Next Day – School Courtyard
Toma walked through the school gates with a quiet smile, hands in his pockets. The cherry blossoms were still fluttering in the breeze.
"Yo! Toma!" Riku's voice rang out.
Toma looked up to see Riku and Mei waiting near the steps, both waving casually.
"Hey," Toma said, approaching them.
Mei looked at him, a little concerned. "Are you okay now?"
"Yeah," Toma nodded. "Still stings a little, but I'm good."
Riku grinned. "After a rejection like that, I thought you wouldn't show up today."
Toma smirked. "What am I, some tragic drama protagonist?"
Mei giggled. "You kinda are."
Riku clapped Toma on the back. "Good, 'cause we're just getting started."
"Huh?" Toma blinked.
"Time for Phase 4," Riku said with a sly grin.
"W-What?!" Mei and Toma shouted in unison.
"Wait—Phase 4?!" Toma asked. "How many phases are there?!"
"I thought it ended with the rejection!" Mei added.
Riku crossed his arms. "I never told you… my master plan has five phases. Rejection was only Phase 3."
"Ayyy, Rikuuu!" Mei groaned, half-laughing, half-panicked.
"You seriously planned for failure?" Toma asked, stunned.
"I didn't plan for it… I anticipated it," Riku said with mock elegance, pointing to his temple. "Big brain plays."
Mei narrowed her eyes. "This isn't a spy movie, you nerd."
Toma blinked. "So… what's Phase 4?"
Riku's eyes gleamed. "Phase 4… is the comeback arc."
Mei crossed her arms. "I swear if this turns into another mess—"
Riku smirked. "Trust the process."
After School – Quiet Road Near Asahi's House
Riku leaned against a wall, phone in hand, grinning mischievously.
"I've arranged some guys to 'bother' Asahi on her way home. It's near her place, so no one will suspect anything. All you have to do is show up and save the day."
Toma hesitated. "You sure this will work?"
Riku nodded. "Phase 4, bro. You save her, she sees the real you."
"…Fine."
Phase 4
Evening – Street Corner
Asahi walked down the quiet road, the evening sun casting long shadows. Three guys blocked her path.
"Hey there," one of them said, leering. "Why don't you come have some fun tonight?"
She stepped back, wary. "Leave me alone."
Before they got closer—
"Toma?!"
He ran over, panting. "Asahi, are you okay?"
One guy scoffed. "Who the hell are you?"
The thug shoved Toma hard. He stumbled, then stood tall. "I won't let you touch her."
A brief but brutal scuffle broke out. Toma landed a few hits, but he was clearly outmatched. Blood dripped from his lip, and he clutched his side in pain.
"Toma!!" Asahi screamed.
With a flash of anger, Asahi stepped in. Her kicks were precise and strong—shocking the thugs.
One tried to grab her.
Big mistake.
Asahi flipped him over her shoulder and glared. "Leave."
The group fled, groaning and limping.
Minutes Later – Asahi's House
Toma limped beside her, barely standing.
"You idiot," Asahi muttered, slipping her arm under his to support him.
"I just… wanted to help," he said with a weak smile.
"You don't even know how to fight."
"…Yeah," he chuckled.
As they reached her door, she guided him inside.
"Sit. I'll get the first aid kit."
"…Thanks, Asahi."
She looked back and paused.
"You really are dumb, you know."
Outside – Night
The alley was quiet again.
The thug from earlier wiped sweat from his brow, taking the envelope from Riku.
"You sure your friend's okay? That girl hits hard."
Riku smirked. "He'll survive. You guys did your part."
The boy stared. "Didn't know the girl could fight…"
"Tch. I knew everything," Riku said with a shrug. "It was all calculated."
From behind, Mei marched up with a frown.
"Wait—what?! That was your plan?! You didn't tell me!"
"Yeah," Riku grinned. "I wanted to surprise Toma. Let him be the hero, even if Asahi ended up saving him."
"You're ridiculous," Mei muttered, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Still… kinda sweet."
Later – Asahi's Home
Toma sat on her bed, wincing as he examined his bruised arm.
"Ugh… that guy punched like a truck," he muttered. "Riku's insane… I told him I don't have money for hospital bills…"
The door creaked open.
Asahi walked in holding a small tray—medicine, a damp towel, and warm food.
She placed it beside him without a word, then sat down.
Toma blinked. "You didn't have to…"
"Shut up and eat," she said gently.
Toma smiled, quietly picking up the chopsticks.
"…Thanks, Asahi."
She glanced at him. "Just don't go fighting thugs again, okay?"
He chuckled. "No promises."
Rooftop – Next Morning]
Riku leaned against the railing, sipping juice while Mei poked Toma's cheek with a chopstick from her lunch.
"You and Asahi, alone in her house, all night?" she teased.
"N-Nothing happened!" Toma yelped, turning red. "It's not like that!"
Riku raised an eyebrow. "Did she feed you?"
"…Yeah."
"And patched you up?"
"…Maybe."
"Romantic," Mei whispered.
Toma groaned. "Guys, seriously—"
"Alright, alright," Riku said, tossing his empty juice box into the bin. "Ready for Final Phase?"
Mei narrowed her eyes. "Final Phase?"
Riku grinned. "Phase 5: Jealousy."
Under the Sakura Tree – Lunch Break
Asahi sat alone beneath the gently falling petals, eyes on the clouds. She didn't notice Mei approach until she spoke.
"Yo, Asahi."
Asahi blinked. "Oh, hey. Didn't see you."
"What're you doing?"
"Nothing. Just thinking…"
Mei smiled and sat beside her. "So hey, Toma's gotten pretty popular lately, huh?"
Asahi glanced over.
Across the field, several girls surrounded Toma, laughing and chatting as he awkwardly scratched his head. A few even touched his arm.
"Yeah… well, he is the captain of the basketball team," Asahi said, trying to sound casual.
Mei leaned in. "They say girls like a strong, dependable guy."
Asahi's lips tightened ever so slightly.
Mei smirked internally. Hook set.
"Guess someone might snatch him up quick, huh?" Mei added lightly.
Asahi plucked a petal from her skirt.
"…He can talk to whoever he wants."
"Oh?" Mei said. "Sounds like you care."
Asahi didn't answer. But her eyes lingered on Toma a second longer than they should have.
Rooftop – After School
Toma, Mei, and Riku regrouped under the orange glow of the setting sun.
"Well?" Riku asked with a sly grin. "Did it work?"
Mei nodded. "She was definitely bothered. Didn't say it, but her face gave it away."
Toma leaned on the railing, still unsure. "I don't want her to feel forced… or manipulated."
Riku's grin faded slightly. "It's not about forcing her. It's about waking up feelings she's been ignoring. Sometimes, people don't realize how much they care… until there's a risk of losing something."
Mei looked at Toma. "You still want this?"
Toma closed his eyes, then nodded. "Yeah. I want to try. Even if it fails again, I want to say it right."
Riku clapped his back. "Then tomorrow… Sakura tree. One last time."
Next day
Asahi stood again under the blossoms, watching petals swirl in the breeze.
Toma approached, slower this time—calmer.
"No plan. No drama," he said.
She looked up at him.
"I just wanted to talk. Just you and me."
She nodded silently.
Toma took a deep breath. "I'm not popular. I'm awkward. I mess up my words. I don't fight well. But… I meant it. I like you, Asahi. I don't want to be just a teammate or a guy you patch up."
Asahi stayed quiet. The wind rustled.
"I know I got rejected once. But… I wanted you to hear it again. Honestly."
Asahi finally spoke. "Toma…"
She stepped closer, then surprised him by flicking his forehead.
"You're an idiot," she whispered. "But… a brave idiot."
Toma blinked. "Wait… what does that mean?"
She gave a soft smile. "It means I'm not rejecting you this time."
Toma's eyes widened.
"Don't get cocky," she added. "But maybe… we could try. Slowly."
He smiled, eyes almost tearing. "Yeah. Slowly."
Asahi stepped forward, reached up, and gently kissed him on the cheek.
Toma's eyes widened.
But then—before he could react—Asahi leaned in again, this time pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
It was quick. Just a moment.
But the world felt like it paused.
When she pulled back, her cheeks were crimson. "That's for being brave… and not giving up."
Toma blinked, stunned. "…I think I'm gonna faint."
Asahi laughed—light and genuine. "You better not. We've got practice tomorrow."
He smiled, warmth flooding his chest. "Then I'll survive. Somehow."
High above them, petals drifted down like a blessing.