Kazuki and Shizuka strolled together after school, the evening breeze cool against their skin as they headed toward a small café tucked away in the quiet part of town. Shizuka had been insistent on "celebrating" their recent test results, especially Kazuki's top ranking, and wouldn't take no for an answer.
As they walked, Shizuka playfully nudged his shoulder. "So, Mr. Top Scorer, what's the secret to always being number one? Any tips for us mere mortals?"
Kazuki chuckled, adjusting his bag on his shoulder. "It's just practice and routine, honestly. But you've been improving a lot too, you know. I was impressed by your score this time."
Shizuka's face brightened at his compliment. "Oh, that? Just a little motivation from my personal tutor," she teased, glancing up at him with a grin. "I'm just glad I have someone like you who's patient with me."
Kazuki felt his cheeks warm as he looked away, slightly embarrassed by her straightforwardness. Shizuka was never shy about sharing her feelings, and no matter how many times she did, it always caught him off guard.
They reached the café, a cozy, vintage spot with low lighting and the gentle hum of jazz in the background. Shizuka guided him to a corner booth, where they settled in with warm drinks and shared a dessert.
After a bit of chatting, Shizuka leaned forward, her silver hair catching the light, making her look even more ethereal. She lowered her voice, looking at him with a more serious expression.
"Kazuki… you know, it's been a while since we became official. And… well, there's something I've been thinking about."
Kazuki's heart raced slightly. "What is it?"
She glanced down, toying with her spoon, as a hint of pink touched her cheeks. "I was thinking… maybe we should, I don't know… take things a bit more seriously?"
Kazuki blinked, feeling his pulse quicken as he processed her words. "You mean… like, planning for…?"
Shizuka quickly shook her head, realizing how it sounded. "No, not like that!" She laughed, though her blush deepened. "I just meant, I want you to know I'm really serious about us. And maybe… maybe we could start thinking about our future together?"
Kazuki felt a warmth spread in his chest as he met her eyes, finding sincerity there. He nodded slowly, feeling a new confidence build within him. "I'm serious about us too, Shizuka. And… yeah, I'd like to think about the future together."
Just then, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"A future together?" Aoi's head peeked around the corner, a mischievous grin on her face as she gave Shizuka a knowing look. "I knew it. Onii-chan is getting all lovey-dovey on his dates now!"
Kazuki nearly choked on his tea. "Aoi! What are you doing here?"
Aoi shrugged, sliding into the seat beside him with a smug look. "I had a feeling you'd be out with Shizuka, so I decided to drop by."
Shizuka gave her a playful glare. "So, you were spying on us?"
Aoi smirked, leaning back with crossed arms. "Just keeping an eye on Onii-chan. After all, I can't let just anyone steal him away."
Kazuki sighed, unable to contain a small smile as the two girls exchanged playful banter. While he had hoped for a quiet moment alone with Shizuka, he couldn't deny the warmth he felt, surrounded by the people he cared about most. And somehow, he knew that whatever the future held, it was moments like these—filled with laughter, love, and a touch of chaos—that he would cherish forever.