Date - 1

The chatter of the others gradually faded as the group dispersed, leaving Akeno and Raizel standing alone.

The air between them was thick with the unspoken words of their earlier conversation, but Raizel, ever calm, decided to ease the tension.

"Why don't we go have lunch at a restaurant or a café?" he suggested, his tone casual but kind, offering a way to smooth over the moment and provide them both with a bit of space.

Akeno, though still feeling a twinge of nervousness, smiled softly. She didn't want the awkwardness to linger, especially not with Raizel.

"That sounds nice," she replied, trying her best to keep her composure. But the way her heart fluttered at the thought of spending time with him made it difficult to hide her emotions.

As they made their way out of the campus, the quiet sounds of the bustling school grounds surrounded them. The moment felt calm, but Akeno's mind raced.

She stole glances at Raizel as they walked side by side, trying to make sense of everything she was feeling. Despite the calm expression on his face, she could sense that he too was dealing with his own thoughts, his gaze occasionally drifting as though lost in the moment.

They continued their walk down the street, the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze and the distant hum of city sounds filling the space around them. Raizel's presence beside her was both calming and electrifying, and for the first time in a while, Akeno felt at ease with him, despite the nervousness that still lingered in her chest.

Their steps matched as they walked side by side, but every now and then, their hands brushed against each other.

Each touch sent a spark through Akeno, and her heartbeat quickened, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she let the moment linger, feeling a warmth spread through her at the closeness.

They continued walking in comfortable silence, not needing words to fill the space. Akeno felt her heart flutter with every step, and the more time she spent with Raizel, the more her feelings seemed to grow.

It was as if everything was shifting, and she couldn't quite understand it, but she didn't mind.

---

The soft hum of the world around them seemed to fade as Akeno and Raizel walked together. With each step, their hands brushed ever so slightly, a spark of warmth passing between them each time.

Akeno's heart fluttered, a mix of excitement and nervousness building within her. She couldn't quite explain why her emotions were so turbulent, but being near Raizel seemed to stir something inside her that she couldn't ignore.

Raizel, sensing her unease, glanced over at her with a gentle smile. He subtly reached out and took her hand in his, his grip warm and reassuring. The simple gesture spoke volumes, offering her the comfort she needed. His smile was soft and calm, as if he understood exactly what she needed without a word being said.

Akeno's breath hitched slightly at the contact, and her heart began to race. She could feel the warmth of his hand, the steady rhythm of his steps beside hers. For a moment, everything felt perfect, the world around them becoming quieter, more serene. It was as if time slowed down, leaving only the two of them walking through the bustling hallway.

Akeno's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she let herself relax into the moment, the tension in her chest easing as Raizel's presence grounded her. She glanced up at him, catching a glimpse of the calm determination in his eyes.

It made her feel safe, as though nothing else mattered but this moment with him.

As they walked, their hands still intertwined, Akeno couldn't help but smile softly. The simple act of holding hands, something so small yet so significant, made her feel closer to him in a way she hadn't expected.

The rhythm of their steps seemed to sync as if they were always meant to walk this path together.

With each passing moment, Akeno's heart swelled with a feeling she couldn't quite name, but one that felt right.

She didn't need to say anything; the connection between them spoke louder than words ever could.

---

As Raizel and Akeno walked hand in hand, the students around them couldn't help but take notice. The usual bustling atmosphere of the school seemed to quiet down as the couple moved through the hallways.

Eyes followed them, whispers spreading like wildfire among the students.

The girls, many of whom had admired Raizel from afar, felt their hearts sink. They watched, some with envy and others with disappointment, as the two walked so effortlessly together.

The sight of Raizel and Akeno's intertwined hands left them speechless, their once-hidden hopes dashed in an instant.

"I can't believe it," one boy whispered to his friend, watching the couple disappear down the hall. "Raizel and Akeno? How did he get so lucky?"

Another boy sighed, his expression a mixture of longing and heartbreak. "She's the second most popular girl in school… and he's already holding her hand? It's just… unfair."

The whispers grew louder as more girls took notice, their voices a mixture of admiration and envy. Some tried to act unaffected, but it was clear that the sight of Akeno and Raizel together had left a mark.

On the other hand, the boys who had been secretly jealous of Raizel's popularity were none too pleased. They watched, eyes narrowed, as he and Akeno made their way down the corridor, their hands still held together.

"Dammit," one of the boys muttered, scowling. "That lucky bastard... he's holding hands with Akeno-senpai? What does he have that we don't?"

Another boy huffed, clearly frustrated. "How does he do it? He's practically stealing all the girls. The guy's smooth, I'll give him that, but it's not like he has to try!"

The boys continued to curse Raizel under their breath, their jealousy obvious. They had all silently admired Akeno, and the thought of her being so close to Raizel made it even harder for them to stomach.

Despite the noise around them, Raizel remained as calm as ever. His expression didn't change, even as he felt the eyes of the students following his every move.

He was used to being the center of attention, but today, he didn't mind the whispers. His hand remained gently wrapped around Akeno's, and he felt a sense of peace from the connection between them.

Akeno, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel the weight of the students' gazes. She blushed slightly, but she didn't pull away from Raizel. Instead, she looked up at him, her heart racing slightly as she tried to ignore the growing whispers and stares.

Raizel, sensing her unease, gave her a reassuring smile. He could feel the tension in her, but he wouldn't let it affect them. "Don't worry about them," he said softly, his voice carrying just enough to reassure her. "We don't need to listen to the noise."

Akeno smiled back at him, grateful for his steady presence. She squeezed his hand gently, letting herself feel the warmth and calm of their connection, even as the whispers continued around them. They didn't need anyone else's approval—they had each other.

.....