Chapter 4: Summer Time
The first day of summer arrived, and Yasmine stood in front of her mirror, neatly dressed in her new summer uniform. After checking herself one last time, she went down for breakfast.
Her mother gasped dramatically the moment she saw her.
"Oh, my gorgeous girl is looking like a princess!"
"Will you stop it, Mom, and let me eat?" Yasmine muttered, embarrassed.
"Oh, you're being mean to your own mother? This is very harsh of you!" her mother replied in an overly dramatic tone.
"Quit the act already!" Yasmine snapped, glaring at her.
"Okay," her mom said teasingly, clearly enjoying herself.
"I'm leaving." Yasmine stood up quickly, picking up her bag.
"Take care, sweetheart," her mother called as Yasmine walked out.
---
When Yasmine arrived at school, someone suddenly appeared from behind.
"Good morning, Yasmine," Kei said brightly.
"G-good morning, Kei."
"Wow, you're looking super cute in that uniform."
"Don't… compliment like that… I feel… embarrassed. Plus, you're also looking… good," Yasmine replied hesitantly.
"Aww, thank you, my friend," Kei said with a wink.
---
Not long after, Yasmine entered her classroom.
"Good morning," Aijin greeted her.
"G-good morning to you too."
"New summer uniform, huh?"
"I… wanted to ask. Is… it good on me? Because Kei… said it."
"She didn't lie," Aijin answered with a small smile. "It looks really nice. Yas…Mine," he added teasingly.
Yasmine instantly turned as red as a tomato.
"Are you okay, Yasmine?" Aijin asked, noticing her flustered face.
"I… I'm… fine," she stammered.
(Uhhh, why am I so embarrassed? I was the one who told him to say my name… but why did he have to say it like that?!) she screamed in her thoughts.
"Oh, class is starting," Aijin said casually.
Yasmine hurried to her seat, muttering in her mind, (Calm down, Yasmine. He just said your name. It's not that big of a deal…)
---
After class ended, they were called to the Student Council office.
"Please, Aijin, join the Student Council," said Kenshiro, the Student Council President.
"Straight answer—no," Aijin replied without hesitation.
"You always say that," Kenshiro sighed.
"And I'll say it again," Aijin shrugged. "I'm not interested in the Student Council. I don't care."
---
Once they left, Yasmine glanced at him nervously.
"I… want… to ask… if you don't mind."
"You can ask anything."
"Why… are you rejecting offers from… the Student Council? I mean… you are very… helpful to others."
"Being helpful doesn't mean I have to join them," Aijin explained. "It would only pile more pressure on me. I just want a peaceful life, that's all."
"I see," Yasmine murmured, before suddenly noticing something. "Wait… what is that scar… on the left side of your head?"
"Oh, that? I just got injured in childhood. Nothing serious."
"Oh… and I… want to ask… a few things… about you."
"Sure, no problem."
"Why… is your voice… like this? Please don't be offended."
"Nope, it's fine. I was actually born like this, so it can't be helped."
"I see…"
"Wow," Aijin chuckled. "Somebody's kinda talkative today."
Yasmine turned bright red again. "Please… stop… saying… that…"
Before the moment got any more awkward, Jirou approached them.
"Aijin. Mizuno," he called.
"Jirou? What is it?"
"There's a new bakery that just opened. If you don't mind, let's go there. Mui and Yuzuhara will be joining too."
"Sure," Aijin agreed. "What about you, Yasmine?"
"I… am fine… with it."
"Alright then. Let's go."
---
At the bakery, a waiter welcomed them and led them to their seats. After placing their orders, they relaxed and chatted.
"Again with that same old chocolate cake, Aijin?" Mui teased.
"Oh, come on, Mui. This is my favorite. You know that."
"Yeah, I know, but you should at least try something new."
"I think you're right," Aijin smirked and immediately took a spoonful from Mui's cake.
"Hey!!" Mui exclaimed.
"Too sweet," Aijin said with a straight face.
"Of course it is, it's caramel!" Mui shot back.
"Jirou, your turn," Aijin said mischievously.
"Okay, but just a little," Jirou replied, offering his plate.
Aijin tasted it. "Not bad. Vanilla is okay."
Yasmine hesitated before speaking softly. "Uh… Kuroya…"
"Yeah?" he looked at her.
"You… can… also taste… mine."
"Please, you eat your own cake. Don't worry about me."
"But… you took from… your other friends. I'm also… your friend… so…"
Aijin looked a little surprised but smiled. "Alright then." He took a spoonful from Yasmine's plate and his eyes widened. "Wow, this tastes really good. What flavor is it?"
"Strawberry."
"This is my new favorite now."
Yasmine felt embarrassed again, but at the same time, her heart was filled with a quiet happiness.
"Now it's time for you to taste mine," Aijin said with a playful smile.
"No… needed… Ku—"
"Aijin," he interrupted. "Since I'm calling you by your first name, you should do the same. We're friends, don't forget it."
"Thank you, Ku—" She caught his stare. "A… I… J… I… N…" she whispered, her face burning.
"Good," he said warmly. "Now try it."
Yasmine nervously took a spoonful from Aijin's cake. "It… was… delicious."
---
After leaving the bakery, they walked together under the summer sky.
"The cake was good," Kei said, satisfied.
"Yeah, we should come back again," Jirou agreed.
"Fine by me," Mui shrugged.
"Yeah, we should. Right, Yasmine?" Aijin asked.
"Y-yeah… we… should…" she replied softly.
"Don't be so shy," Aijin said kindly. "Stay calm. After all, we're your friends and companions."
Yasmine's eyes brightened. She nodded, hiding the excitement bubbling inside her heart.
---
After a long spring, summer had begun with a warm and exciting start.
And with it, many new events awaited them.
[End of Chapter 4]