Chapter 4: Strategy

Days passed, and Lucas continued his routine—training, honing his abilities, and building relationships with those who would survive when the world changed. One of the people who intrigued him the most was Saya Takagi.

At first, Takagi thought of Lucas as just a weird guy who was too relaxed and joked around too much. But the more they interacted, the more she realized something different about him.

He wasn't just humorous and carefree—behind his seemingly reckless demeanor, there was a sharpness that Takagi couldn't ignore. Lucas often challenged her in strategic discussions, questioned her theories, and even managed to beat her in some debates.

And for someone like Takagi, who always felt smarter than most people, Lucas became an interesting challenge.

But what bothered her the most… was how she started to enjoy having him around.

One afternoon, the two of them sat in the library. Lucas, as usual, lounged with his signature grin while Takagi was focused on reading.

"Don't you have anything better to do than bother me here?" Takagi asked, not looking up from her book.

Lucas chuckled. "Bother you? I'm actually keeping you company. You know, the library can feel really lonely without me around."

Takagi scoffed but didn't argue.

For a while, they sat in silence. However, Lucas noticed that Takagi was glancing at him from time to time.

Lucas smirked. "You've been sneaking looks at me a lot lately. Don't tell me you're starting to like me?"

Takagi immediately shut her book loudly, a slight pink tint on her cheeks. "Idiot! Don't say weird things!"

Lucas let out a small laugh. "Relax, I was just joking."

But for Takagi, his words only made her more aware. Could it be that I really am starting to like Lucas?

The next day, Takagi and Lucas ran into each other in the schoolyard by chance.

"You're always everywhere, huh?" Takagi said, crossing her arms.

Lucas smirked. "Or maybe you're just noticing me more often?"

Takagi scoffed, but this time, she didn't deny it.

They walked side by side toward the school gate, and then, suddenly, Takagi spoke, her voice slightly hesitant.

"Lucas… Are you busy this weekend?"

Lucas turned to her, slightly surprised. Takagi wasn't the type for small talk, let alone asking something like that.

"Depends," Lucas replied casually. "Why?"

Takagi looked away, trying to hide the slight redness on her face. "I… was just thinking maybe we could go somewhere. You know, to discuss strategy and stuff."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

Takagi immediately shot him a sharp glare. "It's not a date!"

Lucas chuckled. "But if I say yes, you wouldn't refuse, would you?"

Takagi clicked her tongue in frustration. "Think whatever you want."

Lucas gave her a small smile. "Alright, I'll go. But if we're really going somewhere, at least let me pick a good place."

Takagi only huffed and walked ahead, but Lucas caught a glimpse of the tips of her ears turning red.

Lucas chuckled. Looks like I'm starting to catch this genius girl's attention…