First Study Session

Akari sat in the school's library, trying to concentrate on his first study session with Ayano after the school day had ended. The class president patiently explained a few mathematical formulas that Akari was struggling to understand. However, the gangster’s mind kept drifting back to the unsettling encounter with Shinji earlier. The memory replayed in his thoughts, stirring up a mix of emotions that made it difficult for him to focus.

Ryoichi had reassured him that everything would be taken care of, noting he would report the incident to Yuuta. However as Ayano continued to explain the formulas, Akari couldn't shake off the uneasiness that lingered in the back of his mind.

The textbook's pages blurred before his eyes as his mind wandered through a labyrinth of questions. Why was Shinji so fixated on him? What did his cryptic words truly signify? The uncertainty intertwined with his concerns and doubts, further clouding his understanding.

"Akari-kun? Hey, Akari-kun!" Ayano's voice called out, snapping Akari out of his daze. He lifted his head from his notebook to find Ayano glaring at him, her patience wearing thin.

"Hmm? Ah, sorry, class prez," Akari apologized sheepishly, realizing that he hadn't been paying attention to their study session.

Ayano let out a sigh, placing her pencil down. "Sheesh. I really wonder what's the point of trying to teach you if you aren't even going to pay attention."

"Akari-senpai?" Momo's voice rang out as she approached their table, her eyes widening in surprise. "Ah, it is you! What are you doing here?" Her curiosity was evident as she glanced between Akari and the person sitting across from him.

As Momo's gaze landed on Ayano, a mischievous smirk tugged at the corners of her lips as she leaned in closer to Akari, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Are you in the middle of a date?" Momo asked. However, her playful teasing was quickly stopped when the blonde boy beside her playfully bopped the top of her head, causing Momo to retreat and cover her head.

"Momo-chan, we shouldn't be bothering their study session," Chiaki interjected as he patted her head. Akari recognized him as the boy he met on the group date.

“I’m sorry for bothering the two of you,” Chiaki greeted them as Momo pouted and poked at Chiaki.

"No, it's fine," Akari reassured them, his cheeks slightly flushed from Momo's teasing. "We were just taking a quick break anyway."

"Please pardon me, but you don't seem to be from this school," Ayano noticed Chiaki's unfamiliar school uniform.

Chiaki chuckled softly, his eyes filled with affection as he glanced at Momo. "I'm just here to pick up Momo-chan," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of fondness.

"Are you guys hanging out with the others today?” Akari asked, not having kept up with the group chat.

Realization dawned upon Chiaki as he deciphered Akari's innocent comment. With a warm smile, he intertwined his hand with Momo's, their fingers entwining seamlessly. "I guess Inmura-san doesn't know," Chiaki responded, his voice filled with genuine happiness. "The two of us are dating."

Akari's eyes widened, his face reddening in surprise. "Ah, is that so?" he stammered, feeling flustered by the unexpected revelation. "Um, congratulations, I guess?"

"Thank you, senpai!" Momo giggled as her eyes sparkled with joy. "It's still pretty new, but we're really happy together!"

As Akari processed the information, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of surprise, happiness, and a hint of envy. Seeing Momo and Chiaki's connection made him reflect on his own feelings, stirring something within him that he hadn't fully acknowledged before.

"We should get going and let you two get back to studying," Chiaki realized the time and waved, signaling his departure.

"We'll see you later then!" Momo waved frantically, adding her farewell as they exited the library. Akari waved back with a smile, grateful for their presence and the brief distraction they had provided.

After another long extended hour of studying before wrapping up their study session, Akari could feel the strain taking its toll on his mind and body. The weight of his thoughts grew heavier with each passing minute. Shinji and the vipers, the complex mathematical formulas that seemed to dance mockingly in his mind—they all contributed to his mental fatigue.

“I want to quit school…” Akari's voice was filled with exhaustion and frustration as he slumped forward, laying his head on the table. “I never want to read a book ever again!”

“Studying is important,” Ayano pointed out as she finished putting away her textbooks and writing utensils. “I make it a habit to review my notes for at least an hour every day.”

How do you manage to do this every day, class prez?!" Akari exclaimed as he lifted his head. His voice was tinged with a mix of admiration and exasperation. "It feels impossible to keep up."

Akari let out a mock sob, his head returning to its resting place on the table. "I can't handle this twice a week," he murmured, his voice muffled by the table. Ayano's gaze softened as she stared at her classmate.

“Do you have some spare time?” Ayano asked. “There’s something I would like to show you.

♦_______✭❀✭_______♦

"How much further is it?" Akari complained, his voice laced with a hint of impatience.

"It's not even that far! We're almost there!" Ayano countered, her tone filled with determination.

The young gangster let out a sigh. Akari couldn't help but wonder why he had agreed to this detour with Ayano in the first place. He was tired, not from the physical exertion of walking, but from the mental fatigue of hours spent studying. The pressure to pay attention had taken its toll on him.

The road stretched out before them, lined with blooming trees that danced in the gentle breeze. The fading daylight painted the scene in hues of orange and pink, creating a picturesque backdrop for their walk. Shadows stretched long across the pavement, adding a touch of depth and mystery to the scenery.

“Sorry the study session lasted a bit too long today,” Ayano apologized.

"I don't mind the extended study session at all," Akari replied, his voice gentle and sincere.

“That's what I like about you, Akari-kun."A flicker of admiration danced in Ayano's eyes as she glanced at Akari. The words hung in the air, carrying a hint of deeper meaning.

"Huh?" Akari asked, caught off guard by Ayano's unexpected statement.

Before Akari could comprehend what she just said, excitement took over Ayano and she dashed forward.

"Ah! We're here!"

Standing on the side of the street, Akari was greeted by a breathtaking scene. A row of cherry blossoms, their delicate pink petals in full bloom, lined the path, creating a canopy of ethereal beauty. Beyond the blossoms, a serene lake stretched out in the valley, its tranquil waters reflecting the golden hues of the afternoon sun. As the sunlight danced upon the surface, the lake shimmered with a captivating radiance, casting a spell of enchantment over the surrounding landscape. The combination of the glistening lake and the cherry blossoms created a harmonious symphony of colors as if nature itself had adorned the scene with its finest brushstrokes. It was a moment of pure serenity and awe-inspiring magnificence, a sight that stirred the heart and filled the soul with a profound sense of wonder.

"This is one of my favorite places to visit on my way home," Ayano confessed, her eyes shining with fondness. She turned her head towards Akari with a gentle smile. "How do you feel?" Ayano asked, her voice soft and filled with anticipation.

"Huh? I guess... calm," Akari replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why did you bring me here?"

Ayano's eyes softened, and she smiled gently at him. "I noticed that you seemed a bit preoccupied today," she said, her voice filled with understanding. "I thought it might be a good idea to take your mind off of whatever's been bothering you."

Akari's words trailed off, a look of surprise crossing his face as he processed Ayano's observation. He hadn't realized that his inner turmoil had been so apparent to her during their study session. In his mind, he had assumed Ayano was solely focused on teaching him since it was a duty assigned to her by Ryoichi. But there was something comforting about Ayano's perceptive nature, the way she seemed attuned to his thoughts and emotions.

A soft breeze rustled the cherry blossom trees, scattering delicate petals in their wake. Akari couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over him, the beauty of the surroundings gently soothing his troubled mind.

Ayano twirled around to face Akari, her hands tucked behind her back, leaning forward with an energetic grin. "So how is the view? Is it pretty?"

Akari gazed at the breathtaking view with Ayano Suzumiya standing in the center of it all, illuminated by the golden sun. A warm smile spread across his face as his heart skipped a beat.

"Yeah, it's really pretty."