The tension between Aizen and Violet had been growing ever since that awkward moment during one of their gaming sessions. They both felt it, but neither knew how to address it. Their usual easy-going dynamic had shifted, and the once comfortable silences were now tinged with unspoken questions and doubts.
Ryuen, sharp as ever, was the first to pick up on the change. He noticed the subtle way Aizen and Violet seemed to avoid each other's gaze, how their conversations were a bit stilted, and how their usual enthusiasm for gaming together had dampened. Kei, however, remained blissfully unaware, attributing their "bad moods" to the stress of homework.
One afternoon, while the group was hanging out at a café after school, Ryuen decided to get to the bottom of things. After a few rounds of teasing Kei about his latest homework struggles, Ryuen leaned over to Aizen, lowering his voice so that the others wouldn't overhear.
"Hey, Aizen," Ryuen began, his tone casual but with a hint of seriousness. "Everything okay with you and Violet? You two seem... off lately."
Aizen hesitated, glancing at Ryuen and then at his coffee. He had been trying to act normal, but it was clear that Ryuen had seen through his facade. "Yeah, we're fine," Aizen replied, though his voice lacked conviction.
Ryuen raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Come on, man. I've known you long enough to tell when something's up. What happened?"
Aizen sighed, realizing there was no point in hiding it. "It's just... things have been a bit weird between us lately. I think... I think we're both scared of what the other might be thinking."
Ryuen nodded thoughtfully, understanding the situation more than Aizen realized.
"Sounds like you both have feelings for each other but are too scared to make a move."
Aizen looked up, surprised at how easily Ryuen had pinpointed the issue. "Yeah... I guess that's it."
Ryuen grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Look, Aizen, it's pretty obvious you both like each other. But I get it, making that first move can be terrifying. But you're not going to get anywhere if you keep avoiding it."
Aizen considered his friend's words, feeling both relieved and nervous. "Yeah, but... what if I mess it up? What if she doesn't feel the same way?"
Ryuen chuckled. "Trust me, Aizen. I've seen the way Violet looks at you. You're not going to mess it up. But if you keep hesitating, you might miss your chance."
Aizen nodded, appreciating Ryuen's advice but still feeling the weight of uncertainty. "You're probably right... I just need to find the right time."
Ryuen smirked. "Well, maybe I can help with that." He paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. "By the way, did I mention I have a girlfriend?"
Aizen blinked in surprise, the sudden shift in topic catching him off guard. "Wait, what? Since when?"
Ryuen shrugged nonchalantly. "For a while now. She's from another school, but she'll be joining ours next year."
Aizen stared at him, trying to process this new information. "And you're just telling me this now?"
Ryuen grinned. "I like to keep some things mysterious. But anyway, about you and Violet..." He trailed off, leaving Aizen in suspense.
"What about us?" Aizen asked, now even more curious.
Ryuen leaned in closer, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "How about I set something up for you two? A little date, just the two of you. No pressure, just a chance to talk and maybe... clear the air."
Aizen's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion. The idea of being alone with Violet, with the possibility of finally confessing his feelings, was both exhilarating and terrifying. "I don't know, Ryuen..."
"Trust me," Ryuen interrupted, his tone confident. "I'll take care of everything. All you have to do is show up."
Aizen hesitated for a moment, then nodded, realizing that this might be the push he needed. "Alright... I'm in."
Ryuen grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Great. Leave it to me."
A few days later, Ryuen put his plan into action. He made sure to subtly encourage Kei to spend the afternoon with his parents, ensuring that he and Violet would be out of the picture. Then, he carefully orchestrated a casual invitation for Violet to be at her apartment at a specific time, under the guise of needing to borrow something for the club.
As the day arrived, Aizen found himself standing in front of Violet's door, his heart racing. Ryuen's words echoed in his mind as he reached up to knock. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.
Inside, Violet had no idea what was coming. She had been feeling the same awkwardness that Aizen had, and when she received Ryuen's request, she thought nothing of it. But when she opened the door and saw Aizen standing there, a mix of surprise and anticipation flickered across her face.
"Aizen?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Aizen smiled nervously, feeling the weight of the moment. "Hey, Violet... can we talk?"
Violet's heart skipped a beat, sensing that this was the moment they had both been avoiding. She nodded, stepping aside to let him in.
To be continued...