What's Wrong?

Saya gazed at Mika in astonishment:

"Suwa? Are we really going?" she asked.

"Well, I'm not certain. There's a possibility that it might be a fake message, but I can't make any conclusions without conducting some research."

"I'll also look into it. But let's consider the scenario where they genuinely invited us – two individuals who are primarily focused on coding. What could they possibly expect from us?"

"Well, the possibilities are numerous, but my assumption would be related to product licenses."

"Product licenses?"

"Yes, have you ever noticed the products we sell being offered by local vendors online?"

"No, whenever I checked, they were always imported from abroad and required a deposit - Wait a moment!, are you implying that you acquired the necessary licenses for these products to be legally imported and sold in the country?"

"Indeed, that's correct."

"How? You're not even considered an adult."

"Thanks to my father. You know, since they operate in international waters, I utilized his international transit permit, and I assumed his responsibilities for these matters."

Saya stared at Mika in amazement.

"Mika, I can't believe this! But if we proceed with granting these licenses, wouldn't your father need to give his approval too?"

"No, they will compensate me with a specific fee for each license. It's more of a customer-seller relationship. They are interested in making wholesale purchases and selling at a reduced price, though we can't be entirely certain."

They continued discussing this matter for a while, deciding to conduct further research before making any decisions. The evening had already darkened, and Saya needed to depart to ensure she got home on time. While she put on her shoes near the door, their conversation continued:

"Remember to inform your mother," Mika reminded as he held Saya's bag.

"Sure. By the way, what did you decide on for Yuki's birthday gift today?" Saya inquired, taking her bag back from Mika with curiosity.

"A bracelet. She can add any charms she likes to it."

"Hmm, excellent choice. Did you pick it, or did Mana?"

"I selected it."

"That's a wise choice; you certainly have a knack for gifts, hehehe."

"What? Shouldn't I?"

"No, you goof. By the way, how's your leg doing?"

"It's improving; I'll probably remove the bandage today."

"I'm relieved to hear that. Well then, I should be on my way."

"Alright, take care," Mika bid farewell.

As Saya was about to open the door to leave, she suddenly halted. She turned around and tightly embraced Mika.

"S-Saya?"

"Thank you, Mika. Thank you so much," her voice carried both melancholy and joy. "I'm immensely grateful you're here."

"You're welcome. Despite these unforeseen events occurring against my wishes, here we are," Mika responded. Saya raised her eyebrows, observing him closely.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, none of these were things I anticipated. I never even imagined the website would be successful. Nevertheless, here we stand."

"Hmm, you narrowly avoided being punched," Saya remarked, then hugged him again. "I'll also strive to stand by your side. So, if you ever wish to converse or inquire about anything, you're always welcome."

"Inquire about anything?" Mika questioned. He struggled to come up with a question. However, when he looked at Saya, he noticed her cheeks had turned red.

"W-well, not everything like that! Not everything is open for discussion, at least not at this moment!" Saya's voice grew louder.

"Not at this moment?" Mika was still trying to comprehend.

Blushing, Saya glanced at Mika, then abruptly disengaged from the embrace and headed towards the door. She turned her head slightly to cast a glance at Mika.

"You're such a idiot" she stated before shutting the door. Mika watched her departure.

What did I manage to say this time?

***

Two days had passed. It was the beginning of a new week, and the day of Yuki's birthday celebration had arrived. Mika dressed in his school uniform and made his way to the school. Upon entering his classroom, he greeted his classmates and took his seat, contemplating:

Do I really have to endure all these classes just for an event after school? I could have stayed home and attended to my work instead,

"Good morning, Mika!" Mana chirped, walking up to Mika.

"Hey, Mana," Mika replied.

"Are you ready for today? Did you bring the gift?"

"Yes, everything's in my bag."

"Perfect."

After a brief conversation, Mana returned to her seat as the class began.

It was destined to be a lengthy day.

The initial classes progressed as usual. Mika exchanged brief chats with his classmates. During lunch break, Kai and Yuki invited him to join them under the pavilions.

After some time, a sizable crowd gathered outside.

"What's happening out there?" he wondered. Rising from his seat, he headed towards the origin of the commotion. The large notice board in the hallway displayed the results of an exam. Just as he was about to reach it, someone tapped his shoulder from behind.

"Hey, congrats, Mika. You maked the third place," Kai informed. From this distance, Mika couldn't see his name, but he could hear whispers throughout the class, saying, "Mika got third place."

"Thanks," Mika responded casually and resumed his walk to his seat, seemingly unaffected.

"Hey, you overachiever!" an irritated voice exclaimed behind him. It was Yuki, clearly upset.

"What's wrong?"

"How can you consistently outperform everyone?" Yuki complained, with Kai attempting to calm her down.

"I don't know," Mika nonchalantly replied.

"And on top of that, you act like you're not even trying!" Yuki continued, exasperated.

"Besides, you're so nonchalant, it's infuriating!" Yuki ranted, as Kai chuckled.

"Relax, Yuki. You know Mika is always like this."

"Yes, but I studied so hard this time. I put in so much effort and barely made it to twentieth place, yet you come along and surpass me..." Yuki grumbled.

Mika picked up his book again, considering it might be relevant, though he had lost his place after stopping.

Yuki continued expressing her frustration, and other students joined in discussing Mika's achievements.

Seriously, how did I even get third place?

 As he resumed reading his book, the classroom suddenly fell silent, and hushed whispers spread. This unusual occurrence prompted him to look up. He was met with an indignant gaze  it was Saya. Donning the discipline committee badge on her arm, she stood with her hands on her hips, visibly annoyed.

Other students murmured to each other, "Isn't that Saya, the head of the discipline committee? Why is she looking at our class and at Mika? Did he cheat and get caught? It would make sense if he cheated. No one can excel at school without cheating."

Mika exchanged glances with Saya and then asked,

 "What's going on, Saya?"

The students, all eyes on them, remained silent.

"Come with me," Saya instructed. She took the book from Mika's hand and placed it on the table.

"Wait, what—" Mika began, but Saya seized his hand and pulled him along. Amid the watching gazes, Saya dragged Mika out of the classroom.

"What's happening again?"