Bonds Intertwined || Shadows Lurking || Under Surveillance

(1)

Over the next few days, Asahi remained vigilant, always on the lookout for any signs of the mysterious person who had been observing Kana. He discreetly monitored their surroundings, trying to catch a glimpse of anyone suspicious.

As the days went by, Kana made some new friends, Megumi Hanazawa and Kinu Aizawa, whom everyone fondly referred to as "Silk-chan." Their friendship blossomed when they were paired together in a cooking class.

Megumi Hanazawa, adorned with a radiant smile and contagious laughter, embodied pure joy. She possessed an innate talent for culinary arts, effortlessly crafting delectable dishes that left everyone awestruck. Kana found herself captivated by Megumi's culinary skills and quickly struck up a conversation with her, discovering a shared love for experimenting with flavors.

On the other hand, Kinu Aizawa was a delightfully quirky girl, known for her amusing antics. Her nickname, "Silk-chan," derived from her given name "Kinu" which means "Silk" in Japanese. Dissatisfied with her name, she insisted that everyone address her as Silk. Kinu was not only a gifted athlete during her time in middle school but also displayed a remarkable talent for painting, being an active member of the art club.

As the days continued to pass, the bond between Kana, Megumi Hanazawa, and Kinu Aizawa, grew stronger and deeper. Their friendship became an unbreakable thread woven with trust, understanding, and shared experiences. They were each other's pillars of support, providing comfort and encouragement during both joyous and challenging times.

One day at school, a spark of inspiration ignited within Kana's heart. She wanted to introduce her cherished friends, Megumi and Silk-chan, to two other classmates, Asahi and Yuta. Kana knew that Asahi possessed a laid-back and easygoing nature, always radiating a warm and welcoming aura. His friendly demeanor drew people in effortlessly, making him a beloved presence among their classmates. Yuta, on the other hand, had a mischievous sense of humor that never failed to bring laughter to any gathering. His quick wit and playful antics made him the life of the party.

Excitement filled the air as Kana gathered Megumi and Silk-chan, leading them to where Asahi and Yuta usually spent their free time. As the group of friends came together, the atmosphere instantly ignited with laughter and camaraderie. It was as if they had known each other for a long time, effortlessly clicking and blending their unique personalities. Their conversations flowed seamlessly, filled with shared jokes, heartfelt discussions, and dreams of the future.

(2)

One afternoon, as they were leaving the classroom, Asahi noticed a figure lurking in the shadows. This time, he was certain it was the same person he had seen before. The stranger's eyes bore into Kana, filled with hostility.

Asahi's protective instincts kicked in. He gently grabbed Kana's arm and steered her in a different direction, away from the potential danger. "Kana, let's take a different route today. I think we're being followed," he whispered urgently.

Kana's eyes widened in surprise and concern. "Followed? Are you sure, Asahi-kun?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Asahi didn't respond, he simply took Kana away from there. Kana felt guilty as if she had been relying too much on her friend.

As they walked through the bustling hallways, Asahi kept a watchful eye, making sure they weren't being pursued. He felt a mix of adrenaline and worry coursing through his veins. The safety of his friend was his top priority.

Once they reached a quieter area, Kana turned to Asahi with a guilty expression. "Sorry, Asahi-kun. You are doing so much for me. I didn't realize we were in any danger."

Asahi smiled warmly. "Don't mention it, Kana-chan. Friends watch out for each other. We'll figure out who that person is and make sure they won't bother you again." After helping her reach her home, determined to unravel the mystery, Asahi decided to confide in Yuta about the situation.

(3)

The next day, when Kana came to school, she saw a girl standing in front of her, seemingly wanting to ask her something. Curious about the girl, Kana asked, "Do you have something to do with me?"

The girl replied, "Enjoying your school life, huh? Ordering two boys to do everything for you, everyone fawning over you in class, having two girls as underlings, keeping up that goody-two-shoes aura in front of teachers."

"Excuse me, I think you've misunderstood something," said Kana in surprise.

But the girl, getting closer in anger, continued, "But you know, I really hate girls like you. That boy, what was his name? Asahi-kun, the poor boy already falling for a bitch. I don't know what good will come out of it when you're using him and someday throw him away like... like... forget about that!" she said angrily.

"I really don't know what you're talking about. Asahi-kun is my really good friend. When I was new in this school and town, he helped me settle in. I have never betrayed him or acted rudely towards him. Megumi-chan, Silk-chan, and Yuta-kun are also my friends. I think you've misunderstood something," Kana said hopefully.

"Let's see," said the girl, and she went to her class.

On the other side, Asahi and Yuta met in a secluded corner of the school courtyard, away from prying eyes.

Yuta listened intently, his brows furrowed with concern. "That sounds really strange, Asahi. We should report this to the school authorities and let them handle it."

Asahi disagreed, "I don't think so, we should keep our watch first. The figure I saw inside the school and the girl I saw outside our class, so they must be related to each other. I think we need to follow Kana-chan's activities. The culprit will make his move if we keep an eye on Kana. Don't tell Megumi and Silk-chan about this. They will tell her about that, and she will worry again."

"Well, you're right. It's too early to jump to conclusions. It's better to be safe than sorry. We need to ensure Kana's well-being. You and I will keep our eye on her."

Asahi and Yuta continued their surveillance of Kana, closely observing her and her friends' activities both inside and outside of school. They took turns discreetly following her, always staying one step behind, ready to intervene if any suspicious or threatening situations arose.

Meanwhile, Kana, unaware of the ongoing surveillance, began to notice a subtle change in Asahi's behavior. He seemed more focused, occasionally distant as if preoccupied with something. Concerned, she approached him one afternoon during lunch break.

"Asahi-kun, is everything alright?" Kana asked gently, her eyes filled with worry. "You've been acting strange lately."

"Oh! Actually, Yuta and I are working on something, and it's a surprise, so I don't think I can tell you now. Sorry about that," Asahi tried to lie to her.

"Well, I have work, so I'm going. You can go home with Megumi and Silk after school. Bye-bye," Asahi hurried off to do something.