The calm of an ordinary school week settled in as the students at Fujikawa High adjusted to the rhythm of classes, homework, and lighthearted camaraderie. Ryo, though relieved at the lack of dramatic events, quickly discovered that "ordinary" didn't mean "uneventful"—especially with his group of friends.
### **Morning Mayhem**
Ryo yawned, trudging into the classroom a few minutes before the bell rang. Mei, as punctual as ever, was already at her desk, diligently reviewing her notes for their upcoming lesson. Beside her, Saki lounged in her chair, spinning a pen between her fingers with a look of feigned disinterest.
"Morning," Ryo mumbled, dropping into his seat.
Saki smirked. "Morning, sleepyhead. Long night playing video games again?"
"I wish," Ryo replied, stifling another yawn. "Spent most of it finishing that literature assignment. You?"
"Finished it in class yesterday," Saki said smugly. "Unlike someone who needed a full extra day and probably still drew stick figures."
Ryo opened his mouth to retort, but the sound of running footsteps and Hana's voice cut him off.
"Ryo!" Hana burst into the room, her energetic arrival drawing everyone's attention. "Guess what?"
"Good morning to you too, Hana," Ryo said dryly. "What is it?"
She slammed her hands on his desk and grinned. "I signed us up for karaoke this weekend!"
"Karaoke?" Mei asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yup! I figured we all need a break after that science project," Hana said, plopping into the seat in front of Ryo. "It'll be fun! And Ryo's terrible singing will make it even better."
"Hey!" Ryo protested. "My singing isn't that bad."
"It really is," Saki chimed in, earning a round of laughter from the group.
---
### **Classroom Chaos**
As the first-period bell rang, Mr. Tanaka strode into the room, his usual cheerful demeanor brightening the room.
"Alright, class, let's dive into today's math lesson!" he announced. "Open your textbooks to page 132."
Ryo opened his book, determined to stay focused this time. But just as Mr. Tanaka began explaining a new theorem, Hana leaned over from her desk, whispering loudly.
"Psst, Ryo! Wanna bet on how long Saki will last before falling asleep?"
"Don't drag me into your schemes," Ryo whispered back.
Predictably, Saki overheard. "You do realize I can hear you, right?"
"Good! That just makes it more fun," Hana replied with a grin.
Mr. Tanaka paused mid-lecture and turned toward them. "Something you'd like to share with the class, Hana?"
Hana froze, her grin faltering. "Nope! Just… uh, helping Ryo with his book."
Mr. Tanaka's brow raised, clearly unconvinced. "I see. Then maybe you can help him solve the next problem on the board?"
Hana's confidence evaporated. "Actually, I think Saki should do it. She's way better at this stuff!"
Saki snorted. "Oh no, you got yourself into this. You're on your own."
"Traitor," Hana muttered as she reluctantly walked to the board, earning a few chuckles from the class.
---
### **Lunch Break: A Tense Duel**
The group gathered under their usual oak tree, lunchboxes in hand. The warm autumn breeze rustled the leaves above them, creating a serene backdrop for their conversation—or so Ryo thought.
"I still can't believe you signed us up for karaoke without asking," Ryo said, taking a bite of his sandwich.
"It's called taking initiative," Hana replied proudly.
"You mean being a dictator," Saki teased.
Before Hana could retaliate, Mei interrupted. "Speaking of karaoke, does anyone here actually know how to sing?"
Everyone looked at each other in silence until Kazuki, who had been quietly eating beside them, shrugged. "I know how to whistle."
"That doesn't count," Hana said, laughing. "But don't worry. It's not about talent—it's about fun!"
Ryo sighed. "Fun for you, maybe. For me, it's just public humiliation."
"Don't be so dramatic," Alice said gently. "We'll all be singing, so it won't be just you."
Saki leaned closer to Ryo, her mischievous smile returning. "Besides, Ryo, if you're really bad, I might just record it for future blackmail material."
"Why am I even friends with you people?" Ryo groaned.
"Because deep down, you love us," Hana said with a grin.
---
### **Afternoon Antics**
The last class of the day was physical education, and the students were tasked with practicing volleyball. The gym echoed with the sounds of sneakers squeaking against the floor, balls thudding, and occasional shouts of encouragement—or in Hana's case, dramatic declarations.
"Alright, team!" she shouted, pointing at Ryo, Alice, and Kazuki. "Victory is ours! Let's crush them!"
"It's just practice," Ryo reminded her.
"It's about the principle!" Hana replied.
Saki, on the opposing team with Mei, smirked. "You're going down, Hana."
"We'll see about that!" Hana retorted.
The game began, and chaos ensued. Hana's overenthusiastic serves either flew way out of bounds or hit someone on her own team. Saki took every opportunity to spike the ball with precision, earning her team points and a lot of complaints from Ryo about her "tryhard" attitude.
By the end of the match, Hana's team lost spectacularly, but she didn't seem to care. "Good game!" she said cheerfully, patting Ryo on the back. "You did your best."
"I think my 'best' involved getting hit by the ball more than hitting it," Ryo muttered, rubbing his shoulder.
"That's the spirit!" Hana said, ignoring his sarcasm.
---
### **Evening: Reflections and Plans**
Back at home, Ryo collapsed onto his bed, exhausted but oddly content. Despite the constant teasing, chaotic games, and impromptu karaoke plans, he couldn't imagine his school life without his friends.
His phone buzzed, and he opened the group chat to see a message from Hana.
Hana: *Karaoke is at 2 PM Saturday! Don't be late!*
Saki: *Can't wait to see Ryo embarrass himself.*
Alice: *Let's all do our best! It'll be fun!*
Mei: *As long as nobody sings off-key too badly, it'll be tolerable.*
Kazuki: *I'm bringing earplugs just in case.*
Ryo chuckled, shaking his head. With friends like these, every day was an adventure—even the ordinary ones.