Hiroki leaned a little closer to Saki, his eyes fixed on hers.
A gentle smile played on his lips.
"Your eyes… they're really beautiful," he whispered, his voice soft and warm.
Saki raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"T-thank you… yours are really beautiful too," she replied shyly, her voice trembling.
Hiroki didn't look away.
A faint smile lingered on his face.
"I've always liked kind-hearted girls like you," he said.
"Being by my side… it feels really nice."
Saki's face flushed.
Her breath caught slightly.
"Y-yes… I'll always be by your side," she said in a shaky voice.
Hiroki smiled softly, a warm sparkle in his eyes.
"Your scent and your eyes…"
"They reminded me of one of my favorite songs."
"If you want… I can play it for you."
Saki's heart raced.
Could this… be my special song?
Hiroki stood up, as if he could read her thoughts.
"You seem quite curious about this song," he said with a gentle grin.
Then he walked slowly toward his guitar.
Saki couldn't take her eyes off him.
Could it be that I'll hear the special song now?
Hiroki picked up his guitar and sat back down beside her.
He took a deep breath, holding it firmly.
"This isn't my most special song," he said.
"But it's a song just for you."
A brief disappointment passed through Saki's heart.
Still, she smiled softly and lowered her head.
"Yes… I'll wait for my special song," she said.
Hiroki nodded lightly.
"The inspiration for this song…"
"Will be your eyes."
Saki gripped the sides of her chair, smiling.
Her heart beat faster as she waited.
Hiroki plucked the strings.
The notes echoed gently through the empty classroom.
Each sound turned the silence into a melody filled with warmth.
As he sang, Hiroki never took his eyes off Saki.
Every word… every note… was for her.
When the song ended, Saki looked at him with wide eyes.
"Your song… it gave me strength," she said.
"You're really talented, Hiroki."
Hiroki scratched his nose, embarrassed.
"Thank you… I'm glad you liked it."
"But next time… I'll play my truly special song."
Saki's heart skipped a beat.
"Just… for me?"
"Yes," Hiroki said softly.
"Just for you."
Silence filled the room.
A closeness beyond words settled between them.
Hiroki leaned in slightly.
"But until that day…"
"You'll have to earn my special song."
Saki frowned in surprise.
"Special things aren't given that easily," Hiroki continued.
"For the truly special one… you must complete my tasks."
Saki crossed her arms and turned her head slightly.
"So… what are these tasks, sir?"
Hiroki smiled faintly.
"Don't worry. I won't make it too hard."
"Your first task… is to make sure the performance happens in Tokyo."
"I'll do that anyway," Saki replied calmly.
"So… what else?"
Hiroki touched his chin, thinking.
"Hm… the other task…"
He stopped.
"Wait," Saki said.
"Where did these tasks even come from?"
Hiroki laughed awkwardly.
"Alright… I'll tell you later."
"There isn't another task, is there?" Saki asked suspiciously.
"There is," Hiroki admitted.
"But not now."
"So you're using me like a slave for your song?" Saki teased.
Hiroki chuckled softly.
"Don't worry… my special song is special for many reasons."
Saki smirked.
"Hm… is that so?"
Hiroki leaned closer again.
"I'll guide you along the way."
"In the Travel Club," he explained,
"Three representatives are chosen."
"Each suggests a city."
"Students vote."
"The city with the most votes wins."
"For someone as charming as you," Hiroki said,
"This should be easy."
"Hm… I'll try," Saki replied lazily.
Hiroki exhaled in relief.
"Thank you. Since you agreed so easily…"
"I'll tell you your reward."
"Another task?" Saki asked.
"No… your reward is—"
Suddenly, the classroom door slammed open.
Both of them turned at once.
Who was standing there…?