Chapter 7: Accidental Encounters

As Minori continued her stroll through the bustling streets, fate seemed to conspire against her. Every store she entered, every corner she turned, Ryu appeared, unintentionally but persistently crossing her path, much to her annoyance.

In a fit of frustration, Minori finally confronted him. "Are you following me or something?" she accused, her irritation evident.

Ryu, distracted by his phone and seemingly unaware of their recurring encounters, replied with a hint of annoyance, "Following you? Maybe you're stalking me instead."

Their exchange ended in snubs as they went their separate ways, each nursing a growing frustration at the seemingly continuous series of run-ins.

However, fate had one more comedic twist in store for Minori. At a fast-food joint, hunger led her to settle into a seat, only to notice Ryu sitting across the room. In a moment of shock, she inadvertently drew attention to herself, catching Ryu's gaze.

A smile played on Ryu's lips as he watched Minori's embarrassed reaction, his amusement evident to those around him. Minori, flustered by the attention, hastily made her exit, eager to escape the embarrassing encounter.

Meanwhile, as Minori navigated the streets, another unexpected event unfolded. In her attempt to escape the awkwardness, she accidentally bumped into a burly man, causing him to spill his drink. The man, taking notice of Minori's appearance, tried to harass her, insisting she accompany him for a drink.

Despite Minori's apologies and attempts to resolve the situation, the man persisted, causing her discomfort. However, from a distance, Ryu observed the escalating situation and noticed Minori's distress. Concerned for her safety, he quickly sought help from nearby authorities, all while feeling a bit helpless himself.

As the situation intensified, Ryu intervened, calmly defusing the tension and persuading the man to leave. Once the situation was resolved, Ryu checked on Minori, ensuring she was okay. With a word of thanks, he swiftly departed, leaving Minori pondering his actions.

Watching Ryu leave, Minori experienced a mix of conflicting thoughts—initially suspicious of his motives but ultimately contemplating whether he might indeed be a genuinely nice person.

Back in their respective worlds, Shou remained engrossed in his basketball practice, while Ayaka watched from afar, her gaze filled with admiration. Meanwhile, Minori returned home, her mind swirling with a whirlwind of thoughts about the mysterious man named Ryu and the strange but potentially kind actions he displayed.

As she settled into her evening, Minori found herself torn between irritation and a flicker of curiosity, realizing she hadn't even learned his name. This unexpected encounter left her wrestling with conflicting emotions, unsure whether to be grateful or still irked by the enigmatic stranger who seemed to keep crossing her path.