A Convenient Proposal

 “I didn’t understand anything today!” Akari let out a loud sigh as he dangled his school bag low to the ground, swaying from side to side as he walked down the sidewalk.

“You’re just not very diligent,” Ayano huffed, strolling beside Akari with a straight posture and her bag’s strap comfortably resting on her shoulder. “I can’t help you if you don’t try.”

The school day felt longer than usual for Akari today. Usually, he usually didn’t pay too much attention in class, often just mindlessly listening in. However, to prepare for exams, Akari had tried to take notes in order to avoid Misha’s harsh night training. But despite his efforts, today’s lessons had been quite tedious and he couldn’t grasp any concept at all. And by the end of the last class period, Akari’s mind had been fried and even words made no sense to him.

Unable to keep up his icy demeanor, Akari pulled off his hair clip, allowing his hair to cover his forehead just barely above his eyes. He wouldn’t need to worry about slacking off and lowering his guard as Aki.

“I don’t want to fail the practice exam!” Akari cried as he glanced toward Ayano for help.

“F-fine,” Ayano tried to avoid the boy’s teary puppy eyes. “I’ll help you study if you’re really going to try.”

“I’ll do my best!” Akari pumped his fists eagerly with a determined smile. However, his diligence quickly dissipated as he noticed they were approaching a convenience store.

“I want a snack first!” He rushed forward toward the glass door. Ayano sighed, disappointed at how fast Akari’s focus could change but followed him into the store.

“Welcome!” A purple-haired store attendant wearing a green smock greeted them as the chime rang. Akari recognized the familiar face as their eyes met.

“Nanami?”

“Oh? If it isn’t Aki! And Ayano too!” Nanami lifted her black cap before placing her hands on the countertop. “It’s a pleasure to see you both today!”

“Do you two know each other?” Akari turned toward the class president.

“Of course we do,” Ayano replied as she perused the aisles. “We’ve been friends since we were kids.”

“What about you two? How did you meet Ayano?” Nanami questioned with a warm grin.

“We’re… classmates,” Akari decided to say, gesturing at their similar school uniforms.

“Are you on a date right now, Aki?” She immediately whispered, leaning closer toward the cute gangster.

“Of course not,” Akari exclaimed before taking a deep breath. “We were just heading back from school.”

“That’s good then,” Nanami laughed as Ayano approached. She placed down a bottle of iced tea along with a small bag of gummies. “You can’t steal Ayano from me, understand?”

“Since when did I belong to you?”

“You’ve always belonged to me,” Nanami declared as she rang up the items with her scanner.

“I don’t want to be your friend anymore,” Ayano joked with a small smile on her face.

“Ah, that reminds me,” Nanami turned toward the young boy. “Are you available on Friday, Aki?”

“I am after class, why?”

“We’re going to the aquarium for a hangout,” Nanami pulled up her phone, showing the messages from Heartstring Plus. “You’re the only one who hasn’t replied yet.”

“Ah, that…” Akari sheepishly glanced away. “I want to focus on studying for exams so I may not go.”

“You know, I heard taking a day off helps with studying better afterward,” Nanami tried to entice him. “Isn’t that right, Ayano?”

“There’s some truth to that,” Ayano agreed.

“Would you like to join us?” Nanami asked her friend.

“Is it alright for me to go?”

“Of course, you’re more than welcome to come too!” Nanami beamed as her attention turned back toward Akari. “If your class president is joining, why don’t you come as well?”

“I won’t be around to help you study anyway,” Ayano pointed out.

“I got no reason to say no then,” Akari decided as he turned to leave the store.

“Perfect! I’ll let the others know,” Nanami waved at them as Ayano quickly followed after the tired boy.

“We’ll see you then, Nanami!” Ayano gave a polite wave with her friend doing the same.

Friday had arrived soon enough and Akari was prepared to enjoy the day. Since Nanami had previously questioned his relationship with Ayano, Akari decided they had to ensure they avoided any further suspicion.

The day before, Akari had suggested to Ayano that they leave the house separately at different times. In fact, Akari had risen with the sun, slipping out in the early morning hours to embark on a peaceful stroll toward the meeting spot. He didn’t even know if Ayano was still sleeping when he left due to the curtain that separated their sleeping spaces.

Akari’s attire for the day was thoughtfully chosen to be casual yet stylish. He wore a plaid orangish-brown jacket over a well-fitted white t-shirt and a pair of comfortable worn-in black jeans. A silver chain necklace adorned with a small, intricate bird pendant dangled gracefully around his neck.

Arriving near a porcelain fountain, Akari spotted Chiaki and Momo already there, engaged in a conversation. A flowery aura hung around Chiaki while Momo listened with genuine interest. Her hand nervously rested near her chest as she fidgeted in place, tugging at her blue skirt.

As Momo noticed Akari, she eagerly waved her arm in the air with a grin, beckoning him to join them. Chiaki gave a quick wave as he glanced over his shoulder.

“You made it, Aki,” he smirked.

“Aki, hello!” Momo greeted cheerfully as Akari stepped closer, forming a small, tight-knit triangle. “I’m so glad you’re here!”

“It’s nice to see you too, Momo,” Akari smiled back.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” Nanami appeared from behind them in a light brown cardigan, calmly strolling over. “Everyone’s early today.”

“Are we missing somebody?” Chiaki asked, glancing around at the others.

“Shinji said he couldn’t make it, neither could Tomoe,” Momo pointed out.

“We’re just waiting for one more person,” Nanami stated, her eyes scanning the vicinity.

Just as the words left her lips, a familiar voice called out from behind Akari, making him turn around, and his heart skipped a beat.

“I’m here,”

Dressed in a white blouse adorned with intricate lace patterns and a bright yellow skirt that complemented her radiant smile, Ayano approached the group. Her long brown hair cascaded gracefully down her back and she wore a brown crossbody bag that added a touch of elegance to her ensemble. A subtle touch of makeup enhanced her natural features, making her appear even more captivating.

Akari was taken aback by Ayano’s appearance. He had only ever seen her in her school uniform or casual lounge attire. Today, she looked like a vision and he found himself momentarily lost in admiration as she stood beside him, greeting the others with a polite smile.

As their eyes met, Akari felt his cheeks flush, and he struggled to find the right words to respond. He was mesmerized by her presence, unable to tear his gaze away.

“Aki? Are you alright?” Ayano’s voice brought him back to reality, breaking the enchanting spell she unknowingly cast upon him.

“Y-yes!” He turned his head away. “I’m just a bit tired.”

“Were you so excited that you couldn’t sleep?” Chiaki swung his arm around Akari.

“Sure…”

What had gotten into him? Despite all the time he had been around Ayano, this was the first time she had ever made his heart skip a beat.

Glancing nervously over at Ayano, he found her giving him an innocent and gentle smile, completely unaware of the effect she was having on him.

“Shall we get going, Aki?”