It was a sunny morning, and Izuna decided to meet Athena at a cozy café near their workplace. Athena had asked for his help with a project, and Izuna, being the laid-back yet kind guy he was, agreed without hesitation.

As he dressed up, he unconsciously put extra effort into his appearance. His casual white shirt was tucked neatly into slim-fit black jeans, and his leather jacket completed the look. Airi, who happened to see him leaving, raised an eyebrow.

“Where are you off to looking like that?” she asked, leaning against the doorframe.

“Meeting Athena for coffee. She needs help with a project,” Izuna replied casually, grabbing his keys.

Airi felt a pang of annoyance but quickly masked it with indifference. “Well, don’t be late coming back. We still need to sort out dinner.”

“Sure thing, Mom,” Izuna teased, flashing a grin before heading out.

At the café, Athena greeted him warmly. She was wearing a soft lavender dress that matched her radiant smile. Izuna couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly elegant she looked. They found a table by the window, and the sunlight streaming in highlighted her golden hair.

As they discussed her project, their conversation naturally drifted to personal topics. Athena laughed at Izuna’s quirky stories, her laughter ringing like music. Izuna found himself enjoying her company more than he expected.

“You’re really something, Izuna. Always so laid-back, yet you have this knack for solving problems,” Athena complimented, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer than usual.

Izuna scratched the back of his neck, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. “Ah, you’re giving me too much credit. You’re the real star here, Athena.”

Their light-hearted banter continued, and from the outside, they looked like a couple enjoying a perfect date.

Meanwhile, Airi had gone out to pick up groceries. As she passed by the café, she spotted Izuna and Athena through the window. They were laughing, leaning slightly closer than necessary, and their connection seemed undeniable.

Airi stopped in her tracks, her chest tightening in a way she didn’t expect. She tried to brush it off as annoyance. “It’s not like I care or anything,” she muttered, but her expression betrayed her.

That evening, back at the apartment, Airi’s mood was noticeably off.

Izuna, unaware of her inner turmoil, casually asked, “What’s for dinner?”

“Why don’t you ask Athena?” Airi snapped, surprising both of them.

Izuna blinked, confused. “Wait, what? What does Athena have to do with dinner?

Airi turned away, crossing her arms. “Nothing. Forget it.”

Izuna tilted his head, trying to figure out what had just happened. “Are you… jealous?” he teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“Jealous? Don’t flatter yourself!” Airi retorted, her cheeks turning crimson. She stormed off to her room, leaving Izuna both amused and bewildered.

As he sat on the couch, a small smile played on his lips. “She’s cute when she’s mad,” he thought, his mind drifting back to Athena’s warm smile and Airi’s fiery spirit.

The day had been unexpected, but it left Izuna pondering his feelings.

The next morning, the atmosphere in the apartment was tense. Airi avoided making eye contact with Izuna as she prepared breakfast, clattering the utensils louder than usual.

Izuna, sitting at the dining table, watched her with a mix of amusement and confusion. “Okay, seriously, what’s with the attitude?” he asked, finally breaking the silence.

Airi slammed a plate of toast in front of him. “No attitude,” she said curtly.

Izuna smirked. “So, it has nothing to do with me meeting Athena yesterday?”

Airi froze for a moment but quickly composed herself. “Why would it? You’re free to do whatever you want,” she said, her tone betraying her words.

Izuna leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “You’re a terrible liar, Airi.”

She glared at him, her cheeks tinged with pink. “I am not lying!”

Before Izuna could push her buttons further, his phone buzzed. It was a message from Athena:

“Thanks again for yesterday, Izuna! I owe you one 😊. Let’s catch up soon!”

Airi noticed the slight smile on his face as he read the message and couldn’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance. She grabbed her bag and stormed out of the apartment.

At work, Airi confided in Tamaki during their lunch break.

Tamaki, ever the curious friend, asked, “So, what’s the deal with you and Izuna? You’ve been acting weird all morning.”

Airi sighed, poking at her salad. “Nothing. He just… spent time with Athena yesterday, and I don’t know why it’s bothering me.”

Tamaki smirked knowingly. “Oh, someone’s jealous!”

Airi shot her a glare. “I’m not jealous!”

“Sure, sure,” Tamaki teased, leaning closer. “But if it’s bothering you, maybe you should think about why. Do you… like him?”

Airi paused, her fork hovering over her plate. “I don’t know. He’s infuriating and lazy, but…” She trailed off, her thoughts drifting to the small, thoughtful things Izuna did, like saving the last piece of cake for her or fixing the squeaky cabinet without being asked.

Tamaki grinned. “Sounds like someone’s got a soft spot for her roommate.”

Meanwhile, at Izuna’s office, Ren and Hikaru were grilling him about Athena.

“So, how was your date with Athena?” Ren asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

“It wasn’t a date,” Izuna replied, though his relaxed tone didn’t help his case.

Hikaru chuckled. “You’re blushing, man. Admit it, she’s into you.”

Izuna shook his head, laughing. “She’s just a friend. Besides, if I start dating someone, I’d never hear the end of it from Airi.”

Ren leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Ah, so you’re worried about what Airi thinks. Interesting.”

Izuna frowned. “It’s not like that. She’s just… complicated.”

“Complicated, huh? Sounds like you care a little too much,” Hikaru added, giving Izuna a knowing look.

Izuna rubbed the back of his neck, realizing his colleagues weren’t going to let this go anytime soon.

That evening, when Izuna returned home, Airi was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone. She glanced up briefly before going back to her screen.

“Hey,” Izuna said cautiously.

“Hey,” Airi replied, her tone neutral.

After a moment of silence, Izuna sat down beside her. “Look, about yesterday—”

“It’s fine,” Airi interrupted, her voice softer than before.

Izuna raised an eyebrow. “You sure? You seemed pretty upset.”

Airi sighed, setting her phone down. “I just… I don’t want things to get weird between us, okay?”

Izuna smiled. “Same here. Truce?”

“Truce,” Airi agreed, though a small part of her still felt uneasy.

As they sat there in silence, the unresolved tension between them lingered, leaving both of them wondering where their feelings truly stood.

The following weekend, the trio—Izuna, Airi, and Athena—found themselves at a small local café, having been invited by Athena to try the new seasonal drinks. The atmosphere was cozy, the café buzzing with quiet chatter, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air.

Izuna sat between the two women, blissfully unaware of the subtle tension. Athena, as usual, was cheerful and lively, while Airi kept her responses short, sipping her drink quietly.

“This place is amazing, isn’t it?” Athena said, taking a sip of her caramel latte. “I found it last week and thought you’d love it, Izuna. It’s got such a relaxing vibe.”

Izuna nodded, glancing around. “Yeah, it’s nice. Good find, Athena.”

Airi, however, felt a pang of annoyance. Relaxing vibe? You’re acting like you’re on a romantic getaway.

Athena turned to Airi, her expression warm. “What do you think, Airi? Do you like it?”

“It’s fine,” Airi replied curtly, stirring her drink unnecessarily.

Sensing the awkwardness, Izuna decided to lighten the mood. “Airi’s probably annoyed because they didn’t have her usual vanilla latte,” he joked.

Airi shot him a glare. “I’m not that picky, thank you very much.”

Athena giggled. “You two really have a unique dynamic. It’s cute.”

Izuna smirked. “See, Airi? Even Athena thinks we’re cute.”

Airi’s face turned crimson. “D-Don’t twist her words, idiot!”

The other customers in the café turned to look at their table, and Airi immediately lowered her voice, embarrassed. Athena watched the exchange with a thoughtful smile, her gaze lingering on Airi for a moment.

Later, as they walked back home, Athena walked beside Izuna, chatting animatedly about her latest project. Airi trailed a step behind, her hands stuffed into her coat pockets.

“Thanks for coming out today,” Athena said, her smile bright. “I always have a great time with you, Izuna.”

“Same here,” Izuna replied. “It’s nice to take a break from work once in a while.”

Airi clenched her fists, her jealousy bubbling up again. Why does she have to be so perfect all the time?

Athena suddenly stopped and turned to Airi. “By the way, Airi, I really admire how you manage everything at work. Izuna’s told me how amazing you are.”

Airi blinked, caught off guard. “He… said that?”

Athena nodded, her smile genuine. “Of course. He talks about you a lot. You’re lucky to have someone who cares about you so much.”

Airi glanced at Izuna, who rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “I didn’t say that much,” he muttered.

But Airi’s heart softened at the thought, and her irritation began to ebb away.

That evening, as they reached the apartment, Athena bid them goodbye at the door. “Thanks again for today! Let’s do this again sometime.”

“Definitely,” Izuna said with a wave.

As soon as Athena left, Airi turned to Izuna, her arms crossed. “You talk about me to her?”

Izuna shrugged, his tone casual. “Why not? You’re important to me, after all.”

Airi’s cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned away to hide her embarrassment. “Idiot. Don’t say things like that so casually.”

Izuna chuckled. “Why not? It’s the truth.”

Though Airi didn’t respond, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as they walked inside. For the first time that day, the lingering jealousy felt like a distant memory.

The next day at work, Airi found herself unable to focus. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Athena’s words and Izuna’s casual declaration from the previous night. You’re important to me, after all. Those words replayed in her mind like a catchy tune she couldn’t shake off.

Her colleague Tamaki Yurine noticed her distracted state. Leaning over her desk, Tamaki whispered, “Earth to Airi. You’ve been staring at the same spreadsheet for the past ten minutes. What’s going on?”

Airi snapped out of her thoughts, shaking her head. “It’s nothing. Just tired.”

Tamaki smirked knowingly. “Is this about Izuna again? You’ve got that look.”

Airi frowned. “What look?”

“The look of someone who’s thinking about a certain someone but doesn’t want to admit it,” Tamaki teased.

Airi groaned, resting her head on her desk. “Why do you always jump to conclusions?”

“Because I’m right,” Tamaki replied, pulling up a chair beside her. “Let me guess. Something happened between you two recently?”

Airi hesitated but eventually sighed. “It’s not like that. Athena invited us out yesterday, and…”

Tamaki raised an eyebrow. “And?”

“And she was all over him,” Airi muttered, her voice tinged with irritation.

Tamaki’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Ooh, jealousy! This is getting good. Did Izuna notice?”

“I don’t think so,” Airi admitted, sitting up straight. “He’s so dense sometimes. He doesn’t even realize how it looked.”

“Or maybe he does,” Tamaki suggested. “Guys like him have a way of pretending they’re clueless when they’re not.”

Airi gave her a skeptical look. “Izuna? A mastermind? That’s hard to believe.”

Tamaki chuckled. “Fair point. But still, if it’s bothering you this much, maybe you should talk to him about it.”

Airi shook her head. “It’s not like that, Tamaki. I’m not… I mean, we’re not…”

Tamaki waved her off. “Yeah, yeah, you’re ‘just housemates.’ Sure.” She stood up and winked. “But if you don’t make a move, someone else might.”

Airi watched her friend walk away, her words leaving an uncomfortable weight in her chest. Just housemates… right?

Meanwhile, at Izuna’s office, Ren Kirayuu had cornered him in the break room.

“So, how’s it going with Athena?” Ren asked, sipping his coffee.

Izuna blinked. “What do you mean?”

Ren grinned. “Come on, don’t play dumb. You two have been spending a lot of time together, haven’t you?”

Izuna shrugged. “She’s a good friend. Besides, we were with Airi yesterday too.”

Ren raised an eyebrow. “And how did Airi take it?”

“What do you mean?” Izuna asked, confused.

Ren leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. “Dude, Airi’s clearly into you. If you keep hanging out with Athena like that, you’re gonna make her jealous.”

Izuna nearly choked on his drink. “Jealous? Airi? No way. She’s not like that.”

Ren shook his head. “You’re so oblivious it hurts. Just think about it. She’s your housemate, you two spend all this time together, and now another girl’s in the picture. It’s a classic love triangle setup.”

Izuna frowned, pondering Ren’s words. Could Airi really feel that way?

That evening, back at the apartment, Airi and Izuna crossed paths in the kitchen. The air between them was tense but unspoken, as if they both had something on their minds.

Izuna finally broke the silence. “Hey, about yesterday…”

Airi stiffened, her heart skipping a beat. “What about it?”

“I just wanted to say I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or anything,” Izuna said, his tone sincere. “Athena’s just a friend, you know that, right?”

Airi glanced at him, her emotions conflicted. “Why are you bringing this up now?”

“Ren said something, and it got me thinking,” Izuna admitted, scratching the back of his head. “I don’t want you to feel left out or anything.”

Airi’s lips parted slightly in surprise. He noticed?

She quickly composed herself, crossing her arms. “It’s not like I care or anything. You can hang out with whoever you want.”

Izuna smiled, his usual easy going demeanor returning. “Good to know. But, just so you know, you’re important to me too, Airi.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned away. “Idiot. Don’t say things like that so casually.”

Izuna chuckled. “You said that yesterday too. Guess I’m consistent.”

Though she tried to hide it, a small smile played on Airi’s lips. Despite the chaos, there was a strange comfort in their dynamic—a balance neither of them fully understood yet.

The following morning, Airi found herself avoiding Izuna as much as possible. It wasn’t intentional, but the conversation from the previous night had left her with a lot to think about. She didn’t want to admit it, but the feelings she had been suppressing for so long were suddenly bubbling up to the surface. The jealousy, the discomfort, the uncertainty—all of it felt new and unfamiliar. She had never been one to deal with such things head-on.

Izuna, on the other hand, was oblivious as always. He made his way around the apartment, singing softly to himself while making breakfast. He didn’t seem to notice the shift in the air, nor did he realize how much Airi’s silence had started to affect him.

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As Airi prepared her usual breakfast, she couldn’t help but glance over at him. She tried to focus on her cereal, but her mind kept drifting back to last night. Why did I feel like that? It’s just Athena... why does it matter?

“Hey, Airi, do you want me to make extra toast for you?” Izuna called out cheerfully, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside her.

Airi sighed inwardly. It wasn’t his fault. He didn’t know how she felt, or that his casual interactions with Athena were making her feel things she didn’t know how to process.

“I’m fine,” she muttered, not looking up.

Izuna frowned slightly but didn’t press further. He continued with his breakfast preparations, trying to ignore the slight tension in the room. However, it didn’t last long.

After a long silence, Airi finally spoke up, her voice quieter than usual. “Izuna, can I ask you something?”

Izuna paused, glancing at her with a raised eyebrow. “Sure, what’s up?”

Airi hesitated for a moment. She wasn’t entirely sure where this was going, but she needed to know. “Do you... like Athena?”

Izuna blinked, surprised by the question. “Athena? Like, as a friend or something?”

Airi bit her lip. “No, I mean... do you like her, like that?”

There was a long pause, and Izuna looked at her thoughtfully. He scratched the back of his head, clearly confused by her question. “What’s with the sudden question?”

Airi shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She had been trying to make sense of her feelings for days now, but now that the words were out, she wasn’t sure how to deal with them. “I just... I don’t know, I’ve been thinking about it. You’ve been spending a lot of time with her lately, and... I just wanted to know.”

Izuna’s eyes softened as he saw the concern in Airi’s expression. He could sense something was off, but he didn’t want to make it worse by saying the wrong thing. “Airi, I promise you. Athena’s my friend, and that’s it. I don’t think of her like that. You’re the one who’s important to me.”

Airi’s heart skipped a beat, and she immediately felt a flush of warmth creep up her neck. She tried to mask it, but it was impossible to hide the sudden rush of emotions that overwhelmed her. “Then why do you always act so... so friendly with her?”

Izuna furrowed his brows. “What do you mean? I’m friendly with everyone. That’s just who I am.”

Airi couldn’t help but let out a frustrated sigh. “It’s different with her, though! You’re always so... relaxed and carefree when she’s around, and it feels like... like you’re paying more attention to her than to me.”

Izuna was taken aback, not realizing the effect his actions had on Airi. He quickly stepped closer, his expression softening. “Airi, I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I’m sorry. I guess I’ve been a little too caught up in spending time with her, but that doesn’t change how I feel about you. You’re the one I live with. You’re the one who matters to me.”

Airi remained silent for a moment, processing his words. She was trying to understand her own feelings, but it was hard when her mind was so clouded. She wanted to be honest, but she also didn’t want to push Izuna away. “I just... I don’t know, Izuna. I don’t know what I want anymore.”

Izuna stepped closer, reaching out to gently touch her arm. “You don’t have to know everything right now, Airi. We can figure this out together. You’re not alone in this.”

Airi looked up at him, her heart racing. She could feel the warmth of his touch, the sincerity in his voice, and for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to believe him.

“I don’t want to lose our friendship, Izuna,” Airi whispered, her voice barely audible.

Izuna smiled softly. “You won’t. I promise.”

There was a long pause before Airi finally allowed herself to relax. She let out a deep breath, realizing just how much tension had been building inside her. It wasn’t easy, but she was willing to take the time to understand her feelings and, more importantly, to communicate with Izuna.

“Thanks,” she muttered, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Izuna smiled back. “Anytime.”

As the morning went on, the air between them felt lighter. Airi didn’t have all the answers, but for the first time in a while, she felt like she was on the right path. And, for now, that was enough.

The day passed quietly for Airi and Izuna, with their earlier conversation still lingering in the air. Despite the unresolved feelings, there was a sense of calm between them as they continued with their routines. However, the dynamics of their apartment had changed in subtle ways. Airi was quieter, more reflective, and Izuna remained considerate, though still oblivious to the full depth of the situation.

That evening, a knock at the door broke the silence. Izuna, ever the carefree one, was the first to get up. When he opened the door, he was greeted by Takumi Hoshikawa and Sakura Yamashita, who had come over to hang out. Takumi, with his usual grin, stepped inside first, followed by Sakura, who offered a polite but slightly awkward smile.

“Hey, Izuna! Long time no see!” Takumi greeted, clapping Izuna on the back. “You two doing okay?”

Airi smiled faintly but didn’t say much, her thoughts still occupied by the earlier conversation. She had been trying to distract herself with some chores, but it wasn’t working. Takumi noticed the tension and immediately took a seat on the couch, pulling Sakura beside him.

“Something on your mind, Airi?” Takumi asked, raising an eyebrow as he casually relaxed. He had a way of noticing when people were upset, and Airi’s behaviour wasn’t lost on him.

Airi hesitated before responding. “I’m just... thinking about things,” she said softly, glancing over at Izuna.

Sakura, sitting next to Takumi, could feel the subtle shift in the air too. She glanced at Airi and then at Takumi, sensing something was off between the two. She placed a hand on Takumi’s arm, giving him a gentle squeeze to signal her quiet concern.

Takumi, always eager to lighten the mood, chuckled. “You know, Sakura and I have been talking about similar things. Life’s a bit confusing sometimes, right?” He gave Sakura a playful wink, clearly trying to break the ice.

Sakura’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked at Takumi, her eyes softening. “Takumi, you’re always trying to make everything seem simple,” she said, though her voice was warm.

Izuna looked over at them curiously, noticing the closeness between the two. Takumi and Sakura had always seemed like the perfect couple—comfortable with each other, laughing about anything, and just generally easy going. They had been together for a while now, and it showed in the way they interacted.

Airi, still lost in thought, finally looked up at them. “Do you two ever get... jealous?” she asked hesitantly.

Takumi paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he glanced at Sakura. “Jealous? Sure, but I think it’s more about trusting each other than anything else.”

Sakura nodded, adding, “We trust each other, even when things get complicated. It’s not always easy, but we talk it through.”

Airi’s eyes flickered to Izuna, and she immediately felt a pang of uncertainty. Was she trusting enough? Did she even know what kind of relationship she wanted with him?

Seeing the silent tension between Airi and Izuna, Takumi turned his focus to Izuna. “Hey, don’t sweat it, man. Relationships can be tricky, especially when feelings get all tangled up. Just communicate, you know? Sometimes, it’s about being clear with each other.”

Izuna nodded but didn’t speak, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a moment of introspection. Airi, still uncertain, shifted in her seat and glanced at the couple beside her.

Sakura noticed the discomfort and spoke softly to Airi. “It’s okay to feel a little lost sometimes. We’ve all been there, and Takumi... well, he can be a bit clueless, but he’s always trying his best.”

Airi smiled faintly, her gaze softening. “I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing,” she admitted. “I feel like I’m confusing everything.”

Sakura reached out and gave Airi’s hand a gentle squeeze. “It’s alright. Just be honest with yourself, and things will fall into place. And if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

Airi appreciated the kindness in Sakura’s words. She wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out, but for the first time that day, she felt a little lighter. She glanced over at Izuna, who had been watching her with an understanding expression. Despite the misunderstandings and awkward moments, there was a sense of reassurance in his eyes.

Takumi, always eager to lighten the mood, laughed. “Alright, enough with the heavy talk! Let’s watch a movie or something. You two need a distraction from all this emotional stuff.” He jumped up from the couch, pulling Sakura with him.

Izuna smiled at the sudden change in energy. “Good idea. A movie sounds nice.”

The group settled on the couch, and Airi sat back, allowing herself to relax for the first time that day. As they watched the movie, she glanced at Izuna again. There was still uncertainty in her heart, but for now, it felt okay to just let the moment unfold.

As the movie continued, Airi realized that maybe, just maybe, everything didn’t have to be figured out immediately. With time, things could find their way.

Takumi and Sakura, sitting closely beside each other, exchanged a glance. They may not have known all the answers either, but they knew one thing for sure: love was about growing together, understanding each other’s flaws, and finding moments of joy even in the midst of uncertainty. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.

The next day, the atmosphere at the apartment felt lighter than before. Airi had woken up with a renewed sense of clarity, and Izuna was back to his usual self, oblivious to the complexity of the situation around him. They went through the motions of their daily routines, with Airi making breakfast and Izuna sitting at the table, lost in his thoughts. Despite the lingering tension from the previous evening, the two had decided not to let it overshadow the day.

The doorbell rang, interrupting their peaceful morning. Airi glanced up from the stove, raising an eyebrow. “Who could that be?” she muttered to herself.

Izuna stood up and walked to the door. When he opened it, he was greeted by a smiling Athena, standing outside with a small box in her hands.

“Hey, Izuna!” Athena said cheerfully. “I brought you a little something. Hope you’re doing okay after yesterday.”

Izuna blinked in surprise, still processing the fact that Athena had shown up unannounced. “Oh, hey Athena! What’s this?” he asked, gesturing to the box.

Athena smiled. “Just a little gift. Thought you might like it. Can I come in?”

Izuna stepped aside to let her in, and Athena walked past him, her eyes scanning the apartment. Airi, still cooking breakfast, turned toward Athena with a polite smile. “Good morning, Athena,” she greeted.

“Good morning, Airi!” Athena responded, her voice bright. She set the box down on the counter and took a moment to glance at the two of them, sensing the underlying tension that still lingered between them.

Airi looked back at Athena, her expression neutral. “What’s the gift?” she asked, trying to keep things light.

Athena chuckled and opened the box, revealing a small potted plant inside. “I thought it’d brighten up your place. I know you two have been working a lot lately, so a little greenery might help.”

Izuna grinned. “That’s thoughtful of you, Athena. Thanks.”

Airi nodded in agreement, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Athena’s sudden appearance was no coincidence, and the plant, while a kind gesture, seemed like a subtle reminder of Athena’s closeness to Izuna.

As Athena set the plant down on the windowsill, she turned to Airi with a playful grin. “So, how are you two doing today? Everything good?”

Airi gave a soft smile, though her eyes hinted at something more. “We’re fine. Just... figuring things out.”

Athena tilted her head, sensing the unspoken words in Airi’s tone. “Figuring things out, huh?” she said, her voice laced with understanding. “You know, relationships aren’t always easy. But you’re both strong—don’t forget that.”

Airi gave a small nod, though her smile was tinged with doubt. “I guess we’ll see.”

Izuna, sensing the tension between the two women, awkwardly tried to change the subject. “Hey, Athena, have you had breakfast yet? We were just about to eat.”

Athena’s eyes lit up. “I haven’t, actually! Mind if I join you?”

Airi hesitated but then nodded, motioning for her to sit at the table. “Sure, we’d love the company.”

As the three of them sat down to eat, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Athena shared some amusing anecdotes from work, and Izuna offered a few of his own stories, causing Airi to laugh despite herself. It wasn’t that Airi didn’t enjoy Athena’s company, but she couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of the way Athena seemed to naturally fit into their dynamic.

After breakfast, Athena lingered for a while, chatting casually with both of them. But as the morning wore on, she eventually stood up, preparing to leave. “Well, I should get going. Got a lot to do today, you know?” she said, smiling at Izuna and Airi.

Izuna stood up with her. “Thanks again for the plant, Athena. We’ll take good care of it.”

Athena winked at him. “I know you will.” Then she turned to Airi. “Take care, Airi. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask, okay?”

Airi nodded, offering a polite smile. “Thanks, Athena. I will.”

With that, Athena left, and the door closed behind her with a soft click. Airi let out a quiet sigh, trying to shake the sense of unease that had crept into her chest.

Izuna, oblivious to the full extent of Airi’s feelings, turned to her with a cheerful smile. “Well, that was nice, right? Athena’s always so lively.”

Airi forced a smile in return, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Yeah, she’s... nice.”

Izuna didn’t notice the underlying tension in Airi’s voice and continued, “I think she really likes hanging out with us. She’s been such a good friend.”

Airi’s smile faltered for a moment. “Yeah... a good friend.”

She couldn’t help but feel conflicted. Was it jealousy? Or was it just her own insecurity? She wasn’t sure, but one thing was clear—she needed to figure out what she truly wanted, and fast.

Izuna, noticing her silence, decided to change the subject. “How about we do something fun today? Maybe grab lunch or watch a movie?”

Airi nodded absently, trying to push her feelings aside. “Sure. Sounds good.”

As they moved on to their day, Airi couldn’t shake the feeling that things were changing between her and Izuna. Athena’s presence had only highlighted the cracks that were beginning to form in their relationship. But as much as Airi wanted to resolve her feelings, she knew one thing for sure—she wasn’t ready to give up on what she and Izuna shared. Yet, there was still so much more she needed to figure out.

The day was far from over, and their journey was only beginning. But for now, Airi would take things one step at a time.

The afternoon sun cast a warm golden hue over the city as Airi and Izuna walked through the bustling streets. After Athena’s visit earlier in the day, Airi had tried her best to push aside her feelings, but the lingering sense of jealousy refused to go away. She couldn’t help but feel a little defeated, as if the sudden appearance of Athena had shifted something in the dynamic between her and Izuna.

Izuna, oblivious to her inner turmoil, chatted away as they walked, his voice light and cheerful. “So, what do you think? Should we grab some lunch first or head straight to the arcade? I heard there’s a new game there, and I’m dying to try it out.”

Airi forced a smile, nodding along with his enthusiasm. “Sure, we can go to the arcade. I don’t mind.”

Izuna grinned, happy with her answer. “Great! Let’s make it a fun day then.”

As they continued walking, Airi found herself lost in thought. She couldn’t shake the image of Athena’s cheerful smile, the way she seemed so at ease with Izuna. They had always been close, but now, with Airi’s own feelings growing more complicated, it felt like she was on the outside looking in.

Izuna turned to her, his expression softening as he noticed her silence. “Hey, Airi,” he said gently. “Is everything okay? You’ve been kinda quiet today.”

Airi blinked, startled out of her thoughts. She hesitated for a moment before responding. “I’m fine,” she said, her voice soft but steady. “Just... thinking about some things.”

Izuna didn’t seem convinced, but he didn’t press the issue. “If you ever want to talk, you know I’m here, right?” he said with a reassuring smile. “We can always take a break from all this fun and just relax.”

Airi’s heart warmed slightly at his words. Despite everything, she knew he cared about her. Still, the uncertainty gnawed at her. “Thanks, Izuna. I’ll be fine.”

They continued their walk, and eventually, they arrived at the arcade. The flashing lights and the sound of excited voices greeted them as they stepped inside. Izuna’s face lit up with excitement as he spotted the new game he had been talking about. “Look! It’s right over there!” He pointed eagerly, leading Airi toward the machine.

Airi smiled softly, watching him with fondness. Even with her feelings in turmoil, she couldn’t deny that spending time with Izuna always felt like a little escape. As they approached the game, Izuna’s energy seemed to infect her, and she found herself getting caught up in the excitement.

They spent the next hour playing the game, laughing and teasing each other about their skills—or lack thereof. Izuna, of course, was better at the game than Airi, but she didn’t mind. Being with him, enjoying the simple moments, made everything else fade into the background. For a brief time, the tension she had felt earlier seemed to vanish.

After they finished with the game, they decided to grab a snack at a nearby café. Izuna, as always, was in high spirits, and Airi tried her best to match his mood. But as they sat down with their drinks, the nagging feeling of jealousy returned, lingering at the edge of her thoughts.

“So, what’s your favorite thing about the arcade?” Izuna asked, taking a sip of his drink.

Airi paused, thinking for a moment. “I think I like how it’s always lively. It’s fun, even if I’m not always the best at the games.”

Izuna chuckled. “Yeah, but you still beat me a couple of times. I think you’re secretly really good at this stuff.”

Airi blushed, smiling shyly. “I wouldn’t say that, but thanks.”

Izuna leaned back in his chair, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You know, we should come here more often. I think we make a pretty good team.”

Airi nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, we do.”

But as much as she wanted to enjoy the moment, Airi couldn’t ignore the unease bubbling inside her. Athena’s words earlier, her presence, and the subtle connection she seemed to share with Izuna kept resurfacing in her mind. She wondered if she had any right to feel this way—jealous, unsure of where she stood with Izuna. After all, they hadn’t officially talked about their relationship. She wasn’t even sure where they stood.

Before Airi could lose herself in her thoughts again, Izuna’s voice interrupted. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you something. You’ve been kinda distant lately, and I just wanted to know... is something wrong? You can tell me if there’s something bothering you.”

Airi froze, feeling her heart race. She hadn’t expected him to ask, but now that he had, she wasn’t sure how to respond. Should she be honest? Should she tell him how she was feeling? Or would that just complicate things even more?

She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she spoke. “Izuna, it’s not really about you. It’s just... I don’t know. I guess I’ve been feeling a little uncertain lately.”

Izuna raised an eyebrow, his expression softening. “Uncertain about what?”

Airi hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. “About... everything. About us. About where we stand.”

Izuna was silent for a moment, as if processing her words. Then, he smiled gently, reaching across the table to take her hand. “Airi, I’m not going anywhere. Whatever’s going on, we’ll figure it out together. I don’t want you to feel uncertain. You’re important to me, okay?”

Airi’s heart skipped a beat, the warmth of his words soothing the doubts swirling in her mind. She smiled, a small but genuine smile. “Thanks, Izuna. I really needed to hear that.”

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Airi felt a sense of relief. She still had her insecurities to work through, but at least for now, she didn’t feel as alone in her thoughts. With Izuna by her side, maybe things weren’t as uncertain as she had feared.

The day wasn’t over yet, but Airi felt a little more at peace, knowing that they could face whatever came their way together.

As the evening settled in, the café’s atmosphere grew cozier. The soft clinking of cups and the quiet hum of conversations around them created a peaceful backdrop. Izuna and Airi finished their snacks, the conversation flowing more easily now, but Airi’s thoughts still lingered on her feelings. Despite the lightness of the conversation, the unresolved tension between her and Athena continued to hover in the back of her mind.

Izuna leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head. “You know, I’m glad we came out today. I’ve been wanting to spend more time with you, Airi. Things have been a little hectic with work and everything.”

Airi nodded, her eyes flicking briefly to the table as she fought to keep her emotions in check. “Yeah, it’s been nice. I’ve been feeling a little... off lately, but this has helped a lot.”

Izuna’s gaze softened. “I get it. Things can get overwhelming. But hey, we’re together now. You can always lean on me if you need to talk about anything.”

She met his eyes, her heart fluttering a bit at his words. The warmth in his gaze made it hard to stay upset for long. He genuinely cared about her—she knew that much. But the seeds of jealousy that had been planted earlier still hadn’t fully faded. She couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more between Izuna and Athena, something she hadn’t seen before.

Just then, her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw the name on the display.

It was Athena.

“Hey, I’ll just check this real quick,” Airi said, trying to sound casual as she picked up the call. She stepped away from the table slightly, her eyes scanning the message. It was brief, just a simple text: “Hope you’re having fun with Izuna. Don’t worry, I’m not going to steal him away. But I’ll always be here if you need someone to talk to.”

Airi felt her cheeks flush, irritation bubbling up in her chest. Athena’s playful message felt like it was poking fun at her insecurities, and she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance. She was already struggling with her emotions, and now Athena was adding fuel to the fire.

She typed a quick response, trying to keep it light. “Thanks. I’m fine, really. Just... figuring things out.”

After sending the message, she turned back to Izuna, forcing a smile. “Sorry about that. Just... a message from a friend.”

Izuna gave her a knowing smile. “It’s cool. You’ve got a lot of friends who care about you, huh?”

Airi’s heart gave a little tug. “Yeah, I guess so.”

As they sat in the café, the evening wore on, and the earlier tension between them seemed to dissipate. Airi began to feel more at ease, but the jealousy that had been gnawing at her continued to linger, despite her best efforts to push it away. She just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Later, as they prepared to leave the café, Izuna stood up and stretched, his casual demeanor masking a hint of exhaustion. “What do you say we head home? It’s been a long day, and I think I’m ready to relax.”

Airi nodded, glad for the suggestion. “Yeah, I think that sounds good. I’ve had a lot to think about.”

Izuna smiled warmly, his hand brushing against hers as they walked out of the café. “Whatever’s on your mind, Airi, we’ll work through it. You don’t have to carry it alone.”

Airi gave him a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Izuna. That means a lot.”

As they walked side by side, the city lights twinkling above them, Airi couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. She still had a lot to work through—her feelings for Izuna, the jealousy toward Athena, and everything else—but at least she wasn’t facing it alone. With Izuna by her side, she felt like maybe she could figure it all out.

For now, she was content to just walk with him, enjoying the peaceful moment between them.

As they approached the train station, Airi caught a glimpse of Athena’s playful message again, and for the first time that day, she smiled. Maybe she didn’t have to worry so much. After all, there was no way that anyone could steal away her connection with Izuna—not if she trusted him, and not if they kept moving forward together.

The evening air was cool as Izuna and Airi made their way back to their apartment. The streetlights cast long shadows across the sidewalk, and the sounds of the city at night were a soft backdrop to their quiet walk. Airi kept her thoughts to herself, still reflecting on the mix of emotions that had surfaced throughout the day.

Izuna, on the other hand, seemed as laid-back as ever, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. He noticed Airi’s silence and glanced over at her, sensing that something was still bothering her.

“Hey, Airi... if something’s on your mind, you can talk to me. You know that, right?”

Airi smiled softly, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She appreciated his concern but wasn’t sure how to express everything she was feeling just yet. Instead, she simply nodded. “Yeah... I know.”

The two of them walked in companionable silence for a few more moments. The rhythm of their footsteps felt oddly comforting, as if they were in sync despite the underlying tension.

When they finally reached the apartment building, Izuna turned to Airi. “You want me to walk you up? Or you’re good?”

Airi hesitated, looking up at him. She wanted to talk to him, wanted to ask him about Athena, but the words didn’t quite come out. Instead, she just shook her head. “No, I’ll be fine. I think I just need a little time to think.”

Izuna gave her a warm, reassuring smile, one that softened the weight of the conversation hanging in the air. “Alright. Take care of yourself, okay?”

Airi nodded, her heart fluttering just a little. “You too.”

As she made her way up the stairs to her apartment, she couldn’t help but glance back at Izuna. He stood at the bottom, his figure silhouetted against the dim lights of the street. He was always there for her, always looking out for her, and that thought brought a little comfort to her conflicted heart.

Inside her apartment, Airi closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment, letting out a deep sigh. She wasn’t sure where things were headed with Izuna, but she knew that they had something special. Something worth exploring. Her jealousy, her insecurities—they were just parts of the process, part of her learning how to be vulnerable with him.

She glanced at her phone, and there it was—another message from Athena.

“Take your time. I know you’re figuring things out. Don’t worry, I’ll be here if you need to talk. 😊”

Airi chuckled to herself, shaking her head. Athena was persistent, but maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing. Maybe she could start seeing Athena not as a threat, but as someone who understood her—someone who could help her navigate this whirlwind of emotions.

Airi sat down on the couch, her thoughts still swirling. She wasn’t sure what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, she felt like she might be ready to find out. She wasn’t alone in this journey, and that made all the difference.

As the night deepened, Airi pulled a blanket over her and leaned back into the couch, her thoughts eventually quieting. It had been a long day, filled with moments of confusion and clarity. She was starting to accept that things didn’t have to be perfect—she just had to take them one step at a time.

And with that, she closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep with a sense of peace settling in her heart.