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The soft chime of the bell signals the door opening, and a smile automatically makes its way to your face as you greet the incoming customers. The familiar warmth of the small café wraps around you, the scents of fresh coffee and sweet pastries weaving together like a cozy quilt.
But that smile falters as you catch sight of the group entering—specifically, one person among them.
He stands out, not through arrogance or swagger, but by the calm, composed demeanor that seems almost too serene for the lively café. His hands are clasped behind his back, his posture poised and relaxed, a soft, knowing smile playing on his lips as he scans the room.
The warmth of the café seems to dim slightly in his presence—it doesn't actually, you're just overreacting—as a strange quiet falls over the space, as if his mere presence commands respect. There's a calm, unspoken authority in the way he stands, his expression mild yet inscrutable, leaving you with a feeling of unease, even in his friendly smile.
“Ugh.” A quiet, disgusted sound slips from your lips before you can stop it, your expression shifting from welcoming to annoyance. You glance down briefly, trying to gather yourself, but the disdain in your eyes remains clear.
Beside you, Kotoha—a young woman with short, burgundy hair—chuckles at your reaction, nudging you lightly with her elbow. She leans in close, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.
“Now, now,” she says with a teasing lilt, her voice low as if sharing a secret. “Play nice. You don't want to scare off our... esteemed guests.” She raises an eyebrow, clearly amused, her tone half-joking, half-reassuring, as if she's seen this scene play out countless times.
Your eyes narrow, but a small smile tugs at your lips despite yourself. “Esteemed, huh?” you mutter under your breath, casting a sidelong glance at Kotoha, who stifles a laugh behind her hand.
The café buzzes softly around you, but your focus remains on the trio that just entered. The Furin uniforms are unmistakable—sleek, dark fabric that catches the light as they move.
Your eyes settle on the newcomer, standing out even among his companions with that striking two-toned hair, a half-black, half-white contrast that seems to mirror something deeper in him.
You can't help but be drawn to his eyes—one an icy blue, the other a smoldering yellow—each one glinting with a fire that's both intimidating and captivating. There's a certain wildness there, a raw intensity that suggests he's seen things, been through battles, yet still carries a vibrant, untamed energy. His stance is guarded, shoulders set with a subtle tension, as though he's always prepared for something to go wrong.
He catches your gaze, his eyes narrowing almost instinctively, suspicion flickering briefly before softening when he registers your expression. The shift is almost imperceptible, but you see it—the way his posture eases just a fraction, his gaze lingering longer than he intended.
You muster a gentle, reassuring smile, hoping to disarm him, to let him know you're not a threat here.
That's when you see the faint flush rise on his cheeks, the vivid red blooming against his pale skin, a telltale sign of vulnerability that's as endearing as it is unexpected. He breaks eye contact abruptly, huffing under his breath, and you catch a glimpse of his hand twitching as though to reach for something—a nervous habit, perhaps, or a reflex he's unaware of.
You look away briefly, not wanting to add to his discomfort.
How adorable.
You think to yourself, giggling softly.
“Oh! [Your name]-chan, you're back!” An enthusiastic voice cuts through your thoughts, pulling your gaze away from the newcomer.
It's Akihiko Nirei, with his messy short blond hair and infectious smile that can brighten the gloomiest of days. His presence is like a breath of fresh air, instantly lifting the atmosphere around you.
“Nirei-kun,” you grin at him, the corners of your mouth lifting in genuine delight. His enthusiasm is hard to resist, and your annoyance from earlier begins to fade.
Nirei leaps joyfully into the seat facing the counter, his energy radiating through the room. Placing both hands on his cheeks, he giggles, swinging his legs back and forth like an excited child, the sound of his laughter filling the café and drawing smiles from nearby patrons.
“How are you?” Nirei asks, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and genuine interest.
You open your mouth to reply, but a soft, calming voice interrupts, and your smiling face immediately contorts into irritation as you turn to face him.
“I didn't know you were back already from a two-week vacation, [Your name]-chan.”
A young man stands there, tall and relaxed, his brown hair cascading around his face in a curtain that frames his features, softening the sharp angles of his jaw. The leather eyepatch covering his right eye adds an air of mystery, while his yellow tassel earrings sway slightly as he moves, glistening in the light in an almost playful manner.
There's a smile playing on his lips, a confident curve that suggests he knows more than he lets on. You can't shake the feeling that beneath that charming facade lies a deeper cunning.
“Ah, I didn't know you were here, Suo.” you say in a dismissive tone; your voice lacks the warmth you usually reserve for familiar faces.
Suo's grin widens, and his brown eyes glimmer with amusement as he leans against the counter, the casual posture belying the sharpness of his wit. “The café was really peaceful when you weren't around. I missed it already.” he replies, the playful jab tinged with a hint of challenge.
The way he tilts his head slightly, studying your reaction, makes it clear that he's testing the waters and gauging your response.
You glare at him, the corner of your mouth twitching as you force a bright smile. “Is that so? I had the best time of my life not having to see your face for weeks. I just needed that break so much!”
Suo blinks, momentarily taken aback, before sliding onto the seat beside Nirei. His expression shifts to one of feigned innocence, eyebrows arched dramatically. “Really? I felt the same way. What a coincidence!”
The room crackles with animosity, the tension thick in the air as you both exchange sweet smiles despite the sharpness of your words. The atmosphere feels charged, like static electricity before a storm, as your gazes lock, each smile laced with hidden barbs.
Around you, the faint hum of conversation fades into the background, making your playful yet pointed exchange the center of attention. You can almost hear the unspoken thoughts swirling around, each one echoing the challenge hidden beneath the surface. With each syllable that leaves your lips, you can sense the undercurrent of rivalry, a game of wit that neither of you is willing to lose.
The wooden counter creaks softly as you lean forward, your smile piercing enough to cut. “I suppose some faces are simply unforgettable—especially when they're as... distinctive as yours.”
Suo, undeterred, cocks his head to the side, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Oh my! I didn't realize you were such a fan of my 'distinctive' features. Perhaps I should start charging for autographs.”
“As if I would waste my money on that,” you shoot back, crossing your arms defiantly. “Besides, your face isn't exactly a work of art.”
“Touché,” he replies, mockingly bowing his head. “But you must admit, it's quite the conversation starter, [Your name]-chan.”
Beside you, Kotoha bursts into laughter, her eyes sparkling with glee. “This is pure gold! You two should take this act on the road.” She clutches her stomach as she shakes with laughter, thoroughly entertained by the banter.
“Hey, what's wrong with them?” the young man with heterochromatic eyes asks, glancing over at Nirei, a hint of confusion in his tone. His voice is calm but carries an undercurrent of curiosity, as if he's trying to unravel the dynamics at play, his brow slightly furrowed in thought.
Nirei chuckles sheepishly, a nervous smile flickering on his face as he navigates the tense atmosphere, his eyes darting between you and Suo, clearly unsure how to react to the unfolding situation.
Kotoha jumps in to speak for him. “They're just like that, Sakura. Don't mind them.”
Sakura hums thoughtfully, propping his chin in one hand, his gaze fixed intently on you as he studies you with an intensity that feels almost like scrutiny. “Huh,” he finally says. “You seem to have a talent for sparring. I can see why he's not bored around you.”
Nirei gasps, his hands flying to cover his mouth, eyes wide with surprise as if he's just witnessed a shocking revelation, not expecting to hear such words from Sakura. Meanwhile, you and Suo whip your heads in unison to look in Sakura's direction, both caught off guard by his unexpected comment.
Suo laughs, his voice warm and teasing, “What are you saying, Sakura-kun?”
You finally turn away from Suo, the soft clinking of utensils and the rich aroma of freshly brewed tea surrounding you as you begin to prepare their order. Nirei's loud voice slices through the café's cozy ambiance, full of energy, as he chats animatedly with Suo, who responds occasionally with soft chuckles. Sakura sits nearby, his attention fixed on them, his forehead creased in concentration, as if trying to decipher every word.
Kotoha hums softly as she cooks rice omelettes, moving with practiced ease. Her expression is focused yet content as she flips the omelettes with a flick of her wrist.
You place a delicate porcelain teacup on the counter, the steam curling upward like a wisp of thought. Turning your attention to Sakura, you ask, “Are you a first-year student too?”
Sakura blinks at you, surprise flashing across his face before he nods. “Yeah, that's right.”
A giggle escapes you, light and airy. “I haven't seen your face around here—probably because I was out on vacation! But how was it? Have you met everyone already?” Your curiosity spills out, eager to bridge the gap.
Sakura opens his mouth, ready to respond, but you beat him to it, a menacing glint in your eye as you point toward Suo. “I hope this guy here,” you say, your voice dripping with mock sympathy, “isn't giving you a hard time. He's the worst, you know. Seriously, I feel bad for you.”
Sakura's eye twitches, his bewilderment clear as he glances between you and Suo, but you continue, unfazed. “Why are you hanging out with him, by the way?” Your smile is bright, but there's a playful edge to it that suggests you're enjoying the teasing.
Suo's expression alters slightly; his brows raise in mock offense, but he says nothing as you keep dishing it out. On the other hand, Sakura looks confused and irritated at the same time, trying to get a word in but failing miserably.
“She's not letting him speak at all...” Nirei observes, his eyes darting between you and Sakura. Kotoha chuckles, shaking her head as she stirs the omelettes.
Suo glances at you, a confused smile creeping onto his face. The corners of his mouth twitch as he watches your antics. He lets out a resigned sigh, placing the cup he's been holding on the counter with a soft thud. “Don't mind her, Sakura-kun. [Your name]-chan really talks a lot. You can just ignore her; I always do.”
You're poised to fire back at Suo, ready to unleash a witty retort, when a loud crash from outside shatters the moment, pulling everyone's attention away.
“What is it this time, I wonder?” you ask, exasperation spilling into your tone. You hastily peel off your apron, the fabric rustling as it falls to the floor, and stride toward the door, urgency fueling your steps.
Suo rises from his seat, his expression shifting from relaxed amusement to focused determination as he trails behind you. Sakura and Nirei exchange glances, their faces reflecting curiosity, before they follow suit.
As you fling open the door, the scene before you is one you've grown all too familiar with, yet it never fails to irritate you. The street is a chaotic battleground, men brandishing baseball bats vandalizing walls and shouting over one another, their reckless laughter cutting through the air like shards of glass. Your heart races, not with fear, but with the fiery indignation that always stirs when you witness this nonsense.
You step aside, allowing Suo, Nirei, and Sakura to move forward.
“Clean it up, please.” You cast Suo a sidelong look, your eyes narrowing. “You're prepared for this, aren't you?”
Suo blinks at you, once then twice, his mouth opening to form a response when you sense movement at his side. Without a moment's hesitation, you deliver a roundhouse kick, the sound of slicing air ringing in your ears as it connects with the man wielding the bat.
The impact is swift, and a rush of adrenaline surges through you as Suo casually tilts his head, barely dodging your kick. A grin stretches across his features, his eyes alight with amusement and surprise.
There's a collective gasp from the crowd, shock etching their faces as they take in the sudden turn of events. At your side, Sakura's mouth drops slightly, his eyes going wide as he takes in the scene, his initial surprise quickly shifting into an eager glimmer of excitement.
“Just to let you know, I was meant to kick you, not him.” you mutter to Suo, trying to divert the attention that's now squarely on you both.
“I know.” he replies, still smiling.
The man you kicked stumbles back, clutching his face, momentarily disoriented. You can see the confusion and rage flicker across his expression as he regains his footing.
“Stop yapping already!” one of the men roars, and in an instant, a group of them surges toward your direction, fists raised and faces twisted with aggression.
Sakura's expression morphs into a confident grin, his knuckles cracking as he warms them up, his posture settling into a stance that radiates readiness. “Bring it on!” he taunts, eyes gleaming with the thrill of the fight.
Nirei, however, squishes himself against you and Kotoha's side, his eyes wide with panic.
Suo glances back at you.
There's an unspoken exchange in your gazes, and you nod in response.
From a distance, another group of men charges at him, but with fluid movements, he takes them down, their groans of pain filling the air. Sakura's punches fly, each one landing with precision as he dodges incoming attacks with agility.
Within seconds, the fight is over, the remaining aggressors either fleeing or lying on the ground, groaning. You scan the surroundings with a satisfied smile, the remnants of the disturbance fading like smoke, leaving only the quiet aftermath of Bofurin's victory.
To your surprise, Suo is already next to you, an arm draped casually around your shoulders, his smile bright with satisfaction. On the ground, just a few steps away, a man clutching a knife is curled up, whimpering in pain.
“Suo!” you breathe out his name.
He chuckles, nodding toward the injured man at your feet. “He was about to touch you.” There's a glint of mischief in his eyes, as if he finds the situation amusing, even as he stands protectively beside you.
You glance down at the man and let out a sigh. “I didn't even notice.”
Suo steps back, clasping his hands behind his back. “I know. That's why I stepped in. You were too busy staring at Sakura-kun.”
“I wasn't!” you protest, but your reddening face betrays you.
A soft laugh escapes him, and he reaches out to ruffle your hair. “Eh, what's this? Your face is red.” he murmurs, clearly reveling in your reaction. “Are you embarrassed? How cute.”
You swat his hand away, hissing under your breath, which only seems to fuel his amusement. Just then, Sakura, without a single scratch on him, strides over to join you. You're still busy scolding Suo, who's laughing quietly, thoroughly enjoying the moment.
But when Sakura looks down, his gaze lands on your intertwined fingers with Suo's, nestled together as if they naturally belong there, despite the bickering. His entire face flushes red in realization. Snapping his head toward Kotoha and Nirei, he raises a trembling finger, pointing at you both in shock.
Kotoha simply laughs. “Oh, Sakura. You didn't know?”
Nirei pulls a small notebook from his pocket, flipping through a few pages with a casual air, as if he's sharing the latest gossip. “Suo-san and [Your name]-chan are dating.” he announces matter-of-factly.
Sakura's eyes widen in disbelief, his cheeks flushing a deeper shade of crimson as he shouts at them, hands flying to his ears in an exaggerated attempt to block out the news. “WHAT?! They were arguing back and forth earlier!” His voice cracks slightly, betraying his astonishment.
Kotoha grins. “That's just how they express affection for each other.”
Sakura, still flushed, stutters in disbelief, his gaze darting between Kotoha and Nirei. “What the heck!” He feels a blend of confusion and betrayal, unable to comprehend how the playful bickering he witnessed could actually be a sign of something deeper.
You throw a quick, bemused glance at Sakura before returning your attention back to Suo, who stands there smiling, his head tilted slightly to the side in his usual, easygoing manner. “He's quite an interesting fellow, isn't he? Please take good care of him.”
Suo advances, closing the distance between you both. His proximity draws your gaze upward, and he leans in, his expression playful yet intense. “I know that already, but enough talk about Sakura-kun, [Your name]-chan.” he says softly.
You blink up at him, feeling a mix of warmth and nervousness, then stifle a laugh. “Hey, not here!” you warn him, placing both of your hands on his face to push him away, though your heart races at the closeness.
“Hm? Why not?” Suo counters with a small smirk, his fingers gently taking your hands from his face and lowering them, cradling them softly as he leans in even closer. His playful grin fades as he studies your expression, his thumb brushing lightly over your knuckles, making your heart flutter with both affection and embarrassment.
Nearby, Kotoha rolls her eyes and motions for the others to head back inside. Sakura, still red-faced, averts his gaze and trudges toward the door, while Nirei skips along behind, a cheerful grin on his face.
With everyone else preoccupied, Suo turns back to you. He leans down, his lips brushing yours gently, and your initial groan melts into a warm response, the rest of the world fading away.