The sun hung high in the sky as Hikaru Takashi and his newfound friends strolled toward the nearby mall. Miyu, leading the group with her usual cheerful energy, chatted animatedly with Kaoru and Sakura. Hikaru trailed slightly behind, his hands tucked into his pockets, still adjusting to the unusual warmth of companionship.
As they entered the mall's bustling interior, Sakura glanced around, her stomach growling audibly. She blushed, placing a hand over her midsection. "Uh, I… I guess I'm a bit hungry," she admitted shyly.
Kaoru laughed, slapping her lightly on the shoulder. "'A bit'? That sounded like a full-on roar! What are you craving?"
Sakura's face flushed deeper. "I… I don't know. Maybe something sweet? Or… ramen?" She looked down at her feet, hesitant to say more.
Hikaru's voice broke through the chatter, calm and steady. "Tell me what you want. I'll take care of it."
The group's eyes shifted to Hikaru in surprise.
"Seriously?" Ren asked, raising an eyebrow. "You're going to pay for everything?"
Hikaru nodded, his gaze unwavering. "It's no problem."
Miyu clapped her hands together in delight. "Alright! Let's find somewhere Sakura-chan can eat her fill!"
After a brief discussion, they decided on a ramen shop tucked away in a cozy corner of the mall. The aroma of freshly prepared broth and sizzling gyoza filled the air as they entered. Sakura's eyes lit up as she scanned the menu.
"This place smells amazing!" she said, practically bouncing in her seat.
The group placed their orders, and when the food arrived, Hikaru's generosity became evident once again. He paid for the entire table without hesitation, brushing off their protests with a simple, "It's fine."
As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally. Stories and laughter filled the small shop, and for the first time in a long while, Hikaru felt at ease. He wasn't just the quiet boy in the back of the class; he was part of something.
By the time they left the ramen shop, the sun had begun its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The group wandered through the mall a bit longer, browsing shops and enjoying each other's company until the day drew to a close.
"Alright, guys, I guess we'll call it a day," Kaoru said, stretching his arms over his head. "Thanks for treating us, Hikaru. That was awesome of you."
"Yeah, thanks, Hikaru-kun!" Miyu chimed in, her smile radiant.
Hikaru nodded, offering a small smile in return. As the group began to part ways, Hikaru lingered behind, waiting until they were out of sight. Then, without drawing attention, he slipped into a quiet alleyway where his black luxury sedan awaited.
His driver stepped out, bowing slightly. "Welcome back, Master Hikaru."
Hikaru waved off the formalities and climbed into the back seat, sinking into the plush leather. As the car pulled away from the mall, he stared out the window, his mind replaying the day's events.
Back at his mansion, Hikaru entered the expansive living room. The space felt emptier than usual, despite its grandeur. He dropped onto the oversized couch, his thoughts swirling.
"What is this feeling?" he murmured to himself, placing a hand over his chest. "I've never felt this way before… like there are butterflies in my stomach."
His mind drifted to Miyu's bright smile and her infectious energy. Shaking his head, he chuckled softly. "I'm overthinking it. It's nothing."
With that, Hikaru retreated to his bedroom, exhaustion from the day's events catching up to him. As he lay in bed, his thoughts continued to wander until sleep finally claimed him.
The next morning, Hikaru's routine remained the same—or so he thought. His driver pulled the luxury car into a hidden spot near the school, ensuring no one would see Hikaru arriving in such an extravagant vehicle.
"Thank you," Hikaru said quietly as he stepped out.
"Have a good day, Master Hikaru," the driver replied before disappearing down the road.
Hikaru adjusted his plain PC glasses and shouldered his bag, heading toward the school gate. As he approached, a familiar voice called out.
"Hikaru-kun! Good morning!"
Turning, he saw Miyu waiting for him, her pink hair catching the morning sunlight.
"Good morning, Tanaka-san," Hikaru replied, his voice softer than usual.
"You're so formal! Just call me Miyu," she said, laughing. "Let's walk together."
Hikaru hesitated for a moment before nodding. They walked side by side, the chatter of other students filling the air around them.
When they reached the school lockers, they both changed into their indoor shoes. Hikaru noticed Miyu stealing glances at him, her curiosity evident.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, nothing! Just… you're more interesting than I thought," she said with a playful grin.
Hikaru blinked, unsure how to respond. Before he could say anything, Sakura appeared, her eyes lighting up as she spotted them.
"Good morning, you two! Hey, Hikaru-kun, can I ask you something?" she said, her tone casual but curious.
"Uh, sure. What is it?"
"How do you… you know, afford to treat us like that? Yesterday must have been expensive," she asked, tilting her head.
Hikaru's heart skipped a beat. He quickly composed himself, offering a nonchalant shrug. "My aunt and mom send me money sometimes. It's nothing special."
"Wow, they must be really generous," Kaoru chimed in, joining the conversation.
Hikaru gave a small nod, keeping his responses vague. He had no intention of revealing the full extent of his wealth.
Before the conversation could delve further, their teacher's voice cut through the hallway. "Everyone, take your seats! Class is starting!"
The students quickly filed into the classroom, and Hikaru took his usual spot by the window. As the lesson began, he glanced briefly at Miyu, who offered him a warm smile. For the first time, Hikaru felt that maybe, just maybe, his days as a loner were coming to an end.