Chapter 21: New Beginnings, Quiet Smiles

(Seasons of Us, Part I)

It had been a few days since the festival ended, but the warmth of it lingered like autumn sunshine. The school felt calmer now—less chaotic, more alive. And in a strange way, so did Rika.

She walked into the classroom early, her notebook in hand, humming quietly. She caught herself doing it and rolled her eyes. What am I, a rom-com protagonist? she thought.

Naoto was already there, half-asleep over a textbook. She smirked.

"Studying without me? Bold move," she teased, sitting beside him.

He didn't even look up. "You're late."

"I'm early."

"You're still late."

They both smiled.

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A New Group Forms

Later that day, after classes, their homeroom teacher made an announcement.

"To support exam season, we'll be starting optional peer study sessions after school. Students can form their own groups and use the library or designated rooms."

Rika didn't even think—she turned to Naoto immediately.

"We're doing this."

Naoto raised an eyebrow. "We?"

But before he could protest, two classmates chimed in:

Ami Takahashi – loud, funny, always with a camera. "Count me in! Studying is hell, but misery loves company."

Ren Shimizu – quiet, serious, glasses. "If you two are part of it, I want to join. You actually… balance each other out."

And then… a soft voice from behind them:

"Is there room for one more?"

Rika turned—and saw her.

The girl with calm eyes, long chestnut hair tied in a loose braid, and the kind of smile that made people feel like they belonged.

"Of course," Rika said before she could even think. "The more the better."

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The First Study Day

They gathered at Ami's house—her parents out, snacks everywhere, books forgotten half the time.

It was chaotic, full of laughter and small moments:

Rika making flashcards and pretending she wasn't watching Naoto.

Ami taking silly group photos and shouting, "MEMORIES!"

The girl sitting beside Naoto, occasionally glancing his way.

Ren trying to focus while everyone else slowly derailed the session.

Rika forgot about the phone.

The one that always buzzed.

That always took him away.

Even when it did vibrate later that night… and Naoto excused himself to take the call…

Rika didn't follow him.

She didn't ask.

She told herself it didn't matter.

She was here.

They were laughing.

And maybe… maybe that was enough.

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