"Aaaah! Finally, damn it!" Ryan exclaimed, stretching his arms as he approached the school. He walked at a relaxed pace, holding the strap of his backpack slung carelessly over his shoulder, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Feels like years since I've been to school..." he murmured to himself, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and enthusiasm. "Finally back to the good old high school sagas."
As he passed through the gate, flashes of the previous night with Rika flooded his mind. Despite expectations, the night hadn't progressed beyond intimate cuddling.
They stayed close on the couch, exchanging subtle caresses and warming each other up, but maintained a boundary so as not to frighten Hanyuu. In the end, the three of them slept together, nestled like wolf pups sharing warmth. A scene as peaceful as it was unexpected for him.
But now it was another day, and the reality of student life called him back.
It was then that his eyes found a familiar figure near the gate, as if waiting for someone. The moment their gazes met, Ryan knew exactly who it was.
Masha.
There she was, her presence as sweet and vibrant as ever. Her golden eyes, like liquid honey under the soft morning light, shone with captivating innocence. Her light brown, slightly wavy hair fell elegantly, swaying with the breeze. A small red flower adorned her head, a simple detail that made her even more charming.
"Masachika-kun! I'm so glad you came today!"
Her smile was a spectacle in itself. Pure, radiant, like the blooming of the first flower in spring. There was something in her expression—a perfect combination of sweetness and energy—that made Ryan's heart flutter for a brief second.
He smirked, slipping one hand into his pocket. "Finally sorted out some little problems that came up. Now I can focus fully on my studies again."
As he watched her, Ryan felt a subtle warmth spread through his chest. The lightness with which Masha spoke, the way her delicate hands gently clasped in front of her, everything about her conveyed a comforting feeling. Her presence was like a cool breeze on a stuffy day.
She took a step forward, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "Ah! Then I can finally count on your help!"
Ryan scratched the back of his neck, returning her gaze with a relaxed air. "Yeah, I still remember you asked me to help catalog the school clubs."
Masha clasped her hands in excitement, her eyes shining. "That's right! And since you arrived early, how about we go to the student council room?"
Ryan brought a hand to his chin, as if pondering the proposal. "Hmm... I don't see a problem with that."
Then, a mischievous smile appeared on his lips before he continued: "But, first of all, I need to collect my fee for helping you..."
Masha arched an eyebrow, her smile becoming even sweeter. "Ahh... and I thought you were doing this just to help me out of the goodness of your heart..."
Ryan let out a low laugh at her teasing. "Of course, I am. And what I'm going to ask for isn't complicated at all. I'm sure you can get it for me."
She tilted her head slightly, her gaze curious and playful. "Hmm... I'm listening. What would that be?"
He raised a finger, his expression full of conviction. "I want you to help me start my own club."
Masha's golden eyes sparkled for a moment, reflecting a spark of surprise before her mouth curved into a subtle smile.
"Oh? Now I'm really curious..."
The school corridors were silent, enveloped in the typical calm of the early morning hours. The pale sunlight streamed through the high windows, creating soft patterns of light and shadow on the waxed floor.
Ryan and Masha walked side by side, their footsteps echoing softly through the nearly empty halls. Some students who were already there watched them sideways, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity. After all, not just anyone could chat so naturally with one of the most adored girls in school.
As they headed towards the student council room, Ryan explained his idea for the game club, gesturing with slight enthusiasm. He didn't just want an ordinary club – his vision was grand. Creating something genuinely new would require the right people, a team capable of turning his ambition into reality.
Masha, with her ever-gentle demeanor, tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes shining with curiosity. "A game club? Sounds interesting, but... you said you want to develop a game? How does that work? I mean... how are games born?"
Ryan laughed, waving his hand nonchalantly. "Hah... Games aren't 'born', Masha. Well, at least not out of thin air. It's a complex process... and, to be honest, I don't know everything about it myself. I'll need help in various areas... programming, design, soundtrack... development isn't just pushing some buttons and voilà, a finished game."
Masha clasped her hands in front of her body as she walked beside him, her lips curving into a sweet smile. "That must be a lot of work, right? I admire your willingness!" She spoke genuinely, admiration sparkling in her gaze. Her brown hair swayed slightly with each step, the golden hue reflecting the soft morning light.
Ryan ran a hand through the back of his neck, smirking. "It'll be a good way to occupy my mind... and, as a bonus, help my grades for the semester. After all, after missing so many days, I need to make up for lost time, right?" He closed his eyes for a moment, tilting his head slightly, the casual tone in his voice hiding any real concern.
Masha smiled even wider, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You're so dedicated, Masachika-kun!"
Hearing his name pronounced so sweetly, Ryan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, surprised by the affectionate tone in her voice. But before he could comment, Masha slowed her pace slightly, her expression softening.
"Can... can I join your club?" Her voice came out lower, carrying a melancholic, almost hesitant touch.
Ryan blinked, surprised for an instant, before breaking into an excited smile. "Of course, you can! In fact, you'd be essential!" He turned slightly towards her, his eyes shining with excitement. "I need someone hardworking and organized like you to handle the bureaucracy. I want this club to be taken seriously, and that includes funding and organization... Oh, and I also plan to pay students who contribute quality work!"
He continued, excitement overflowing in his voice as he gestured. "I'm thinking of dividing the club into several areas. One of them would be entirely dedicated to music! I think I already know who to call for that... I always see an introverted girl walking around with a guitar on her back. If I'm not mistaken, she wears a pink hoodie sometimes."
Ryan raised another finger, as if making a mental list. "And I also remember hearing my si— cough— Yuki mention a girl who's a cosplay enthusiast. I bet she can help with the character design part." He sighed deeply, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "Aah, there's so much to organize! That's why I need you, Masha!"
Masha blinked a few times, surprised by his determined tone. Her cheeks turned pink as she murmured to herself. "Need me...?" She brought her fist close to her chest, her expression a mix of emotion and uncertainty. "Masachika-kun..."
Ryan noticed the change in her tone and immediately turned his attention back to her. "Yes, Masha?" He asked gently, tilting his head slightly.
Masha took a deep breath, as if gathering the courage to say something, but hesitated. Her lips parted for an instant, but in the end, her words caught in her throat. "No... it's nothing..." she whispered, looking away.
Ryan watched her for a moment, his eyes analyzing every little detail – the hesitant glint in her gaze, the adorable pout forming on her lips, the slightly reddened cheeks. "Masha...?" He wondered silently. "What's bothering you?"
Before he could continue his line of thought, he was suddenly interrupted.
"We're here!" Masha announced with a sweet smile, stopping in front of the student council room door.
Ryan blinked a few times, quickly snapping back to reality. He looked at the door and then at Masha, arching an eyebrow. "Think anyone will be here this early? We arrived like... an hour early."
Masha laughed softly, closing her eyes in a graceful gesture. "Well, there's only one way to find out!"
She opened the door and, to their surprise, yes, someone was inside.
"Hmmm... Sakurajima Mai, isn't it?" The paused, masculine voice sounded in the room. "Funny, I usually memorize the names of all the students who stand out. You have excellent academic performance, according to the system..."
A young man with glasses was sitting at the table, typing on a laptop as he spoke. But it was the figure in front of him that caught Ryan's attention.
There she was. A girl with long, black hair, the strands shining under the soft light coming through the open window. A light breeze made her locks dance subtly in the air, while her dark eyes, deep as night, met Ryan's directly.
He stood motionless for a second, his thoughts interrupted by the unexpected encounter.
His eyes widened slightly before he pointed at the girl, surprised, yet maintaining his calm expression.
"Ah... Mai Sakurajima!?"
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