Spending our time together

The Secret Garden wasn’t really what I expected but I couldn’t help but smile. It was fitting in its own way. This is a hidden place where we could all gather.

"Guess the Potato Clubhouse didn’t stand a chance," I muttered, glancing at Shizu who was looking particularly smug.

"Potato doesn’t exactly scream ‘cozy retreat,’ numbskull," She teased as her eyes glinted mischievously.

Look at her, isn’t she already fully integrated into our complex relationship? She could even show different kinds of faces now. The Shizu that even Nami and their circle feared before was already a thing of the past – or rather, her cold, untouchable persona was now mostly reserved for public appearances.

Yuika-senpai, still by my side and enjoying our secretive connection, laughed softly again. "The Secret Garden suits this place, Onoda-kun. It’s… special. Like all of us."

I glanced at her, appreciating the warmth in her voice. What else could I say but agree to it?

“Yeah, it really does.”