Asuka arrived at the school, the warm and peaceful atmosphere wrapping around her like a soft blanket. The gentle chatter of students echoed through the hallways, laughter spilling into the air. For a moment, her restless heart found a little peace.
When she slid open the classroom door, she saw her classmates already clustered in groups, chatting and basking in the glow of their youth. Her eyes instinctively searched, landing on Chika and Haruka, who were already looking her way, both wearing bright smiles.
"Morning, Asuka!" Chika greeted, her voice cheerful as she waved enthusiastically.
Asuka's lips curved into a faint but genuine smile. "Morning, Chika," she replied in her usual calm tone, though her tiredness was clear in her soft eyes.
Haruka leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm as she studied Asuka's face with a knowing grin. "You look a little tired, Asuka. Everything alright with you?"
Asuka blinked, then chuckled lightly, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Yeah, just overslept a bit. I rushed to school, so I guess I look a little out of it."
"That's what you always do!" Chika teased, narrowing her eyes playfully.
"Hehe, I can't help it, I just… really like to sleep," Asuka giggled, her cheeks warming as the other two leaned closer.
Haruka smirked, exchanging a glance with Chika. "Ohhh, maybe she's meeting her prince charming in her dreams. That's why she sleeps so much."
Chika joined in with a mischievous grin. "Totally! No wonder she looks so dreamy in the morning."
Asuka forced a small smile, but inside her chest tightened.
Prince charming, huh? My foot… That bastard ripped my soul out in the worst way possible.
Her gaze flicked to the empty back seats, her smile fading. Will he come…? she wondered, her eyes lingering on the door.
Noticing her expression, Haruka nudged her teasingly. "What's this? Waiting for someone special, Asuka-chan?"
"Hm? Oh, I was just… wondering if Manjiro will show up," Asuka answered absent mindedly, not catching their teasing tone.
Chika's grin widened instantly. "Ohooo, now we're getting to the real reason for your oversleeping."
"It's not like that! You two are overthinking," Asuka insisted, waving her hands defensively, her face heating up.
Just then, the door slid open with a creak. Draken and Manjiro entered the classroom together. Manjiro's gaze immediately found Asuka, sharp yet unreadable. He walked straight toward her desk, ignoring the chatter around him.
"Asuka," he said firmly, his tone more serious than usual. "Baji told me you weren't feeling well. You okay?"
Caught off guard, Asuka blinked up at him. "I'm fine… really. He's exaggerating. It's nothing serious."
Manjiro's expression softened just slightly, his dark eyes holding hers. "You should share your troubles, y'know. That's what friends and family are for."
Her chest tightened under his gaze. She looked away, biting her lip. "It was just… a bad dream. Nothing else."
A small smile tugged at his lips. Without another word, he placed a chilled juice bottle and a neatly wrapped bento box on her desk. "Emma made this for me, but… I think you need it more."
Before she could even stammer out a reply, he turned and walked away with Draken, settling down at his seat.
Chika and Haruka exchanged wide-eyed looks before leaning closer to Asuka, practically squealing.
"Girl! He gave you his lunch!" Haruka whispered dramatically, her eyes sparkling. "That is so romantic."
Chika gasped, still frozen in disbelief. "I… I can't even…! Asuka, say something! What do you have to say now?"
Asuka sat frozen in her seat, her fingers trembling slightly as they brushed over the cool bottle. He should stop… He thinks it's just kindness, but it only makes it harder. Harder to forget… harder to resist.
She pressed her lips together, forcing herself to look straight ahead as the teacher entered the room.
The lesson began, but Asuka's mind drifted constantly. Her gaze betrayed her, always wandering back to where Manjiro sat with his head resting on the desk, fast asleep.
Why are you doing this, you idiot? Stop being so kind. Stop before it's too late.
When the final bell rang, Asuka packed her bag quickly, eager to leave before her thoughts swallowed her whole.
But as she walked, she froze. Up ahead, she recognized a familiar figure.
That's… Inupi? she whispered to herself, then called out. "Hey, Inupi!"
He turned, his calm eyes lighting up faintly when he saw her. "Asuka? You're here?"
"Yeah, school just ended, so I'm heading home. What about you?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Me? I was going to Shinichiro-san's shop," he said casually.
Her lips curved into a small smile. "Oh, that's good… Mind if I join you?"
"Sure, why not?" Inupi replied warmly.
The two walked side by side, their conversation flowing easily as they talked about school and other small things. The air between them was light and comfortable.
When they reached the shop, they saw Shinichiro working intently, hands carefully adjusting the frame of a sleek bike whixh was Manjiro's upcoming birthday gift. His expression was peaceful, almost fatherly.
"Shinichiro-san," Inupi said, breaking the silence, his tone carrying a trace of hesitation. "There's something I want to talk to you about."
Shinichiro looked up, wiping his hands. "What is it, Inupi?"
Inupi clenched his fists slightly, then spoke with resolve. "I want your permission… to rebuild the Black Dragons."
Shinichiro froze for a moment, studying him carefully. Then a faint smile touched his lips. "So that's what this is about… Do you understand what the 8th generation did to the gang? Restoring its name won't be easy."
"I know, Shinichiro-san," Inupi replied firmly, his eyes burning with determination. "But just this once… trust me. I'll find the right person to lead it, and I'll make the Black Dragons what they used to be."
Shinichiro held his gaze, then finally nodded.
Inupi's eyes widened with excitement, relief washing over him.
Asuka, who had been standing quietly, watched them with surprise.
Shinichiro's gaze shifted to her. "Take Asuka with you too, Inupi."
"Me?" Asuka blinked, startled. "No, I'm fine on my own..."
"Go with him," Shinichiro interrupted gently. "The question you asked me that day… maybe the answer is waiting for you now."
Before she could protest, Inupi reached out, clasping her hand firmly. His touch was warm, steady. "Let's go, Asuka. I'll show you something cool."
As they walked away together, laughter bubbling softly between them, a pair of eyes watched from a distance.
Manjiro and Draken had just turned the corner. Manjiro's gaze locked onto Asuka, her hand in Inupi's, and his chest tightened.
She's with him again… he thought bitterly.
"What are you thinking about, Mikey?" Draken asked, his voice casual but his eyes sharp.
"Ahh, nothing. Just… wondering what I should eat. I'm starving," Manjiro said with a hollow smile.
Draken glanced at him from the corner of his eye, then looked back at Asuka, who was laughing freely beside Inupi.
"You know…" Draken muttered, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "You should just ask her out."
"Shut up, Ken-chin. Focus on the food," Manjiro replied quickly, brushing him off.
"Yeah, sure, sure. Food, huh?" Draken chuckled under his breath, but his gaze lingered on Mikey's conflicted expression.