The Deal

Setting: College Campus

The college campus buzzed with energy under the midday sun, cherry blossom petals drifting through the air. Students hustled between classes, some chatting, others engrossed in their phones. The modern academic building gleamed with glass windows, reflecting the clear blue sky, while older brick structures cloaked in ivy whispered of the university's rich history.

Inside, the hallways echoed with soft chatter and footsteps, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the large lecture hall. Chizumi sat in the middle of the room, notebook open and pen in hand, but her thoughts drifted away from the lecture. Her dark purple eyes were drawn to the lively scene near the stairwell.

In the center of it all—like always—was Eito.

Chizumi rested her chin on her arms, on her sketchbook, the weight of her thoughts pulling her down. She watched Eito moving through the crowd effortlessly. His laughter rang out like a melody dancing in the air. As he turned her way, his gaze flickered over to her, but the warmth behind was directed elsewhere. Her heart felt heavy. Dropping her head, she pressed her forehead against her folded arms, feeling unseen and unheard in a story she longed to belong.

Chizumi Akari is a quiet girl. Sweet and polite, she exuded a gentle warmth that made her easy to approach but few ever did. Hardworking and compassionate, she tried to make of every situation. However, there was still one challenge, she was yet to overcome. Eito.

He was everything she wasn't -- charming, sociable, and at ease with everyone, people gravitated towards him, eager to bask in his warmth and laughter. His bright smile could light up even the dullest lectures. Chizumi sneaked glances at him during class, captivated by his effortless chatter, and the contrast between them deepened her feelings of admiration and uncertainty.

Chizumi lifted her head and rested her hand on her palm, sighing softly as she gazed at him, "I'm invisible, to him," She muttered under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You know" Maino mused beside her, leaning in with a sly grin, "You could just talk to him"

Chizumi stiffened, her grip tightening on her pen. "I—I don't think that's necessary," she mumbled, cheeks warming.

"Oh come on! Maino huffed, dramatically slumping against her desk. "You stare at him like he's the last piece of cake in a pastry shop, but you won't even say hi!?

Before Chizumi could protest, Miano straightened with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Alright, that's it—if you won't make a move, I will!" She playfully nudged Chizumi's shoulder, half-standing as if to get Eito's attention.

"Wait—Miano, don't—"

Right then, as if summoned by the conversation itself, Eito strolled past their desks, his signature bright smile lighting up his face. "Hey, Miano!" he greeted casually, giving her a playful nod before glancing at Chizumi. "Oh, hey, Chizumi."

Chizumi froze. Panic surged through her like a jolt of static electricity. Words? She knew words. But all she managed was a stiff nod, her lips parting slightly before pressing shut again.

Eito blinked, then chuckled, a hint of confusion flickering across his features. "Uh... cool."

Miano, of course, was reveling in every moment. "She's just totally speechless from your overwhelming presence," she teased, nudging Chizumi with her elbow, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Chizumi wished she could sink into the floor and disappear.

"Well, try not to be too overwhelmed," Eito joked, laughter bubbling in his voice as he walked off, his carefree energy fading down the hall.

The moment he was out of earshot, Miano turned to Chizumi, arms crossed and a knowing smirk plastered across her face. "So, that went well!"

Chizumi buried her face in her hands. "I can't believe I just... smiled and nodded like an idiot," she moaned, her voice muffled by her palms.

Miano laughed, a bright, infectious sound. "You're not an idiot! You're just... you! Just think how charming he'll find it when you actually talk to him!"

Chizumi continues to sigh into her hands.

----- After Class: Standing Outside the Classroom--------

As students began to gather their belongings, trickling out of the classroom, Chizumi leaned against the wall just outside the door, her gaze drifting to Eito. He stood a few feet away, laughing with Miano. His charisma radiated like sunlight, and the sound of his laughter felt like a lively melody dancing through the air. Every so often, he would throw his head back, exposing a carefree joy that was completely infectious.

How can I talk to someone like that? she thought, pressing her lips together in frustration. I know he's friendly, but... I'm not.

With each burst of laughter that echoed around her, a mix of admiration and nerves washed over her. She wished she could summon the same ease that he seemed to embody so effortlessly.

With a sigh, she found herself lost in a reverie—until a voice broke through, smooth and playful.

"Careful there, you might just burn a hole straight through his back with that stare."

Chizumi jumped, nearly dropping her sketchbook as she spun around. Standing beside her was a tall guy with sharp, striking blue hair, spiky and layered, styled in an effortless middle part. One bang curved inward, while the other flared outward—a chaotic but intriguing contrast. His playful grin held an air of mischief, and instinctively, Chizumi felt both intrigued and intimidated.

"Uh, I wasn't—" she stammered, cheeks heating up.

Ryoto tilted his head, his amusement noticeable as he glanced between her and Eito. "What's the deal? Got a secret crush or something? Because if you do, it's not exactly subtle."

Chizumi felt her cheeks heat up as she took a hasty step back. "N-Nothing! I was just... uh... enjoying the view?"

"Ah, so Eito is the view now? A bold choice," he teased, the smirk never leaving his face. "But hey, just a tip—staring like that can be dangerous. You might end up on some 'Eito fan club' watch list."

Chizumi stiffened. "D-Don't stare!" she whispered, pulling on his sleeve, half-exasperated, half-amused.

Ryoto laughed, a bright, infectious sound. "Relax! I'm just messing with you. But seriously, I'm Ryoto — your friendly neighborhood troublemaker. As for that guy over there? That's Eito, my irresistibly charming but totally not as cool sidekick."

Chizumi hesitated before responding, "I-I'm Chizumi," she finally managed, her voice barely rising above a whisper.

"Chizumi, huh?" Ryoto echoed, rolling the name around in his mouth as if savoring the taste.

Before she could say anything else, Miano suddenly walked over, her usual confident energy in full force. "Oh, hey, Ryoto! How ya doin'?"

Ryoto's demeanor shifted instantly, his smirk turning playful. "Miano. Looking as radiant as ever," he said smoothly.

Miano flipped her hair dramatically with a grin. "Flattery will get you everywhere, you know."

"Good to know," Ryoto shot back, winking.

Chizumi blinked between them, feeling like an outsider in this playful back-and-forth. Chizumi felt like an outsider to whatever dynamic this was.

Just then, Eito walked past, casually waving at Miano. "See you later, Miano. Bye, Chizumi."

Chizumi felt her heart stutter. She barely managed a shy smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she gave him a small wave.

As soon as Eito was out of sight, she exhaled—only to find both Miano and Ryoto staring at her.

Ryoto broke the silence first. "Wow. Someone's really crushing hard, huh?"

Miano nodded sagely, his expression teasing. "She can hardly form a sentence!"

Chizumi's face turned crimson. "You two can just leave me alone, thank you very much!" she huffed, crossing her arms in embarrassment.

Miano shrugged with a grin, clearly enjoying the moment. Ryoto chuckled softly, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Oh, this is gonna be entertaining," he muttered under his breath, a playful smirk forming on his face.

---------Lunchroom----------

As the three of them made their way to the lunchroom, the buzz of laughter and chatter enveloped them, mingling with the enticing aroma of food wafting through the air. Rows of tables were filled with students, each engrossed in their conversations, while the clattering of trays mixed with the rhythmic hum of the cafeteria.

As they walked, Chizumi hesitated for a moment, her thoughts wandering to Eito. With a quiet resolve, she finally spoke up. "I've had a crush on him for a minute now," she admitted, her voice barely rising above the din.

Ryoto, casually strolling beside her with his hands tucked into his pockets, glanced her way with genuine curiosity. "How long, exactly?"

Chizumi replied, "About two months now."

Ryoto raised an eyebrow, as if intrigued by the revelation. "Two months, huh?"

Miano, who had been listening with an amused expression, jumped in with a playful grin. "And in all that time, you haven't even tried to talk to him?"

Chizumi flushed, a mix of embarrassment and indignation. "I have talked to him!"

Miano raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Nodding at him doesn't count, Chiyo."

Ryoto snickered, adding with a playful smirk, "Yeah, you might as well be a well-trained pet at this point. Just sit, stay, and wag your tail when he looks your way."

Chizumi shot them both a glare. "Excuse me for being socially cautious!"

"More like socially terrified," Ryoto teased, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Miano giggled, leaning closer. "Honestly, Chiyo, what's your game plan here? Just stare at him until he magically falls in love with you?"

Chizumi groaned, covering her face in frustration. "Why did I even tell you two?"

Ryoto grinned, unabashed. "Because deep down, you know we're right."

Miano nudged her playfully. "And because you need us."

With a resigned sigh, Chizumi shook her head as they finally stepped into the bustling lunchroom, the cacophony of voices and laughter enveloping them like a wave. As she settled at a nearby table, she pulled out her sketchbook and began to draw, the pencil gliding across the page. In that moment, it felt as though she had unwittingly signed up for an unpredictable adventure—one that involved a pair of chaotic friends she never thought she'd recruit. Yet, deep down, she knew she wouldn't want to face her crush without their support.

--------- Walking back to the dorms ---------

As classes wrapped up for the day, Chizumi, Miano, and Ryoto strolled back toward the dorms, their conversation filled with lively chatter. Well, to be precise—Miano and Ryoto were engaged in their usual flirtatious banter while Chizumi walked beside them, quietly observing and occasionally shaking her head at their antics.

Ryoto stretched his arms behind his head, flashing a lazy grin. "Y'know, Miano, I've been thinking."

"Oh?" Miano smirked, giving him a sidelong glance. "That's dangerous."

"Har, har," Ryoto shot back. "No, but really. I was just wondering... how does it feel knowing you're walking next to the most charming guy on campus?"

Miano placed a hand on her chest, feigning shock. "Oh wow, did Eito start walking beside me? I didn't even notice."

Chizumi stifled a laugh as Ryoto clutched his chest dramatically. "Oof. Right in the ego."

Miano grinned. "Don't worry, you're a solid second place."

Ryoto scoffed. "Please. You couldn't handle me at number one."

"Oh, sweetie," Miano cooed, patting his shoulder. "I'd break you."

Chizumi's lips twitched in amusement as Ryoto pointed at Miano. "See, this is why you're dangerous."

Miano winked. "And yet, you keep coming back for more."

By the time they reached the dorms, Chizumi was starting to feel like a third wheel—again—when Ryoto suddenly called out, stopping them in their tracks.

"Hey, Miano," he said, smirking. "I hope you don't mind, but I'm gonna borrow your Chizumi for a second." Before Chizumi could react, he casually slung an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

Chizumi blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden proximity. Oh. This is happening.

Miano raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Hmm... borrow, huh? That's cute. But you do know borrowing implies you'll return her, right?"

Ryoto grinned. "Yeah, about that... no promises."

Chizumi sighed, shaking her head as she glanced at Miano. "Should I be concerned?"

Miano tapped her chin in thought. "Nah, worst-case scenario, he annoys you to death."

Ryoto scoffed. "Please. Chizumi loves my company." He glanced down at her. "Right, Chizu?"

Chizumi exhaled through her nose, deadpan. "Sure. Like a cat loves being picked up against its will."

Miano burst out laughing as Ryoto clutched his chest again. "Okay, that one actually hurt."

Miano waved them off with a smirk. "Have fun, lovebirds."

Chizumi flushed. "That's not—"

Ryoto, as smooth as ever, simply grinned. "Oh, we will."

As Miano waved them off with a smirk, Chizumi's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. "That's not what it looks like," she said, trying to brush it off, but Ryoto simply grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Ah, come on, Chiyo-chan," he said, his voice dripping with charm. "Don't be like that. I'm just trying to help you out." With that, he steered her away from Miano, who was still chuckling at their retreating figures.

----- Outside the dorms: Nearby bench --------

As they walked, the sound of Miano's laughter faded into the background, and Chizumi found herself alone with Ryoto once again. They strolled past the dorms and continued on to a nearby bench, where Ryoto plopped down with a relaxed stretch, his arms splayed along the backrest.

Chizumi hesitated for a moment before awkwardly sitting beside him, trying to maintain a safe distance. Ryoto, however, didn't seem to notice her unease, and instead turned to face her with a confident smile.

"Alright, listen up," he said, his voice low and serious. "I've got a proposition for you." His eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, and Chizumi couldn't help but wonder what kind of trouble he had in mind this time.

Chizumi gave Ryoto a skeptical look, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to gauge the sincerity behind his words. "A proposition?" she repeated, her voice laced with caution.

Ryoto nodded, his expression innocent. "If you help me with Miano, I'll help you with Eito. A fair trade, don't you think?"

Chizumi's eyes widened slightly as she processed the request. Help Ryoto with Miano? She wasn't exactly sure what that meant, but she had a feeling it wouldn't be easy. And yet, the prospect of getting Ryoto's help with Eito was tempting. Eito's constant teasing and pressure to excel had been taking a toll on her, and any respite would be welcome.

"Wait... seriously?" Chizumi asked, stalling for time. Her internal monologue was already screaming warnings: Don't do it, Chiyo! This sounds like a trap! But a part of her was curious - what exactly did Ryoto have in mind?

Ryoto's expression remained confident, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Seriously," he confirmed, watching her reaction with interest.

Chizumi furrowed her brow, curiosity mingling with apprehension. "And you just want me to help you with Miano romantically?"

Ryoto leaned back, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "More or less," he replied, his tone teasing yet earnest.

The weight of the proposition hung in the air as Chizumi's mind raced. She could refuse, but that would likely mean facing Eito's relentless pressure alone or accepting Ryoto's offer taking a chance and seeing where Ryoto's proposition led.

After a moment's contemplation, she sensed her heart was getting drawn into the thrill of uncertainty—a chance to be part of something adventurous, even if it involved playing the role of a matchmaker.

After what felt like an eternity, Chizumi slowly nodded. "Alright... deal."

As soon as the words left her mouth, a knowing smirk spread across Ryoto's face, and Chizumi suddenly had the sinking feeling she'd just made a deal with a cunning fox - and she had no idea what she'd truly signed up for.

Her heart sank as she glanced at Ryoto's triumphant expression, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd just walked into a trap from which there was no escape.

------- Next Chapter vvv ----------