What Are The Intentions of Both of You?

The day of the last exams had finally come. Mika was taking his final exams. During this time, he had become close friends with Kai and Yuki, and they kept bombarding him with questions to hang out with them. On the last day, Wednesday, Mika had finished his final math exam and was getting ready to leave.

"Wait, impatient boy!" a voice said from the side. When he turned his head, he locked eyes with Yuki.

"Yes, Yuki?" he said nonchalantly.

"Today, you're coming with us."

"I don't understand?"

"Sorry, Mika, it may seem bossy, but honestly, Yuki and I want you to hang out with us at least once," Kai chimed in.

Mika thought for a while

 What's the point of joining them?

"Why me? I'm not really good at social activities."

"That doesn't matter. We probably won't see each other for a long time after this, so we wanted to hang out with you before you leave," Kai said in a relaxed tone.

"I get it, but we already exchanged phone numbers. We could have done it another time," Mika said, confused.

"But then you wouldn't come. You would have come up with all sorts of excuses," Yuki said in an angry tone.

"How can they know me so well without even seeing me?" 

"Come on, give it a shot. It won't take long, and we promise it'll be fun. We'll do some karaoke, take a stroll by the river, and just hang out on the grass, chatting away," Kai urged, genuine concern evident in his voice.

Was it the right time for this? But I guess I don't want to refuse," he thought. "Alright then. But I'll be back home before it gets dark.

"Yay!" Yuki shouted excitedly.

"Great, we're happy you're coming with us. Let's go right away then. By the way, Mika..."

"Yes?"

"There will be one more person with us, is that okay?"

"Well, I guess it's fine."

"Great, I'm glad to hear that. We'll be waiting for you in the schoolyard," Kai said.

***

Mika had to talk to the class teacher. When the classroom emptied, he went up to the teacher.

"Hey, Mika, how's it going?" the teacher asked curiously.

"I'm fine, teacher, as usual."

"How are you doing? If it's not too personal, have your feelings come back?"

Lily, the teacher, knew about Mika's situation, so she was very understanding towards him.

"No, teacher, nothing has changed." he replied.

"I see, that's unfortunate. Are you still not planning to come back to school?"

"No, not really,'" Mika replied, his voice devoid of any emotion.

"Okay, I understand. Let's see how you'll do in the exams."

"I don't expect anything great like before."

"Don't say that; you're actually very smart."

"Thank you, teacher."

"Anyway, you're going out with Kai and Yuki, right? Did they pressure you again?"

"Well, something like that."

"Hmm. Have you still not told them about your situation?"

"No."

"I see. It's up to you, Mika. If you pass the exams, you'll be able to graduate this year anyway. You have a medical report."

"Thank you, teacher."

"You're welcome. See you around."

"Goodbye," Mika said, quickly making his way to the schoolyard. Kai, Yuki, and a green haired girl were waiting for him.

She was in my class. What was her name again?

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," he said politely.

"No problem, first of all, let's introduce ourselves. Even though you're in the same class, you've never spoken before," Kai said casually.

"Yes," Mika said.

"Hi, my name is Mana," the green haired girl said in a friendly manner. She seemed a bit nervous but content.

"Hi, I'm Mika. Nice to meet you," he said.

"Me too," Mana said happily.

Yuki and Kai looked at each other and laughed.

"What are you two laughing at?" Mika said in a normal tone.

"Oh, nothing, let's go!" Yuki said with a smile.

***

They were walking towards the karaoke place in pairs, with Mana right beside Mika. Compared to Yuki and Kai's chatty walk, Mika and Mana weren't talking at all. Although Mana seemed like she wanted to start a conversation, she didn't know what to ask.

"H-Hey, Mika, how did the exams go?" she asked hesitantly.

"Hmm, I don't know. I studied for only one week, so I'm not very sure," Mika replied.

"ONE WEEK? Did you manage to prepare in just one week? And you didn't even come to school."

"I only had one topic left in literature. I left that question blank in the exam, and other than that, I did well."

"Don't mind Mika's flaws, Mana. Even though he doesn't study much, he's a genius and can easily handle things," Yuki said, turning back.

"Yes, that's true. In the previous term, he came and became the second best student in the school after just one week of preparation, didn't you?" Kai joined the conversation.

"What?" Mika and Mana said at the same time.

"I became the second best student in the school?" Mika couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe he achieved such a ranking with just one week of studying.

"Did you become the SECOND BEST STUDENT?" Mana asked in astonishment.

Yuki and Kai erupted into laughter, their eyes gleaming with mischief.

He's been like this since we were kids. He'd doze off in class and still top the exams. I swear... sometimes I wanted to throttle Mika," Yuki said, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

"What? Did you both attend the same school?"

"Our houses used to be quite close. We can consider each other childhood friends," Yuki replied.

"Wow..." Mana said, impressed, as she looked at Mika with admiration.

"We're almost there, let's hurry!" Yuki said excitedly.

***

They all entered the karaoke together.

"Hey Mana, what will you sing?" Yuki asked excitedly.

"I don't know..." Mana replied hesitantly.

Mika sat aside and placed his lemonade on the table. Kai approached him.

"Have you decided what to sing, Mika?"

"Oh, right. I should have decided, shouldn't I?"

"Yes."

While Mika was thinking,

 Do I really have to sing? I don't even know if I have a good voice.

Finally, they all picked a song. Yuki sang first, and she had a beautiful voice. Kai was looking at her lovingly. When it was Kai's turn, Yuki and Mana burst into laughter.

"My ears hurt, Kai," Yuki said, laughing.

"I'm sorry, Kai, I couldn't help it," Mana said while laughing.

Mika forced a smile.

"Thanks for not laughing, Mika. I would cry now," Kai said jokingly.

Then it was Mana's turn.

"Hey, Mika, can you come with us for a moment? Mana, you pick your song, and we'll get some drinks and come back," Yuki said.

"O-okay?" Mana watched them with curiosity and confusion.

" Hey, wait a second," Mika said as he was dragged outside by Kai and Yuki.

***

When they were outside, Mika asked, puzzled, 

"What's going on?"

"After Mana sings, we'll make fun of her, and you'll say that she sang beautifully, okay?" Yuki said in a tense and hushed voice.

"What?"

"I mean, we're sort of trying to play matchmaker here," Yuki whispered.

"What are you talking about? Set up with who?"

"What Yuki is trying to say is that we'll make it easier for you and Mana to go on a date," Kai said excitedly.

Go on a date? Why would they suggest that?