"Where did you even get that thing?" Hiratsuka Ryosuke's eyelid twitched. He now knew what the light behind Shinka was.
From behind Shinka, Yamada Elf waved a powerful flashlight. "Lady Mori said, 'Let there be light,' and so there was light in the Age of Darkness."
Ryosuke couldn't understand why his emotions were so volatile whenever he was around Nibutani Shinka.
"Yamada Elf, do you want to come to my house for dinner? Ryosuke's cooking is amazing!" Shinka pointed her little pink fist directly at Yamada Elf. It was like an encrypted signal that no one else could understand.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the trees. Yamada Elf stood in the wind, her blonde hair dancing gracefully in the last rays of the sun. She tucked her hair behind her ear and looked into the distance, her gaze profound. "I'm sorry, Lady Mori. This wind seems to have carried some unclean things into town. Let's do it another time."
A knowing smile appeared on Shinka's face. "Then go. Before this wind stops."
Yamada Elf and Lady Mori's fists touched lightly. A subtle smile appeared on both of their faces. Their coded exchange ended, and Yamada Elf waved a hand like a hero going to their final battle, disappearing from the school gate.
Ryosuke glanced at Nishimiya Shoko, wanting to ask if this was something only girls understood. But Shoko looked just as confused. That is, until Shinka held out a fair, white fist to her.
"What about you, Holy Angel? Do you want to come to my house? It's pretty big."
Shoko had just watched the two girls' actions. Although she didn't quite understand, she copied what she saw and lightly touched her fist to Shinka's.
"Hehe, now we're allies! Let's go, Ryosuke!" Shinka's face broke into a wide smile, happy to have a new comrade.
"Alright, let's go, Shoko. I'll ask Shizuka-san to let your mother know. I'm making sukiyaki tonight," Ryosuke said. He finally understood Shinka's intentions.
Looking at it this way, he felt like he had achieved his initial goal: helping Nishimiya Shoko become friends with another girl her age, like a normal child. Shinka might be a little crazy sometimes, but she was a good girl. What could possibly go wrong?
Shoko stood still, staring at the hand that had just touched Shinka's. She could feel the girl's genuine kindness and invitation. She pressed her lips together. She had never been invited to a peer's house before.
This is the first time someone my age has been truly kind to me.
The first time someone stood up for me.
The first time someone invited me to their house.
Sukiyaki? I've only heard of it. I've never had it before, but it sounds delicious.
Soon, I'll be eating sukiyaki. That's a first, too.
Shoko's gaze shifted to Ryosuke. Ryosuke-kun, it feels like all of these things are happening because of you.
I hope I can share many more "firsts" with you in the future.
She smiled gently, her eyes welling up with tears that didn't fall. She turned and gave Shinka a firm nod.
Huh? I think I've cried more tears today than I have in a whole year.What's wrong, Shoko? Have you become more fragile?
No, my heart doesn't feel sad at all. So this is what it's like to cry from happiness. It's just like Ryosuke-kun said.
The three of them walked side-by-side in the sunset, their shadows stretching out before them.
"Ryosuke, can you make me a cake after dinner?"
"You won't be able to finish it. It would be a waste."
"Then... pudding?"
"I'm already coming to your house for dinner. Do you expect me to make dessert, too?"
"Hmm... what about strawberry daifuku?"
"No. Nothing. Just sukiyaki."
Ryosuke skillfully pulled a lollipop from his bag, finally stopping his childhood friend's incessant chatter. This was a habit he had picked up over the years. When Shinka wanted sweets, her mouth wouldn't stop, so a lollipop was the only temporary solution.
He hadn't forgotten the other girl. He personally unwrapped a lollipop and held it to Shoko's mouth. Shoko had never experienced anything like this. She flushed and lowered her head, feeling a little flustered.
"Shoko!"
"Yes!"
"Say ah~"
She looked up and saw a faint smile on the boy's face. It wasn't obvious, but with her keen eye for detail, she noticed it.
"Ryosuke-kun, you don't have to. I don't really like candy." Shoko quickly waved her hands. She was embarrassed. She'd never been fed by someone before.
The moment she said no, she regretted it. No, no, no, Shoko, what are you doing?! That candy is from Ryosuke-kun. It must be so sweet!
Mmph!
Shoko suddenly stopped, making a soft, muffled sound. Her cheeks puffed out slightly, and her eyes widened. Her sparkling eyes blinked twice.
What is this?
She came to her senses and realized there was something new in her mouth. It was sweet. Could a lollipop actually be this sweet?! It tasted a little different from the ones she had eaten before.
Hehe~
Shoko secretly glanced at Ryosuke's back and noticed that his shadow was perfectly covering hers. A bold idea popped into her head. She put her feet together, took a deep breath, and jumped. She landed in Ryosuke's shadow, following him closely.
This way... it's like I'm inseparable from Ryosuke-kun.
This might be a little sneaky. Does Ryosuke-kun mind?
"Shoko, what are you doing?" Ryosuke noticed the sound behind him and turned to look at Shoko, his eyes full of confusion.
Oh no, he noticed!
Shoko's eyes looked like they had turned into circles. A deep red blush spread from her cheeks to her ears, and she didn't know how to respond.
"Ryosuke, walk faster! I'm starving!" Shinka, walking in front, complained, puffing out her cheeks.
"Will you stop talking? Didn't that lollipop shut you up?" Ryosuke turned back, his brow furrowed. He pointed at Shinka and continued to threaten her. "Listen to me, Shinka. If you ever dare to call me that embarrassing name in front of other people again, I swear I will punish you badly."
Shinka put her hands together in a sign of prayer. "Yes, yes, of course, I'll do whatever Ryosuke-san commands!" she said sincerely. She turned and continued walking, but her mind was already at work. Heh. If the threat came from the "Iron Fist Demon," Lady Mori would be cautious. But from a mere "Guardian Knight"? Please.Not saying it to his face is easy. He never said I couldn't advertise it behind his back, right? She felt like she had found a loophole in Ryosuke's words and was secretly pleased.
Shoko looked at the two of them walking in front of her. Her small hand gently touched her chest as she let out a sigh of relief. That was a close one. Luckily, Shinka-san saved me.
Seeing that they were getting further away, she quickly jogged to catch up, returning to Ryosuke's shadow. She walked on the hard pavement, gazing at the boy's tall, straight back. She continued to follow him in his shadow, step by step.
Her mind was turning over a thousand thoughts. Finally, her eyes narrowed into a thin line. A beautiful smile bloomed on her face.