Riku ran a hand through his hair and blurted out, almost shouting—
"I—I have a friend. And… uh… would you like to join my team?!"
His words came out messy, rushed, like his brain was running faster than his mouth.
Before Mira could even react—
THAP!
A hand smacked the back of Riku's head.
"OY."
Toma appeared from behind, completely done with him.
"I'm really sorry," Toma sighed, bowing slightly toward Mira.
"My friend here is an idiot. His brain only works when there's a fight involved."
Mira blinked.
Then she laughed.
"It's fine," she said calmly.
"But if you want me on your team…"
She leaned a little closer, eyes sharp.
"…then fight me tomorrow morning."
Riku froze.
"F-Fight?"
"Yes," Mira continued.
"Free lunch time. Your house."
Toma's eyes widened.
"…Your secret arena?"
Mira nodded.
"Exactly."
She turned and started walking toward the stairway.
"Oh—and don't be late."
---
🌇 The Next Day – Rooftop
The school rooftop was quiet.
Too quiet.
Riku pushed the door open—and stopped.
Mira was already there.
Standing near the railing, eyes half-closed, gently humming.
Her voice was soft.
Almost fragile.
She sang quietly—
> "Aaba timi le…"
"…maan mai ta rahanchha…"
The wind carried her voice across the rooftop.
Riku stood there, stunned.
"…Which song is that?" he finally asked.
Mira turned, surprised.
"You don't know it?"
She tilted her head.
"It's 'Aaba Timi Le Fakauna Pardaina.'
It's super famous on TikTok."
Riku scratched his cheek.
"Oh."
She crossed her arms, smiling teasingly.
"Living in Nepal and not knowing this song? That's rare."
Riku shrugged.
"I don't have any problem with Nepali songs. Some are really good."
Then he added honestly,
"But I mostly listen to English songs."
Mira laughed softly.
"That explains everything."
There was a short silence.
Then Riku spoke again, a little awkward—
"…Can you send me that song?"
Mira raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Riku looked away.
"…I just want to hear it properly."
She smiled.
"Fine."
The rooftop wind blew once more,
and the last echo of her humming lingered in the air.
For some reason,
Riku felt like that melody would stay with him far longer than he expected.
---
⚡ End of Chapter 16
N
ext:
Chapter 17 – "The Fight Before the Team"
> A rooftop promise.
A secret arena.
And a battle that decides who stands together.