That day, the homeroom teacher walked in with an overly excited smile — a bad omen for students like Kazuki.
"We're starting a group project this week!" she announced with a bright, almost villainous tone. "The theme is: 'High School Life from a Teen's Perspective.' You'll work in groups and prepare a presentation. I've already assigned the teams."
Kazuki sighed.
As if the universe was scheming against him…
"Aira Vellione, Kazuki Rei, Kagami Yuura, and Suguru Kentotaro. You're in the same group."
Aira immediately beamed at him. "Yay~ we're in the same group again!"
Kazuki looked away. "Please don't sound so happy about it…"
Suguru raised his hand. "Sensei, can I switch to an all-boys group? This feels too romantically charged for me."
The teacher stared him down. "No. And stop being dramatic."
After class, the group gathered at the back of the classroom.
Kagami, the quiet girl with a cold stare, opened her laptop. "Let's start brainstorming. Who wants to be the group leader?"
"Don't look at me," Kazuki said quickly.
"Same," Suguru added while munching chips.
"I'll take the role then," Kagami replied without hesitation.
Aira clapped softly. "Kagami-chan is so reliable!"
Kazuki glanced at Kagami, a bit surprised. He didn't expect someone so quiet to be this decisive.
"So the topic is about school life, right?" he mumbled.
"Yep!" Aira nodded. "Maybe we could show the emotional side? Like... small moments that mean a lot."
Kazuki fell silent. His mind wandered to the school festival, their accidental kiss, and the sandwich Aira made this morning.
"...Small moments, huh."
Suguru chimed in, "Or we could do something funny. Like... a skit about a guy in love with his classmate but stuck in denial."
Kazuki immediately stared at him.
Aira also turned toward Suguru — and burst out laughing.
"Ah, that's super relatable!" she said while sneaking a glance at Kazuki.
Kazuki coughed on purpose. "Tch."
Kagami wrote everything down calmly. "Alright. We'll make a presentation with two tones: serious from me, comedy from Suguru, and a romantic perspective from you two."
Kazuki: "You two?"
Kagami nodded. "You and Aira."
Aira practically sparkled. "Kagami... are you trying to be a matchmaker?"
"I like efficiency."
Kazuki looked down. His face was getting hot again.
By the end of the day, they agreed to meet at Aira's house tomorrow after school for the group project.
A trap disguised as a group assignment. But deep inside, Kazuki knew…
This project wasn't just about school.
It was about them.
Kazuki stood in front of Aira's house, holding his breath.
It was a normal two-story house — not intimidating at all — and yet his heart pounded like he was about to enter enemy territory.
"It's just a group project," he muttered. "Just a project."
The door opened before he could ring the bell.
Aira was there, wearing a casual hoodie and shorts.
"Oh, you're here! Come in~"
He entered hesitantly. The inside smelled... nice. Soft. Sweet.
Strawberry shampoo?
"This way," Aira said, leading him up the stairs.
That's when it hit him.
He was going into a girl's room.
Panic mode: activated.
Her room was clean, decorated with pastel colors and some plushies on the shelf.
There was a photo of her and her family by the bed, and a tiny cactus by the window.
"Take a seat! Kagami and Suguru are late, as always."
Kazuki sat down awkwardly on the floor near the small table.
Aira brought out some drinks and snacks. "I made lemon tea. Hope you like it."
He took a sip. "...It's good."
She smiled, then plopped down beside him, way too close.
"Don't be so stiff," she said. "Relax. We're not in class."
Kazuki tried to focus on the script Kagami had sent.
But it was impossible. The room was too quiet. Her presence was too loud.
"Hey..." Aira suddenly said.
Kazuki flinched. "What?"
"About that kiss during the festival... You've been avoiding talking about it."
"Because it was an accident."
"Was it?" she asked softly, tilting her head.
Kazuki looked away. "...Wasn't it?"
Aira leaned a little closer. "If I say it wasn't... what would you do?"
Save me, someone, Kazuki screamed internally.
Before he could answer, the door burst open.
"We've arrived!!" Suguru shouted, holding snacks and instant noodles.
Kagami followed behind, her usual deadpan face.
Aira pulled back, laughing nervously. "Perfect timing."
Kazuki nearly collapsed from relief.
Kagami sat down and opened her laptop. "Let's work."
Suguru stared at Kazuki. "Bro, why is your face so red?"
"Shut up."
Aira giggled.
And just like that, the group project resumed.
But that tension — that moment — still lingered in the air.
Like the sweet scent of her shampoo.