92 - Those Who Share Secrets

RAW

Ayaka peeked out from behind Saki and, upon seeing Haruto, broke into a wide smile and started to rush over to him.

She resembled a puppy that had just spotted its owner.

If Ayaka had a tail, it would undoubtedly be wagging vigorously.

However, Saki grabbed the collar of Ayaka's shirt, halting her charge.

“Stay, Ayaka!”

Saki's tone was as if she were giving a command to a dog.

Caught by the scruff of her neck, Ayaka let out a cute, muffled “Fugyu!” as she stopped in her tracks.

Ayaka quickly turned around, giving Saki a dissatisfied look.

“Hmm!”

“Don’t ‘hmm’ me,” Saki shot back, brushing off Ayaka’s protest as she glanced around.

There were two other groups of students having lunch on the rooftop. After briefly surveying them, Saki tugged Ayaka closer to Haruto and the others, leading them into the shadow of the water tower. Once concealed, Saki admonished her.

“What were you planning to do if someone saw you? Have you already forgotten what a mess it was after you declared you had a crush on someone on the first day back from break?”

“I-I’m sorry…” Ayaka apologized meekly, looking dejected.

The students basking in the sunlight, chatting with their friends, seemed oblivious to the presence of the school idol. However, if any of them had seen Ayaka's earlier display, it wouldn’t have taken much to deduce who she liked.

After apologizing to Saki, Ayaka turned to Haruto as well.

“Sorry, Haruto.”

“Well, no one’s noticed yet, and I’m happy to see you too,” Haruto replied.

The moment those words left his mouth, Ayaka’s previously downcast expression lit up like a blossoming flower.

Seeing this, Saki let out a small sigh of exasperation and scanned the area once more, confirming that no one was watching.

“Ayaka, okay!” Saki gave the green light.

“Geez, Saki! I’m not a dog!” Ayaka puffed out her cheeks in protest at her friend’s commands, which sounded more suited for a pet.

“You were just about to pounce on Otsuki like a dog,” Saki retorted.

“Well, that’s because… my body just moved on its own when I unexpectedly saw Haruto!” Ayaka stammered, embarrassed.

Tomoya, observing Ayaka’s behavior, narrowed his eyes and leaned toward Haruto.

“Hey, Haru. What the heck did you do to Tōjō-san? She’s head over heels for you.”

“I didn’t do anything. I just confessed normally, and now we’re dating.”

“You’ve got a knack for unintentionally charming people, don’t you? Guess Tōjō-san fell victim to it too.”

“Quit making it sound bad,” Haruto said, frowning.

“The fact that you’re unaware makes it even worse,” Tomoya shot back.

Ayaka timidly interjected into their exchange. “Akagi-kun, can I sit next to Haruto?”

“Of course! Be my guest!” Tomoya grinned and gestured dramatically.

“Thank you.” Ayaka wasted no time and sat down snugly next to Haruto, her bright smile radiating happiness.

Seeing her smile, Tomoya closed his eyes, placed a hand over his chest, and looked skyward. “A goddess has descended…”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Haruto muttered.

“Haru, you lucky bastard. Just explode already.”

“No, thanks.”

“Ugh, I’m so jealous!” Tomoya groaned, clenching his teeth in mock agony.

Saki approached him. “Akagi-kun, mind if I sit here?”

“Huh? Oh, sure.”

Saki settled beside Tomoya. He glanced at her curiously, prompting her to smirk and glance toward Ayaka, who was radiating joy next to Haruto.

“Being near love-struck Ayaka is just too much. It’s like she’s giving me a sugar overdose.”

“Ah, got it,” Tomoya replied with a knowing nod.

Meanwhile, Ayaka was beaming. “I’m so happy I get to sit next to Haruto even at school.”

Haruto smiled warmly at her words. Watching them, Tomoya grimaced as if he’d been force-fed a block of milk chocolate. He grabbed the café au lait from Haruto’s hand.

“Hey! That’s my coffee!”

“Shut it!” Tomoya barked and downed the drink in one gulp, ignoring Haruto’s protests.

“This is too sweet. I need something black,” Tomoya complained, handing the empty can back.

“Want to grab a sugar-free coffee later? My treat,” Saki offered with a wry smile.

“Thanks. I’ll take you up on that,” Tomoya replied.

Haruto interjected. “So, why are you two here? You mentioned looking for a quiet spot earlier.”

“Yeah,” Saki sighed. “It’s been exhausting. Every chance they get, people keep grilling Ayaka with questions.”

After Ayaka’s “I like someone” announcement on the first day back, both she and Saki had been bombarded non-stop with inquiries about the mystery person.

“Being asked the same thing over and over is pure torture…” Saki groaned.

“S-sorry for dragging you into this,” Ayaka apologized again.

“Well, seeing Ayaka this happy is nice, so I don’t mind too much,” Saki replied with a tired smile.

Tomoya tilted his head in thought. “How about using this spot as a lunchtime hideout? It’s not too crowded.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Saki nodded.

Ayaka looked at Haruto with hopeful eyes. “Really?”

Haruto hesitated. “Well, it’s quiet now, but there’s no guarantee it’ll stay that way.”

“If someone sees you two cuddled up here, it’d be hard to explain,” Saki added.

Ayaka blushed. “I wouldn’t do that at school!”

Saki smirked. “Sure you wouldn’t…”

Tomoya grinned confidently. “Don’t worry, I’ll find you a proper secret spot.”

“I’ll help too!” Ayaka chimed in.

And with that, their search for a sanctuary began.