As they walk to their next subject- science, which is in the lab, Kenzo and Akiko felt a hint of awkwardness between them.

The students behind then, opened the lab door and entered, breaking the tension. Yuuki was surpise to see the lab with different technology he used to have back in middle school.

"Damn, this lab is amazing" Yuuki said.

He had never knew that the technology has more functions compared to when he used to have. For him, it was fascinating.

"Ya, I know right?" Rena replied, her voice in awe and disbelief. Her eyes widened as she took in the condition of the lab, it was clean like every surface gleaming as it had just been polished.

Yuuki moved towards a shelf line with an impressive array of glassware- beakers, flasks, and test tubes in a rainbow of sizes, that were sparkling as it they had been polished just moments before.

Just the, the science teacher- Ms. Ryo entered the lab. She hurried to her desk, her heels clicking to the tiled floor. "Sorry, I'm late! I had some assignments to catch up on" she said, brushing her hair behind her ears. She looked up at the students with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you all. My name is Ryo. You can call me Miss Ryo or teacher if you prefer."

She gestured toward the front table where no one was sitting, "As you can see, there is four microscope on the table. I want you to form a group of 4. Each group will be provided with a sample to examine. I know some of you might not be familiar with how to use a microscope, but don't worry—I'll teach you in the next lesson."

As the students began to form their group, Yuuki silently asking Rena, if she wanted to partner up. She nodded with a smile, and they both turned to Kenzo and Akiko.

"Do you want to join our group?" Yuuki asked, trying to keep his tone casual.

Kenzo hesitated, his eyes flicking to Akiko. The awkwardness between them was clear, but after a moment, he nodded. "Sure, why not."

The four of them moved to one of the front tables, setting of a sleek, high-tech microscope. As they gathered around, Ms. Ryo approached with a small tray of slides.

"Here's your sample." she said, placing the tray on their table. "It's a cross-section of a plant stem. See if you can identify and tissues."

Yuuki carefully placed the slide under the microscope, acutely aware of Rena standing close beside him. Her arm brushed against his as he looked through the eyepiece. sending a small shiver down his spine.

"Wow." Rena said, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's beautiful. Look at all the different cells!"

Yuuki took his turn at the microscope, marveling at the intricate structures revealed under the lens. As he adjusted the focus, he heard Kenzo clearing his throat.

"Akiko," Kenzo said quietly, "can we talk after class? There's... there's more I want to say."

Yuuki glanced up, catching the surprise and hope flickering across Akiko's face. "Of course," she replied softly. "I'd like that."

As the lesson progressed, Yuuki couldn't help but steal glances at Rena, admiring concentration as she sketched the plant cells in her notebook. He also noticed the subtle shift in Kenzo and Akiko's body language- the initial stiffness gradually giving way to a cautious familiarity.

When the bell rang signaling the end of class, there was a flurry of activity as students packed up their things. As Yuuki was putting away his notebook, he felt a light touch on his arm. It was Rena.

"Hey, she said, her voice low. "Want to grab a coffee after school? I thought maybe we could talk about... you know. us?"

Yuuki heart skip a beat. "Yeah," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "Sure."

As they left the classroom, Yuuki saw Kenzo and Akiko hanging back, their head bent close in a conversation. He caught Rena's eye, and they exchanged a look of curiosity mixed concern for their friends.

"I hope things work out," Rena whispered as they walk down the hallway.

Yuuki nodded, feeling a mixed of emotions. "Yeah, me too. It's seeing Kenzo so... different."

As they approach their next class, Yuuki's mind was buzzing with thoughts. The advanced lab had ignited his curiosity, and he found himself eager to learn more. As the same time, the complex dynamics between his friends weight on him. And then there was Rena...

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

He snuck a glance at her as they entered the classroom. The way she tucked her hair behind her ear, the small smile playing behind her lips- it made his heart race. The coffee date after school filled him with both excitement and nervousness.

Settling into his seat, Yuuki took a deep breath. The new school year was proving to be more eventful than he'd anticipated. As the teacher began the lesson, he tried to focus, but his mind wandered to somewhere else.

The afternoon class seemed to drag on endlessly. Yuuki found himself constantly checking the clock, his leg tapping with nervousness under his desk. He caught Rena's eye a few times across the classroom, and each time, they shared a small smile that made his heart skip a beat.

In the last period, Yuuki could barely concentrate on the teacher's words. His notebook remained blank as he rehearsed what he might said to Rena in his head. Before he knew it, the final bell was ringing, signaling the end of their first day ay Yomi High.

As the final bell rang, Yuuki felt a mix of relief and nervous anticipation wash over him. He gathered his things quickly, his heart racing as he made his way to the school gate where he'd agreed to meet Rena.

She was already there, leaning against the wall, her dark hair catching the afternoon sun. When she saw him, her face lit up with a smile that made Yuuki's breath catch his throat.

"Hey," she said softly as he approached.

"Hey," Yuuki replied, suddenly feeling awkwardness. "Ready to go?"

As they fell into step together, Yuuki glanced at his bicycle, then back at Rena. "I, uh bought my bike today," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But we could walk if you prefer."

Rena smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Why don't I hop on the back? Just like when we were kids."

Yuuki's heart leapt at her suggestion. He nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. "Yeah, that sounds great."

He wheeled his bike out and steadied it as Rena perched herself in the rear back. As he placed her hands lightly on his shoulders, Yuuki felt butterflies in his stomach.

They set off towards the small coffee shop just a few blocks from school, the gentle whir of the bicycle wheels filling the air.

As they waited in line to order their drinks, Rena turned to Yuuki, her eyes meeting his. "So," she began, her voice filling with a mixed of nervousness and determination. "About us..."

Yuuki took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Yeah," he said, "I've been thinking that a lot today."

They grabbed their drinks and found a quiet table in the corner of the café. Sitting across from each other, both cradling their warm cups, they shared a nervous laugh.

"This shouldn't be so hard," Rena said, shaking her head. "We've known each other forever."

"I know," Yuuki agreed. "But this feels... different."

Rena nodded, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. "It does. Yuuki, I... I really like you. As more than just a friend."

Yuuki felt his heart soar at her words. "I like you too," he admitted, a smile spreading across his face. "I have for a while now."

As they continued to talk, the initial awkwardness melted away. They laughed about shared memories, discussed their hopes for the new school year.

As the afternoon light began to fade outside the café window, Yuuki realized that hours had passed. He marveled at how easy it was to talk to Rena, how natural it felt to be with her in this new way.

"We should probably head home," Rena said reluctantly, glancing at the clock.

Yuuki nodded, equally hesitant to end their time together. As they stood to leave, he gathered his courage once more. "Rena," he said, his voice soft but steady, "would you like to go on a real date this weekend?"

Rena's face lit up with a brilliant smile. "I'd love to," she replied.

As Yuuki and Rena walked home together, their hands intertwined, Yuuki's phone buzzed with a message. He pulled it out, seeing a text from Kenzo:

"Hey man, you won't believe what happened with Akiko. Can we meet up tomorrow? I need to tell you everything."

Yuuki showed the message to Rena, both of them exchanging curious glances.

"Looks like we're not the only ones with news," Rena said with a smile.

Yuuki nodded, wondering what could have transpired between his friends. As he typed a quick "Sure, let's talk tomorrow" in response, he realized that this day had brought new beginnings for all of them.