Next morning.
Sunlight streamed through classroom windows. New notices pinned on the board. Students chatted quietly, the air unfamiliar.
"…If only Souta were here," one sighed.
"He'd explain the schedule already."
"Yeah," another replied. "Without him, it feels strange."
At the front, Yeamori stood with the attendance sheet. Her lips pressed tight, as if to hide her nerves.
"Everyone, quiet please."
The room hushed. She drew a breath.
"This term… I'll handle the class rep duties along with being Student Council President.
I know I'm not as organized as Souta, but… I'll do my best."
A pause. Uncertainty lingered. Then Ren casually stood, waving a file.
"You don't have to do it alone. I've already prepped notes and schedules. If anyone complains, they can come to me."
Laughter rippled lightly through the room. The tension lifted.
Someone teased, "Ren's like Souta's mini-version!"
"Mini-version?" Ren grinned. "Souta was president. I'm just Yeamori's assistant."
A faint blush colored Yeamori's cheeks. She turned away quickly, masking it with calmness.
"…Just one thing. Souta always said the class is a team. If I miss something or make mistakes, tell me.
I won't waste the trust he left with me."
At the back, Shion rested his chin in his palm. Quiet.
Kasumi leaned close, whispering.
"…Looks like Souta's absence is forcing everyone to grow."
"…Yeah. Everywhere, new roles are taking shape," Shion replied with a faint sigh.
Kasumi's eyes lingered on him, quietly studying his face.
---
After class, cleaning time.
Sunlight angled through the window, chalk dust drifting faintly in the air.
Shion wiped his desk , sleeves rolled up.
Kasumi approached, duster in hand. Her tone hesitant.
"Shion… can I ask you something?"
"Yeah," he said without looking up.
She set the duster aside and faced him properly, nervous smile trembling on her lips.
"…Would you go out with me tomorrow? Like… a proper date."
Shion froze. Cloth still against the desk.
"…A date?"
Kasumi laughed quickly, trying to cover her embarrassment.
"Y-Yeah! Just us. Our first real date."
From the front, Yeamori instantly reacted.
"Ohooo! Did you hear that, Ren? Kasumi just confessed!"
Ren grinned, leaning on his mop handle.
"Looks like Shion's finally gonna learn normal couple stuff. Up till now, it's just been staring contests."
Kasumi puffed her cheeks, glaring.
"Shut up, you two! This is serious!"
Shion watched quietly. Then, slowly, a small smile broke across his lips.
"…Okay. I'll go."
Kasumi's face lit up instantly—relief and joy blooming together.
Yeamori and Ren exchanged a high-five.
"History in the making!" Yeamori laughed. "Kasumi's Amano Project has officially entered Stage Two!"
Ren added with a grin, "Just don't sit in silence the whole time, Shion. Try saying something."
"…I'll try," Shion deadpanned. But a faint grin tugged at the corner of his lips.
Kasumi hid her face in her hands, cheeks burning. But behind them—her eyes sparkled with happiness.
Evening sunlight streamed through the windows, catching motes of dust that drifted lazily in the golden air.
Kasumi folded her cleaning cloth neatly and placed it back on the rack.
Across the room, Shion closed the last window, his sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms.
The silence between them no longer felt strange.
It had become a kind of comfort—something that existed naturally, like air itself.
From the hallway came Yeamori's familiar teasing voice.
"Ren! Stop swinging the broom like a sword!"
Ren's laughter echoed faintly down the corridor.
Kasumi smiled softly.
"They never change."
Shion gave a quiet shrug.
"Hmm."
Side by side, they stepped out of the classroom together.
---
Evening – Outside Their Apartments
The sunset painted the buildings in shades of amber.
A soft breeze carried the scent of sakura and home-cooked dinners through the narrow street.
Kasumi slowed her pace, glancing toward Shion.
"So… tomorrow's our official date, right?"
He looked sideways at her.
"Sounds like you're planning something big."
"I am," she said with a confident little smile.
"But tonight—you're having dinner at my place."
"…Your place?"
"Of course. It's been a while since you've eaten my cooking, hasn't it?"
He didn't argue. He just gave a small nod, quiet acceptance in his eyes.
"All right."
Kasumi tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her tone playful but warm.
"Go freshen up first. I'll call when everything's ready."
He watched her walk toward her door, light glinting in her hair.
For a moment, he stood still—then turned toward his own apartment.
The hallway felt longer than usual.
Halfway to his door, a sudden sharp pain struck his chest. His knees buckled.
"…This pain… it's been there since class," he thought, clutching his shirt.
"But now—it's worse."
He steadied himself against the wall, breathing hard, before finally disappearing inside.
---
Kasumi's Apartment – Later
The aroma of simmering broth filled the air—ginger, soy, and toasted sesame.
Kasumi moved with practiced ease, plating grilled salmon and arranging the side dishes, humming softly as she worked.
When the bell rang, she opened the door with a smile already waiting.
Shion stood there quietly, hair still damp from a shower.
"Come in," she said warmly.
Inside, the table was neatly set—rice, miso soup, salmon, and a small plate of strawberries.
A simple meal, but thoughtful.
Shion looked at it silently, a faint emotion flickering in his eyes.
"…You remembered."
Kasumi poured him water.
"Did you really think I'd forget what you like?"
Their eyes met—steady, soft, and warm.
They ate quietly, the only sounds the clink of chopsticks.
The room glowed gently, wrapped in the kind of peace that didn't need words.
After a while, Kasumi leaned her chin on her hand.
"You're surprisingly quiet even when you're relaxed."
Shion paused, meeting her gaze.
"…And you talk even when you don't need to."
Kasumi laughed softly.
"That's why I like you."
He didn't reply—just reached for his glass, that small, almost hidden smile tugging at his lips.
Between them, warmth filled the silence—the kind of quiet that said everything words never could.
---Chapter 29 end---