The Cultural Club room was buzzing with energy. The school festival was only a week away, and decorations, banners, and props were scattered everywhere. Aiko arrived, carrying a box of cupcakes she had baked for tasting and morale boosting.
Ren was already there, carefully arranging the banner with his usual calm precision. "You're early," he noted, glancing at her with a small smile.
Aiko set her box down. "I wanted to make sure I could help out—and taste-test the cupcakes, of course."
Ren laughed softly. "Important work."
As they worked side by side, Aiko accidentally knocked over a stack of paper. Ren bent down to help her pick it up, and their hands brushed again. Aiko's cheeks flamed, and she quickly pulled back.
"You're too clumsy," Ren teased lightly.
"I'm not clumsy! I'm… enthusiastic!" she shot back, grinning despite herself.
They spent the next hour decorating, teasing each other over colors and placement. Ren's calm nature contrasted perfectly with Aiko's chaotic energy, and somehow, everything came together beautifully.
At one point, Aiko handed him a cupcake. "For… moral support."
He took it, smiling faintly. "Thanks. You always know how to make things better."
Aiko's heart skipped. "I… I like making you happy."
Ren's gaze softened. "You do. Every day."
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of laughter, shared glances, and small touches. By the time the room was tidy and the decorations hung, both of them were tired but content.
As they packed up, Ren glanced at her. "Thanks for today. I… enjoy these moments with you."
Aiko smiled, her heart fluttering. "Me too… more than I can say."
Walking home together, the sky painted with soft hues of evening, their shoulders brushed naturally, their hands almost touching. And in that quiet, ordinary moment, Aiko realized how much she cherished being with Ren—through laughter, chaos, and small, perfect moments.