The first week of school passed like a blink of an eye. So far, Yukio had been acquainted again with Chisato and Kaede. Needless to say, he was awed by their growth. Ever since that rejection, he stopped being the outdoor kid and turned indoors toward otaku kinds of stuff. Ironically, this was what used to bring him closer to the girl who rejected him.

“Haah...”

His sigh went unnoticed by Chisato and Kaede, who often came up to his seat.

“Yuki-chan, why the sad face? Are we boring you?”

“Sanada-san, it’s an insult to me to use ‘we’. He can't be bored when I am near him, right Yuki-chan?”

“Enough with the touchy-touchy! Can you see he is troubled?”

“He is troubled because you are obstructing his vision, when he is supposed to gaze on me.”

“Are you picking a fight with me, Kae-chan?”

“What if I am?”

The tension in the room rose as Chisato and Kaede locked into each other. Wanting to calm down the girls, instead a loud snap of the book being closed shifted everyone’s attention.

“This is a break time. Mind if you girls take your business elsewhere, Narita-san and Sanada-san?”

Kaede crossed her arms with a ‘hmph!’ while Chisato turned her attention to the floor. Staring across the room was Misawa Ayaka. The number two rank in the school entry exam. With a mature figure, accentuated by her prim and proper appearance, long silky black hair reaching her waist, and thin-framed glasses shielding her icy glare. Yukio tried to call her and apologize.

“Ayaka-”

“Don’t call me that. You don’t deserve to call my first name again, ‘Okamoto-san’.”

Yukio felt a pang in his heart the moment his surname was called by someone who he used to be close with. Ayaka, not in the mood to be involved any further, made her exit with her thick book firmly clutched in between her delicate fingers.

“Yuki-chan...”

Chisato turned toward the silent Yukio. He knew this was coming as soon as he realized that Ayaka was also in this class. He wondered if Hidetoshi knew this already, hence probably why he stood in plain sight back then so he could warn Yukio first.

“I am...going to get some fresh air...”

The classmates noticed the tension dissipated when both Ayaka and Yukio left. Though this meant that Chisato and Kaede became the center of attention.

“Sanada and Narita, were you also acquainted with Misawa?”

Class representative Toyama Rena came to ask. Her forehead shined brightly with a yellow headband wrapped around it.

“Yeah...we used to...go to the same school.”

“Correct. Were. Not anymore.”

“I see...”

Chisato’s sad tone and Kaede’s annoyed tone were enough to tell Rena not to pry into this further for the time being. She hoped that whatever issue the four had could be resolved.

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Outside, Yukio was just wandering around aimlessly from the painful event that had happened. He deserved it, he knew. However, it still stung him because he and Ayaka used to be on much friendlier terms. She was strict and serious, but she softened whenever she was around Yukio and the others. Now, she had not forgotten nor forgiven him. He kept walking while looking at the ground until his shoulder was tapped.

“Yo.”

A male student with messy brown hair and a disheveled uniform was greeting him with a grin. Next to him was a..boy? The person wore the boy’s school uniform, but the hair was long and tied into a ponytail that rested on their shoulder. Compared to the built body of the brown-haired guy, this one had a slenderer body and a face that looked like it was coming out of a manga.

“Yeah...what’s up?”

Yukio wondered why these two were looking at him. Seeing how tense Yukio sounded and looked, the brown-haired guy chuckled.

“Easy there, we are your classmates! Come on, after a week you haven’t remembered us? I am truly hurt.”

“Sorry...”

“Kunihito-sama, please don’t trouble Okamoto-kun too much.”

The person spoke monotonously, with a slightly high-pitched sound. It was then Yukio finally realized who they were.

“Kunihito...ah! Miyamoto-san and Koga-san!”

“Ping pong! This is the first time for me that someone doesn’t remember who I am. I am impressed man.”

“Ahaha...”

Yukio’s mind had finally worked again. The two were Miyamoto Kunihito, the heir of Miyamoto family. The family was the main influence on development in the city throughout multiple branches of industries. The guy in front of Yukio was the future leader of perhaps the entire city. Next to him, was his childhood friend and personal attendant, Koga Makoto. They were really contrasting, but close and never really seen separated.

“So, were you going to grab late snacks at the cafeteria? Gotta disappoint you, buddy. The place is packed! I could not get my sandwich...”

Kunihito wailed in despair as Makoto was unfazed by the antics of his master.

“Kunihito-sama, if you want a sandwich, I can prepare it for you.”

“Wait really? Aaah! Makoto, you are the best!”

Kunihito happily tapped Makoto’s shoulder, and Yukio could see the deadpan expression turn pink for a bit.

“It was just part of my duty. Still, I had already made preparations in case this happens.”

Out of nowhere, he pulled out a lunch basket. Yukio could have sworn he did not bring it here before.

“Perfect! Now come with us, my friend.”

“Eh? Eh wait!”

Taking zero chances of protest, Yukio got dragged away by Kunihito and Makoto to the school courtyard. It was full of students, as the weather was clear, and lots of spots to hang out. As if being reserved, there was a spot under the large tree that was untouched and they took that spot. Makoto brought out the contents of the basket. Sandwiches, tea, pudding, and water were inside.

“Eat up, Yukio. My treat.”

“Huh? Um...”

Taken aback by Kunihito’s chill and welcoming attitude, Yukio was confused about choosing the food.

“Don’t worry, I have made sure all the food is fresh and should suit your palate, Okamoto-kun. Oh, perhaps do you have an allergy?”

“Eh no, I am fine. I was just...wondering which to take first.”

“Hahaha! In that case, take the sandwich. Considering it’s Makoto’s cooking, all the sandwiches should be different.”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“You are good, Koga-san.”

“Thanks for the compliment, but I would be very grateful if you could take a bite.”

“Well...okay, I’ll take this one.”

Yukio took one sandwich and Kunihito followed suit. Makoto prepared two cups of tea for both boys. Yukio took a bite and his face lit up with delight.

“Delicious!”

“Told you...thanks for the food!”

Kunihito didn’t even savor the taste and just chomped them all down. Yukio thought that he must be used to eat this kind of cooking from Makoto.

“A tea? Okamoto-kun?”

“Thank you! Aaaah…”

The perfect tea blended well with the sandwich in his mouth, slowly washing away his stress, hunger, and thirst. Makoto took a glance at Kunihito, sharing a look of relief.

“So Okamoto...”

“Hmm?”

“What’s up with you and those girls?”

Yukio just realized he had fallen into a trap. He stopped chewing his sandwich when Kunihito’s friendly face turned serious and intimidating. He could feel his mouth froze and couldn’t form any words. Then he was back to normal the moment Makoto tapped his back.

“Kunihito-sama, please refrain from using “that”. Aren’t we supposed to lend a hand to Okamoto-kun?”

“Huh? Oh right!”

Kunihito changed back to his previous demeanor. He rubbed his head as if feeling bad from scaring Yukio a bit.

“Sorry, got a little carried away. I was curious about your closeness with Sanada and Narita, but judging from what happened just now, it seems Misawa is involved too.”

Yukio gulped.

“Well...if it’s too personal, I won’t pry too much about it. It’s that I am curious about you, Okamoto.”

“Oh, I don’t think you need to put your interest in me, Miyamoto-san.”

“Kunihito. Call me Kunihito.”

“Oh okay...Kunihito. You can call me Yukio too then, so we are even.”

“Now that’s what I am talking about!”

The two shared a laugh for a bit. Yukio took a sip of his tea before speaking again.

“Those girls...they were my childhood friends. It’s just that we aren’t on speaking terms anymore.”

“Sounds complicated...but I can see you are talking just fine with Sanada and Narita.”

“Well it’s more of their personality that makes it easier to reconnect, but deep down I think they haven’t forgiven me.”

“Mind elaborate on that?”

Yukio then told Kunihito and Makoto about what happened back then, and why the situation was awkward now. Kunihito gave a nod of understanding. Makoto silently digested the information received.

“I see...It must have been on your mind since then. 3 years? I can’t imagine having a fight with Makoto and not talking again for a day, let alone 3 years.”

“Do we ever fight, Kunihito-sama?”

“Not that I remember. We do have several differences but not going separate ways like Yukio and the girls.”

“Well, that’s my story. Right now, I want to properly reconcile with all three of them. Maybe I am selfish, but I want us to bury the hatchet. Even if they don’t want to be friends with me anymore, at the very least I want to end it on a good note.”

“Why are you so pessimistic, my friend? You have 3 years of high school at maximum to bond with them again! All you need to do is start.”

“That so?”

“Positive. I probably cannot do much, but I can always lend an ear or two to you. I am not that acquainted with them, but from this first week observing them, I know they are willing to give you a chance.”

“A hunch of yours, young master of Miyamoto?”

“Please don’t call me that...well yeah. Trust me, Sanada and Narita won’t talk to you if they aren’t thinking of being your friend again. Misawa...yeah she is a tough nut to crack. Was she always that strict?”

“Back then she was more casual, but I guess it’s because of me. I guess I will start with Chisato and Kaede. Thanks again Kunihito, and Koga-san.”

“Oh you can call me Makoto, Okamoto-kun.”

“Then you can call me Yukio too. You are good at serving, aren’t you?”

“It is nothing, I am just simply fulfilling my duty to Kunihito-sama.”

“Just take the compliment, Makoto. Not every day you have someone else eating your food than me.”

“You are correct, Kunihito-sama. Then, thank you Yukio-kun. If you have any treats you prefer, you can tell me in advance so I can prepare them for you.”

“No need for that! Just the same ones as Kunihito should be okay.”

“Understood. I wish you good luck in your mission.”

“We got your back, bro! Fight!”

Yukio could feel his heartwarming inside from Makoto and Kunihito’s support. If he wanted to, he needed to start moving. He made his way back to the classroom first. There, he was welcomed by the sight of Kaede and Ayaka confronting each other. Chisato looked at them in panic, then quickly came to Yukio’s side.

“Yuki-chan this is bad! Kae-chan and Aya-chan are fighting!”

“What happened when I was away?”

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Not long after Yukio left the classroom, Kaede and Chisato had just been asked by Rena. After Rena took her leave. Kaede stood up and walked towards the door.

“Kae-chan where are you going?”

“None of your business.”

Her annoyed and cold tone stung Chisato for a bit, but she asked again.

“Are you going after Yuki-chan?”

“...”

Kaede stopped but didn’t answer. The classroom door opened again, and Ayaka stepped in. The two locked eyes for a few seconds, before Ayaka gave a slight nod. However, Kaede walked right towards her and bumped her shoulder so hard that Ayaka was pushed aside.

“What is your problem Narita-san?”

Kaede clicked her tongue, then turned to face Ayaka.

“My problem? My problem was what you did to Yuki.”

Her tone was sharp, and her eyes were practically digging at Ayaka. Ayaka was unfazed but displeased by Kaede’s manner.

“So? It was my problem with Okamoto-san, not you. Why are you so worked up about my business? Why don’t you just mind your own?”

“Oh, that’s rich. If that’s the case, why did you slap him when the one he was pushing was Sanada-san? Not so different from what I am doing, right?”

Ayaka could feel her blood boil whenever she saw that smirk from Kaede. The two were like water and fire back in the days, years after not seeing each other didn’t make the rivalry die down. Ayaka was about to raise her hand to wipe that smirk off Kaede’s face.

“What’s stopping you, Misawa-san? Come on...you are about to slap me right? You hate seeing this smirk right?”

Kaede’s taunts were like fuel to the fire of rage inside her. She stopped herself but her glare at Kaede was not.

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“That’s the gist. What do we do, Yuki-chan?”

Seeing the panic Chisato made Yukio nervous as well. However, he already made up his mind to put an end to this tension and fighting. He made his way to the two bickering girls.

“Gir-”

“BACK OFF YUKI!” “STOP RIGHT THERE!”

“Okay!”

Yukio cowardly ran back to Chisato, making her face palmed at his pathetic resolve.

“Yuki-chan! What was that?”

“They are too scary, Chisato! It looks like I would get eaten whole just from walking too close.”

“You are exaggerating! They are just Kae-chan and Aya-chan.”

“Then why don’t you try?”

“I am scared!”

Yukio sighed. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself and gather his courage again. This time, he kept his foot on the ground and pushed their shoulders away.

“THAT’S ENOUGH YOU TWO!”

Kaede and Ayaka were genuinely surprised that Yukio raised his voice, and even the entire class was now paying attention. He looked at Kaede first.

“Kaede, I appreciate your concern and having my back even now. I am grateful, ‘bro’.”

Kaede could feel her face warm, but Yukio’s unchanged expression made her nervous.

“But you don’t need to pick a fight with Misawa. It is my issue with her, and it is personal. I will be okay, you don’t have to fight my battles for me all the time like you used to.”

Yukio turned to look at Ayaka.

“Aya-Misawa, I admit that I was wrong back then. I should not have pushed Chisato, I should not have argued with you. Yeah, we were kids, but we...no, I should not have acted like that. But still, you are too easy to let people get to your head when they strike a nerve. If you let me, let’s talk again when things aren’t tense, okay?”

Ayaka crossed her arms. She looked frustrated but she nodded and fixed her glasses. She turned around and walked back to her seat, but she stopped midway to speak again.

“Just so you know, I haven’t forgiven you at all, Okamoto-san. Don’t let it get to your head.”

She didn’t see Yukio’s response and just sat back. As if on cue, Rena cut in.

“Okay, break time is almost over everyone! We are changing rooms for the science class, so prepare your stuff.”

She signaled to Yukio to thank her later, to which he replied with a smile. Heaving a sigh of relief, Chisato walked toward Yukio and tapped his shoulder.

“You were so brave, Yuki-chan! I knew you had it in you!”

But Yukio isn’t responding. Chisato suddenly became concerned.

“Hello? Yuki-chan?”

Turned out, Yukio was still smiling but he was frozen. Unresponsive.

“Yuki-chan! Why do you have to be uncool during your cool moments? Come back to me!”

Chisato tried to snap him out of his daze, while Kaede was biting her lip next to them. Guilt and frustration were dancing around in her mind. She didn’t even talk back when Chisato reminded her to go to the science room as she also tried to drag Yukio.