A week had passed.
We were back to our normal school life near the beach. I never got tired of watching the blue sky and the sea reflecting sunlight like a giant mirror. It was my favorite part of this school.
"Oi, Hayashi. Daydreaming again? Who are you thinking about? A girl?"
That's my friend, Yuji Shirogane. We've been friends since last week. He's fun to talk to—just… annoying sometimes.
"I'm not thinking about anything. What about you? Have you finished the homework?"
"Ah—right! Uh, let me copy your notes. I forgot to do it!"
I could only sigh at his usual habit. Honestly, we even met in the first place because he forgot his autumn homework. And remembering how stupid he looked when he realized he hadn't done it yet…
"It's been a week, but you still forget your homework."
"Hehe, sorry. Important guy here, boss!"
While waiting for him to copy my notebook, I enjoyed the fresh sea breeze.
Until Akane suddenly called me from outside the classroom.
I walked to her. Judging by her expression, she probably had something important to say.
"Kaito, can I ask a favor? The student council president told me to call the most reliable person in the class. And I thought… I could rely on you."
"Eh? The president wants to see me? Why?"
"No idea, but it sounds important."
…When we arrived at the room, Akane told me to go in immediately.
When I entered, the air was surprisingly cool. Did they have AC in here? Not my business—I just wondered what the president wanted.
Going deeper inside, I saw someone strangely familiar.
"Ahh... finally have a chance to meet you again, Kaito Hayashi."
"Eh, Kazuki?"
He was my old friend.
Kazuki Tanabuki—an aristocratic genius.
Not only was he brilliant academically, he also had countless achievements. Even back then, he was someone I struggled to face.
"How have you been, Kaito? It's been a long time. How's your uncle?"
"They're doing well. What about you? Looks like you've grown even more since our last meeting."
"Hahaha! Don't be so modest. Even when I worked hard, I could never surpass you."
"You're the one being too humble, Kazuki. Anyway, why did you call me here? You must have a reason."
The room fell silent for a moment.
His signature red eyes stared at me—sharp and intimidating.
"I want you to become one of my members, Kaito."
"Eh?"
A strange sense of déjà vu hit me.
"E-Eh?! P-President, are you serious?"
Even Akane was shocked.
Honestly, I never cared about student council or anything like that. What is this guy even thinking?
"Sorry, but I can't accept. It's too sudden, and I'm not interested in joining any organization."
"Heh, just like the old days. Fine, no point forcing you.
But remember… if you refuse me, you know the consequences. Don't you, Kaito?"
"Do whatever you want. Sorry for disappointing you, Kazuki."
"I don't mind. You've rejected me countless times, after all."
"If that's all, I'll get going."
"Very well. Thank you for your precious time, Kaito."
After leaving the room, Akane gave me a shocked look.
"What? Don't look at me like that. I get why you're surprised, though. Kazuki's student council is the best the school has had."
"Kaito… are you sure you want to refuse him? I mean… isn't that a great opportunity?"
"Didn't I already say it? I'm not interested in joining any organization. Not right now."
Walking through the corridor toward the field, I stopped for a moment and enjoyed the cool evening air. The orange sunset made the atmosphere even more peaceful.
"…Hey, Kaito. I'm curious about your relationship with the president. Did you go to the same school before?"
"Yeah. We went to the same middle school.
I didn't expect to deal with him again."
"What do you mean?"
I looked at the empty field to my right.
It reminded me of the times we shared back then.
But that was the past.
No point clinging to memories when life keeps moving forward.
"It's nothing. Our relationship is simple—just a pair of rivals."
Rivals who might secretly miss each other…
(In Kazuki's room POV)
"How was your meeting with that brat? Did he finally accept your offer?"
A man in a black suit and wearing strange mask appeared from behind the bookshelf.
"You have ears, don't you?
Of course he refused again. He's changed a little bit. But He's still the Kaito Hayashi I knew. Like the previous one."
"I see. So what's your next plan, sir? Will you do it the same way as before?"
"No need. For now, I have more important priorities than dealing with him. Let him enjoy his school life a little longer.
Don't worry, Kaito… I will free you from this endless suffering."
(Rei's POV)
"Aahh~ there's nothing better than enjoying the evening breeze with your tea. You really are the best, Fujimoto-san!"
"Ara~ I should be the one thanking you, Asagiri-chan. You visit this café so often—we must serve you well."
While chatting at the terrace, a commotion came from inside.
I rushed in with Fujimoto-san.
Turned out it was just one of her male employees arriving.
Seriously, I thought something actually happened.
"Ah! Fujimoto-san! Long time no see! Where's that sarcasm prodigy? Haven't seen him for a while."
"Welcome back, Tanabe. He's taking the day off. Maybe he'll return tomorrow."
"Aww, man. I was looking forward to seeing him."
Sarcasm prodigy? Who the heck is that? Another employee?
"Well then, Asagiri-chan, I'll get back to work. Enjoy your drink. Call us if you need anything."
"Got it! Thanks again."
I went back to my seat.
Ahh, what a perfect afternoon… especially without Mika bothering me.
If she were here, I definitely wouldn't be able to—
"I'm back!"
Eh?
Wait—was that Mika's voice?
Why is she here?!
Crap, I should pretend I didn't see her.
"Ah, Tachibana-chan. Welcome back. You seem more energetic than usual."
"Kehee~ After my trip to Kawaguchiko, I gained new motivation! I'll take more shifts starting this week. I hope that's okay, Fujimoto-san."
"Ooh? With pleasure. I appreciate your help."
I listened from a distance.
I was curious—why exactly was Mika working here?
I took my favorite book from my pocket.
Before I could read a single word…
"Huh? Rei? What are you doing here?"
She found me.
"I just wanted to relax after school. You working part-time is rare."
"Yeah, well… I need money for something for the next few weeks."
"Why? Isn't your family kinda well-off?"
She paused before answering.
Whatever she was thinking, it didn't seem simple.
"I think I shouldn't depend on my parents forever. There's nothing wrong with earning money myself."
She smiled after saying that—
But something felt off.
It wasn't her usual cheerful smile.
More like a smile hiding something.
I slowly closed my book.
"So… what are you saving up for?"
Mika froze.
Her eyes darted everywhere but mine; her fingers played with her bangs.
Classic signs of someone hiding something.
"That's… a secret," she finally said.
I sighed.
"Saying that only makes people more suspicious."
"Hee~? Maybe that's the point?"
She stuck out her tongue playfully—but her eyes didn't match the joke.
I studied her face more closely.
What is she trying to buy?
And why is it so important?
"Anyway," she continued, fixing her hair, "I want to buy… something."
I went quiet for a moment, sipping my tea.
"…For someone?"
She flinched so hard she nearly squeaked.
"H-HUH?! N-NO! Or… well… maybe… I don't know!"
Classic Mika.
Even her denial was unreliable.
I rested my chin on my hand, staring at her.
"Then why are you turning red?"
"I'm NOT red!"
"You're red."
"I am NOT—!"
Before she could finish, the café door opened again.
A gentle breeze blew in.
Someone waved.
"Yo! Rei! Mika! Finally found you two!"
We both turned.
Kaito stood there—still in uniform, slightly messy hair, and… tired eyes?
Did he run here?
"You two hanging out together? Talking about something fun?" he asked, approaching us.
Mika instantly stood up straight like she was being inspected by a commander.
"A-Ah! Kaito-kun! I'm just… working! Yes! Working! Rei is just here!"
"Relax, I didn't accuse you of anything…" Kaito squinted, confused.
I watched Mika carefully.
She was panicking way too much.
Then, Kaito sat beside me.
"So? What were you two talking about?"
Mika quickly blurted, "N-NOTHING! SERIOUSLY NOTHING!"
"…Okay?"
Kaito looked at me, asking for help with his eyes.
I shrugged.
"She said she wants to buy something for someone."
Kaito paused—then smiled softly at her. Like he understood.
"Aah… so that's the reason, huh?"
Mika immediately slapped both her hands onto Kaito's mouth.
"SSHH!! Don't say anything!!"
I stared at them both.
"Hmmm," I muttered. "Don't tell me… that 'someone' is you, Kaito?"
Mika froze like she'd been shot by a laser.
"EH?! N-NO!! Why would you even think that?!"
Kaito chuckled.
"Relax, Rei. It's not like she's trying to treat me."
I narrowed my eyes.
"Then who?"
Kaito scratched his neck awkwardly.
"No clue. That's her business…"
A waiter passed by carrying food.
Outside, the sunset turned more golden.
I leaned back in my chair.
Watching Mika blush, panic, fidget, nearly tear up…
There's no way that look on her face was normal. And the way Kaito avoided my eyes… yeah, he knew something.
Dammit… Why am I suddenly the one getting curious here???