As he lay on his bed, recalling the events of the day, his mind drifted to their chatter in the lobby. A cute and excited grin slowly gave way to his usual gloomy demeanor.
(I can't believe it! I'm gonna meet up with them tomorrow afternoon! I'm so excited!)
He recalled his past memories with other friends.
(Now that I think about it, I've never gone out with anyone like this before. And to think that they're all girls...)
A blush crept onto his face, making him look quite cute.
(Man, I'm embarrassed!)
The blush faded after a few moments, replaced by a determined look.
(However, I have to make sure I look nice so they don't freak out like others after seeing me.)
As his thoughts continued to race, his eyelids grew heavy, and eventually, he drifted off to sleep. The next morning, it was already 12 PM, and he was still sleeping peacefully. His alarm clock kept ringing, but he seemed immune to it. Fortunately, he stirred awake.
"Uhh, mmm… What time is it right now?"
He yawned as he glanced at the clock. His eyes widened.
"Oh crap! I overslept!"
He leapt out of bed and started pacing around the room.
"I've got no time to waste. Alright then!"
He took a shower, changed into a white hoodie with a T-shirt underneath, slim-fit jeans, and sneakers. He did a great job styling his hair to the side, leaving some volume on top. His features were no longer hidden by his bangs. Looking in the mirror, he was surprised by his own appearance.
"Why did I never care to do my hair before? Well, whatever. I should get going now, or I'll be late."
He grabbed his wallet and phone, stepped out, and locked the apartment door.
"Let me check again…"
He double-checked his stuff, just to be sure.
"I think I'm good to go now. Girls, here I come!"
Rikuya walked cheerfully down the street, a completely different person from the one at school. His expression was bright, and his steps graceful. He looked undeniably handsome. Girls along the way glanced his way, but he didn't care—his mind was on meeting his friends.
He soon reached the meeting spot: a cute little café.
"This is the place, I guess."
He looked up at the signboard to confirm.
"I'm pretty sure this is it. I guess I'm the first one here."
He glanced around and noticed a girl standing nearby. She had medium-length wavy blue hair tied into a playful high ponytail, and bright, sparkling sky-blue eyes. She looked stunning. It seemed like she was waiting for someone too. Rikuya couldn't help but stare. She noticed his gaze and approached him with a smile. His feet froze.
(She caught me staring! She's definitely gonna think I'm a pervert!)
She smiled gently and spoke in a soft voice.
"Are you perhaps waiting for someone?"
Rikuya calmed his nerves. She didn't seem bothered.
"Y-Yeah! Are you waiting for someone too?"
She nodded with a smile.
"Yes, I'm waiting for a few people. Just like you, Riku-kun."
"Oh, I see. Wait…"
Realization struck.
"H-How did you know my name?!"
She giggled, teasing him.
"Who knows? Maybe I'm a stalker. Hehe. You are Rikuya Takashiro, right?"
His eyes widened.
"W-What?! You're kidding, right?! Why would you stalk me?!"
She laughed.
"Oh Riku-kun, your reactions are so adorable!"
She composed herself but kept smiling.
"Let's drop the teasing for now, Riku-kun. It's me—Aoi. Aoi Takasawa."
Rikuya's expression softened.
"Aoi? You really are Aoi, aren't you?"
She nodded.
"Of course I am, Riku-kun."
She gently pinched his cheek. His face turned red as he tried to resist, though deep down, he didn't mind at all.
"Stop it! It's embarrassing!"
She smiled sweetly.
"Aww, you're literally so cute. But I guess that's enough for now."
She let go, and Rikuya rubbed his cheek, remembering the sensation. Then he asked:
"By the way, Aoi, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, why not, Riku-kun?"
He scratched his head.
"Well, earlier… how did you recognize me?"
She thought for a moment.
"Now that I think about it… my inner voice told me it was you. Maybe that's the reason."
Rikuya was confused, but decided to let it slide.
"Well, whatever. But do you know where the others are?"
Just as Aoi was about to speak, a feminine voice interrupted.
"Maybe if you two weren't so busy in your husband-wife roleplay, you would've noticed the rest of us."
Aoi chuckled, and Rikuya raised an eyebrow.
"And you might be…?"
The girl smirked. She wasn't alone—five other girls were behind her. The speaker had long, silky blonde hair in a side braid and deep emerald green eyes. She looked like a college girl.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rina Tachibana. If I'm not wrong, you must be Rikuya, right?"
His eyes widened.
"Yes… that means the others… They're also from the group?"
Aoi giggled.
"Took you that long to figure it out, Riku-kun?"
"Heh, silly me. Then the others are…"
Two other college-aged girls stood beside Rina. One had platinum blonde hair in intricate braids and striking blue eyes.
"My name is Hikari Tsukishiro. Isn't that right, Kaede?"
The girl beside her, with shoulder-length dark purple hair and soft lilac eyes, replied cheerfully.
"Totally right, Hikari!"
Rikuya smiled.
"If you're Hikari, then you must be Kaede Fujisawa—no doubt about it."
"Yes yes, Rikuya! Maybe you're not so dumb after all!"
"Hey! I'm not dumb! Anyway… moving forward."
He looked at the next girl: a petite figure with fluffy light brown twin tails and big, innocent pinkish-red eyes.
Before she could speak, Rikuya grinned smugly.
"No need to introduce yourself—I already know. You are…"
He paused for dramatic effect.
"Yuzuki Hanekawa! Am I right?!"
Yuzuki clapped her hands and giggled.
"Wow, Rikuya-onee-san! You're amazing!"
"I am, right?"
Another girl's calm, stoic voice chimed in.
"No need to be so dramatic, Rikuya. You look like a complete idiot."
Everyone laughed. Rikuya sighed and looked at her knowingly. She had short, choppy black hair with red highlights and sharp golden eyes.
"And you are Mai Kurogane. I'm sure of it."
Mai smiled faintly, replying as she slipped on her earphones.
"Bingo."
Finally, his gaze landed on the last girl—shoulder-length straight brown hair with soft bangs, and a cute pout on her face.
"You must be Sakura Hoshino."
She crossed her arms.
"Took you long enough. Was I that invisible among all these beauties?"
The others laughed. Rikuya grinned.
"Sorry, but you ended up last on the list."
"Tch. Whatever. Let's get this hangout over with."
Rikuya smiled warmly.
"Let's go!"
And with that, the whole group walked off together toward the shopping district.