Takuma leaned against the wall outside the school, waiting. Miu had texted him to meet here, though she hadn’t said why. The air was thick with late afternoon warmth, and the distant hum of city life blended with the fading voices of students filtering out into the streets.

Then he saw her.

Miu’s face was set in an expression he hadn’t seen before. It was intense, almost fragile, as though she was holding something in, something difficult. Takuma felt a strange pang in his chest. He wasn’t sure what was coming, but he sensed it wasn’t going to be an easy conversation.

“Thanks for waiting,” Miu said softly, her voice almost a whisper.

He nodded, unsure of what to say, feeling a bit uneasy. “Is everything… okay?”

She hesitated, glancing away for a moment, and then let out a small sigh. “Can we go somewhere quiet? I think… I think we need to talk.”

They ended up at the nearby park, where the trees provided a canopy of green that shielded them from the rest of the world. Miu stopped by a secluded bench, her hands twisting together as if she was searching for the right words.

Takuma finally broke the silence. “Miu… is something wrong?”

She looked at him, her gaze piercing in its intensity. “Takuma… I need to know something.” Her voice was gentle but unyielding. “What are we? I mean… do you see me as… a friend?”

The question hit him like a punch. He hadn’t expected it. The word “friend” felt heavy on his tongue, but he nodded slowly. “Yeah, of course, Miu. You’re… a friend to me.” But even as he said it, he knew the words sounded too simple, too light.

She swallowed, her voice a little shaky as she continued. “Do you know how hard it’s been for me? To stand by, watching you distance yourself from everyone?” Her voice softened, her words threading together like a plea. “Takuma, I care about you… a lot. And sometimes, I feel like I don’t even know you.”

He glanced down, a lump forming in his throat. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he couldn’t deny the truth in her words. “I don’t mean to push you away, Miu. I’m just… I’m not good with… all of this. I haven’t been, for a long time.”

Miu’s expression softened. “I know you’ve been through a lot, Takuma. But that’s exactly why I want to be here for you. You don’t have to do this alone.”

He felt his defenses begin to crack, something he wasn’t used to. “It’s just… hard, Miu,” he managed, voice thick with emotion. “There’s a part of me that feels like if I let anyone too close, I’ll end up hurting them.”

She reached out, her hand resting lightly on his. “But I’m here, Takuma. And I’m not going anywhere.” Her eyes met his, filled with an unwavering determination that caught him off guard.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Takuma could feel the warmth of her hand, grounding him, her presence offering a comfort he hadn’t let himself feel in a long time.

“What about you, Miu?” he asked suddenly, his voice low. “Is it hard… being around me?”

Her gaze flickered, and she smiled, a bit sadly. “Sometimes. But I’ve never regretted it, not once.”

His chest tightened at her words. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, feeling a swell of guilt. “For making things hard on you.”

Miu shook her head, squeezing his hand gently. “Don’t apologize. Just… let me in, Takuma. Let me help you carry some of that weight.”

Her words resonated with him, stirring something he hadn’t let himself acknowledge before. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her—he did, in a way that surprised even himself. But he was so used to being alone, to keeping everything locked away, that the thought of sharing his pain felt foreign, almost impossible.

But looking into her eyes, seeing the care and resolve there, he felt the smallest spark of hope. “I’ll try,” he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Miu’s face lit up with a mixture of relief and warmth, and she leaned a little closer. “That’s all I wanted to hear.”

They sat in silence for a while, the quiet around them filled with an unspoken understanding. Takuma’s mind swirled with emotions he hadn’t dared to face, but somehow, being with her made it feel a little more manageable.

Finally, he turned to her, a hesitant smile on his face. “Thanks, Miu. For not giving up on me.”

She chuckled softly, her laughter like a soothing balm. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Takuma. You’re… worth it.”

The sincerity in her words touched him deeply, and he felt the faintest crack in the wall he’d built around his heart. He didn’t know what the future held, but in this moment, with Miu by his side, he felt a little less alone. And for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, he could open up to someone.

The silence between them felt warmer than the usual tension Takuma carried within him. It was rare for him to feel this kind of peace—a sense that maybe he didn’t have to keep every part of himself locked away.

He glanced at Miu and managed a faint smile. “You know, I didn’t think you’d be the kind of person to stick around.”

Miu raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. “Oh? And what kind of person do you take me for, Takuma?”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Persistent,” he admitted. “In a good way. Even if it’s... a little surprising.”

“Surprising?” She laughed, rolling her eyes. “I think that’s code for ‘annoying,’ isn’t it?”

“Not at all,” he replied quickly, a little too quickly, which only made her smirk widen. “It’s more like… I didn’t think anyone would have the patience to bother.”

Miu tilted her head, looking thoughtful. “You’d be surprised what people are willing to put up with, Takuma. And besides, you’re not that hard to deal with. Well…” she added, smirking, “most of the time.”

“Gee, thanks,” he replied dryly, but there was a faint trace of warmth in his voice that he hadn’t meant to let slip.

She nudged him playfully, her eyes alight with a mischievous glint. “You’re welcome. Just so you know, though, I’m prepared to be annoyingly persistent. Especially if it means you might start acting like a normal human being.”

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He couldn’t help but laugh, a rare, genuine sound. “I’ll take that as a challenge.”

“Oh, it’s definitely a challenge,” Miu replied with a grin. But then her face softened, and her gaze turned serious again. “Takuma, you don’t have to hide from me. Not anymore.”

Her words settled over him, stirring something he couldn’t quite place. He was grateful—grateful for her presence, her patience, and the strange, steadfast loyalty that she showed him, even when he didn’t fully understand why.

They sat quietly again, watching the golden light filter through the leaves as the day slipped into twilight. The moment felt strangely perfect, as if they had stepped out of time, leaving the chaos and tension of the outside world far behind.

After a while, Miu shifted, glancing at him with an almost shy smile. “Hey, do you want to go grab something to eat? My treat. We could try that ramen place you keep talking about.”

Takuma’s eyes widened slightly. “I didn’t know you were listening when I mentioned that place.”

“Of course I was listening,” she replied with a shrug, pretending nonchalance. “Just because you think no one pays attention doesn’t mean it’s true.”

He chuckled, feeling the last traces of his usual guardedness start to melt away. “Alright, I’ll take you up on that. But don’t complain when I eat more than you expect.”

Miu laughed, rolling her eyes. “Fine, but if you order the entire menu, I’m not covering the bill.”

They both stood up, and for the first time in a long time, Takuma felt lighter. There was still a part of him that held back, a shadow of uncertainty lurking in the corners of his mind. But with Miu by his side, those shadows seemed a little less daunting.

As they walked out of the park together, he couldn’t help but think that maybe—just maybe—things could be different. He didn’t know what the future held, but for now, he was content to let Miu lead the way.

They arrived at the bustling ramen shop, the air inside thick with the aroma of simmering broth and freshly cooked noodles. Takuma took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scent that made his stomach growl in anticipation. This place was modest and unassuming, tucked between towering buildings, yet it was one of the best-kept secrets in town.

Miu looked around with wide eyes, a slight smile playing on her lips. "You really weren’t kidding about this place, were you?"

"I told you," Takuma replied, smirking. "I’d never joke about ramen."

She snorted, giving him a playful nudge as they sat down. A friendly older woman came by to take their orders, and Takuma ordered his usual—tonkotsu ramen with extra pork and an egg. Miu, after consulting Takuma with raised eyebrows and a few laughs over the menu, ended up choosing a spicy miso ramen.

As they waited, Miu glanced around, taking in the cozy, rustic feel of the restaurant. "I’m surprised you come here often. I didn’t think you’d be into places like this."

Takuma shrugged, leaning back. "It’s quiet, and it’s got good food. That’s all I really need."

Miu tilted her head thoughtfully, watching him. "You know, I’m still trying to figure you out, Takuma. You’re like this… mystery book I accidentally started reading."

He chuckled, a genuine, lighthearted sound. "Well, good luck with that. It might just be an unfinished book."

She laughed, but there was something in her eyes that softened as she spoke. "I don’t mind. Some mysteries are worth the effort."

They fell into a comfortable silence, but before Takuma could overthink it, the ramen arrived, steaming and fragrant. Takuma’s mouth practically watered as he picked up his chopsticks, ready to dig in.

Miu took her first bite, her eyes widening in surprise as the broth’s flavor hit her. "Okay, you were right. This… this is amazing."

Takuma grinned, pleased. "Told you. Best ramen in town."

They ate in companionable silence for a while, both fully focused on their food. Takuma couldn’t help but steal glances at Miu between bites, watching as she blew on each spoonful, her face lighting up with every taste. It was strange, almost surreal, seeing her in this setting. Like they were in a world apart from school, from the complicated web of expectations and reputations.

Eventually, she set her bowl down, wiping her mouth and sighing contentedly. "I think I’m officially converted. If this place becomes my new obsession, it’s on you."

"I can live with that," he replied, smirking. "At least I’d have someone to come here with now."

Miu’s eyes sparkled as she leaned forward, teasing him. "Oh, is that your way of saying you actually enjoy my company?"

Takuma rolled his eyes, feeling his face grow warm. "Don’t push it."

She chuckled, but her expression softened. "You know… I don’t think I’ve seen you look this relaxed before. Not in school, at least."

Takuma paused, her words catching him off guard. He didn’t realize it himself, but she was right. There was a tension he usually carried, something he tried to keep hidden under layers of indifference and distance. But here, in the warm light of the ramen shop, with Miu by his side… it was like a part of him could breathe.

"Maybe it’s just the ramen," he replied quietly, shrugging.

"Or maybe it’s because you don’t have to keep that wall up with me," she countered, her voice gentle.

For a moment, he didn’t know how to respond. But then he nodded, glancing at her. "Maybe you’re right."

They paid for their meal and headed out, the night air cooler and fresher after the cozy warmth of the shop. They walked in silence for a while, neither of them rushing to break the moment.

Finally, Miu nudged him, grinning. "So, what’s next? Another food recommendation? Or are you planning on keeping this list of hidden gems to yourself?"

Takuma snorted, rolling his eyes. "Maybe I’ll let you in on another spot… but only if you promise not to tell anyone."

"Oh, it’ll be our secret, then," she replied with a wink.

As they walked under the streetlights, Takuma felt a strange sense of contentment settle over him. He wasn’t sure where this friendship with Miu was leading, or how it would fit into the tangle of his life, but for now, he was grateful to have her by his side.

They walked for a while in companionable silence, the streetlights casting a warm glow on the quiet streets. Takuma kept glancing sideways at Miu, who was looking curiously at her surroundings. As they passed a building with neon lights and elaborate designs, Takuma slowed down, a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes.

“You know,” he said nonchalantly, his voice perfectly even, “this place we’re headed to—it’s actually pretty popular with couples.”

Miu raised an eyebrow, giving him a skeptical glance. “Oh? Is it, like, a romantic restaurant or something?”

“Not exactly…” Takuma shrugged, struggling to keep his face straight. “It’s a love hotel.”

The words hung in the air for a split second before Miu’s eyes widened, and her face turned a brilliant shade of red. She stopped in her tracks, mouth opening and closing as she struggled for words.

“W-what?!” she sputtered, looking at him with a mixture of shock and horror. “You’re kidding… right? I mean—seriously? A love hotel?”

Takuma’s lips twitched, but he somehow managed to keep a straight face, shrugging again. “They’ve got nice rooms and… well, some unique decor. Thought it’d be… interesting.”

Miu’s cheeks flamed as she stared at him, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. “You are—You are the absolute worst!” She huffed, turning her face away from him, clearly flustered and refusing to meet his gaze.

At that, Takuma finally let the smirk slip, chuckling softly as he watched her face morph from embarrassment to frustration. “Relax,” he said, his voice filled with barely concealed laughter. “I was kidding.”

Miu’s head snapped back to face him, her mouth still slightly agape. “You—Takuma!” She exhaled in relief, though her cheeks were still flushed. She shoved him lightly on the shoulder, her expression a mix of embarrassment and lingering irritation. “I can’t believe you’d mess with me like that!”

“Your expression was priceless,” he said, still grinning as he rubbed the spot she had hit. “Totally worth it.”

Miu glared at him, but she couldn’t hide the small, grudging smile that started to tug at the corners of her mouth. “Fine. You got me. But that was really mean,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Maybe a little,” Takuma admitted, his grin softening. “Come on. The real place we’re going to isn’t far. I thought you might like it, especially after the whole ramen ordeal.”

Miu raised an eyebrow, still slightly wary. “This better not be another prank.”

“No pranks. It’s… actually a theme park,” he admitted, giving her a sheepish look. “I figured you could use a break from, well, everything. Besides, it’s almost empty this time of night, and they’ve got a whole area with lights set up.”

Miu’s face softened as she glanced ahead, the lingering blush from before fading as excitement sparkled in her eyes. “Really? A theme park? That’s actually… that sounds amazing.”

Takuma nodded, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction. “Yeah. Just thought it’d be a change of pace.”

She let out a small laugh, the sound bright against the quiet evening. “Well, you’ve got good taste, even if you’re a little too good at teasing.”

He scratched the back of his head, feeling unexpectedly flustered at her smile. “I’ll, uh, keep the teasing to a minimum. Promise.”

They continued walking, and as they neared the theme park, the colorful lights came into view, illuminating the quiet night. Miu’s face lit up in awe, the earlier embarrassment completely forgotten.