Late Night – Riku's Room
The soft glow of the moon spilled through the window, casting silver light across the floor. Riku lay on his bed, one arm behind his head, his breathing calm. Mei sat beside him, her fingers nervously brushing her skirt.
"Riku..." she whispered.
He turned his head toward her. "Hmm?"
"I… I want to stay like this. Just us."
He smiled gently and reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then stay."
Mei leaned down, their faces inches apart. "I love you," she said.
Before Riku could answer, she pressed her lips to his.
The kiss deepened—slow, warm, and full of emotion. Riku sat up slightly, pulling Mei into his lap, holding her close.
"You're shaking," he whispered.
"Because this matters," she replied.
Their foreheads touched. The world outside didn't exist.
Mei reached for his shirt, fingers trembling as she unbuttoned the top. Riku's hands found hers and paused.
"Are you sure?" he asked softly.
She nodded.
The lights remained dim. The room quiet—except for their heartbeats.
What followed wasn't rushed. It was slow, tender, and meaningful—two hearts becoming one beneath the stars.
Next Morning
Mei blinked as sunlight streamed through the window. She was wrapped in Riku's blanket, his arms around her.
"You're awake already?" she asked, voice husky.
Riku smiled. "Couldn't sleep."
Mei buried her face in his chest. "You're not allowed to tease me about last night…"
He laughed softly. "I won't. But you were the one who started it."
"S-shut up!" she groaned, her face burning.
He kissed her forehead. "I love you too, Mei."
Morning – Sakura High School, Classroom
The sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a gentle glow over the desks. Mei sat quietly on the bench in the classroom, flipping through her notes with half a mind. Her heart still fluttered from the night before with Riku.
Suddenly, a shadow loomed.
"Mei," Toma's voice was calm but serious. "Do you have a moment? I want to talk."
Mei looked up, a little surprised. "Sure."
Rooftop – Moments Later
The wind blew softly across the rooftop, carrying with it the scent of early spring. Mei leaned on the railing while Toma stood nearby, clearly nervous.
"I'm in love," Toma said, straight to the point.
"Eh?" Mei blinked. "Ah, but I'm already in a relationship…"
Toma quickly raised his hands. "No—no, not with you! I mean—I need your help."
"…Help?" Mei tilted her head.
Toma looked away, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm in love with Asahi."
Mei's eyes widened. "Asahi?"
He nodded, his cheeks faintly red. "You're close with her, right? Can you find out… if she loves someone? Or if she's in any relationship?"
A pause.
Then Mei smiled gently. "Okay. I'll help."
Toma gave a small laugh of relief. "Thanks… I owe you one."
Lunch Break – Courtyard
Mei spotted Asahi sitting under a sakura tree, quietly eating her lunch with her earphones in. The soft petals floated down around her like in a scene from a romance manga.
Mei approached, smiling. "Yo, Asahi."
Asahi looked up, pulling out one earbud. "Hm? Oh, Mei. What's up?"
Mei sat beside her and casually opened her lunchbox. "Nothing much… Just girl talk."
Asahi raised an eyebrow. "Girl talk?"
Mei leaned in a bit. "I've been wondering… do you like anyone?"
Asahi blinked, then chuckled. "You asking as a friend? Or as Riku's nosy girlfriend?"
Mei pouted. "As a friend, of course!"
There was a pause. Asahi looked up at the sky, thoughtful.
"…There was someone. But I don't think he ever noticed me."
Mei's eyes widened slightly. "Was? Past tense?"
Asahi smiled faintly. "I'm not sure anymore. Feelings change, right?"
Mei stayed silent for a moment, then asked softly, "Would you… give someone else a chance? If they liked you?"
Asahi turned to her, surprised. "Is someone…?"
Mei just smiled. "Maybe."
Rooftop – Late Afternoon
The sky was streaked orange as wind danced gently across the school rooftop. Mei leaned against the railing, Riku stood with hands in his pockets, and Toma looked like he was about to explode from nerves.
"…So, you called us up here for what?" Riku asked, eyebrow raised.
Toma hesitated, then took a deep breath.
"I'm in love," he said, voice steady but eyes darting.
Riku blinked. "Tch. Don't tell me it's Mei—"
"Hey!" Mei slapped Riku lightly on the arm.
Toma shook his head. "No… it's not Mei."
"Huh?" Mei and Riku said in unison.
"It's Asahi," Toma confessed, looking down. "I've liked her for a long time."
The wind paused. Mei's eyes widened slightly. Riku's face was unreadable.
"…O Toma," Riku finally said. "You never told me."
"I didn't want it to affect the tournament," Toma replied. "You were so focused… I didn't want to be a distraction."
Riku exhaled slowly. "You idiot. We're a team. You should've just said it."
"What do we do now?" Mei asked gently.
Toma looked at them. "I just… I want to know. Does she like anyone? Is she dating?"
Riku smirked. "I have a masterplan."
Mei rolled her eyes. "Here we go again."
Toma looked horrified. "Wait—what kind of masterplan?!"
Riku's smirk deepened as he stepped toward them. "Simple. We're going to get the truth out of her. And maybe… give her a little push toward you."
Mei narrowed her eyes. "And if it fails?"
Riku grinned. "Then we run."
Toma sighed. "Why does everything with you sound like a trap…"
Mei sat on a bench under the cherry blossom tree, watching the plan unfold like a low-budget spy drama.
Toma stood awkwardly near the vending machine, pretending to buy juice.
Asahi was chatting with two girls by the garden path.
Riku leaned casually against a wall, chewing gum like a delinquent in a rom-com.
Mei tapped her foot. "This is the dumbest plan ever."
Riku shrugged. "Simple plans are genius. We just need to get Toma and Asahi alone."
"And then?" Mei asked.
"Toma fumbles a confession," Riku replied.
Toma glared. "I can hear you, y'know."
"Focus!" Riku hissed. "Phase One: Mei, lure Asahi."
Mei stood up. "This better not blow up in my face."
She walked over to Asahi with a bright smile. "Hey, wanna help me carry some books from the library?"
Asahi blinked. "Uh, sure?"
Phase One: Success.
Phase Two: Riku casually bumped into Toma.
"Bro, library's short-staffed," he said loud enough for Asahi to hear. "They need help lifting something."
Toma stiffened. "That's so obvious—"
"Shut up and go," Riku whispered.
Toma obeyed.
School Library – Storage Room
Mei dropped the last book on the cart. "Okay, done."
Asahi stretched. "That wasn't so bad."
Just then—BAM!
The door clicked shut.
"What—?" Asahi turned. "Hey… it's locked?"
Outside the door, Riku gave a thumbs-up and held the handle.
"Operation: Lock Them In Until Someone Confesses—complete," he whispered.
Phase 3 confection
"Riku!!" Mei hissed, red-faced. "You're insane!"
From inside:
"Toma… what's happening?"
"W-We're locked in… A-Anyway, there's something I need to tell you."
"I'm sorry, Toma. I just don't feel the same way."
Toma's smile faltered but he nodded, swallowing the sting.
Mei glanced at Riku, who gave a quiet, understanding nod.
Asahi reached out and lightly touched Toma's arm. "Let's not let this affect the team, okay?"
Toma gave a small laugh, then looked back at Mei and Riku. "Come on, Asahi."
Mei sighed softly. "Well… now what?"
Riku cracked a grin. "We focus on the final. That's what."
"…Toma?"
"I like you, Asahi. Since the basketball camp.I've been holding it in for months."
Asahi stood frozen for a second, her expression unreadable.
"…Toma," she began, her voice gentle. "You're one of the best people I know. Kind, strong, and always thinking of others. But…"
Toma's heart sank. The but always hurt.
"…I don't feel the same way."
Silence.
"I'm sorry," Asahi added. "You deserve someone who does."
Toma stared at the floor, then managed a small smile. "Thanks… for being honest."