Chapter 11: A Step Back to Normal

Aika's Perspective: The Usual Chaos

The school courtyard was alive with the usual afternoon chatter—laughter bubbling from small clusters of students, the rhythmic sound of sneakers scuffing against pavement, the occasional rustle of a breeze through the cherry blossom trees. Pink petals drifted lazily through the air, catching the sunlight before landing on the ground.

Aika sat alone on a bench, sketchbook resting on her lap, pencil gliding across the page in smooth, deliberate strokes. She was halfway through capturing the delicate curve of a falling petal when—

"Aikaaaaa!"

A sharp voice shattered her concentration.

Before she could even sigh, a blur of movement entered her vision, and then—

Thud.

Riku collapsed onto the bench beside her in a dramatic sprawl, arms flung out like he had just run a marathon.

Aika barely spared him a glance. "You're annoying."

Riku let out an exaggerated gasp, clutching his chest. "And you're heartless. I come all this way, fighting against the forces of nature, gravity, and my own hunger, and that's the thanks I get?"

She rolled her eyes. "If you're hungry, go eat."

He sat up, resting his chin on his hand, smirking at her. "What if I said I'd rather bother you first?"

Aika gave him a pointed look before turning back to her drawing. "Then I'd say your priorities are broken."

Riku chuckled, leaning back against the bench. It was a familiar, comfortable routine—one she didn't mind as much as she pretended to.

For the past few days, something had felt off about him—little things, small hesitations, moments where his energy flickered. But today, he was back. His usual self. Teasing her, annoying her, filling the space beside her with effortless ease.

And she hated to admit it, but… she was relieved.

Still, she kept her expression neutral.

"…So," she said, after a beat. "What do you actually want?"

Riku's eyes lit up, like he'd been waiting for her to ask. "Ah, glad you finally asked! I have something amazing to show you."

Aika raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Amazing?"

"The perfect place for your next masterpiece."

Now he had her attention—just a little. She tilted her head. "Go on."

"There's an old greenhouse on the edge of campus," Riku explained, leaning forward slightly. "Barely anyone goes there. The light in the afternoon? Chef's kiss." He made a dramatic gesture. "I checked it out myself. Thought it might be your vibe."

Aika blinked. That… actually did sound interesting. She had always preferred places with good lighting to sketch. And a quiet spot away from the usual noise? Even better.

Still, she narrowed her eyes. "And why exactly would you go out of your way to find a place for me?"

Riku gasped, feigning deep offense. "Unbelievable! Can't a guy just be thoughtful?"

Aika crossed her arms. "You? Thoughtful?"

He smirked. "Fine. Maybe I just wanted an excuse to ditch class and stumbled across it."

Aika scoffed, but she couldn't help the small twitch of amusement on her lips. "Now that sounds more like you."

He grinned. "So, you coming or what?"

She pretended to think about it. "…I guess I'll check it out."

"Knew you couldn't resist."

For a moment, she just looked at him—his usual cocky grin, the way his golden-brown eyes sparkled with mischief.

He really did seem normal today.

The tension in her chest eased, just a little.

---

Riku's Perspective: Staying in the Moment

Riku leaned back, feeling the warm afternoon sun press against his skin. Aika was sketching again, her pencil moving smoothly across the page, lost in her own world.

Good.

He had been careful today.

The past few days, he had felt it—his body slowing down, his hands not moving the way they should, the exhaustion creeping in faster. And worse, he had seen the way Aika had looked at him.

Like she was starting to notice.

So today, he adjusted.

More energy. Bigger smirks. Louder teasing.

It wasn't hard. He had years of practice being fine.

And as long as Aika kept rolling her eyes, as long as she kept acting like he was just an annoying presence in her life, he could keep holding onto this.

"Oi."

Aika didn't look up. "What now?"

He grinned. "If I take you to the greenhouse, you owe me lunch."

She snorted. "You're the one who invited me. That's not how this works."

Riku shrugged. "That's how my world works."

Aika sighed, but he caught the small curve at the edge of her lips. "Fine. But if the place is disappointing, you're paying."

He laughed. "Deal."

As they stood up, walking side by side toward the greenhouse, Riku felt the warmth of the moment settle around him.

Just for now.

Just for a little longer.