A Movie... Together?

The evening sun cast a warm glow over the campus as Kazuki stretched his arms, stepping out of the dorms for a short walk. After days of intense training, he needed a break. The fresh air, the quiet atmosphere—it was the perfect way to clear his mind.

As he walked past the library, he spotted a familiar figure sitting on a nearby bench, completely immersed in a book.

Miyuki.

She was dressed casually, her long hair gently swaying as a breeze passed through. The sight of her reading, completely in her own world, made something in Kazuki's chest tighten. He hesitated for a moment, debating whether to approach or keep walking.

Before he could decide, she looked up and met his gaze. A small, surprised smile formed on her lips.

"Kazuki?" she said softly. "What are you doing here?"

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Just taking a walk. Needed to clear my head after all the training."

Miyuki nodded, closing her book. "That makes sense. You've been working hard for the match, haven't you?"

Kazuki chuckled. "Something like that. And you? Studying?"

"Not really. Just reading for fun," she replied, tapping the book's cover. "It helps me relax."

There was a short pause, and then, to Kazuki's surprise, Miyuki shifted slightly on the bench, making space.

"Would you like to sit?" she asked.

His heart skipped a beat. It wasn't a big deal, just a simple invitation, but the way she asked—soft, casual, as if she actually wanted his company—made it feel different.

"Yeah, sure," he said, trying to sound normal as he sat beside her.

For a while, they simply sat there, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink. There was something comfortable about the silence, as if they didn't need to fill it with words.

"You know," Miyuki eventually said, tilting her head slightly, "I've been meaning to ask… do you always stay this focused when you play?"

Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

She smiled. "During the match against Seiryu, you looked completely different in the second half. It was like you were in your own world."

He thought about it for a moment. "I guess… when I play, I just get into the zone. I stop overthinking and just act. It's one of the few times I feel completely free."

Miyuki's expression softened. "That sounds nice. Being able to focus so deeply on something you love."

He glanced at her. "What about you? Do you have anything like that?"

She blinked, as if caught off guard by the question. "Me?"

"Yeah. Something that makes you forget about everything else."

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a habit Kazuki was starting to find endearing. "I guess… music," she admitted. "When I play the piano, I lose track of time. It's like the world fades away, and it's just me and the sound."

Kazuki found himself watching her more closely. There was a quiet passion in the way she spoke, something he hadn't noticed before.

"You play the piano?" he asked, genuinely intrigued.

She nodded. "Since I was little. It's nothing special, just a hobby."

"I'd like to hear you play sometime." The words left his mouth before he could think about them.

Miyuki blinked, clearly surprised. Then, to his relief, a small, warm smile appeared. "Maybe one day."

The conversation drifted into lighter topics after that—favorite books, childhood memories, small things that made them laugh. Kazuki found himself enjoying the moment more than he expected.

Eventually, Miyuki glanced at the sky. "It's getting late. I should head back."

Kazuki stood up with her. "I'll walk you."

"You don't have to—"

"I know," he said, hands in his pockets. "But I will anyway."

She looked at him for a moment before smiling softly. "Alright then."

As they walked back to the dorms, Kazuki realized something.

Spending time with Miyuki like this—talking, laughing, learning more about her—it was different from just admiring her from afar. It felt real.

And with each passing moment, his feelings for her only grew stronger.

Kazuki had just finished lunch and was on his way back to class when he spotted Miyuki standing near the vending machines. She was looking at the selection, her head tilted slightly in thought.

Without much thinking, Kazuki stopped beside her. "Need a recommendation?"

Miyuki glanced at him, her lips curving into a small smile. "I didn't realize you were a vending machine expert."

He shrugged. "I'd like to think I have good taste." He pointed at a particular drink. "That one's the best."

She raised an eyebrow but pressed the button anyway. When the can dropped, she took it and looked at him. "I'll hold you responsible if it's bad."

"That's a risk I'm willing to take," he said with a smirk.

Miyuki chuckled softly before taking a sip. After a moment, her expression turned thoughtful.

"Not bad," she admitted. "You pass."

Kazuki grinned. "Told you."

They leaned against the vending machine for a moment, the flow of students around them making the hallway feel lively but not loud enough to interrupt their conversation.

"By the way," Miyuki started, "I heard there's a movie releasing today. Have you seen the trailer?"

Kazuki perked up slightly. "You mean The Last Dawn? Yeah, it actually looks really good."

Her eyes lit up a little. "I was thinking of watching it."

There was a pause—just long enough for Kazuki to notice the hint of expectation in her voice.

Without overthinking, he said, "If you want, we could watch it together."

Miyuki blinked, surprised. Then, after a small pause, she tilted her head slightly.

"Are you asking me out, Kazuki?"

Kazuki choked on absolutely nothing.

She smiled, amused. "I'd like that."

And just like that, the plan was set.