in books at the school library, intensely studying for the upcoming test. The library's calm atmosphere helped her focus, but she was so absorbed in her studies that she didn't notice Sota sneaking up behind her.
A playful tap on the shoulder pulled her out of her reverie, and she turned around to see Sota standing there with his trademark mischievous grin.
"What do you want?" Shika asked, raising an eyebrow but smiling at him.
Sota shrugged casually. "Just checking on you. I figured you'd be buried in your books as usual."
Shika smirked, taking his teasing in stride. "Well, I want to do well on the test," she said. "So I have to study."
Sota nodded, his tone shifting slightly. "I get that. But you can't study all the time. Why don't you come hang out with us after school? We're going to grab some food."
Shika hesitated. Part of her wanted to decline—she had been so focused on preparing for the test—but she also realized she had been neglecting her friends lately. Maybe a break wouldn't hurt.
"Okay," she said with a small smile. "But I have to finish studying first."
Sota grinned, already plotting. "Don't worry, I won't let you turn into a bookworm," he teased, giving her a playful poke on the arm.
Shika laughed, grateful for the lighthearted moment. His presence always seemed to ease her stress.
Later that afternoon, Shika met up with Sota, Heizen, and Ryoku at a nearby fast-food joint. They ordered their food and found a cozy booth in the corner of the bustling restaurant. The sound of sizzling grills and lively chatter filled the air as they sat down.
As they ate, they shared stories, laughed at Heizen's exaggerated jokes, and poked fun at each other's quirks. Shika, who had been tense for days, found herself slowly relaxing. She hadn't realized just how much she needed a break from her usual study grind.
As they walked back toward the school, Sota turned to Shika, his expression shifting from playful to sincere. "You know, I think I owe you an apology."
Shika blinked in surprise, tilting her head. "For what?"
"For teasing you all the time," Sota admitted, looking slightly sheepish. "I didn't realize it might have been bothering you."
Shika smiled, feeling touched by his unexpected apology. "It's okay. I know you're just having fun. I appreciate it, actually."
Sota sighed in relief, his smile returning. "Thanks. I don't want things to be uncomfortable between us."
"They won't be," Shika reassured him. "We're friends, remember?"
---
A few days later, during lunch, Shika was sitting quietly at her usual spot when Rio and Maemi approached her, their expressions unusually serious. Shika looked up, sensing that something was off.
"Hey, Shika," Rio began, sliding into the seat across from her. "We've noticed you've been spending a lot of time with Luna lately. She's great and all, but don't you think it's time you got to know Motohiro better?"
Shika blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. "What do you mean?"
"Well," Maemi said, leaning in slightly, "Motohiro's been showing interest in you lately. And we think you should give him a chance. He's a really nice guy."
Shika frowned, feeling uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was heading. "I appreciate the concern, but I don't think I'm interested in Motohiro that way. He's a good friend, but that's all."
Rio and Maemi exchanged a look before Rio pressed on. "And what about Sota?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. "We've noticed you two hanging out a lot too."
Shika felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "Sota's just a friend," she said quickly. "We have fun together, but it's not like that."
Rio didn't seem convinced. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You know, it's not a good idea to lead guys on, Shika. Especially when they're not on the same page as you. You don't want to hurt them, do you?"
Before Shika could respond, Rio and Maemi got up and left, leaving her alone to process the conversation. Luna and Ryoku soon joined her, oblivious to the previous exchange.
"What were they talking about?" Luna asked casually.
Shika forced a smile, pushing the uncomfortable encounter to the back of her mind. "Oh, nothing important."
Later, as Shika was entering the classroom, she saw Sota talking with a girl she didn't recognize. A small twinge of something she couldn't quite place flared up inside her. She quickly pushed it down, reminding herself not to jump to conclusions.
After class ended, Shika stepped out into the hallway, surprised to find Sota waiting for her near the entrance.
"Hey, Shika," he said with a casual smile. "How was class?"
Shika smiled back, but there was a subtle softness in her voice that Sota immediately picked up on. "It was fine," she replied, but her thoughts lingered on the image of him talking to the other girl.
Sota raised an eyebrow, sensing something off. "Is something bothering you?"
Shika hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I saw you talking to that girl earlier. Who was she?"
Sota blinked, momentarily taken aback, but then smiled in understanding. "Oh, her? She's just a friend of Ryoku's. Is everything okay?"
Shika bit her lip, feeling embarrassed. "I don't know... I guess I just felt a little... it's silly."
Sota smirked, clearly amused. "If you're really that jealous, you could always claim me as your own."
Shika blushed deeply, rolling her eyes. "Stop it. You know I'm not like that."
Sota chuckled, his teasing tone softening. "Yeah, I know. You're too nice for your own good sometimes."
Shika's lips curled into a small smile. "I just don't want to cause any problems."
Sota nodded, his expression growing a bit more serious. "I get it. You're always thinking about others. But don't forget to take care of yourself too, okay?"
Shika nodded, her heartwarming at his words. "Thanks, Sota. I really appreciate that."