Chapter 6: Falling in Love Without Realizing It

After the date, Lucas and Takagi grew even closer. They often met outside of school, whether it was just hanging out at the ramen shop, playing games at the arcade, or sitting in the park discussing war strategies and survival theories.

To Takagi, Lucas wasn't just someone who could challenge her in discussions—he was also someone who could make her laugh without her even realizing it.

But there was one major problem:

She was starting to realize that she truly liked Lucas.

And it frustrated her.

Takagi sat alone in her home library, staring at an open book on war strategy. But her mind couldn't focus.

Every time she tried to read, Lucas' image kept appearing in her head—his mischievous grin, the way he challenged her in discussions, and even the way he always managed to both annoy and intrigue her at the same time.

She sighed and rested her head on the table.

"Why am I like this?"

She, Saya Takagi, had always believed that emotions were things that could be controlled with logic. Love? It was just something created by hormones and the biological needs of humans.

But why did her heart race every time she was with Lucas?

A few days later, the two of them were sitting on a park bench. Lucas was enjoying an ice cream, while Takagi sat with her arms crossed, looking like she wanted to say something.

Lucas glanced at her. "Why do you look like someone planning a war strategy?"

Takagi scoffed, then took a deep breath. "Lucas, I want to ask you something."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Sure. What is it?"

Takagi averted her gaze forward. "In your opinion… what does it feel like to fall in love?"

Lucas, who was in the middle of enjoying his ice cream, immediately stopped and turned to her with a playful grin. "Oh? Why the sudden question?"

Takagi clicked her tongue. "Don't get the wrong idea! I'm just… curious."

Lucas chuckled. "Alright, if you really want to know…"

He thought for a moment before continuing. "I think falling in love is like playing a strategy game. You have to understand your opponent, learn how they think, and adjust your tactics to stay close to them."

Takagi looked at him suspiciously. "So, you think love is like war?"

Lucas smirked. "Of course. But it's not a war to destroy—it's a war to conquer someone's heart."

Takagi fell silent. Lucas' words sounded ridiculous, but somehow, they made sense.

Lucas then continued in a more serious tone. "But, if you really want to know what it feels like to truly fall in love…"

He looked straight into her eyes. "It's like finding someone who makes you feel at ease just by being around them. Someone who annoys you, but at the same time, you can't imagine life without them."

Takagi felt her face heat up. She quickly turned away, hoping Lucas wouldn't notice the slight blush on her cheeks.

Lucas chuckled. "Why? Do you have someone like that?"

Takagi stood up abruptly. "Enough! I don't want to talk about this anymore!"

Lucas simply smiled as he enjoyed his ice cream. This genius girl was finally starting to realize it…

A few days later, Takagi approached Lucas at school with a serious expression.

"Lucas."

Lucas, who was leaning against the wall while reading a book, looked at her casually. "Yo, what's up?"

Takagi seemed a little restless but maintained her usual arrogant expression. "This Saturday… do you have any plans?"

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? Depends. Why?"

Takagi glanced away for a moment before looking back at him. "I want you to come with me to the summer festival."

Lucas blinked a few times, then grinned widely. "Whoa, this sounds like—"

"Don't call it a date!" Takagi quickly interrupted, her face turning red. "I just… just thought it would be more enjoyable to have someone to discuss things with there!"

Lucas laughed. "Alright, alright. I'll go."

Takagi huffed before turning around and walking away quickly.

Lucas smiled to himself.

It seemed like this genius girl had finally fallen.