The morning air was crisp and filled with the soft sounds of chirping birds as Izuna walked to work. Today felt different—lighter, almost as if the burden of unspoken words and hidden emotions had finally lifted.

  He arrived at the office to find Airi already at her desk, engrossed in her work. She looked up as he approached, her usual stern expression softening into a small smile.

  “Morning, Izuna,” she greeted, her voice warm.

  “Morning, Airi,” he replied. “You seem… cheerful today.”

  She shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Let’s just say I woke up in a good mood.”

  Izuna chuckled. “I’d say it suits you.”

  Their lighthearted exchange didn’t go unnoticed. Tamaki, who was watching from his own desk, leaned over to Hikaru and whispered, “They’re definitely different now. I think something big happened.”

  Hikaru nodded, smirking. “It’s about time. Those two have been dancing around each other for months.”

  Later that day, the team gathered in the conference room for a brainstorming session. Athena, their ever-charismatic team leader, was at the front, guiding the discussion with her usual enthusiasm.

  “All right, everyone,” Athena began, clapping her hands together. “We’ve got a new project, and it’s going to require some creative thinking. Let’s hear your ideas!”

  The team dove into the discussion, with each member contributing their thoughts. Airi, who was usually reserved during these meetings, surprised everyone by confidently presenting her ideas.

  “I think we should focus on user experience,” she said, her voice steady. “If we make the interface more intuitive, it’ll appeal to a wider audience.”

  Athena beamed. “That’s an excellent point, Airi! Great work.”

  Izuna couldn’t help but smile as he watched her. The change in her demeanor was remarkable, and he felt a swell of pride for her.

  After the meeting, Airi and Izuna found themselves alone in the break room.

  “You were amazing in there,” Izuna said, handing her a cup of coffee.

  Airi accepted it with a small smile. “Thanks. I guess I’m starting to feel more comfortable speaking up.”

  “That’s good,” he replied. “You have great ideas, and it’s about time everyone else sees that too.”

  For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, sipping their coffee. Then Airi glanced at him, her expression thoughtful.

  “Izuna,” she began hesitantly, “do you ever feel like things are… changing? Between us, I mean.”

  He met her gaze, his own expression serious. “Yeah, I do. But I think it’s a good change.”

  Airi nodded slowly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Me too.”

  The workday had barely begun, but the air in the office was already buzzing with energy. Airi, still glowing from the praise she had received during the brainstorming session, sat at her desk typing away. Izuna was at his own desk, occasionally glancing in her direction. Every now and then, their eyes would meet, and an unspoken understanding seemed to pass between them.

  During lunch, Athena approached Izuna and Airi, her usual playful grin plastered across her face.

  “You two have been spending a lot of time together lately,” Athena teased, leaning against their shared table.

  Airi immediately turned red. “W-we’re just colleagues!” she stammered, flustered.

  “Right,” Athena replied, drawing out the word with obvious disbelief. “And I’m just your boss. Sure thing.”

  Izuna smirked but decided to play along. “Athena, you should focus on your own love life instead of ours.”

  Athena gasped theatrically. “Excuse me? My love life is none of your concern! But speaking of romance, don’t you think a workplace couple would make things… interesting?”

  Airi buried her face in her hands. “Please stop,” she muttered, her voice muffled.

  Meanwhile, Tamaki and Hikaru were observing the scene from across the room.

  “You know, Athena’s not wrong,” Hikaru commented, taking a bite of his sandwich. “They do act like a couple.”

  Tamaki nodded. “True, but I wonder if they even realize it themselves.”

  Later that afternoon, Izuna found himself called into Athena’s office for a one-on-one meeting.

  “So,” Athena began, folding her arms and leaning back in her chair. “How are things going with Airi?”

  Izuna blinked, caught off guard. “With Airi? Why do you ask?”

  Athena shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Oh, no reason. Just curious. You two seem... close.”

  “We’re just friends,” Izuna replied, though even he could hear the uncertainty in his voice.

  Athena raised an eyebrow. “Just friends, huh? Well, if you ever need advice, you know where to find me.”

  Izuna left the office feeling both amused and slightly confused. Athena’s words had planted a seed of doubt in his mind. Were he and Airi really just friends?

  Meanwhile, Airi was having a conversation of her own with Sakura.

  “So,” Sakura began, her tone dripping with curiosity, “what’s going on with you and Izuna?”

  “Why does everyone keep asking me that?” Airi groaned, throwing her hands up in exasperation.

  “Because it’s obvious,” Sakura replied matter-of-factly. “You’re totally into him, and he’s clearly into you.”

  Airi’s face turned crimson. “We’re not… I mean, we haven’t… It’s complicated.”

  “Complicated?” Sakura echoed. “Girl, it’s only complicated if you make it complicated. Just talk to him.”

  “I don’t even know what I’d say,” Airi admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Sakura placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Start with how you feel. The rest will fall into place.”

  As the workday came to an end, Izuna and Airi found themselves walking home together, a comfortable silence settling between them.

  “Today was… interesting,” Airi finally said, breaking the silence.

  “Yeah,” Izuna agreed. “Athena’s teasing, Sakura’s questions… It’s like the whole office is conspiring against us.”

  Airi laughed softly. “Maybe they just see something we don’t.”

  Izuna stopped walking and turned to face her. “Do you think they’re right?”

  Airi hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “But maybe it’s something we should figure out.”

  Izuna smiled, his gaze soft. “Maybe we should.”

  The chapter ended with the two of them standing under the soft glow of a streetlamp, the world around them fading away as they took a step closer to confronting their true feelings.

  The following morning, the air felt lighter, and the sun’s warmth seemed a little brighter. Airi arrived at the office early, her heart racing as she recalled her conversation with Izuna under the streetlamp. She replayed his words over and over in her mind, trying to decipher their meaning.

  “I’m overthinking it,” she muttered to herself, placing her bag on her desk.

  As she settled into her seat, Athena entered the office with her usual lively energy. Spotting Airi lost in thought, Athena couldn’t resist.

  “Good morning, Airi,” she chirped, leaning over Airi’s desk. “Thinking about someone special, perhaps?”

  Airi nearly jumped out of her chair. “N-no! I’m just... planning my tasks for the day!”

  Athena chuckled. “Right, of course. You’re such a diligent worker. But you know, sometimes it’s okay to let your mind wander to... other things.” She winked before walking off, leaving Airi blushing furiously.

  Meanwhile, Izuna was at the café across the street, grabbing his morning coffee. Tamaki and Hikaru joined him, both with knowing grins plastered on their faces.

  “You seem chipper this morning,” Hikaru commented, nudging Izuna.

  “Yeah, did something happen last night?” Tamaki added, his tone teasing.

  Izuna sighed, knowing there was no escape. “We just had a conversation, that’s all.”

  “A conversation, huh?” Hikaru smirked. “Let me guess, under a romantic streetlamp, soft lighting, maybe even a gentle breeze?”

  Izuna nearly choked on his coffee. “How did you—? I mean, no! It wasn’t like that!”

  Tamaki laughed. “You’re terrible at lying, you know. So, what did you two talk about?”

  Izuna hesitated, his gaze dropping to his coffee cup. “Nothing serious… just about what everyone’s been saying lately.”

  “And?” Hikaru pressed.

  “And we agreed to figure it out,” Izuna admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

  Tamaki and Hikaru exchanged a look before Tamaki clapped Izuna on the back. “Good for you, man. Just don’t take too long. You don’t want to keep a girl like Airi waiting.”

  Back at the office, Airi found herself cornered by Sakura during their mid-morning break.

  “So, did you talk to him?” Sakura asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

  Airi sighed. “Sort of. We decided to... figure things out.”

  Sakura leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “That’s a start, I guess. But you can’t just leave it at that. You need to take action!”

  “What kind of action?” Airi asked, genuinely unsure.

  “Something bold,” Sakura said with a grin. “Like asking him out on a real date.”

  Airi’s eyes widened. “A date?! I can’t do that!”

  “Why not?” Sakura challenged. “You like him, don’t you?”

  Airi opened her mouth to respond but hesitated. Did she like him? She thought about his kind smile, his unwavering support, and the way he made her feel safe.

  “Maybe I do,” she admitted quietly.

  “Then what are you waiting for?” Sakura said, her grin widening.

  Later that day, Athena called an impromptu meeting for their team. Everyone gathered in the conference room, chatting among themselves while waiting for Athena to arrive.

  Izuna and Airi ended up sitting next to each other, a comfortable silence between them.

  “Hey,” Izuna said softly, leaning toward her. “About last night... I meant what I said. We should figure this out.”

  Airi nodded, her cheeks flushing. “I know. I... I feel the same way.”

  Before they could say more, Athena burst into the room, clapping her hands.

  “All right, team! Let’s get started!” she announced, her enthusiasm filling the room.

  Throughout the meeting, Izuna and Airi stole glances at each other, their unspoken feelings hanging in the air. By the time the meeting ended, they both felt a renewed sense of determination.

  As they walked back to their desks, Izuna leaned closer to Airi and whispered, “Let’s talk after work.”

  Airi nodded, her heart pounding. “Okay.”

  The day dragged on for both Izuna and Airi as they waited for their after-work meeting. Every glance, every interaction between them seemed charged with anticipation. Airi found herself sneaking peeks at Izuna from her desk, only to quickly look away whenever their eyes met.

  Athena, ever observant, couldn’t help but notice the odd atmosphere. During lunch, she leaned over to Airi with a sly smile.

  “You’re distracted,” Athena said, twirling a strand of her hair. “Is it about Izuna again?”

  Airi blushed deeply. “It’s not like that! We’re just... planning to talk later.”

  “Talk? Oh, come on, Airi,” Athena teased. “You’re practically glowing. If you’re this flustered over just talking, imagine how you’ll be when he confesses!”

  “Confesses?!” Airi nearly choked on her water. “That’s not going to happen!”

  Athena shrugged, her grin widening. “We’ll see. But if I were you, I’d prepare for anything. Who knows? Tonight might be the night.”

  Meanwhile, Izuna sat with Hikaru and Tamaki in the break room, attempting to focus on his meal. However, his mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of the previous night and wondering how their conversation later would go.

  “You’re zoning out again,” Hikaru pointed out, nudging Izuna with his elbow.

  “Thinking about Airi?” Tamaki added, a knowing smirk on her face.

  Izuna sighed, setting his chopsticks down. “Is it that obvious?”

  “Painfully,” Hikaru replied. “So, what’s the plan? Are you finally going to tell her how you feel?”

  “I don’t even know how I feel,” Izuna admitted, leaning back in his chair. “I just know I want to figure things out between us.”

  “That’s a start,” Tamaki said, crossing her arms. “But don’t overthink it. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just be honest.”

  Izuna nodded, their words sinking in. He decided he’d let the conversation flow naturally and hope for the best.

  The end of the workday couldn’t come soon enough. As the clock struck six, Airi gathered her things, her hands trembling slightly.

  “You’ve got this,” Sakura whispered, giving her an encouraging smile.

  Airi nodded, taking a deep breath before heading to the café where she and Izuna had agreed to meet.

  Izuna was already there, waiting at a table near the window. He stood when he saw her, offering a warm smile that made her heart skip a beat.

  “Hey,” he greeted as she sat down.

  “Hi,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

  For a moment, they sat in silence, the air between them thick with unspoken words. Finally, Izuna broke the silence.

  “I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said last night,” he began, his eyes meeting hers. “And you were right. We’ve been dancing around this for too long.”

  Airi nodded, her hands gripping her bag tightly. “I’ve been thinking about it too. And... I don’t want to keep avoiding it.”

  Izuna took a deep breath, his gaze steady. “Airi, I care about you. A lot. And I want to figure out what that means.”

  Her eyes widened, her heart pounding in her chest. “I... I feel the same way,” she admitted, her cheeks flushing. “But I’m scared. What if things get complicated?”

  “Things are already complicated,” Izuna said with a small laugh. “But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. I think you’re worth the effort, Airi.”

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  Her breath caught in her throat at his words. She smiled, her fear melting away as she looked into his eyes. “Okay. Let’s figure this out. Together.”

  Izuna reached across the table, his hand covering hers. “Together,” he echoed.

  As they left the café, the city lights twinkling around them, Airi felt a newfound sense of hope. For the first time in a long while, she wasn’t afraid of what the future might hold.

  And as they walked side by side, their hands brushing against each other, she knew they were taking the first step toward something truly special.

  The night air was cool and refreshing as Izuna and Airi strolled side by side down the bustling street. The glow of the city lights painted the atmosphere with a warm, golden hue, matching the warmth that seemed to radiate between them. Airi clutched her bag tightly, her heart still racing from their conversation at the café.

  Izuna, on the other hand, appeared calm on the surface, but his mind was anything but quiet. He replayed her words in his head, savoring the moment they had shared just minutes ago. Every glance she stole at him made him want to laugh nervously—she was clearly as overwhelmed as he was.

  “So,” Airi began, breaking the silence. “What now?”

  Izuna turned to her, his eyebrows raised. “What do you mean?”

  “Well...” She hesitated, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “We’ve agreed to figure things out, but... where do we start?”

  He smiled softly. “One step at a time, right? Let’s not overcomplicate it. We don’t have to rush into anything.”

  Airi nodded, her expression softening. “You’re right. I just... I guess I’m still processing everything.”

  “That makes two of us,” Izuna admitted with a chuckle. “But honestly, I’m glad we talked. It feels... lighter, you know?”

  “Yeah,” she said, her lips curling into a small smile. “It does.”

  Their walk brought them to a small park tucked away from the bustling streets. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets to the night sky. Izuna pointed to an empty bench beneath a lamppost.

  “Let’s sit for a bit,” he suggested.

  Airi nodded, and they both took a seat. For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, watching as a couple of children chased each other across the grass while their parents looked on. The serenity of the moment seemed to envelop them, giving them both a chance to breathe.

  “Izuna,” Airi said suddenly, her voice soft but steady.

  “Hm?” he responded, turning to her.

  She hesitated for a moment before continuing. “Thank you. For... everything. For being patient with me, for understanding. I know I’m not always easy to deal with.”

  Izuna looked at her, his expression serious yet gentle. “Airi, you don’t have to thank me. I care about you, and that means taking the good with the bad. Besides...” He grinned playfully. “You’re not that hard to deal with. Most of the time.”

  She laughed, swatting his arm. “You’re impossible!”

  “That’s why you like me,” he teased, earning another laugh from her.

  Their laughter faded into a quiet moment of connection, their eyes meeting under the lamplight. Airi’s heart skipped a beat as she realized just how much this moment meant to her. She hadn’t felt this kind of peace in a long time.

  As they made their way back to the main street, Airi couldn’t help but glance at Izuna again. There was something about the way he carried himself tonight—confident yet sincere—that made her feel safe.

  “Hey,” she said, nudging his arm gently. “Promise me something?”

  “Anything,” he replied without hesitation.

  “No matter what happens, let’s always be honest with each other,” she said, her tone serious. “Even if it’s hard.”

  Izuna stopped walking and turned to face her fully. He nodded, his expression matching hers. “I promise. As long as you promise the same.”

  She smiled, holding out her pinky. “Deal.”

  He chuckled, hooking his pinky with hers. “Deal.”

  They reached Airi’s apartment building, where they stood at the entrance for a moment. Airi shifted on her feet, feeling the weight of the night settle over her.

  “Well,” she began, looking up at him. “Thanks for walking me home.”

  “Anytime,” Izuna replied, his hands in his pockets. “Get some rest, okay? We’ve got work tomorrow.”

  “Yeah,” she said, her smile soft. “Goodnight, Izuna.”

  “Goodnight, Airi,” he said, watching as she disappeared into the building.

  As he walked away, Izuna couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. For the first time in a while, he felt like he was moving in the right direction—not just with Airi, but with everything in his life.

  And as he looked up at the night sky, he couldn’t help but smile. The future felt uncertain, but for once, that didn’t scare him. It excited him.

  The morning after their heartfelt conversation, Izuna found himself reflecting on the promise he’d made to Airi. Honesty, no matter how hard, wasn’t just a commitment—it was a lifeline. With a sense of resolve, he prepared for work, determined to carry the positivity of the previous evening into the day ahead.

  Meanwhile, Airi was having a moment of her own. Standing in front of her mirror, she inspected her reflection critically. Her usual office attire—a simple blouse and pencil skirt—suddenly felt too plain. After all, today wasn’t just any day; it was the first day after a step forward in her relationship with Izuna.

  “This is ridiculous,” she muttered to herself, frowning as she swapped her earrings for a third time. “Why am I overthinking this?”

  Despite her words, a small smile played on her lips. She knew why.

  The office was buzzing with the usual morning energy when Izuna arrived. He greeted his colleagues with a nod and made his way to his desk, only to find Athena already waiting for him.

  “Morning, Izuna!” she chirped, holding two cups of coffee. “Thought you might need this.”

  Izuna took the cup with a grateful smile. “Thanks, Athena. You’re a lifesaver.”

  She grinned. “Don’t mention it. So, how’s our favorite pair of roommates doing? Still surviving each other?”

  Izuna chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee. “Surprisingly, yeah. We had a good talk last night. Cleared the air about a few things.”

  “Oh?” Athena’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Do tell.”

  “Not much to tell,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “We just... decided to be honest with each other moving forward. No more hiding how we feel.”

  Athena raised an eyebrow. “That’s progress! Look at you two, acting all grown-up.”

  “Don’t get used to it,” he joked, earning a laugh from her.

  Airi arrived shortly after, her usual confident stride slightly hesitant. She spotted Izuna talking with Athena and felt a pang of something she couldn’t quite identify. Shaking it off, she approached her desk, determined to focus on work.

  But Tamaki, ever the observant one, wasn’t about to let her off the hook.

  “You look... different today,” she remarked, leaning against her desk with a knowing smirk.

  Airi raised an eyebrow. “Different how?”

  “I don’t know. Lighter, maybe? Did something happen?”

  She shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Nothing special. Just... had a good conversation with someone last night.”

  Tamaki’s smirk widened. “Someone, huh? Let me guess—tall, dark-haired, and currently chatting with Athena?”

  Airi’s cheeks flushed. “Mind your own business, Tamaki.”

  “Hey, I’m just saying,” she teased. “It’s nice to see you smiling more. Whoever this ‘someone’ is, they’re clearly good for you.”

  Airi rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her. “Get back to work, Tamaki.”

  As the day progressed, Izuna and Airi found themselves crossing paths more often than usual. Each interaction, though brief, carried an undertone of their shared understanding.

  During lunch, the group gathered in the break room, where the conversation inevitably turned to relationships—thanks to Tamaki’s persistent prodding.

  “So, Airi,” Tamaki began, a mischievous glint in her eye. “When are you and Izuna going to make it official?”

  Airi nearly choked on her drink, while Izuna looked up from his bento with a mix of surprise and amusement.

  “Excuse me?” Airi said, her tone dangerously calm.

  “Come on,” Tamaki pressed. “You two have this whole ‘will-they-won’t-they’ thing going on. It’s obvious to everyone.”

  Athena snickered. “She’s not wrong, you know. The tension is palpable.”

  Izuna sighed, deciding to play along. “If it’s so obvious, why don’t you guys mind your own business and let us figure it out?”

  The room erupted in laughter, and even Airi couldn’t help but smile.

  Later that evening, as they walked home together, Airi glanced at Izuna, her expression thoughtful.

  “They’re relentless, aren’t they?” she said, referring to their colleagues.

  Izuna chuckled. “You get used to it. Besides, they’re not entirely wrong.”

  Airi stopped walking, turning to face him. “What do you mean?”

  He met her gaze, his expression serious. “I mean... there’s something here, Airi. Between us. And I think it’s worth exploring.”

  Her heart skipped a beat, but she managed a small smile. “One step at a time, right?”

  “Right,” he said, smiling back.

  As they continued their walk, the city lights seemed a little brighter, the air a little warmer. For the first time, Airi felt like they were moving toward something meaningful—together.

  The following day dawned with a crisp chill in the air, signaling the end of summer and the slow arrival of autumn. Izuna woke earlier than usual, a habit he’d developed whenever something was on his mind. As he made his way to the kitchen, he noticed Airi already sitting at the dining table, sipping her coffee.

  “Morning,” Izuna greeted, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

  “Morning,” Airi replied, her voice soft but alert.

  There was an unusual quiet between them. Normally, their mornings were punctuated with teasing remarks or the occasional argument over who got to shower first. Today, though, the air seemed... charged.

  Izuna poured himself a cup of coffee and leaned against the counter, watching Airi thoughtfully. “You’re up early.”

  “So are you,” she countered, raising an eyebrow.

  He chuckled. “Touché. Something on your mind?”

  Airi hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her mug. “Not really. Just... thinking about what you said last night.”

  Izuna’s expression softened. “About taking things one step at a time?”

  She nodded, her gaze distant. “It’s just... new for me. Being this open about how I feel.”

  “Same here,” he admitted, taking a sip of his coffee. “But I think we’re doing okay so far.”

  A small smile tugged at her lips. “Yeah. I guess we are.”

  At the office, the usual hum of activity greeted them, but Izuna and Airi found themselves the focus of more attention than usual. Tamaki and Athena were particularly relentless.

  “You two look... different today,” Tamaki teased as they walked in.

  Athena grinned. “It’s the glow of mutual understanding. Very romantic.”

  Airi rolled her eyes. “You guys have too much time on your hands.”

  “Hey, we’re just happy for you,” Tamaki said with a wink.

  Izuna smirked. “You know, if you focused half this energy on your work, we’d probably finish all our projects ahead of schedule.”

  “Where’s the fun in that?” Tamaki shot back, earning a laugh from everyone.

  Later that afternoon, Izuna found himself paired with Athena for a brainstorming session. As they worked, she couldn’t resist bringing up the topic of his relationship with Airi.

  “So,” Athena began, her tone light but curious. “How are things going with Airi? You seemed pretty close this morning.”

  Izuna sighed, knowing there was no escaping her questions. “They’re... good. We’ve decided to be more honest with each other, take things slow.”

  Athena smiled warmly. “That’s great, Izuna. You two deserve some happiness.”

  “Thanks,” he said, genuinely touched. “It’s not always easy, but it feels worth it.”

  “It will be,” Athena assured him. “Just don’t forget to enjoy the little moments. Those are the ones that matter most.”

  Meanwhile, Airi found herself cornered by Tamaki, who was determined to get all the details.

  “So,” she began, leaning against her desk. “What’s it like finally admitting you like Izuna?”

  Airi glared at her. “I didn’t admit anything.”

  Tamaki laughed. “Come on, Airi. It’s obvious. You don’t have to say it out loud for us to know.”

  She sighed, trying to focus on her computer screen. “Fine. Maybe I do like him. A little.”

  “Ha! I knew it!” Tamaki exclaimed, earning a few amused glances from their co-workers.

  “Keep your voice down!” Airi hissed, her cheeks burning.

  Tamaki grinned. “Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me... for now.”

  As the day wound down, Izuna and Airi found themselves walking home together once again. The cool evening breeze carried the scent of freshly fallen leaves, and the city lights twinkled like stars.

  “Tamaki was teasing you again, wasn’t she?” Izuna asked, a knowing smile on his face.

  Airi sighed. “When is he not? Honestly, she’s worse than Athena.”

  Izuna laughed. “They mean well, in their own way.”

  “I know,” she said, her voice softening. “It’s just... embarrassing sometimes.”

  He glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. “You know, for what it’s worth, I think they’re rooting for us.”

  She looked up at him, surprised. “You think so?”

  He nodded. “Yeah. And honestly... I don’t mind it. Not if it’s with you.”

  Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe.

  “Thanks, Izuna,” she said finally, a small smile playing on her lips.

  They continued walking in companionable silence, the world around them fading into the background. In that moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the universe—and maybe, just maybe, that was enough.

  The weekend arrived, bringing with it an opportunity for the group to take a much-needed breather. Izuna and Airi found themselves back at their usual hangout spot—a cozy café tucked away in a quiet corner of the city.

  Izuna leaned back in his chair, sipping on his coffee while Airi toyed with her iced latte. Despite their efforts to relax, the lingering tension of recent events still hung in the air.

  “I feel like we’ve been stuck in a whirlwind lately,” Airi said, breaking the silence.

  Izuna chuckled. “You’re not wrong. It’s been one thing after another. But hey, we’re here now, right?”

  “Yeah,” Airi agreed, her gaze softening. “I guess that’s what matters.”

  As they sat in companionable silence, the café door swung open, and in walked Tamaki and Athena, followed closely by Sakura and Takumi.

  “Well, well, look who we have here!” Tamaki exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

  Izuna groaned playfully. “Can’t we have one peaceful moment without you showing up?”

  Athena laughed as she slid into the seat next to Airi. “Come on, Izuna. You know you love us.”

  “Debatable,” he quipped, earning a round of laughter.

  The group ordered their drinks and settled into an easy rhythm of conversation. Tamaki, as usual, took it upon himself to steer the discussion into less serious waters.

  “So,” she began, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “What’s the deal with you two?” He gestured between Izuna and Airi.

  Airi’s cheeks turned bright red. “What deal? There’s no deal!”

  “Sure, sure,” Tamaki teased. “But, you know, the way you two are always together... it’s kind of suspicious.”

  Izuna rolled his eyes. “Give it a rest, Tamaki. Not everything has to be a big deal.”

  Athena smirked. “Maybe not, but it’s fun watching you squirm.”

  Meanwhile, Sakura and Takumi were in their own little world, whispering to each other and occasionally laughing. Airi noticed and couldn’t help but smile.

  “They’re so cute together,” she said quietly to Athena.

  Athena nodded. “They really are. I think they bring out the best in each other.”

  Airi glanced at Izuna, who was currently engaged in a spirited debate with Tamaki about the merits of pineapple on pizza. Despite the chaos around them, she felt a sense of calm—a feeling that maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be okay.

  As the afternoon wore on, the conversation turned toward lighter topics.

  “I heard there’s a festival next weekend,” Sakura said, her eyes lighting up.

  Takumi nodded. “Yeah, it’s supposed to be really good this year. We should all go together.”

  The suggestion was met with enthusiastic agreement, and plans were quickly made.

  “Alright,” Tamaki declared, clapping his hands together. “Festival it is. But be warned—I’m unbeatable at festival games.”

  “We’ll see about that,” Izuna said with a smirk.

  As the group prepared to leave, Athena pulled Airi aside.

  “Hey,” she said, her voice soft. “You okay?”

  Airi hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. I think I am.”

  Athena smiled. “Good. You deserve to be happy, you know?”

  “Thanks, Athena,” Airi said, her heart warming at the words.

  As they walked out into the fading sunlight, Airi felt a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Surrounded by her friends, with Izuna by her side, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

  The week leading up to the festival was a whirlwind of anticipation and preparation. The group’s excitement was palpable, and it seemed like all anyone could talk about was the upcoming event.

  Airi found herself swept up in the enthusiasm, even as she tried to focus on her work. She sat at her desk, typing furiously, when Tamaki’s voice broke through her concentration.

  “Hey, Airi,” he called, leaning against her cubicle. “Got a minute?”

  She sighed, saving her document before turning to face him. “What is it this time, Tamaki?”

  Tamaki grinned. “Don’t be so grumpy. I was just wondering—what are you wearing to the festival?”

  Airi blinked, caught off guard by the question. “I… I haven’t thought about it yet. Why?”

  “Because,” she said dramatically, “a festival is the perfect opportunity to impress a certain someone.” She waggled her eyebrows for effect.

  “Tamaki!” Airi hissed, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening.

  “What?” she asked innocently. “I’m just saying, if you’re going with Izuna…”

  Airi’s face turned bright red. “It’s not like that!”

  “Sure, sure,” Tamaki said, clearly unconvinced. “Anyway, just think about it. Festivals are romantic, you know.”

  Later that evening, Airi found herself scrolling through her wardrobe, Tamaki’s words echoing in her mind.

  “Romantic,” she muttered to herself, pulling out a few options and laying them on her bed.

  She eventually settled on a simple yet elegant yukata—a soft lavender color adorned with delicate floral patterns. It wasn’t overly flashy, but it felt right.

  Satisfied with her choice, she turned her attention to her hair. She experimented with a few styles before deciding on a loose braid that fell over one shoulder.

  Meanwhile, across town, Izuna was having a similar experience.

  He stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his outfit for what felt like the hundredth time. He had chosen a dark navy yukata with subtle silver accents—a look that was both understated and stylish.

  “Why am I so nervous?” he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair.

  His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen to see a message from Tamaki.

  Tamaki wrote, “Don’t mess this up, man. Festivals are romantic.”

  Izuna rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile. He knew Tamaki was just teasing, but the words struck a chord.

  The night of the festival arrived, and the group met at the entrance. The area was bustling with activity—stalls lined the streets, their colorful banners fluttering in the breeze, while the scent of delicious food filled the air.

  When Izuna saw Airi, he momentarily forgot how to speak. She looked… beautiful. The lavender yukata complemented her perfectly, and the soft braid gave her an almost ethereal quality.

  “Wow,” he said, before he could stop himself.

  Airi blushed, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. “You look nice too.”

  The awkward moment was broken by Tamaki, who appeared out of nowhere and clapped Izuna on the back.

  “Alright, lovebirds, let’s get going!” she said, earning groans from both of them.

  As the night went on, the group explored the festival together, playing games, trying different foods, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

  At one point, Airi and Izuna found themselves alone by a small pond illuminated by glowing lanterns.

  “It’s beautiful,” Airi said softly, her gaze fixed on the water.

  “Yeah,” Izuna agreed, though his eyes were on her.

  They stood in companionable silence for a moment before Izuna spoke again. “I’m glad you’re here, Airi.”

  She turned to look at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “Me too.”

  Their moment was interrupted by the sound of fireworks exploding in the sky. They both looked up, the vibrant colors reflecting in their eyes.

  As the night came to an end, Airi couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth. Maybe, just maybe, Tamaki was right—festivals were romantic.

  The festival reached its crescendo with the final fireworks display, painting the night sky in bursts of vibrant color. The entire group had gathered on a hill overlooking the main festival grounds, their laughter and chatter filling the cool evening air.

  Airi sat quietly beside Izuna, her hands folded neatly in her lap as she watched the dazzling display. She felt a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

  Tamaki and Ren were busy arguing over which stall had the best food, while Sakura and Takumi shared a quiet moment a little farther away, exchanging smiles and soft whispers.

  “Hey,” Izuna said, breaking Airi out of her thoughts.

  She turned to look at him, her eyes reflecting the brilliant hues of the fireworks. “What is it?”

  “I just…” He hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. “I wanted to say thanks for coming tonight. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

  Airi blinked, her cheeks warming at his words. “Oh… Well, I’m glad I came too.”

  There was a pause, the kind that felt both awkward and comfortable at the same time.

  “Do you want to go for a walk?” Izuna asked suddenly.

  Airi nodded. “Sure.”

  The two of them excused themselves from the group and wandered down a quieter path, the sounds of the festival fading into the distance. The path was lined with lanterns, their soft glow creating an almost magical atmosphere.

  “This place feels like it’s straight out of a dream,” Airi said, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Izuna glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. “It does. I’m glad we found it.”

  They walked in silence for a while before stopping at a small wooden bridge that crossed a gently flowing stream. The water reflected the lantern light, creating a shimmering effect that was mesmerizing.

  Airi leaned against the railing, letting out a content sigh. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve felt this relaxed.”

  Izuna stood beside her, his hands resting on the railing. “I know what you mean. Life gets so busy that it’s easy to forget to enjoy moments like this.”

  Another silence fell between them, but this time it was filled with unspoken understanding.

  “Izuna,” Airi said softly, breaking the quiet.

  “Yeah?”

  She hesitated, her fingers gripping the edge of the railing. “Thank you… for being you. I don’t think I say that enough.”

  Izuna’s eyes widened slightly, but he quickly recovered, his expression softening. “You don’t have to thank me for that, Airi. But if we’re being honest, I should probably be thanking you too.”

  Airi turned to look at him, her brows furrowing slightly in confusion. “Me? Why?”

  “Because,” he said, meeting her gaze, “you’ve been my constant through everything. Even when things get tough, you’re always there. And that means more to me than I can put into words.”

  Airi’s heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, all she could do was stare at him.

  The sound of distant laughter brought them back to reality, and they both turned away, their faces slightly flushed.

  “We should probably head back,” Airi said, her voice a little shaky.

  “Yeah,” Izuna agreed, though he didn’t move right away.

  As they made their way back to the group, Airi couldn’t help but steal a glance at him. There was something about the night, about the way he spoke, that made her feel… different.

  The group reconvened at the festival’s exit, their energy still buzzing despite the late hour.

  “This was so much fun!” Sakura said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “We should do this again next year!”

  “Absolutely,” Takumi agreed, nodding.

  Tamaki smirked, throwing an arm around Ren’s shoulders. “Next time, though, I’m winning all the games. Just watch.”

  Ren rolled his eyes but didn’t bother arguing.

  As they all said their goodbyes and headed their separate ways, Airi and Izuna found themselves walking home together.

  “Tonight was amazing,” Airi said, her voice soft.

  “It really was,” Izuna agreed.

  They reached the front of Airi’s apartment, and she turned to face him. “Thanks again for everything, Izuna. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “Yeah,” he said, a small smile on his lips. “Goodnight, Airi.”

  “Goodnight.”

  As she closed the door behind her, Airi leaned against it, her heart still racing.

  Izuna walked home with a lightness in his step, the memories of the evening playing over and over in his mind.