Hayato returned just as the group was settling in, notebooks open, pens scribbling faintly over lined pages.
"Sorry," he said, sliding into the empty seat. "Had to take a call."
The group nodded, but silence quickly settled over them. It wasn't awkward exactly, just... unfamiliar. No one seemed sure how to start.
That's when Rin leaned in and spoke, breaking the tension.
"Alright! Before we dive into the heavy stuff, shouldn't we at least get to know each other first?" she said, leaning forward with a smile.
Everyone looked at her, then at one another, uncertain.
"I mean, come on," She continued. "We're gonna be working together for a while. Might as well not be strangers, right?"
Ichigo gave a small nod. "Fair."
The rest murmured in agreement.
"Then I'll go first," Rin said, bright as ever. "Rin Nakamura. First year, Communication major. I love trying new food and watching romcoms. Nice to meet you all!"
Ichigo raised a hand. "Ichigo Fujimoto. Second year, Psychology major. I'm into video games and skateboarding... oh, and I work part-time at the convenience store up the street."
Aoi went next. "Aoi Kuroda, third year, Marketing major and minoring in psych. I like cats and music."
Rin turned toward Sayu and gestured. "Oh, just like Sayu."
Sayu gave a small nod. "Yeah, I'm Sayu Hayashi. Also in Marketing, first year. I like cooking... and animals."
That left only one person.
All eyes turned to Hayato.
He leaned back slightly in his chair. "Hayato Arisaka. Second year. Business and Finance major. I like music and... cars."
"Ooh, so everyone except us is a senior?" Rin said, nudging Sayu lightly. "Please take care of us, Seniors~" she added, bowing her head playfully. Sayu followed her lead with a polite bow of her own.
Aoi and Ichigo chuckled and returned the gesture with small nods.
Just then, Zeno appeared beside their table, a tray balanced in one hand. On it were glasses filled with sparkling water and colorful fruit-infused drinks.
"Oh—!" Rin blinked. "You didn't have to... we're already taking up space in your bar."
"It's no problem," Zeno said smoothly, setting down the drinks. "Hayato's friends are my friends."
He smiled—cool and casual—before giving a small nod to Hayato, who replied back and turning back toward the bar.
Rin sat frozen, watching him walk away. Her cheeks tinted pink.
Sayu leaned toward her and whispered, "You okay, Rin?"
"Wh-What? Yeah. I'm fine! It's just... It really is kinda warm in here, right?"
Sayu raised an eyebrow, not buying it.
"Alright then," Rin clapped her hands. "Now that we're all acquainted, time to work."
The group leaned in, gathering around the table as laptops clicked open and notebooks were spread across the wooden surface. The mellow jazz playing in the background melted into the soft clinking of glasses and quiet conversation from nearby tables.
Despite the unfamiliarity, they quickly fell into a rhythm.
"I'll handle the report structure," Rin offered, already tapping away on her keyboard.
"I'll gather the research sources," Aoi added.
"I can format and tackle the case study," Ichigo said, scribbling notes with his usual relaxed ease.
Hayato glanced up. "I'll do the presentation."
Sayu blinked. "You're okay with presenting?"
"Of course," he replied coolly.
Aoi looked between the two. "Why don't you both present? Split it fifty-fifty."
"Me?" Sayu asked, pointing to herself.
"Yeah," Aoi said with a small smile. "Two presenters are better than one."
Sayu hesitated, glancing toward Hayato, who just gave her a blank look. She gave a small nod. "Sure."
Rin leaned in, whispering, "Lucky you~"
Sayu elbowed her gently. "Shut up."
After a while, they managed to finish half the outline before deciding to continue another day.
"Should we meet this weekend then?" Aoi asked, as the group agreed.
One by one, the group began stretching and packing up.
"I should go," Ichigo said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "My shift's starting soon."
"Same here," Aoi added, tucking her notes away.
The two waved and exited with casual goodbyes. Hayato followed not long after, giving Zeno a short nod before heading out.
Sayu stayed behind, waiting at the table. Rin had gone to the restroom, her bag slung on the chair.
That's when Sayu remembered—"The jacket!"
She quickly slipped out the door and spotted Hayato just around the corner.
"Hayato!"
He turned at the sound of his name.
Sayu jogged up to him. "Hey… um. Your jacket... I still have it."
Hayato remembered, then gave a small nod. "Oh, then do you have it now?"
She shook her head. "No, I just remembered. Can I give it to you tomorrow?"
He looked away briefly, recalling his mother's call. "Tomorrow's not good. I've got plans. Day after?"
Sayu paused, thinking. "Sure. That works."
She turned to go, but Hayato called out again, holding up his phone. "Wait. Your number? I'll text you where to meet."
She stopped. "…Right."
Taking his phone, she typed it in, then handed it back with a small nod.
Sayu returned to the bar where Rin stood near the counter, pretending not to steal glances at Zeno.
"Rin."
"Eh?! W-What?"
Sayu gave her a knowing look. "We're leaving."
"Oh—right!"
They stepped outside together. The sky had shifted into dusky purples and oranges, the last bits of sunlight fading behind the city skyline.
Behind them, Zeno glanced up—just in time to catch Rin casting one final glance over her shoulder.