A New Feeling Arouses (4)

The next morning, after getting ready, I came downstairs expecting the usual quiet breakfast. Instead, I was a little surprised to see Aika in the kitchen, helping my mother.

My mother noticed me and smiled. "You just sit down. Aika and I will take care of breakfast today."

I raised an eyebrow at Aika. "You didn't wait outside today? Came to talk to my mom?"

Aika turned to me with a gentle smile. "Not really. I just thought… it's been a while since I had breakfast here."

My mother chuckled. "You shouldn't talk to her like that," she scolded me. "Aika is part of our family. She should have breakfast with us from now on—just like she used to when she was little."

Aika gave her a grateful nod. "Thank you, Auntie. I just happened to wake up a bit early today, that's all. I usually don't have the time, but I'll come by when I can. I always enjoy spending time with you."

I stayed quiet, waiting for breakfast. I already knew how much my mother doted on Aika. She'd always treated her like her own daughter and had even asked me—more than once—if we were in a relationship. I always told her I wasn't interested in that kind of thing, that Aika was just a friend.

If she ever found out I had rejected Aika once… well, she'd probably be furious. That's why I never mentioned it. It seemed Aika hadn't said anything either.

Eventually, breakfast was ready, and after we finished eating, Aika and I left for school together.

She was unusually quiet. I didn't push her into conversation. But after a while, she turned to me and asked, "What do you think about Kiyomi?"

I thought for a moment. "I don't really know her yet. Yesterday was the first time I met her," I said honestly. "But if I go just by that one encounter… she has this kind of mysterious charm. Like, there's something about her that draws people in. You felt that too, didn't you?"

Aika looked surprised and paused before replying. Her voice was a little awkward, hesitant. "Yeah… I did feel something like that. But…" She looked away. "I don't know if she's being sincere."

I knew Aika well enough to tell she wasn't lying, but she wasn't sure what to make of Kiyomi either.

As we reached the school gates, I spotted Kiyomi. For a second, I thought about walking over to greet her—but I hesitated and kept walking. Then, unexpectedly, I heard someone call out my name.

Turning around, I saw Kiyomi waving at me. My eyes widened. I hadn't expected her to talk to me so casually, especially not out here. If anything, I thought she'd only speak to me in class if she needed something.

She came up to me, and we walked to class together. Aika joined the conversation, chatting with Kiyomi as we made our way inside. Surprisingly, they seemed to get along well. I was glad—they were both more talkative than I was. At least they wouldn't be bored spending time together.

Class started, and the morning passed as usual.

When the lunch bell rang, Aika rushed over. "Let's eat together," she said with a smile.

It was normal for us to eat together, so I agreed. But on our way to the terrace, I noticed Kiyomi sitting alone. Since she was new and didn't seem to have any friends yet, I figured she might be feeling out of place. Given how open she'd been with Aika earlier, I thought it might be good for them to talk more. Maybe they'd become friends, and Aika would be happy to have someone else to talk to—someone who wasn't as quiet as me.

I turned to Aika. "Is it okay if Kiyomi joins us?"

She glanced at Kiyomi, then at me, and nodded. "If you want her to come, I don't mind."

So I invited Kiyomi to join us, and the three of us headed to the terrace. While the two of them chatted, I stayed quiet and focused on my lunch.

Then Kayomi asked suddenly, "Are you two in a relationship?"

I nearly choked. "No," I said quickly. "We're just best friends."

Aika turned red and hurried to speak. "Is that really how it seems?

Kiyomi said, "i not the only one who thinks that, actually…"

Hearing that aika blushed and was lost in thought.

I didn't say anything. It wasn't worth getting into again.

Trying to shift the topic, Kiyomi asked, "How did you two meet?"

Aika seemed lost in thought, so I answered instead. "We first met when Aika and her parents moved into the house near ours. We were both five years old. She was as easygoing then as she is now. I was… well, just as reserved."

"Our moms hit it off pretty quickly," I continued. "Since her mom needed help settling in, they visited a lot. While they talked, my mom would send Aika to my room to play. I didn't care much at first—I gave her some toys and comics to keep her busy while I did my own thing. But she wouldn't leave me alone. She kept insisting we play together."

I smiled faintly at the memory. "I refused at first, but she was persistent. Eventually, I gave in. And the weird thing was… I started having fun. We talked, we played, and we just sort of clicked. After that, she'd come over even without her mom. And I didn't mind. I liked spending time with her."

"Our bond grew stronger as we spent more time together," I added. "We helped each other through a lot. But a few years ago, her dad moved them to a new place a bit farther away. We didn't see each other as much after that, but we stayed close."

Kiyomi smiled, looking genuinely impressed. "You two really have a deep connection, huh?"

Aika blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "What were you talking about?"

"Just how you two met," Kiyomi said.

Aika chuckled. "Since we're talking about me and him, what about you, Kiyomi? Why did you transfer so late?"

The smile faded from Kiyomi's face. "Just some family stuff," she said quietly. "Nothing special."

Aika and I exchanged a glance and silently agreed not to pry.

Aika gave her a warm smile. "Since we're all getting along, let's be friends."

I nodded.

Kiyomi's expression brightened. "I'd really like that. I… don't really have any friends yet."

The bell rang, and we returned to class together.