Up for Hanging Out This Weekend?

Mika and Saya quickly left the classroom, attracting surprised glances from onlookers. Saya led Mika away from the group, heading toward the staircase. When they reached the stairs, she stopped and took a deep breath. 

"Mika, what's up with your exam results?"

"What do you mean?"

"Seriously? Let me be direct. How did you manage to get third place?"

"I honestly don't know."

"You don't know? Are you kidding?"

"No, I really have no clue."

"Ugh... We go to the same school, and yet you outperformed me. It's embarrassing."

"Weren't you getting first place consistently according to rumors?"

"No, I've been second or fourth in the last two exams. Also, wait, who was talking about me?" Saya asked curiously.

Mika realized he might have revealed too much and replied,

"Well, outside, when I met up with Rin and Eirin, they were discussing you."

"But that's not the point. Do you seriously not attend school?" Saya's blue eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yes, I've said it multiple times. I don't really go to school and barely study. I only focused on studying for the final exams last week."

"Remarkable, achieving such results in just a week."

"I wouldn't know."

"Well, you wouldn't."

Students from other classes, as well as Yuki and Kai, approached them with curiosity.

"Anyway, we've already attracted a lot of attention. We'll talk about this later; I need to go," Saya said, climbing the stairs swiftly.

"Alright, see you," Mika replied, still puzzled about why this had become such a big deal. 

Classes ended, and finally, Mika, Kai, Yuki, and Mana headed to the park together.

"Hey, Mika. I'm glad you joined us. I didn't expect you to hang out with us. By the way, how did they convince you?" Yuki asked eagerly.

"Uh..." Mika struggled to find the right words.

At that moment, Kai interjected, "Wait a second, Yuki, lean in, whisper, whisper." Mika observed Yuki and Kai. Suddenly, Yuki's eyes lit up with realization.

"So, that's the story, Mika! You clever fox!" Yuki exclaimed, grinning. Mana watched them while they continued walking.

"What did-" Mika started to say, then noticed Kai gesturing to be discreet.

What could he have said to make me agree?

Gathering his thoughts, Mika took a deep breath and replied, "Yeah," even though he wasn't entirely sure about the situation.

"By the way, Mika, what happened earlier?" Yuki asked curiously.

"What do you mean by 'happened'?"

"I mean, why did Saya, the head of the discipline committee, call you and hold your hand while leading you away?" Kai asked, intrigued.

"What? Saya? She held his hand?" Mana exclaimed, surprised and slightly alarmed.

All three of them turned to Mika. After a moment of thought, he replied,

"She wanted to congratulate me on the exam."

He thought to himself, 

If Saya hears this, she might actually punch me...

"Congratulate you? Why would she go out of her way to congratulate someone who didn't even come in first?" Yuki questioned, puzzled.

Mika realized Yuki had a valid point.

"Because we've met before. Seeing my progress, she wanted to express her congratulations," Mika explained.

After a short silence, Kai broke into their conversation.

"That's so like the discipline committee head. Offering praise while elevating herself," Kai commented admiringly.

"Kai..." Yuki responded with a hint of annoyance, giving Kai a jealous look.

"I-I apologize, princess. It wasn't my intention. I-I don't have any hidden motives!" Kai stammered nervously.

While they bantered, Mika and Mana walked a few steps behind. Mana spoke softly.

"Hey, Mika."

"Yes?"

"I've kind of figured out what happened during lunch, but it's still quite a curious situation, don't you think?"

"What do you mean?"

"Uh, never mind, I must be talking nonsense. Yeah, definitely. There's nothing between us," Mana commented.

"What?"

"Forget it, forget it!" Mana shamed.

"Alright."

They continued walking in silence as the sun set, and they approached the park.

"Well... I wanted to thank you for the weekend. I genuinely had a great time," Mana said hesitantly.

"No problem. I enjoyed it too," Mika responded, even though he felt uneasy with the lie. 

Finally, they reached their chosen spot in the park, sitting down on the grass. The surroundings were bathed in shades of orange as the sun continued to descend.

After chatting for a while, Kai produced a surprise birthday cake. They celebrated together, exchanged gifts, and enjoyed drinks and cake. While Yuki and Kai exchanged flirtatious banter, Mika and Mana leaned against a tree. Mika sat cross-legged on the ground, while Mana cradled her legs with her hands and gazed at the setting sun.

As the sky turned deeper shades of red, Mika's mind was consumed by the events of the weekend. Mana began to speak.

"Yuki loved her gift. Wasn't that nice?"

"Yes, she really liked it... Thanks for helping me choose it."

"I-it was nothing. By the way I wanted to ask you about somrthing:  You don't go to school, right? So, I was wondering if you're free this weekend. Maybe we could... hang out? Anywhere is fine, even meeting here in the park."

After a brief moment of thought, Mika replied,

"I'm sorry, Mana, I won't be able to."

"Oh, I see... That's disappointing," Mana said, her tone turning somber. She asked another question,

"If it's not too personal, could you tell me why? Is it because of me?"

"No, it has nothing to do with you. I already have plans with someone else," Mika clarified. He glanced at Yuki and Kai, who seemed to be having a great time.

"I understand... alright, it's okay. Thanks for answering my question," Mana said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

The sun had completely set. After spending a bit more time together, they said their goodbyes and started heading home. The day had come to an end, and Mika felt relieved that everything had gone smoothly.

As he walked home, he pondered,

I wonder how the weekend will go. Will I be able to have a real conversation? Why did Mana seem so downcast?

Lost in thought, he suddenly realized he was back home.

When did I get myself involved in all of this?