I also made a bento as a thank you

Akira Walked back home, still thinking about the events of the day, he recognized her innocence and lack of awareness about the darker facets of society.

It wasn't out of malice that he allowed her to encounter the seemingly charming man at the convenience store.

Saki's sheltered existence, while endearing, painted a target on her back in a world filled with opportunists.

He believed that shielding her outright wouldn't empower her to navigate the complexities of life.

A bitter taste of the world's shadows, under his watchful eye, might serve as a wake-up call, a necessary shock to her system.

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.

As Akira turned the key in the door, the soft click signaled his return to the sanctuary of his apartment.

Upon stepping through the front door, the living area unfolds with carefully chosen hues and tasteful furnishings. Neutral-toned walls create an inviting backdrop, complemented by large windows that usher in natural light.

The plush sofa and sleek coffee table create a space for relaxation and inspiration.

A well-equipped kitchen stands adjacent, inviting culinary exploration with polished granite countertops and stainless steel fixtures.

The bedroom is a sanctuary of tranquility, featuring a sumptuous bed and a spacious closet reflecting a keen eye for style and organization.

In the bathroom, sleek tiles and contemporary fixtures offer a spa-like ambiance.

Throughout the apartment, carefully selected decor adds personality, creating a space that is both luxurious and welcoming.

With a deft motion, Akira slipped out of his school uniform and made his way to the bathroom.

As the warm water cascaded over him, he let the day's tensions melt away.

After the rejuvenating shower, Akira ventured into the well-equipped kitchen.

Opening the refrigerator revealed an array of fresh ingredients, and without further ado, he got to work.

Soon after, the aromatic symphony of spices and sizzling ingredients filled the air as he prepared a dish he had mastered over time. The savory aroma wafted through the apartment.

.

Sitting in the plush living room after dinner, Akira found solace in the comfort of his own space. As he reclined on the well-crafted furniture, his phone buzzed.

Picking the call, His mother's voice, laced with genuine care, echoed through the phone. "How was your first day, Dear? Are you doing fine on your own? Do you want me to send someone to take care of the household chores? Perhaps a driver for school?"

A gentle smile played on Akira's lips as he responded, "Mom, I'm doing just fine, you and Dad promised me remember, I want to learn to handle things on my own. It's interesting to experience being independent"

'Well the original wanted to, and it's good with me as well'

"haa... Alright alright, we did promise" she sighed in resignation.

"But if there's anything you can't handle, just tell mom ok ?"

"I'll be sure to do so mom"

"That's good"

"So~, are there any cute girls in your class?" She said in a teasing tone.

"MOM!!"

Their conversation then meandered through the trivialities of daily life.

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The next day...

Akira woke up at six in the morning.

After freshening up, he spent half an hour going through his high school knowledge and other related things.

At six-thirty...

he prepared and ate a hearty breakfast before packing up and heading out.

When he arrived in his class, only about a tenth of the students were there.

At a glance, Akira spotted Saki, who also seems to be looking his way.

As their eyes met, She was startled, and her face is now tinged with a rosy hue, before she quickly averted her gaze, perhaps in an attempt to conceal the blush that lingered on her cheeks.

'Cute' he thought.

"Yo Akira!!" an energetic voice came from the side

Turning his attention to the one who called him, Akira saw a guy Standing at an average height with a lean build.

His jet-black hair, often tousled in a casual yet intentional manner, frames a face characterized by sharp features and expressive, warm brown eyes.

From his memory, he recognized him as his best friend, Hiroshi Takahashi.

While not necessarily standing out in a crowd, Hiroshi's genuine smile and easygoing nature contribute to his allure.

There's an air of reliability about him, an unspoken promise of steadfast friendship and unwavering loyalty that draws people in.

However, despite his family's wealth, after the Original body's death, he seems to have been entangled in a spiral of addiction that began innocently with experimentation during 2nd year of high school.

Over time, it evolves into a destructive force, jeopardizing his academic pursuits and straining relationships. 

The once-promising student and loyal friend faces a bleak future marked by isolation and health issues.

'Now that I'm here, I won't let this good brother make the same mistakes'

Smiling, Akira greeted back "Hey! What's up, Hiroshi!"

He looked at me for a little, then at the back of the classroom, before turning back to me.

Catching his gaze, a teasing smirk played on his lips as he leaned closer to me and whispered

"Psst, spotted someone catching your eye at the back, huh? Nice choice. What's the plan, Casanova?"

Akira shook his head "It's nothing"

"hmm~~, you su~re ?"

"Actually, I've always like... you."

Hiroshi was taken aback.

A slight blush immediately tinted his face "Let me think about it."

Akira "???" 

They looked at each other for a while.

"Pfft... hahahah," a burst of laughter erupted.

They soon calmed down as the teacher entered the classroom and began the lesson.

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.

As the bustling sounds of students heading to the cafeteria filled the air, Akira joined the movement, gathering his belongings to depart for lunch.

In the midst of the shuffle, a delicate voice reached his ears, distinct yet hushed.

Turning, he found Saki Yoshida standing nearby, her eyes reflecting a mixture of nervousness and determination.

"Um, Akira?" she stammered, her fingers twirling a lock of hair, a subtle sign of her unease.

"Do... do you have a moment?"

Observing the exchange between Akira and the shy girl, his friend, ever perceptive, flashed him a sly grin, giving a subtle thumbs-up before excusing himself with a mischievous smirk

Amused by his friend's antics, Akira turned his attention back to the girl, nodding with a gentle smile ."Yeah, sure. What's up?"

She took a deep breath, her fingers nervously playing with the hem of her skirt. "I was in a pretty bad situation, and you... you saved me from something really awful. I never got the chance to properly thank you."

"I... I just wanted to thank you for helping me yesterday. It meant a lot." Her eyes met his briefly before she glanced away.

Akira's expression softened, understanding the weight behind her words. "No need to thank me. I'm just glad you're okay."

Encouraged by his response, the shy girl's lips curved into a shy smile. "I also made a bento as a thank you. It's not much, but I hope you like it." she murmured, her cheeks tinged with a gentle blush.

In a sudden burst of embarrassment, she swiftly turned away and practically sprinted out of the classroom, leaving him with the bento in hand.

Akira, surprised but charmed by her sudden retreat, couldn't help but chuckle softly.

He watched her disappearing figure with an amused smile, appreciating the sincerity and innocence of the moment.