The morning sun crept through Kazuki's window, casting a warm glow over his room. It was the first day back to school, and the feeling was bittersweet. He could still feel the summer lingering, like the echoes of laughter and memories created with Aoi and Shizuka. Stretching, he reluctantly got out of bed and dressed in his uniform, mentally preparing for the routine of high school.
As he shuffled into the kitchen, Aoi was already there, munching on toast with a mischievous grin plastered across her face.
"Good morning, onii-chan!" she chirped, looking all too cheerful. "Can you believe summer break is over? Back to school, back to the books!"
Kazuki smirked, pouring himself a glass of juice. "It sounds like you're excited, Aoi. Or is that just an act because you don't have any homework left?"
Aoi shot him a pouty look. "Hey! Just because you helped me with it doesn't mean I can't be sad about it ending. But…" Her expression turned smug. "You have to survive high school without me there to make it interesting!"
He rolled his eyes, patting her head as she laughed. "I think I'll be okay. Besides, we'll still see each other after school. I can fill you in on the boring parts you're missing out on."
Aoi grinned. "Oh, I'm sure you and Shizuka will make it plenty interesting."
Kazuki coughed, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "Don't start, Aoi. It's too early for your teasing."
She gave him a final wave as she headed out, throwing a "Don't have too much fun!" over her shoulder, leaving Kazuki shaking his head, though he couldn't hide his grin.
---
Arriving at his high school, Kazuki scanned the crowd for Shizuka. Spotting her near the entrance, he waved, and she came over, smiling brightly.
"Morning, Kazuki! Ready to start another school year?" she asked, adjusting her bag.
"Not particularly," he replied with a grin. "But at least we can make it a little more bearable together."
They walked to class, exchanging stories of their summer adventures, reminiscing about the beach and all the moments they'd shared. Being back at school felt strange, but with Shizuka by his side, Kazuki found it more enjoyable.
As they reached their classroom, Shizuka looked at him thoughtfully. "By the way, are you doing anything after school?"
Kazuki blinked. "Not really, why?"
She smiled, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "I was thinking… maybe we could grab some ice cream? Sort of a last hurrah for summer."
Kazuki's face lit up. "That sounds great. It'll be nice to have one more taste of summer, even if it's just ice cream."
They exchanged a quick smile before stepping into the classroom, each feeling a little lighter at the thought of spending more time together.
---
The day passed slowly, with classes dragging on as teachers went over rules, assigned seats, and laid out the year's syllabus. Kazuki found himself zoning out, glancing at the clock frequently. Finally, when the last bell rang, he nearly jumped out of his seat, eager for their little after-school outing.
Shizuka met him outside, waving with an excited grin. "Ready for some ice cream?"
"Absolutely," he replied, falling into step beside her. They walked down the familiar streets toward their favorite ice cream shop, the conversations flowing easily between them.
They ordered their treats and found a spot outside under the shade. The atmosphere was calm, the perfect way to unwind after their first day back. As they ate, Shizuka suddenly chuckled, catching Kazuki's attention.
"What's so funny?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I was just remembering Aoi's face when she found out summer was ending. She looked so devastated!" Shizuka laughed, shaking her head. "She's going to miss you at her side every day."
Kazuki smirked. "She'll survive. Besides, I'm pretty sure she's just glad she doesn't have to worry about schoolwork for now. But she'll be hounding me for updates, no doubt."
They continued chatting, trading stories about their summer and laughing over little moments. It felt easy and comfortable, like a final farewell to summer before they moved into the school routine. Kazuki found himself feeling grateful—not just for the summer memories but for the friends and family he had around him.
As the sun began to set, they finished their ice creams and walked home together, enjoying the last traces of warmth lingering in the air.
---
When Kazuki finally got home, Aoi was waiting for him, sprawled out on the couch with a dramatic sigh.
"So, how was your first day? Did you survive without me?"
Kazuki chuckled, dropping his bag by the door. "Barely. But Shizuka and I had ice cream to cope with the loss of summer."
Aoi sat up, narrowing her eyes. "You went without me?"
"You were the one so excited about school, remember?" he teased, and Aoi groaned, leaning back on the couch again.
"Fine, fine. I'll let it go this time, onii-chan. But next time, I'm tagging along!"
Kazuki just smiled, ruffling her hair as he passed. The first day might be over, but he knew that with Aoi's teasing and Shizuka's warmth, there'd be plenty to look forward to in the days to come.