We had just gotten out of school when I found myself trailing behind Sukiyaki. Sigh. A group date, all of a sudden? Seriously? I don't even have makeup on. And don't we have a mock exam tomorrow? That girl is way too carefree.
"Do I really have to go?" I asked, dragging my steps. "And what about the exam tomorrow?"
She waved me off with a laugh, as lighthearted as ever. "Who cares about some pesky mock exam? We have better things to do in life than study. Like romance! And aren't you always whining about wanting to fall in love?"
I frowned. "That's different. Wanting to fall in love doesn't mean I'm ready to fail exams for it. Don't come crying to me for help when you do. Especially since it's math—Rarako-sensei's territory."
"As if I'd ever beg you," she shot back. "I'm good at math. Even if I don't score high, I'll at least pass."
I arched an eyebrow. "Then the one who begged me for help in Japanese and biology last year must've been a ghost."
Her cheeks colored faintly. "Sh-shut up! That was a year ago. And why are you whining so much? It's not like I asked you to date anyone. It's just a group date."
"You'd understand if you had a brain," I muttered.
Her frown deepened. "What was that?"
I let the remark hang, ignoring her glare. She really is clueless. I wish I could be as carefree as her.
---
After what felt like forever, we finally reached the meeting place. Two girls were already waiting—one with long hair and a slightly plump figure, the other short-haired, dressed in boyish clothes, waving at us with a grin. A tomboy, by the looks of it.
I leaned closer to Sukiyaki. "I thought it was just us—two girls and two boys. Why are there extras?"
"Where's the fun in just four people?" she said, already hurrying ahead. "They're my good friends. Don't be rude. Greet them in your usual cheerful mode."
Cheerful mode? If I tried that, I'd just insult them. Or if that's what you want. Stop me if you can, I thought, but what came out was only an annoyed, "Fine."
She threw her arms around the two girls in an enthusiastic hug. Does she hug everyone she meets?
"Nezuka, Kaori—this is my closest friend, Mioki. And Mioki, these two are my colleagues from my part-time job."
"Nice to meet you," they both said with gentle smiles.
I forced one of my own. "Nice to meet you too. Thanks for taking care of this idiot at work."
Kaori giggled. "Not at all. She's the one helping us."
Helping? Sukiyaki? That doesn't sound right. I wonder where she's working this time… But before I could ask, another thought struck me. Wait—where are the boys? Or are we supposed to group date just us girls? That would be hilarious.
"Where are the guys?" I whispered.
Nezuka smirked. "Getting impatient already? Don't worry, they'll be here soon."
Heat crept to my face. "That's not it—I was just wondering—" Ugh, why am I explaining myself? Terrible response, Mioki. Terrible.
To cover my embarrassment, I raised my voice. "So… are we going to karaoke to talk with them?"
Both girls nodded. Sukiyaki chimed in, "Yep. The guys will be here in five, maybe ten minutes."
---
A few minutes later, the boys arrived, and we shuffled into the cliché karaoke room. The girls sat on one side, the boys on the other. As expected, the introductions began.
"I'm Ren, sixteen," said the first boy confidently. "I'm the meeting holder from our side."
"And I'm Sukiyaki, sixteen," my friend replied with equal enthusiasm. "Meeting holder from the girls."
Names circled the room until one boy leaned forward, wearing a smirk that screamed arrogance.
"Senjaku. Seventeen. Son of the S-Group's president."
I rolled my eyes. As if money makes you special. When it was my turn, I muttered, "Mioki. A normal high school girl." My sarcasm dripped heavy, but he didn't care.
In fact, he leaned closer, voice oily. "I'll be direct. Go out with me. If you behave and let me do as I please, I'll make sure you're rewarded for that pretty face."
My blood boiled. Is this guy serious?
"If that's what you're after," I snapped, "there are women you can hire. Don't mistake me for one."
His smirk widened. "To me, you and them are the same. Throw some money, and you'll even call me 'Master.'"
That was the last straw. My hand curled into a fist—I was about to slap him—
But Sukiyaki's hand struck first.
The sharp crack echoed in the room. Everyone froze. Her whole body trembled with fury as she shouted, "We came here to have fun, not listen to garbage like you. Piece of trash. Come on, Mioki—we're leaving. Right now!"
Before I could respond, she yanked my arm, grabbed her bag, and stormed out of the karaoke room.
---
The night air outside was hot, yet breezy. Sukiyaki still held my wrist until she finally let go, pouting as she kicked at the pavement.
"And there goes my chance to get a boyfriend," she whined.
I bit my lip. "Are you… angry at me?"
"Of course I am," she pouted again, cheeks puffed like a child.
"Sorry," I murmured.
She sighed, then poked me in the cheek with a small smile. "You don't need to apologize. It wasn't your fault anyway—it was that jerk's. More importantly…" She turned her face away. "Thanks. For putting up with all that, just so I could have fun."
For a moment, I just stared at her. She really does care about me. She just doesn't say it outright. A smile crept onto my lips before I could stop it. To be honest, i cared for her too. Not that i would ever admit
We fell into small banter as we walked, heading home. That's when I spotted him —Toro again. Sitting alone on a park bench, shoulders slumped, looking miserable. No wonder people called him creepy. But something about his expression…is he depressed? Should I go talk to him?
The memory of Senjaku's words still stung. No. I've had enough today. He's just a weirdo anyway. I forced myself to keep walking.
---
Eventually, we reached my house.
"Study well, okay?" I told her at the gate. "Doesn't matter if it's just a mock exam. Neither does it matter if you're good at math, either."
"You sound like my mom," she grumbled.
"I'm not lecturing. Just stating the obvious."
"Whatever," she pouted for what felt like the hundredth time.
"What am I going to do with you…" I sighed. Then, as if remembering something, I asked, "By the way, you said you met those girls through your part-time job, right? What kind of job is it?"
"In a restaurant. Why? Want to work too?"
"No, just curious. Anyway, study well, okay?" I patted her head gently.
She softened instantly, though she tried to cover it up with another pout. "Fine. Bye."
"You sure love pouting," I teased as I waved her off.
I slipped into the house. "I'm home," I called, placing my shoes by the door.
"Welcome back," my mom's voice floated from the kitchen.
I trudged upstairs, changed out of my uniform, and sat at my desk. There was still time before dinner, so I opened my math book.
But my pen hovered uselessly over the page. My thoughts kept circling back to that moment—Toro, sitting on the park bench, looking so alone.
Should I have said something ?
I shook my head. NoHe is just a weirdo, I need to focus.The exam is tomorrow
Still, the image of him lingered stubbornly in my mind.
End of chapter two. Next Chapter: Mock exam with a Twist