"Golden Scenario #2: I'll Keep You Safe"
Shiriku nodded, confirming his improved state. "Yeah, I'm already better. How about you, Fuyumi? Why are you standing here?" He cast a curious glance around the campus. "Are you perhaps waiting for someone? Is it Sachi? Come to think of it, I didn't see Sachi and Junichi."
Fuyumi clarified the situation, her voice holding a contented tone. "Umm, Sachi and Junichi already left first," she revealed, her relief apparent.
Shiriku's eyebrows furrowed with a hint of confusion. "Oh, they did? Why didn't you join them?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.
A sly smile played at the corners of Shiriku's lips as he ventured another guess. "Fuyumi, are you perhaps waiting for me?" His tone was playful, accompanied by a smirk.
Fuyumi, however, seemed taken aback and quick to refute the idea. "What? No! Why would I wait for you?!" She responded with a hint of anger and embarrassment, her cheeks turning a shade of crimson. But her phone chimed with a message, which she hastily checked.
The message read, "Go ahead first, I'm still busy." Fuyumi's expression softened into a slight smile as she read the words, an understanding warmth in her eyes.
With a cheerful demeanor, Shiriku decided to continue on his way. "Well, I'm gonna go ahead," he stated, his smile firmly in place. He turned and started to walk away, leaving Fuyumi with her smile, the unspoken sentiments lingering in the air.
Before Shiriku could continue on his way, Fuyumi's voice cut through the air with a nervous tone. "Hey, Shiriku!" She called out, her expression tinged with unease.
Shiriku turned around to face her, "Yeah, what's up?" he replied, meeting her gaze with a calm expression.
Fuyumi's voice wavered slightly as she proposed, "Wanna walk to the train station together?" There was a hint of nervousness in her voice, though she masked it with a touch of sarcasm.
Shiriku considered her request for a moment before agreeing, his tone casual. "Okay, sure, but only if you agree to something,"
Fuyumi seemed perplexed by his request. "Agree with something?" she inquired, her voice carrying a note of confusion.
The scene transitioned to the bike racks in the school parking area, where Shiriku started to unchain a bicycle. Fuyumi observed with a baffled expression, her brows furrowed.
"Ahhh, what are you doing?" Fuyumi questioned, still puzzled by Shiriku's actions.
Shiriku continued his task, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "What do you mean, I'm doing? I'm unchaining the bike," he explained, focused on the task at hand.
Fuyumi's confusion lingered, and she sought clarification. "I know what you're doing, but why?" she pressed, her curiosity evident.
Shiriku completed the task of unchaining the bike efficiently while responding, "Because I need to return this."
Once the bike was ready, Shiriku mounted it confidently and looked back at Fuyumi, indicating the empty seat behind him. "Fuyumi, you sit here."
Fuyumi's realization grew, and a flicker of concern crossed her face "Umm, Shiriku, this bike is for," but before Fuyumi could finished her words Shiriku interrupts her by saying. "By couples? Shiriku grinned and shrugged, So? We've already pretended to be a couple once during the couples' run." He continued, emphasizing their previous escapades. "And don't worry, you said we'd walk together, and I also said that you first need to agree to something. Well, this is that 'something'."
Fuyumi had voiced her concern about the tandem bike, but Shiriku's enthusiasm was unwavering. He spoke with a soft, reassuring smile as he countered her hesitations.
Fuyumi's doubts began to give way, but she still questioned their destination. "But where are you returning this?" she inquired.
As Fuyumi questioned where they were heading with the bike, Shiriku provided a simple yet enticing response. "Oh, it's not that 'far'."
As the late afternoon sun casting a would then cast warm glow across the landscape, Fuyumi couldn't help but notice the way the sunlight played with the strands of her hair. The gentle breeze caressed her, making her hair sway like golden threads. It was as if nature itself was encouraging her to embrace the moment.
Shiriku couldn't help but admire Fuyumi, and a warm smile spread across his face as he soaked in the beauty of what he's seeing
"Well, Fuyumi," Shiriku began with confidence, He extended his hand towards her. "Take my hand and let's go. If you're scared, just hold onto my bag or my shoulder, and don't worry. I'll keep you safe."
Shiriku observed Fuyumi's reaction and noticed the blush that had crept onto her cheeks.
Fuyumi's eyes met his, and the world seemed to melt away around them. With a subtle smile, she reached out and placed her hand in his.
.
.
.
LOCATION: SCHOOL CAFETERIA, TIME 12:10 PM
It was the beginning of their second mission in the elaborate ruse of a fake relationship for Shiriku and Ayaka. Lunchtime had arrived, and the gang wasn't dining together this time. Shiriku and Ayaka sat at a separate table, fully embracing their roles as a couple. The act began with the charming custom of feeding each other, a classic romantic gesture that sent a message. Ayaka started this display by playfully prodding, "Shiriku, say ahh."
Shiriku, completely in character, opened his mouth wide, playfully extending the moment, and responded with an exaggerated "Ahhhh." This playful exchange between them was met with a soft, shared giggle. Meanwhile, Aoi and Ayaka's dedicated fan club discreetly watched, hidden in the shadows, capturing every moment with photos and videos, ensuring they had the perfect evidence for their mission.
At another table, Fuyumi, Junichi, and Sachi enjoyed their lunch while observing the unfolding drama. Junichi couldn't help but comment on the couple's performance. He couldn't contain his amusement as he pointed out, "Look at them, all lovey-dovey. I mean, we know it's fake, but look at Shiriku's reaction. HAHAHA, he's definitely feeling the pressure." Junichi chuckled with a playful grin while savoring his food.
Sachi chimed in, her eyes never leaving the entertaining scene before them. She commented with an amused smile, "Well, just look at them. See how Ayaka is all cozy next to Shiriku, and poor Shiriku, he's practically beet-red from blushing with everything that's happening." Her smile hinted at curiosity as she added, "Nonetheless, this is a part of the plan. I'm pretty sure we have two or maybe three more steps left, right, Fuyumi?"