The Cultural Club room was filled with chatter and movement as students prepared decorations for the upcoming school event. Aiko hummed softly to herself while arranging colored papers, glancing occasionally at Ren, who was meticulously folding origami stars.
"You're way too precise," Aiko teased, trying to fold a star herself but ending up with a crumpled mess.
Ren looked up, a playful smirk on his face. "Some of us like perfection. You just like chaos."
Aiko laughed, throwing a slightly squished star at him. "Hey! Chaos can be fun too, you know!"
He caught it effortlessly and held it between his fingers. "Fun, huh? Then I guess you're the fun expert," he teased, leaning a little closer.
Her cheeks warmed, and she looked down at her hands, trying to hide her blush. "I… maybe?"
Ren tilted his head, smiling softly. "You know, I think chaos suits you. It makes everything brighter."
Aiko's heart skipped, and she bit her lip, glancing at him nervously. "Y-You really think so?"
"I do," he replied calmly, eyes meeting hers with warmth.
They continued decorating side by side, the room buzzing around them but leaving them in their own little bubble. Every time their hands brushed while passing materials, Aiko felt a tiny spark, and Ren's gentle, teasing smiles made her heart race.
At one point, Aiko leaned over to grab a ribbon, accidentally bumping into Ren. Their faces were closer than usual, and for a moment, neither moved.
"You okay?" he whispered, his voice soft.
Aiko nodded quickly, her cheeks burning. "Y-Yeah… fine!"
Ren chuckled, the sound gentle and comforting. "You know, you get cuter when you get flustered."
Aiko could only squeak and look away, laughing nervously. The rest of the afternoon passed in a mix of playful teasing, shared laughter, and subtle touches that left both of them smiling long after the clubroom emptied.
Walking home together, Aiko felt her heart flutter with the simple joy of being close to Ren, realizing that their bond was growing stronger with every shared glance and laugh.