"Arcade Retreat: Fuyumi's Stand and Shiriku's Reflection"

As the clock struck 4:00 PM, signaling the end of the class, students began packing up and heading out. Sachi and Fuyumi joined the departing crowd, gearing up to leave as well. Just as they were about to exit, Junichi chimed in, "Hey Shiriku, let's swing by the cafeteria before we leave. I need to grab a juice box."

Shiriku, still packing his notes, nodded in agreement. "Sure, let me finish up here first," he replied, focused on organizing his materials.

Meanwhile Sachi and Fuyumi was also talking about going to the cafeteria as well to look for some food to buy, When Sachi, overhearing Junichi's plan, swiftly grabbed Fuyumi's arm and steered her towards Shiriku's desk. With a bright smile, Sachi said, "Hey Shiriku, I heard Junichi's planning a cafeteria detour before heading out. Mind if we tag along?"

As Shiriku was about to agree, he caught a glimpse of Fuyumi's visibly irritated expression. Hesitating for a moment, he carefully chose his words, "Well, if Junichi doesn't mind."

Junichi, sensing the underlying tension, reassured them with a warm smile, "Of course, I don't mind. The more, the merrier!" His gesture of openness aimed to dissolve any discomfort, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie despite the unspoken tension.

After a brief 5-minute walk, the group reached the cafeteria. Junichi, eager to quench his thirst, swiftly bought his juice box. Turning to Shiriku, he asked, "You're not getting anything?"

Shiriku, maintaining a casual demeanor, replied, "Nope, I'm all good," waving off the idea of purchasing anything.

Junichi then turned to Fuyumi and Sachi, inquiring about their cafeteria cravings. Sachi, with infectious energy, smiled and says, "Oh, I'm not really craving anything. Fuyumi just asked me to join her." She added a cheerful note to her words, trying to keep the atmosphere light.

Shiriku, attempting to engage Fuyumi, questioned her preferences. However, met with her silent stare, he sensed the depth of her displeasure. Opting to break the silence, Fuyumi decided to grab the same type of juice box Junichi had chosen. Shiriku, with an internal sigh, noted, "Damn, she really just looked at me and ignored me. She really is mad."

Fuyumi, breaking the brief silence, declared, "Let's go." The group began their exit from the cafeteria, with emotions lingering beneath the surface.

As the group strolled towards the school gate, the atmosphere held a subtle tension, especially between Shiriku and Fuyumi. Sachi, suggested, "Hey, how about we hit the arcade? It could be fun, right?"

Junichi, embracing the idea, chimed in, "Yeah, sounds like a good plan. A little arcade action might lighten the mood."

Fuyumi, though still reserved, managed a small nod. However, Shiriku hesitated, his mind perhaps lingering on the unresolved tension. Sachi, catching onto the hesitation, nudged him playfully. "Come on, Shiriku, it'll be a blast! We can all have some fun together."

Shiriku then says, "Alright, why not? Let's go to the arcade." He attempted a smile, but the tension didn't fully dissipate.

As they reached the school gate, heading towards the arcade, Sachi walked close to Fuyumi, whispering, "See, this will be a good way to lighten the mood." Her supportive gesture aimed to bridge the gap between Fuyumi and Shiriku.

Fuyumi, appreciating Sachi's effort, responded with a faint smile. The group continued chatting, with Junichi making jokes and Sachi sharing anecdotes, attempting to create a more comfortable ambiance.

As they approached the school gate, Shiriku's phone chimed, prompting him to check a message from his father. Sachi, curious, asked, "Did something come up, Shiriku?"

Reading the message, Shiriku replied, "Yeah, it's my dad. He wants me to go to the mall after school. They're doing groceries, and Shiroe will catch up after his class at 4:30 pm. I have to take a taxi."

Junichi inquired, "So, does that mean you won't be able to join us in the arcade?"

With a content face, Shiriku responded, "Maybe next time, guys, haha."

Sachi, looking a bit disappointed, said, "Okay... Shiriku, next time, okay?" She wore a sad expression. Shiriku patted her on the head and assured her, "Yup, next time. Maybe tomorrow, haha."

As Junichi and Sachi bid farewell, Shiriku waved, noticing Fuyumi's silence. Shiriku, deciding to break the ice, suddenly stopped, turned around, and cheerfully exclaimed, "Fuyumi, let's do our best tomorrow!" He flashed a big smile.

Sachi and Junichi, observing Fuyumi's irritated expression, exchanged glances as she muttered, "Hmph." Shiriku, still smiling, turned away, continuing to walk. However, he couldn't shake the feeling of tension between them.

While walking away, Shiriku found himself reflecting, "As I thought, I don't like the feeling when someone's mad at me, especially someone as smart as her. I just wanted to make friends in high school; why did an obstacle like her show up?"

Continuing his internal monologue, Shiriku pondered, "Also, why does she even hate me? She keeps bringing up my family name whenever Sachi tries to make her have a conversation with me. It's annoying. Maybe I should ask her after the election tomorrow."

Meanwhile back to the three:

Fuyumi, still visibly irritated, crossed her arms as she declared, "You know what, I'm not in the mood for the arcade either. I'll pass."

Sachi, noticing the tension, attempted to diffuse it, "Aw, come on, Fuyumi! It'll be fun, and it might help lighten the mood."

Fuyumi, maintaining her stern expression, shook her head, "No, thanks. I have things to do at home. Maybe next time."

Junichi, sensing the shift in plans, chimed in, "Well, if Fuyumi is skipping, then maybe I should too.

Sachi, with a cheerful demeanor, says, "I think it's better if we all head our separate ways today. Let's catch up tomorrow, and maybe we can plan something then!"

Fuyumi, still holding onto her frustration, added, "Yeah, I need to prepare for the election tomorrow. I don't have time for games.

"Junichi, understanding the change of mood, nodded, "Alright, another time then. Good luck with your preparations, Fuyumi."

As Sachi left with Fuyumi leaving Junichi alone, the atmosphere carried a mix of disappointment and lingering tension.