The first week back at school after the cultural festival was quiet but filled with subtle changes. The crisp autumn air carried with it a sense of renewal, and Kaito couldn’t help but notice how everyone seemed to settle into their routines again. Yet, beneath the surface, things weren’t quite the same.

  In the classroom, Yukina greeted everyone with her usual cheerfulness. “Alright, everyone! I hope you’re ready because midterm exams are just around the corner!” she announced, clapping her hands together.

  A collective groan echoed through the room, and Kaito chuckled softly at Haruto’s exaggerated slump onto his desk.

  “Exams already? Can’t we just enjoy life for a bit?” Haruto complained, dramatically holding his head.

  Aoi, who sat nearby, giggled. “Come on, Haruto. It’s not that bad. Besides, you always manage to scrape by somehow.”

  “That’s because of Kaito,” Haruto grumbled, pointing at him. “If I didn’t have his notes to copy, I’d be doomed!”

  Kaito shook his head. “Maybe if you studied once in a while, you wouldn’t have to rely on me.”

  Haruto gave him a sheepish grin but didn’t deny it.

  Meanwhile, Kaguya and Akari were quietly discussing their plans for studying during lunch, their voices low but filled with determination. Kaguya’s gaze occasionally drifted toward Kaito, though she quickly looked away whenever their eyes met. Akari, on the other hand, seemed as composed as ever, her demeanor calm and collected despite everything that had transpired.

  The tension between them all was subtle but undeniable, like a thread stretched taut and waiting to snap.

  At lunchtime, Kaito decided to eat on the rooftop, seeking a moment of peace. To his surprise, Aoi joined him, her bento in hand and a soft smile on her face.

  “Mind if I sit here?” she asked.

  “Not at all,” Kaito replied, shifting to make room for her.

  They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the breeze ruffling their hair as they overlooked the school grounds.

  Aoi was the first to break the silence. “Kaito, are you okay? You’ve been... quieter than usual lately.”

  Kaito hesitated, unsure of how to put his thoughts into words. “I guess I’ve just been thinking a lot. About everything that’s happened.”

  Aoi nodded, her expression thoughtful. “It’s been a lot to process, hasn’t it?”

  “Yeah,” Kaito admitted. “But it’s not just that. I feel like things are changing, and I’m not sure how to keep up.”

  Aoi smiled gently. “Change isn’t always a bad thing, Kaito. Sometimes, it’s what helps us grow.”

  He looked at her, his heart skipping a beat at the sincerity in her eyes. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”

  She laughed softly. “Not really. I’m just trying my best, like everyone else.”

  Their conversation drifted to lighter topics after that, and for a while, Kaito felt a sense of normalcy return.

  As the day came to an end, Yukina assigned a group project for their literature class, pairing students together based on random draws. To Kaito’s surprise, he was partnered with Akari.

  “Looks like we’ll be working together,” Akari said, her tone neutral but her eyes holding a hint of amusement.

  Kaito nodded, trying to keep his composure. “Yeah. Let’s do our best.”

  Across the room, he caught a glimpse of Kaguya, who had been paired with Haruto. She gave him a small, reassuring smile, though there was a flicker of something unspoken in her expression.

  As the class packed up to leave, Aoi approached Kaito with a curious look. “Partnered with Akari, huh? That should be interesting.”

  Kaito shrugged, though he couldn’t deny the slight unease he felt. “Yeah. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

  Aoi gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “Good luck!”

  As they all walked home together, the conversations flowed naturally, but Kaito couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the calm before another storm.

  The next day at school, Kaito arrived early, his mind preoccupied with the literature project he had to work on with Akari. He didn’t know why, but the idea of spending time alone with her felt heavier than it should. Maybe it was because of her confession, or maybe it was because of the lingering tension between her and Kaguya.

  As the classroom filled with the usual morning chatter, Akari approached Kaito’s desk.

  “Hey, Kaito,” she said with a soft smile, her voice calm. “Are you free after school today? I thought we could start working on the project.”

  Kaito nodded. “Sure. The library?”

  “Perfect,” Akari replied, her eyes lingering on him for a moment before she turned to leave.

  From across the room, Kaguya watched the exchange, her expression neutral but her hands tightly gripping her notebook. Aoi, who sat beside her, noticed and placed a reassuring hand on her arm.

  “It’s just a project,” Aoi whispered. “You don’t have to worry.”

  Kaguya forced a smile but didn’t respond.

  When the final bell rang, Kaito packed his bag and headed to the library. Akari was already there, seated at a table near the back with a stack of books in front of her.

  “You’re early,” Kaito said as he sat down.

  “I like to be prepared,” Akari replied, pushing a book toward him. “I found a few references we could use for the project. Let’s divide the work.”

  They spent the next hour going over their assignment, their conversation mostly focused on the task at hand. Yet, there was an undercurrent of tension, a weight in the air that neither of them addressed.

  After a while, Akari set her pen down and leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed on Kaito. “You’ve been avoiding me, haven’t you?”

  Kaito looked up, startled. “What? No, I—”

  “You have,” Akari interrupted, her tone soft but firm. “It’s okay, Kaito. I get it. Things have been... complicated lately.”

  Kaito sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s not that I’m avoiding you. I just... I don’t know how to act around you and Kaguya anymore. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

  Akari smiled faintly, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. “You’re too kind, Kaito. But you can’t carry all of this on your own. It’s okay to just be honest with us.”

  Before Kaito could respond, Akari stood up, gathering her things. “I think we’ve done enough for today. Let’s continue tomorrow.”

  “Akari,” Kaito called after her as she started to leave.

  She paused, looking back at him with a gentle smile. “Don’t worry, Kaito. I’m not giving up on you. But I won’t force you to feel something you don’t. Take your time.”

  With that, she walked away, leaving Kaito alone with his thoughts.

  Later that evening, Kaito sat on the balcony of his house, staring up at the stars. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, guilt, and something he couldn’t quite name.

  Aoi joined him a few minutes later, a steaming mug of tea in her hands. “You’ve been out here a lot lately,” she said, handing him the mug.

  “Thanks,” Kaito murmured, taking a sip.

  Aoi sat beside him, her shoulder brushing against his. “What’s on your mind?”

  Kaito hesitated before answering. “Akari. And Kaguya. I feel like I’m letting them down somehow.”

  Aoi frowned, tilting her head to look at him. “Why would you think that? You’ve been nothing but honest with them.”

  “Have I?” Kaito muttered. “I feel like I’m just making things harder for everyone.”

  Aoi placed a hand on his arm, her touch warm and reassuring. “You’re not responsible for how they feel, Kaito. All you can do is be true to yourself. They’ll understand that eventually.”

  Kaito looked at her, his heart aching at the sincerity in her eyes. “How do you always know what to say?”

  Aoi smiled softly. “I don’t. I just... I care about you, that’s all.”

  Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, Aoi stood up, brushing off her skirt. “Come on, let’s go inside. It’s getting cold.”

  Kaito followed her, the weight on his chest feeling just a little lighter.

  That night, as Kaito lay in bed, he couldn’t stop replaying Akari’s words in his mind. He didn’t have all the answers yet, but he knew one thing for certain—he couldn’t keep running from this. Sooner or later, he would have to face it all head-on.

  The next day, Kaito was still mulling over the conversations he’d had with Akari and Aoi. As he walked to school, the crisp autumn air did little to clear his mind. His heart felt heavy, tangled in emotions he couldn’t easily untangle.

  When he entered the classroom, he noticed Akari and Kaguya sitting together, chatting like usual. They seemed calm, as if nothing had happened, but Kaito could sense the tension beneath their smiles. Aoi was already at her seat, flipping through a textbook, and gave him a small wave when their eyes met.

  “Morning, Kaito,” Aoi said as he took his seat next to her.

  “Morning,” he replied, trying to sound normal.

  Before the conversation could go any further, Yukina entered the classroom, clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, everyone, settle down. We’ve got a group activity planned for today. It’s a little different from the usual lectures, so I hope you’re all ready to participate.”

  The class buzzed with curiosity as Yukina explained that they would be working in randomly assigned groups to complete a scavenger hunt around the school. Each group would have to solve clues and complete tasks to earn points, with a prize awaiting the winning team.

  When the groups were announced, Kaito found himself paired with Aoi, Kaguya, and Haruto. The combination immediately set him on edge, especially when he saw the way Kaguya’s eyes lingered on him.

  “Looks like we’re stuck together,” Haruto said, grinning. “This should be fun.”

  “Let’s give it our best,” Aoi added cheerfully.

  Kaguya simply nodded, her smile polite but strained.

  The scavenger hunt began with a clue that led the group to the school’s art room. The task was to recreate a famous painting using whatever materials they could find.

  “This is easy,” Haruto said confidently, grabbing a paintbrush. “I’ve got this.”

  “Just don’t turn it into abstract art,” Aoi teased, earning a laugh from everyone except Kaguya, who stayed quiet.

  Kaito noticed and tried to lighten the mood. “Kaguya, why don’t you handle the details? You’re good at that.”

  Kaguya hesitated before nodding. “Alright.”

  As they worked together, Kaito couldn’t help but notice how hard Kaguya was trying to act normal. She laughed at Haruto’s jokes and complimented Aoi’s ideas, but her eyes always drifted back to Kaito when she thought no one was looking.

  The painting turned out decent enough to earn them full points, and the next clue led them to the library. There, they had to find a specific book hidden among the shelves.

  Aoi and Haruto searched one side of the library while Kaito and Kaguya took the other. As they scanned the rows of books, Kaguya finally spoke.

  “Kaito,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

  He turned to her, surprised. “Yeah?”

  “I just wanted to say… about the other night…” She trailed off, biting her lip.

  Kaito felt his chest tighten. “You don’t have to—”

  “No, I do,” Kaguya interrupted, her eyes meeting his. “I need to say this. I know you have feelings for Aoi, and I respect that. But I meant what I said—I’m not giving up on you. I just wanted you to know that.”

  Kaito didn’t know how to respond. The determination in her voice was clear, but there was also a vulnerability that made his heart ache.

  Before he could say anything, Aoi called out from the other side of the library. “Found it!”

  The moment was broken, and Kaguya quickly turned away, her expression unreadable.

  The final task took them to the rooftop, where they had to solve a riddle to unlock a small chest containing the final clue. Haruto and Aoi worked together, bouncing ideas off each other, while Kaito and Kaguya stood off to the side.

  “You okay?” Kaito asked her quietly.

  Kaguya forced a smile. “I’m fine. Let’s just focus on finishing this.”

  The chest was eventually opened, and the group earned enough points to secure third place overall. As they returned to the classroom to wrap up the activity, Aoi noticed the tension between Kaito and Kaguya but chose not to comment.

  After school, Kaito found himself on the rooftop again, seeking solitude. The cool breeze helped clear his mind, but only slightly. He knew he couldn’t keep avoiding these emotions, but he didn’t know how to confront them either.

  Footsteps approached, and he turned to see Aoi walking toward him.

  “Figured you’d be up here,” she said, smiling softly.

  “Needed some air,” Kaito replied.

  Aoi stood beside him, her gaze focused on the horizon. “You’ve been quiet today. Is everything okay?”

  Kaito hesitated before answering. “Just… thinking about a lot of things.”

  Aoi nodded, not pressing him further. Instead, she leaned on the railing, her shoulder brushing against his. The silence between them was comfortable, a stark contrast to the tension he felt with Kaguya and Akari.

  “You don’t have to figure everything out at once,” Aoi said after a while. “Take your time. We’ll all be here for you, no matter what.”

  Her words, simple as they were, eased some of the weight on Kaito’s chest. He looked at her, his heart swelling with gratitude.

  “Thanks, Aoi,” he said softly.

  She smiled, and for a moment, everything felt just a little bit easier.

  The next morning, Kaito woke up earlier than usual. Sleep had been fleeting, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Kaguya, Akari, and Aoi. The rooftop conversation with Aoi had brought him some clarity, but the emotional whirlwind surrounding him was far from settled.

  As he walked to school, the autumn leaves rustled underfoot, and the crisp air carried a sense of change. He decided to focus on the present—his friends, his studies, and the small moments that made life meaningful.

  When he entered the classroom, Haruto greeted him with his usual grin. “Morning, Kaito. You look like you didn’t sleep.”

  “Morning, Haruto,” Kaito replied, forcing a smile. “Just couldn’t turn my brain off.”

  “Must be all those girls fighting over you,” Haruto teased, wagging his eyebrows.

  Kaito rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”

  “Sure, it’s not,” Haruto said, chuckling as he leaned back in his chair.

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  Aoi entered the classroom shortly after, her presence immediately drawing Kaito’s attention. She smiled at him, and he felt a warmth spread through his chest. Kaguya and Akari arrived together, their expressions neutral but their glances toward Kaito telling a different story.

  During lunch, the group gathered at their usual spot under a large tree in the school courtyard. The atmosphere was light, with Haruto cracking jokes and Aoi laughing along. Kaguya and Akari participated in the conversation but remained quieter than usual.

  “Kaito, are you joining the cultural festival committee this year?” Aoi asked, looking at him expectantly.

  “I hadn’t thought about it,” he admitted. “Are you?”

  She nodded. “I figured it’d be fun. Plus, it’s a good way to make some memories.”

  “You should join too, Kaito,” Haruto chimed in. “It’s not like you’ve got anything better to do.”

  Kaito smirked. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

  “You’re welcome,” Haruto replied, grinning.

  “I’ll think about it,” Kaito said, glancing at Aoi. The idea of spending more time with her was tempting.

  After school, Kaito decided to visit the music room. Playing the violin had always been his way of processing emotions, and today was no different. As he played a soft, melancholic melody, the door creaked open, and Akari stepped inside.

  “Kaito,” she said softly, closing the door behind her.

  “Akari,” he replied, lowering the violin. “What’s up?”

  She hesitated, her hands clasped in front of her. “I just wanted to talk. About… everything.”

  Kaito sighed, setting the violin down. “Alright. What’s on your mind?”

  Akari walked closer, her gaze steady. “I know you’re overwhelmed, and I don’t want to make things harder for you. But I meant what I said—I’ll keep trying to win your heart.”

  Her words were firm, but her tone was gentle. Kaito could see the sincerity in her eyes, and it made his chest tighten.

  “I don’t want to hurt you, Akari,” he said honestly. “You’re important to me, but my feelings for Aoi…”

  “I know,” she interrupted, giving him a small smile. “And I’m not asking you to change overnight. I just want you to know that I’m not giving up.”

  Before Kaito could respond, the door opened again, and Kaguya entered. She stopped short when she saw them, her expression shifting to one of surprise.

  “Am I interrupting something?” she asked, her tone neutral.

  “Not really,” Akari said, stepping back. “I was just leaving.”

  Kaguya watched her go before turning to Kaito. “You’ve been busy,” she remarked.

  Kaito sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, you could say that.”

  Kaguya walked over to the piano and sat on the bench. “I came to practice, but if you want to be alone, I can come back later.”

  “No, it’s fine,” Kaito said, picking up his violin again. “Let’s play something together.”

  She nodded, and for a while, they played a duet. The music filled the room, creating a peaceful atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the emotional turmoil they both felt.

  Later that evening, Kaito sat on his balcony, staring at the stars. He thought about Aoi’s kindness, Akari’s determination, and Kaguya’s vulnerability. Each of them had a special place in his life, but his heart remained firmly drawn to Aoi.

  The sound of a faint breeze reminded him of the masked man’s words: “You’ll see someone who will suffer from one-sided love.”

  Kaito frowned, realizing how much those words were coming true. He didn’t want to be the cause of anyone’s pain, but he also couldn’t force his feelings to change.

  As the night deepened, he resolved to face everything head-on, no matter how difficult it might be. For now, he would cherish the moments he had with each of them, hoping that time would bring clarity and healing for everyone involved.

  The following morning, Kaito woke up early. The crisp autumn air drifted through his open window, carrying with it the faint scent of dew on grass.

  He stretched, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts from the previous night. The emotional tension with Akari and Kaguya was weighing on him, but he knew he couldn’t let it dictate his interactions with them.

  At school, the usual hustle and bustle greeted him. Students were chatting about the upcoming cultural festival, and the air buzzed with excitement.

  As Kaito entered the classroom, he spotted Aoi, Akari, and Kaguya sitting together. They seemed to be having a lighthearted conversation, but their glances in his direction told him that things were far from resolved.

  “Yo, Kaito!” Haruto called out, slinging an arm around his shoulder. “Ready to dive into another day of school life?”

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” Kaito replied, forcing a smile.

  During lunch, the group gathered under their usual tree in the courtyard. Haruto, as always, was the life of the conversation, regaling everyone with a story about his latest antics in gym class.

  “And then, just as I was about to score, boom! Tripped over my own feet,” Haruto said, throwing his hands in the air dramatically.

  Everyone laughed, even Kaguya and Akari, though their laughter seemed a bit more reserved.

  “Kaito, are you joining the cultural festival preparations?” Aoi asked, turning to him with a hopeful look.

  “I’m not sure,” Kaito admitted. “I haven’t decided yet.”

  “You should!” Aoi said enthusiastically. “It’ll be fun. Plus, we could all work on something together.”

  “That does sound nice,” Kaguya said, her voice soft but clear.

  “Yeah, we could totally dominate the festival,” Akari added with a smirk. “If we work together, we’ll make something amazing.”

  Haruto grinned. “You’re all too serious. The real goal of the festival is to have fun, not to stress over every little thing.”

  “You say that, but I bet you’ll be the first one to mess something up,” Kaito teased.

  “Hey, no faith in me?” Haruto protested, clutching his chest as if wounded.

  The group laughed again, and for a moment, the tension between Kaito, Akari, and Kaguya seemed to fade.

  After school, Kaito found himself walking home with Aoi. The streets were quieter than usual, with the occasional breeze rustling the leaves.

  “So,” Aoi began, her hands clasped behind her back, “what do you think about the cultural festival?”

  “It sounds fun,” Kaito said. “I just don’t know what I’d want to do.”

  Aoi tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. “Maybe something musical? You’re amazing with the violin.”

  Kaito glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Thanks, but I’m not sure people would want to hear me play.”

  “I would,” Aoi said softly, her cheeks tinged with pink.

  Kaito felt his heart skip a beat at her words. He looked away, hoping she wouldn’t notice the slight flush on his face.

  “I’ll think about it,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

  Meanwhile, Akari and Kaguya were walking together a short distance behind Kaito and Aoi.

  “So, what do you think of the cultural festival?” Akari asked, her tone casual.

  “It’ll be a good distraction,” Kaguya replied, her gaze fixed on Kaito and Aoi.

  “You’re still thinking about him, aren’t you?” Akari said, her voice losing some of its playfulness.

  Kaguya sighed. “Of course I am. But I won’t back down, no matter what.”

  Akari smiled faintly. “Neither will I. Guess that makes us rivals.”

  Kaguya turned to her, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I suppose it does. But let’s keep it civil. For his sake.”

  Akari nodded. “Agreed. May the best woman win.”

  Later that evening, Kaito sat on his balcony again, his violin resting on his lap. The events of the day replayed in his mind—the laughter with his friends, the quiet moments with Aoi, and the subtle tension between Akari and Kaguya.

  He picked up the violin and began to play a soft, melancholic tune. The music carried his emotions, weaving together his confusion, hope, and guilt.

  As he played, he thought about the cultural festival and the possibilities it held. Perhaps it would be an opportunity to strengthen his bonds with everyone, to create memories that would overshadow the complicated emotions they were all dealing with.

  For now, all he could do was take things one step at a time.

  The next morning, Kaito arrived at school with a heavier-than-usual heart. The interactions with his friends—especially Aoi, Akari, and Kaguya—were becoming more complicated, and he wasn’t sure how to navigate the maze of emotions that surrounded him.

  As he entered the classroom, he noticed the usual morning chatter, but there was a faint shift in the atmosphere, almost like an unspoken tension simmering beneath the surface.

  Aoi was already at her desk, smiling warmly when she saw him. “Good morning, Kaito!”

  “Morning,” he replied, his voice calm but carrying a hint of fatigue.

  Kaguya and Akari arrived shortly after, exchanging polite nods with Kaito. Both girls had a subtle edge to their smiles, though they avoided making eye contact with each other.

  “Today’s going to be interesting,” Haruto whispered, appearing beside Kaito with his usual energy. “You can almost feel the tension in the air.”

  Kaito gave him a sidelong glance. “You’re imagining things.”

  “Am I?” Haruto smirked. “Come on, man. You’ve got three girls practically orbiting you. How does it feel to be the main character in a love drama?”

  Kaito sighed, brushing him off. “Don’t start, Haruto.”

  During lunch, the group gathered under their favorite tree in the courtyard. The weather was pleasantly cool, and the sunlight filtering through the leaves gave the setting a serene quality. Yet, the conversation was anything but peaceful.

  “So, Kaito,” Akari began, leaning forward with a mischievous grin, “have you decided what you’re doing for the cultural festival yet?”

  “Not yet,” Kaito admitted, glancing at Aoi. “I’m still thinking about it.”

  “You should perform,” Aoi said, her tone filled with encouragement. “Your violin playing is incredible.”

  “I agree,” Kaguya chimed in. “It would be a shame not to showcase your talent.”

  Akari smirked. “Well, if you’re performing, I’ll need a front-row seat. You can dedicate a song to me, right?”

  Kaito nearly choked on his drink, and Haruto burst out laughing. “Man, you’re really in the spotlight now!”

  Aoi looked flustered, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. Kaguya, on the other hand, maintained her calm demeanor, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of irritation.

  “Maybe we should all participate in something together,” Aoi suggested, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. “It would be fun, and it might take some of the pressure off.”

  “That’s a great idea,” Kaito said quickly, grateful for the distraction.

  After school, the group stayed behind to brainstorm ideas for the cultural festival. The classroom was buzzing with activity as students discussed decorations, performances, and food stalls.

  “How about a haunted house?” Haruto suggested, his eyes lighting up.

  “Too cliché,” Akari said, shaking her head.

  “What about a café?” Aoi offered.

  “Also cliché, but it could be fun,” Kaguya replied thoughtfully.

  As the conversation continued, Kaito found himself stealing glances at Aoi. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and he couldn’t help but admire the way she brought everyone together.

  “Earth to Kaito,” Haruto said, snapping his fingers in front of Kaito’s face. “You’re spacing out, man.”

  “Sorry,” Kaito muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

  Akari leaned closer, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Thinking about something—or someone—special?”

  Kaito shot her a warning look, but she just chuckled.

  Later that evening, Kaito found himself walking home alone. The quiet streets gave him time to reflect on the day’s events. He thought about Aoi’s radiant smile, Kaguya’s composed yet determined demeanor, and Akari’s playful confidence.

  Each of them had a unique way of showing their feelings, and Kaito was struggling to find a way to navigate his relationships without hurting anyone.

  As he reached his house, he looked up at the sky. The stars were faintly visible, scattered like tiny pinpricks of light against the dark canvas.

  “Why does this have to be so complicated?” he muttered to himself.

  He thought back to the masked man’s words—that someone would suffer from one-sided love. Now, it felt like those words were becoming his reality, though in a way he hadn’t anticipated.

  With a sigh, he entered his house, resolved to take things one day at a time. Whatever the future held, he knew he couldn’t let fear or indecision rule his actions.

  The next day at school, Kaito felt the lingering weight of his thoughts. Despite his resolve to approach things one day at a time, the entanglement of emotions surrounding him was growing harder to ignore.

  In class, Aoi seemed more radiant than usual, her cheerful laughter filling the room during casual conversations with classmates. Kaito couldn’t help but notice the small things—how her eyes sparkled when she was happy or how her voice softened when she spoke directly to him.

  Meanwhile, Akari and Kaguya each brought their own energy into the mix. Akari’s teasing nature kept him on edge, while Kaguya’s calm and supportive presence was a stark contrast. Both girls seemed to hover near him more often than usual, which didn’t go unnoticed by their classmates.

  “Kaito, you’re surrounded by goddesses,” Haruto whispered during break, smirking. “How do you keep your cool?”

  “By pretending you’re not here,” Kaito replied dryly, earning a laugh from Haruto.

  But inside, Kaito felt anything but cool.

  During lunch, the group gathered in the courtyard again, their usual spot becoming a haven of sorts.

  “I heard the festival committee is still looking for volunteers for the opening performance,” Aoi said, looking at Kaito with hopeful eyes.

  “You’re still thinking about me performing, aren’t you?” Kaito asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Of course!” Aoi replied with a bright smile. “It’s a great opportunity to share your talent with everyone.”

  “Violin is a good choice,” Kaguya said, her tone thoughtful. “You’ve always played beautifully.”

  “And it wouldn’t hurt to dedicate a song to your number-one fan,” Akari added, winking.

  Kaito sighed, feeling the pressure mounting. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Better make up your mind soon,” Haruto said, leaning back against the tree. “The festival’s coming up fast.”

  As the afternoon classes passed, Kaito found himself lost in thought. The festival was quickly becoming a focal point, and the idea of performing tugged at him. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to play—it was more about what it might signify to those closest to him.

  After school, Aoi caught up to him in the hallway.

  “Kaito, do you have a minute?” she asked, her expression unusually serious.

  “Sure,” Kaito said, following her outside.

  They stood by the school gate, the setting sun casting a warm glow over the scene.

  “I just wanted to say… thank you for always being so kind,” Aoi said, her voice soft. “I know things have been a little complicated lately, but I appreciate you being there for everyone.”

  Kaito blinked, caught off guard by her sincerity. “You don’t have to thank me for that, Aoi. I’m just… doing my best.”

  She smiled, but there was a flicker of something else in her eyes—hesitation, perhaps?

  “I hope you know that no matter what happens, I’m rooting for you,” Aoi said, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Before Kaito could respond, Akari appeared from around the corner, her usual confident demeanor masking whatever she might have overheard.

  “What’s this? A private conversation?” Akari teased, walking up to them.

  “It’s nothing,” Aoi said quickly, stepping back.

  Akari looked at Kaito with a playful grin. “You’re not getting into trouble, are you?”

  Kaito sighed. “Not yet, but give me time.”

  Later that evening, Kaito sat in his room, staring at the violin resting on his desk. The day’s events played over in his mind—Aoi’s words, Akari’s interruptions, and Kaguya’s lingering glances.

  He picked up the violin and began to play, the music flowing effortlessly as his emotions took shape in the melody. It was a bittersweet tune, filled with longing and uncertainty, and it carried him into a state of quiet introspection.

  Unbeknownst to him, Kaguya was standing outside, listening through the open window. She leaned against the wall, her eyes closed as she absorbed the music.

  “He’s incredible,” she whispered to herself. “But how do I reach his heart?”

  As the final notes faded, Kaguya stepped away, her resolve strengthening. If there was one thing she was certain of, it was that she wasn’t ready to give up—not yet.

  Inside, Kaito set the violin down and sighed. No matter how hard he tried to simplify things, the complexities of his relationships only seemed to grow.

  The next morning, the buzz of the upcoming cultural festival filled the air at school. Posters were plastered on bulletin boards, and committees were bustling with preparations. Everyone seemed eager, their excitement contagious.

  Kaito arrived at school early, finding Aoi waiting for him by their usual courtyard bench. She waved when she saw him, her smile lighting up the chilly morning.

  “You’re here early,” Kaito said, adjusting his bag.

  “I couldn’t sleep much,” Aoi admitted. “I kept thinking about the festival and… other things.”

  “Other things?” Kaito asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Like what kind of song you’d play,” Aoi replied teasingly.

  Kaito groaned. “You’re still on that?”

  “Of course,” Aoi said, sitting on the bench and motioning for him to join her. “You’re so talented, Kaito. I think everyone should get to see that.”

  He hesitated but eventually sat beside her. “It’s not that easy, Aoi. Performing in front of people… it’s personal.”

  “That’s what makes it special,” she said softly. “You have a way of connecting with people through your music. It’s like you’re telling a story without words.”

  Kaito looked at her, surprised by her sincerity. “You really think so?”

  “I know so,” she said confidently.

  As the day progressed, the topic of the festival seemed to follow Kaito everywhere. During lunch, Haruto brought it up again.

  “So, have you decided?” Haruto asked, leaning across the table. “Are you gonna give the people what they want?”

  “I don’t remember agreeing to anything,” Kaito replied, biting into his sandwich.

  “But you’re considering it,” Akari chimed in, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “I can tell.”

  “Leave him alone,” Kaguya said, her voice calm but firm. “It’s his decision.”

  “Thank you,” Kaito said, giving Kaguya a grateful look.

  “But,” Kaguya added, “I think you should do it.”

  Kaito groaned. “Not you too.”

  “It’s unanimous then,” Haruto declared. “You’re performing.”

  “I didn’t agree to that,” Kaito said, but his protests were drowned out by their collective excitement.

  After school, Kaito headed to the music room to clear his head. He often sought solace there, the quiet space offering a break from the chaos of his life. He picked up his violin and began to play, letting the music speak for him.

  The door creaked open, and Kaito paused, turning to see who had entered. It was Akari, her usual playful expression replaced by something softer.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she said, stepping inside.

  “It’s fine,” Kaito said, setting the violin down. “What’s up?”

  “I wanted to talk to you,” Akari said, sitting on a nearby stool. “About the festival.”

  Kaito sighed. “Not you too.”

  “I’m not here to pressure you,” she said quickly. “I just… I wanted to say that I think you’re amazing, Kaito. And not just because of your music.”

  He blinked, caught off guard by her honesty.

  “You’re always thinking about everyone else,” she continued. “You’re kind, even when you don’t have to be. And… well, I admire that about you.”

  “Akari…” Kaito began, but she held up a hand.

  “I’m not looking for an answer,” she said with a small smile. “I just wanted you to know how I feel.”

  With that, she stood and left, leaving Kaito alone with his thoughts.

  Later that evening, Kaito found himself on the rooftop, staring up at the stars. The weight of the day’s events pressed on him, but the cool night air offered some relief.

  He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Kaguya approaching.

  “Mind if I join you?” she asked.

  “Go ahead,” Kaito said, gesturing to the spot beside him.

  They sat in silence for a moment before Kaguya spoke.

  “You’ve been quiet lately,” she said. “More than usual.”

  “Just… a lot on my mind,” Kaito admitted.

  “About the festival?”

  “About everything,” he said.

  Kaguya nodded, her gaze distant. “You’ve always carried more than you let on. It’s one of the things I… admire about you.”

  Kaito looked at her, surprised by her words. “Kaguya…”

  She shook her head, smiling softly. “Don’t worry. I’m not trying to complicate things. I just wanted to remind you that you’re not alone.”

  For the first time in what felt like days, Kaito felt a small sense of peace.

  As the night deepened, Kaito remained on the rooftop, his thoughts swirling. The upcoming festival, the confessions from Akari and Kaguya, and Aoi’s unwavering support—all of it weighed on him. But amidst the chaos, he found himself holding onto a single thought:

  Maybe, just maybe, he was ready to share his music with the world.

  The following day, the entire school was alive with the buzz of preparations for the cultural festival. Students moved around with colorful banners, handmade decorations, and props for their events. The energy was infectious, yet Kaito felt strangely distant from it all. He walked through the bustling hallways, his thoughts clouded by the swirling emotions of the past few days.

  He found himself wandering to the music room once again. It had become his sanctuary—a place where he could think, reflect, and let his music speak when words failed him. He picked up his violin and began to play.

  The melody started soft and hesitant, reflecting his inner turmoil, but gradually it grew stronger, more confident. It was a song filled with his struggles, his connections with those around him, and the weight of their feelings. As the notes filled the room, the door creaked open.

  “Kaito?” Aoi’s voice broke through the music.

  Kaito stopped playing and turned to see her standing there, a gentle smile on her face.

  “Hey,” he said, lowering the violin. “What are you doing here?”

  “I could ask you the same thing,” she replied, stepping into the room. “You’ve been disappearing a lot lately.”

  “I needed some space to think,” Kaito admitted.

  Aoi walked closer, her eyes filled with understanding. “You’re worried about the festival, aren’t you?”

  He nodded. “It’s not just that. Everything feels… overwhelming right now.”

  Aoi sat down beside him, her presence comforting. “Kaito, you don’t have to do this alone. We’re all here for you.”

  He looked at her, her words sinking in. “Aoi, I—”

  Before he could finish, the door burst open, and Haruto, Akari, and Kaguya came rushing in.

  “There you are!” Haruto exclaimed. “We’ve been looking for you everywhere!”

  “What’s going on?” Kaito asked, startled by their sudden entrance.

  “We need your opinion on the festival decorations,” Akari said, her tone playful. “You’re part of the class committee, remember?”

  Kaguya crossed her arms, her expression softening. “And we figured you might be hiding here.”

  Kaito sighed, but a small smile tugged at his lips. “You guys are relentless.”

  “That’s what friends are for,” Haruto said, clapping him on the back.

  Aoi laughed, the sound light and genuine. “Come on, Kaito. Let’s go see what they’ve done.”

  As they walked back to the classroom, Kaito found himself surrounded by their warmth. Haruto’s jokes, Akari’s teasing, Kaguya’s quiet strength, and Aoi’s unwavering support—it all reminded him that he wasn’t alone in this journey.

  When they reached the classroom, they were greeted by a chaotic yet vibrant scene. Students were painting banners, arranging desks into stalls, and practicing skits. The atmosphere was chaotic but joyful, and for the first time in days, Kaito felt a sense of belonging.

  As the day went on, they worked together to finalize the preparations. Laughter and chatter filled the air, and Kaito found himself smiling more than he had in weeks.

  That evening, as the sun set and the festival preparations came to an end for the day, Kaito stood outside the school, looking up at the vibrant hues of the sky.

  “Kaito,” Aoi’s voice called out, and he turned to see her walking towards him.

  “Hey,” he said.

  “You seemed deep in thought,” she said, standing beside him.

  “I was just thinking about how much everything has changed,” he admitted.

  “Change isn’t always a bad thing,” Aoi said, her gaze soft. “Sometimes, it’s exactly what we need to grow.”

  He looked at her, the sincerity in her words striking a chord within him. “You’re right.”

  Aoi smiled, and for a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, watching the sky.

  As Kaito walked home that night, he felt a strange sense of peace. The day had been chaotic, but it had reminded him of the connections he shared with those around him.

  The cultural festival was just around the corner, and while he still had doubts and fears, he realized something important:

  He wasn’t facing it alone.