"You guys su-"
Inoue, who had been leaning against the door, fell backwards onto whoever had opened it.
"Are you alright?!" Furayu rushed forward, concern flooded his face.
"Ughhh, who knew a model could be so heavy." A familiar voice groaned beneath Inoue.
"Oh. Hina." Both Furayu and Inoue said in unison, blinking at each other, while Inoue still lay on top of Hina.
"GET OFF ME!" Hina yelled, flailing underneath.
Coming back to reality, Inoue quickly got off of Hina.
Hina remained on the floor for another moment, before letting out a light hearted laugh.
"Wow, Inoue. You're really heavy," She said calmly as she slowly got up, brushing herself off with a smirk.
"SHUT UP!" Inoue snapped, her face burning red. "YOU DON'T NEED TO REPEAT IT!"
"Sorry. My bad," Hina said sarcastically, rolling her eyes at Inoue.
"It's fine, just don't interrupt me again." Inoue firmly replied to her, her tone stern.
without warning Hina jumped at her, locking her arms around Inoue in a tight hug.
"Aww, don't be so cold now!" She squealed in excitement.
"LET GO PLEASE!" Inoue cried out, trying to break free from Hina.
"Ughhh, fiiiiiinee." Hina groaned, releasing Inoue but with a slight pout. "But seriously, touching a model like Inoue? Peak experience."
"You guys know I'm still here, right…" Furayu muttered, being sidelined completely.
Hina pivoted towards him, grabbing his wrist and pulling him away into the corridor.
"Sorry, Inoue! Stealing your boyfriend for a bit!" She shouted over her shoulder, a teasing tone brimmed in her voice.
"He's not my boyfriend!" Inoue screamed back, her face scarlet red.
Hearing Inoue's distant cries through the hallway Hina continued pulling Furayu through the empty corridors.
"Furayu, since you left me for Inou-"
"I didn't mean to!" He blurted out, trying to defend himself.
"Doesn't matter," She said with a mischievous grin. "Because now you're taking me on a date!"
"What?" His heart stopped.
Her overwhelming energy was something to admire. Bright, chaotic, wildness at every step. She yanked him outside into the warm spring air, the breeze felt fresh with the blossoms of spring falling upon them.
Furayu inhaled sharply, trying to regain composure. "Wait… Why a date with me?"
Hina gave a soft hum and her eyes glistened with amusement. "Don't ask! Oh and you're paying!"
"WHO DECIDED THAT?" Furayu yelled.
How tactless can she be?!
He thought mentally, screaming to himself to not pay or even go with her.
"I did!" Hina beamed, sticking out her tongue playfully. "Since you're such a lover boy, how about you take me somewhere fun?"
Her teasing tone seemingly hit Furayu's nerves. His brows furrowed
"Why don't you decide for us, since I'm paying?" He grumbled.
Noticing the shift in his tone. Hina stopped. Her hand slowly rose to his chest and her expression changed from playful to serious. She locked eyes with him,
"Seriously… What does she see in you?" Her voice was slightly confused but a sharpness beneath it.
"We're not dating." Furayu flatly replied.
"Then explain being locked in that god damn closet with her for three hours?" Her question was cold, suspicion oozed from every word.
"None of your business." He shot back, firmly.
A slow but tense moment passed.
"Fine," Hina said in a huff, crossing her arms. "I want a burger."
"That's fantastic isn't it," Furyau sighed "Lead the way middle schooler."
"Shut up." Hina replied slightly annoyed.
But she spun around and almost practically ran towards the nearest food stall, her twin pigtails followed behind her, bouncing with every step.
Furayu followed after her, catching his breath from all the running.
"How do you have so much energy?" He panted, hands on his knees.
"Don't worry about it! Just buy me something to eat!" She grinned, her eyes twinkled brightly.
After buying the food, handing over her food and taking a bite of his own food. While chewing, he noticed something. Her usual brightness was there. But her eyes kept flickering subtle glances at him. Scanning him as if trying to figure out something that lay deep within him.
Why is she watching me like that?
"MMMMMMMM SOOOO GOOD!" She moaned in satisfaction, cheeks puffed out filled with food.
Furayu gave a small smile, the moment felt eerily peaceful.
"You're just like a child… you've got sauce all over your face," He laughed softly.
"Then clean it for me!" She demanded, leaning forward with a playful gleam shining in her eyes.
Her pure, unfiltered energy had him wrapped around her finger. Energy that almost disoriented him. Something within him stirred. A warmth that hit the right nerve.
He reached out and gently wiped the corners of her mouth. But reaching out to her felt different. His fingers bushing against her skin, taking in her features. Delicate face, soft lips and wide, curious eyes.
She's pretty… cute isn't she?
"Stop looking at me like that," Furayu muttered, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks.
"Aww, so you're blushing now?" Hina burst into laughter, enjoying his embarrassment.
It felt weird. He should've felt embarrassed, maybe even irked out but instead he felt oddly vulnerable.
I don't feel lonely or anxious… It just feels warm.
"Furayu? You okay?" Hina asked, noticing him slowly zoning out.
"Huh? Yeah… Don't worry." He replied, something off in his tone betrayed his true feelings.
Hina paused, picking up on the slight change in him.
Something cracked open inside him. Walls inside him that had been built since childhood, suddenly beginning to collapse.
Without another word. Furayu gently took her hand and guided her to a nearby bench.
Hina didn't say anything. She followed, eyes filled with concern.
"Hey… it's okay to talk," She said softly, her voice quiet. "I'm here to help you and Natsumi get into a relationship. Just be… honest with your feelings and it'll help I promise."
They sat down together. Furayu stared aimlessly at the ground, his shoulders and head low, heavy from a past burden.
"Talk about it." Hina quietly comforted him, her hand rubbing his back gently.
"I don't know.."
"I just don't feel lonely right now." He admitted, shuddering through his sobs.
But… I was never lonely, was I?