"Hey everyone! 🎉 Let's give a huge, thunderous welcome to our Legend frandley mesidor! With them on board, our journey just got even more exciting and fun!"
🌟 These legends have taken the plunge, joined our exclusive crew, and are now getting all the extra perks and early access on this amazing journey!
Who's ready to follow in his and many others' footsteps? 😉 Don't miss out—there's a whole world waiting for you too!
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The hum of a sleek black sedan greeted the morning stillness as Kenshiro tightened the final button on his crisp uniform. Standing in front of the mirror, he smoothed down his hair, each movement deliberate, before grabbing his school bag. The sunlight filtered in through the curtains, painting golden streaks on the room's marbled floors.
"Young Master, Miss Shimizu is waiting for you at the gate," A maid's voice echoed softly from the doorway.
With a smile tugging at his lips, Kenshiro made his way outside. As promised, Kyoko stood waiting, her pristine uniform perfectly fitted, her satchel clasped lightly in her hands.
A soft morning breeze carried a hint of jasmine from the surrounding trees, brushing stray strands of her ponytail across her cheeks.
"Good morning, Kenshiro," She greeted him as he approached.
"Good morning, Kyoko," He replied with a subtle grin. "Are you always this early, or do you do this just to make me look bad?"
Kyoko shook her head, a faint smile appearing. "I don't think anyone can outshine you, Kenshiro. You have a way of drawing attention."
"Well, you're the first to accuse me of that so openly," He teased, gesturing toward the waiting car.
"Shall we?"
----
The ride to school carried its usual air of comfortable chatter. Kenshiro leaned back, glancing out the window where the early sun cast long shadows against the sidewalks.
"You've been more quiet than usual," He observed, his voice breaking the silence. "Something on your mind?"
Kyoko hesitated for a moment, gazing down at the strap of her satchel. "Not really. Just… thinking about how things change."
Kenshiro's brow lifted slightly. "Change, huh? Care to elaborate?"
She gave a small shrug. "It's nothing serious. Just how school felt so different."
"Ah," Kenshiro said, nodding. "Yeah? New School, new classmates... and all."
Kyoko chuckled softly, her gaze warming as it met his. "Exactly."
"Well," Kenshiro said, leaning slightly closer, "If it's simplicity you're missing, maybe I can provide some entertainment to keep things interesting."
Kyoko glanced at him, amused. "Somehow, I don't think I'll like your version of 'entertainment.'"
"You wound me, Kyoko," Kenshiro quipped, clutching his chest dramatically. The moment earned him a soft laugh, breaking the earlier tension entirely.
----
The schoolyard buzzed with its usual morning energy. Students milled about, chatting in groups, hurriedly flipping through textbooks, or racing to beat the homeroom bell.
Kenshiro and Kyoko walked side by side, blending seamlessly into the lively scene.
As they entered their classroom, a few heads turned their way. While Kenshiro's friendly demeanor naturally attracted attention, Kyoko's composed and reserved nature added a mystique that intrigued their peers.
"Good morning, Shimizu-san, Kenshiro-kun," greeted a cheerful classmate, Ayano. She leaned slightly toward Kyoko, lowering her voice playfully. "Walking together again? You two are practically inseparable."
Kyoko flushed faintly but retained her usual composure.
"We happen to live close by," She replied simply, her tone polite but final.
"Sure, sure," Ayano said, giving Kenshiro a sly grin. "Lucky guy, huh?"
Kenshiro matched her gaze with a grin of his own.
"I like to think so," He said smoothly, causing Ayano to burst into laughter and Kyoko to glance away, clearly exasperated.
----
The first few classes passed in a blur of discussions, lectures, and the occasional lull where Kenshiro let his mind wander.
He often walked around school in his free time, passing by Kyoko's classroom, noticing her laser focus on the lessons.
When the math teacher called on her to solve an equation, Kyoko strode up to the board, her expression cool and composed. She quickly worked through the problem, explaining each step methodically.
"Well done, Shimizu-san," The teacher praised. "Excellent work as always."
Kyoko returned to her seat amidst light applause from the class, her cheeks faintly pink.
"You know," Kenshiro murmured as she sat beside him, "you could probably run this class better than the teacher."
"Hush," Kyoko said under her breath, though her lips twitched slightly.
----
By lunchtime, Kenshiro and Kyoko found their usual spot—a shaded bench beneath the sprawling branches of an old sakura tree. The blossoms swayed gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows across the courtyard.
"You know," Kenshiro began as he unpacked his bento, "we've been sitting here for months, and yet it always feels new somehow."
Kyoko glanced at him, raising a brow. "Is that your poetic way of saying you like this spot?"
"Something like that," he admitted with a grin. "Besides, the view's not bad either."
Kyoko followed his gaze, which rested briefly on her before he shifted it toward the courtyard. She sighed softly, shaking her head but smiling nonetheless.
As they ate, Kenshiro couldn't help but steal glances at her. She was meticulous in every movement, from the way she held her chopsticks to the way she adjusted her napkin. There was a quiet grace to her that he found endlessly fascinating.
"What?" Kyoko asked suddenly, catching his gaze.
"Nothing," He said quickly, feigning innocence. "Just wondering if you'll ever let loose and act like a normal teenager."
Kyoko gave him a long, skeptical look. "You mean like you, the picture of normalcy?"
"Exactly," He said, grinning. "You should try it sometime. Live a little."
"And what does that involve?" she asked, her tone playful yet challenging.
"Oh, you know," Kenshiro said, leaning back with a smirk, "skipping class, pulling harmless pranks, confessing your undying admiration for me—stuff like that."
Kyoko rolled her eyes, but her laugh betrayed her amusement.
----
The afternoon classes brought with them a sense of routine, though Kenshiro found himself energized by Kyoko's company. Whenever a lecture grew dull or a worksheet felt endless, he'd glance her way, as if drawing motivation from her calm determination.
By the time the final bell rang, Kenshiro and Kyoko were among the first to pack up their belongings.
"Ready to face the trek home?" Kenshiro asked as they made their way to the school gate.
"More than ready," Kyoko replied, exhaling softly.
Their driver greeted them with a polite nod as they approached. Kenshiro opened the door for Kyoko, who stepped inside with a quiet 'thank you.'
As the car navigated the familiar streets, the conversation turned to lighter topics—plans for the weekend, Kyoko's recent volleyball practice, and Kenshiro's refusal to join any clubs.
"You know," Kyoko said thoughtfully, "you might enjoy joining a team. It could be fun."
"Maybe," Kenshiro said noncommittally. "But I'm more interested in one-on-one battles. Team sports aren't really my thing."
Kyoko gave him a sidelong glance. "That sounds suspiciously like an excuse."
Kenshiro chuckled. "Maybe. Or maybe I just prefer watching you perform on that field."
Kyoko flushed slightly, though she managed to keep her composure.
"You're impossible," She muttered, though her smile betrayed her amusement.
As they arrived at Kyoko's house, Kenshiro stepped out to open the door for her once more. She paused briefly, her expression softening as she looked at him.
"Thank you, Kenshiro," She said, her voice warm.
"For what?" He asked, genuinely curious.
"For everything," She said simply before disappearing through the gate.
Kenshiro watched her go, a small smile playing on his lips. As the car pulled away, he leaned back in his seat, already looking forward to the next day.
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
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