Chapter 2: Shared Secrets in the Library

The library was quiet, the kind of quiet that wrapped around you like a comforting blanket. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting golden streaks across the polished wooden tables. Riku and Yuna had chosen their usual corner spot, away from the busier sections of the room. For now, it was just the two of them; Ayaka and Kaito were running late, as usual.

Yuna spread out the project materials, her notebook open to a neatly organized page of notes. "Alright, here's the plan," she began, her tone cheerful but focused. "I'll handle the timeline, and you can work on the key points for the presentation. Does that sound good?"

Riku nodded, already flipping through one of the reference books they'd borrowed. He admired how Yuna could balance her cheerful nature with being so organized. It was one of the many things about her that stood out—even if he'd never admit it out loud.

The rhythmic tapping of Yuna's pencil against the table filled the comfortable silence as they worked. Occasionally, her gaze would drift to Riku, who seemed completely absorbed in his notes. Finally, she broke the quiet.

"Hey, Riku," she said softly.

He glanced up, curious. "Yeah?"

"Do you ever feel like people expect too much from you?" she asked, her voice carrying an uncharacteristic seriousness.

Riku blinked. It wasn't often that Yuna voiced such thoughts. "Sometimes," he admitted. "Why?"

Yuna twirled her pencil, her gaze distant. "I don't know. Lately, it feels like I always have to be cheerful, like I'm not allowed to have an off day. It's exhausting."

Her vulnerability caught Riku off guard. Yuna, the girl who seemed to brighten every room she entered, was tired of being the center of attention? It wasn't something he'd ever considered.

"You don't have to carry that alone," he said quietly. "You can lean on others. You can lean on me."

Yuna's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, her usual bright demeanor softened into something more genuine. "Thanks, Riku. That means a lot."

Before either of them could say more, Ayaka and Kaito arrived, their energy disrupting the tranquil atmosphere.

"Sorry we're late!" Ayaka whispered loudly, earning a pointed glare from the librarian.

Kaito dropped into a chair with a grin. "What'd we miss?"

Yuna's usual brightness returned as she waved them over. "Not much. Let's get started!"

The next morning, Riku arrived at school earlier than usual. He'd forgotten his math textbook at his desk and didn't want to face Yuna's teasing about slacking off. As he passed the soccer field, he noticed Hiroki practicing drills with a few teammates. The crisp morning air carried the sound of their laughter and the rhythmic thud of the ball.

"Riku!" Hiroki called out, jogging over. "Got a minute?"

Reluctantly, Riku stopped. Hiroki was leaning casually against the goalpost, his confident grin as sharp as ever. "What's up?" Riku asked, keeping his tone neutral.

Hiroki shrugged, his grin widening. "Just wanted to ask how things are going with Yuna. You two seem pretty close."

Riku's stomach twisted. Was this just friendly curiosity, or was there something more behind the question? "We've been friends for a long time," he replied carefully.

"Friends, huh?" Hiroki's tone was light, but his eyes held an intensity that made Riku uneasy. "Well, just so you know, I'm planning to ask her out."

The words hit Riku like a punch to the gut. He struggled to keep his expression neutral. "Oh," was all he managed to say.

Hiroki clapped him on the shoulder. "Thought you should know. See you in class."

As Hiroki jogged back to his teammates, Riku stood frozen, his mind racing. The idea of Hiroki and Yuna together left a bitter taste in his mouth. But what could he do? He'd never told Yuna how he felt. Maybe he never would.

The school buzzed with excitement as preparations for the upcoming festival began. Yuna's class had decided on a cafe for their booth, and everyone was busy planning decorations, costumes, and the menu.

"We should go for something traditional," Ayaka suggested, holding up a sketch of a yukata-inspired outfit.

"That sounds amazing!" Yuna agreed, her enthusiasm contagious. "What do you think, Riku?"

Riku, who had been tasked with organizing supplies, shrugged. "Sounds fine."

Ayaka rolled her eyes. "You're so unenthusiastic. Come on, Riku, it's going to be fun!"

"He's just pretending to be cool," Yuna teased, laughing. "Deep down, he's excited too."

Riku couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. Despite everything, he was looking forward to the festival—if only because it meant spending more time with Yuna.

Hiroki's presence loomed in the background throughout the day, his easy charm winning over classmates as he joined in the preparations. Riku tried to focus on his tasks, but the sight of Hiroki chatting with Yuna sent a sharp pang of jealousy through him. He clenched his fists, silently willing himself to stay calm.

As the day ended, Yuna approached Riku with her usual bright smile. "Thanks for helping out today. You're the best!"

Her words should have made him happy, but all he could think about was Hiroki's confident grin and the bitter realization that he might lose her before he even had a chance to tell her how he felt.