Spring Festival at Hanamori High was only a week away, and the Cultural Club was buzzing with excitement—and a little chaos.
Aiko arrived early, carrying a small box of her "practice cupcakes" for taste-testing. She peeked into the clubroom and saw Ren already there, quietly setting up a small corner for his piano practice.
"Morning!" she called cheerfully.
Ren looked up, giving her a small smile. "Morning, Aiko. You brought cupcakes?"
Aiko nodded proudly, placing the box on the table. "Just a few for testing. I need honest opinions."
Ren picked one up carefully, examining it like a connoisseur. "Huh… smells good." He took a small bite, and his expression softened. "Not bad. Sweet, but not too much."
Aiko blinked, surprised. "Really? You like it?"
He nodded. "Yeah. You put care into it. It shows."
Aiko's cheeks warmed. "Thanks… you're… really encouraging."
They spent the next hour planning their joint event: Ren would perform piano pieces while Aiko sold cupcakes at the festival. They argued playfully over table placement, music timing, and even how to arrange the cupcakes.
"You're too meticulous," Aiko teased as Ren adjusted a stack of cupcakes for the fifth time.
"And you're… chaotic," Ren countered, smirking. "But I like it. Makes things… interesting."
Their hands brushed while moving decorations, and this time neither pulled away immediately. Aiko's heart raced, and she caught herself staring at his hands a moment longer than necessary.
By the end of the day, everything was set. They stepped back to admire their work: a small display of cupcakes, a neatly arranged piano corner, and decorations that somehow managed to look charmingly imperfect.
Ren glanced at her, voice soft. "We make a good team."
Aiko's heart fluttered. She smiled brightly. "Yeah… the best."
As they left the clubroom together, walking side by side down the hallway, a quiet comfort settled between them—a feeling that neither needed to rush words or confessions. Just being together was… enough.