The following Monday, Kazuki and Shizuka walked into school together, sharing small smiles that spoke volumes. By lunchtime, word had spread that they were now officially a couple. Their classmates watched with curiosity and excitement, some whispering while others just openly congratulated them.
"Kazuki! Shizuka! So it's finally official, huh?" one of Kazuki's friends, Ryota, shouted as they sat down for lunch. He slapped Kazuki on the back with a grin. "Never thought I'd see the day. So, what's it like dating the school's top beauty?"
Kazuki chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Uh… it's great. Shizuka's amazing."
Shizuka laughed, nudging Kazuki playfully. "Hey, don't make him feel pressured! We're just enjoying things as they come."
Ryota leaned closer with a smirk, whispering in a way that everyone could still hear, "Come on, Kazuki, don't tell me you're keeping it all innocent. You've got this goddess as your girlfriend, and you're still shy?"
Kazuki's face turned beet red, and he could feel Shizuka stifling a giggle beside him. "Ryota, it's not like that!" Kazuki protested, trying to keep his composure.
"Oh, so you're saying you're already smitten?" Ryota shot back, winking at Shizuka. "Well, you two better not turn this into one of those sappy romance dramas where you're always on the rooftop gazing at each other."
Just then, their homeroom teacher entered the room, and everyone settled down, the playful banter shifting to focus on the lesson. Kazuki could still feel his cheeks burning, but when he glanced over at Shizuka, she gave him a warm smile that eased his nerves.
---
**Later That Day: A New Face**
After school, Kazuki and Shizuka decided to visit the bookstore to look for some new novels and magazines. As they browsed the aisles, they heard a familiar voice calling out to them.
"Kazuki! Shizuka!"
They turned to see a girl their age, waving enthusiastically. It was Mei, one of their classmates known for her endless energy and friendly nature. She ran up to them, grinning.
"So, you two really are dating now, huh?" Mei asked with wide eyes, bouncing slightly on her toes.
Kazuki nodded, a bit flustered. "Yeah, that's right."
Mei clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That's so cute! You know, everyone's been talking about it nonstop! Some of the girls in our class are saying you're like… the perfect couple."
Shizuka chuckled, giving Kazuki a sly look. "Well, I'm glad people think so highly of us."
Mei leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "So, who confessed first? Was it super romantic? Did you plan it?"
Kazuki and Shizuka exchanged a look, both recalling the simplicity of their confession. Kazuki scratched his head, laughing nervously. "It… wasn't that dramatic, honestly. We just kind of… said it."
Mei gave a dramatic sigh, pretending to wipe away tears. "Aw, you guys are so modest. I was hoping for a big, tear-jerking confession story!"
Kazuki rolled his eyes playfully, and Shizuka laughed, placing a hand on his arm. "Well, we'll save the dramatics for later. Right now, we're just enjoying each day."
Just then, Shizuka held up a mystery novel she'd been wanting to read. "Kazuki, look! They have that book I told you about!"
As Kazuki reached out to take a look, Mei leaned over, feigning shock. "Oh my gosh, do you guys share books now? Isn't that a little… domestic?" She giggled, clearly enjoying teasing them.
Kazuki felt his cheeks heating up again. "It's just a book, Mei. Nothing scandalous about it."
Mei laughed, holding up her hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. But if you two start wearing matching outfits, I'm going to be worried."
They spent a bit longer at the bookstore, with Mei providing plenty of entertainment with her exaggerated reactions and constant teasing. By the time they parted ways, Kazuki and Shizuka were both thoroughly amused by her antics.
---
As Kazuki and Shizuka walked home together, they discussed a rumor that had been going around school about a "mysterious test" coming up. Supposedly, it was going to be a surprise test on everything they'd studied so far that semester, catching most students off guard.
Kazuki sighed, shaking his head. "I wonder if the teachers just want to see us sweat. A surprise test sounds like torture."
Shizuka looked thoughtful. "Maybe they're just trying to keep us on our toes. Besides, if it's true, you'll probably ace it. I, on the other hand…"
Kazuki chuckled, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Shizuka. I'll help you study. We've got this, surprise or not."
Shizuka beamed, leaning her head against his shoulder as they walked. "I'm so lucky to have you."
Kazuki felt a flutter in his chest, his own worries fading as they shared the quiet moment together.