As Kushida and Sakura made their way toward the rest area he eleics store entrance, Hikaru turned his gaze back toward the store clerk.
"Excuse me, sir, I'd like to ask a few questions about cameras. Would that be okay?"
The clerk's expression stiffened.
"...What kind of questions?"
Seeing that Sakura had been led far away, his frustration was evident, but Hikaru's earlier veiled threat still lingered in his mind.
So, f a professional smile, he replied, "Are you ied in buying a camera?"
"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't be back here a sed time, would I?"
Hikaru shrugged casually, pying along.
He o appear ving.
After all, as a store clerk on this artificial isnd, his employment was likely pre-determined by the school administration, with limited staff turnover.
Sakura was only a first-year student, having been enrolled for barely a month.
There was no logical reason for this clerk to know her.
Unless…
He had been watg her even before she ehe school.
But Sakura's rea yesterday didn't resemble that of someone entering a familiar face.
She had dispyed fear, actively avoiding his gaze.
That meant…
This guy probably knows Sakura. But Sakura doesn't know him.
---
With this theory in mind, Hikaru decided to probe further, using the photography basics he had crammed that m.
"In terms of cameras, is there a signifit differeween those used for portraits and those used for ndscapes?"
"Yes, there is," the clerk nodded, ung into a brief expnation.
"The settings required for portrait photography and ndscape photography are quite different. A beginner would o find the right bao suit their style."
"I see. What camera would you reend for portrait photography?"
Hikaru asked as he sed the dispy case, his eyes discreetly the clerk's expression.
"For portraits, I'd reend this model right here."
Without hesitation, the clerk instinctively reached for a pink camera, ohat bore a striking resembo Sakura's.
"Oh? What model is that? Is it expensive?"
Hikaru extended his hand toward the camera, pretending to i it.
But before he could touch it—
"Wait—"
The clerk's expression tensed, and he quickly snatched the camera away.
"This… isn't avaible for er use at the moment."
"Why's that?" Hikaru raised an eyebrow.
"Ah… because it's broken."
The clerk awkwardly cleared his throat, stumbling over his words.
"The rept parts are still on the way, so it 't be used for now."
Hikaru paused, resting a hand on his .
This guy is a terrible liar.
If it was broken, then why was he so protective of it?
Why not just let me see for myself?
The clerk quickly ged the subject, growing impatient.
"So… have you decided on a purchase?"
"Hmm… I think I'll hold off for now."
Hikaru put on a sheepish smile, feigni.
"I don't have enough private points at the moment. Maybe I'll e baext month."
A flicker of irritation crossed the clerk's face.
"...I see. Well, if you're still ied, you're wele to return."
"Thanks. I'll do that."
With that, Hikaru walked away without hesitatioing with Kushida and Sakura.
---
"I asked about a few camera models, but they were a bit pricey," Hikaru sighed dramatically, turning to Sakura.
"For now, I guess I'll just practice with my phone."
"That works!" Sakura nodded enthusiastically.
"Smartphones might not be as good as actual cameras, but they still take really nice pictures!"
Seeing her genuiement, Hikaru pushed his pn forward.
"If that's the case, would you like to take some photos together after this?"
Sakura hesitated for a sed before nodding shyly.
"Y-Yeah… I'd like that."
"Alright, let's do it then."
"Well, I'll leave you two to it," Kushida suddenly interjected.
Both Hikaru and Sakura turo look at her.
"I have some things to take care of, so I'll head off first," she said, already stepping away.
Before leaving, she g Hikaru's face—as if she wao say something—but held back.
Then, she simply waved and walked off.
"See you, Kushida-san," Hikaru called out after her.
---
With Kushida go was just the two of them.
"Looks like it's just us now," Hikaru chuckled.
"Are you okay with that, Sakura-san?"
"I-It's fine," she murmured.
Then, gathering her ce, she ched her fists lightly and said:
"If you really want to learn photography… I give you some tips."
Hikaru blinked in surprise, before smiling warmly.
"Really? That would be amazing!"
He deliberately showed excitement, making sure his enthusiasm felt genuine.
"If I have someone like you guiding me, I'll probably improve much faster!"
"Th-There's o thank me… I'm not some professional or anything…"
Sakura blushed, looking down shyly.
Hikaru sidered his move.
Since she had already agreed to help, maybe he could push the retionship forward a little more.
After a slight pause, he spoke gently.
"If we both like photography… does that mean we bee friends?"
Sakura's eyes widened.
"!"
Her heartbeat quied, and she instinctively looked up at Hikaru's face.
His expression was as warm as always—kind and patient.
"Friends…?"
Her voice wavered, filled with nervousness and disbelief.
"Would you… really want to be friends with someone like me?"
"Of course I would."
Hikaru's gaze was unwavering, his tole but firm.
"You're helping me, so naturally, I want to be friends with you."
Sakura hesitated for a moment.
But then—
"...Then… I'd like to be your friend too."
She said it.
It felt strange.
Unfamiliar.
But somehow… not too bad.
For the first time, she had met someone who made her feel different.
She wao see more of him—to uand what kind of person he was.
Hikaru smiled.
"Then from now on, we're officially friends, Sakura-san."
And right on cue—
[Ding!]
[Due to your shared is and warm attitude, Sakura Airi has accepted you as a friend.]
[Sakura Airi Stock +10]
[Current Stock Price: 50]
Hikaru grinned internally.
Nice work, Sakura-san.
~~~
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