I WOULD PREFER NOT TO DISCUSS THIS MATTER

As the bell rang, signaling the commencement of lunch break, I felt a sense of normalcy return. The night had been spent on a delightful walk, and Sunday had been a relaxed and enjoyable day.

Despite the distressing dream I experienced this morning, I am content with my current situation, as I am spending lunch with Fuuto and Ayu.

Regrettably, I was unable to prepare my lunch due to a lapse in sleep the previous morning. This oversight extended to my morning routine, resulting in my unruly hair. I was in the midst of a conversation with the people I enjoy spending time with, but they appeared to be aware of my earlier incident. Fuuto, the first person to approach me, inquired about my sister, suggesting that my hair was a result of an argument between us.

"No, nothing happened between me and Ren," I replied, lowering my head and covering myself.

"Perhaps you were late because you argued with your aunt? She did not wake you up," Fuuto suggested.

"No, Fuuto, nothing occurred. I woke up on my own, as I am now a grown-up," I clarified.

"Is everything alright? You have not yet disclosed what transpired in that place," Ayu inquired, looking at me and Fuuto.

"Wait, what happened? To what place?" Fuuto asked, puzzled by Ayu's question.

"Do we have to discuss it, Ayu? I told you to forget about it," I expressed some frustration that Ayu had to repeatedly ask me the same question.

"yes, because I have not slept for two days. Worrying and you're being dumbass for not telling me what is wrong," Ayu retorted.

"I believe you two need to calm down about it," Fuuto attempted to calm us down, but we disregarded his efforts.

"Why don't you just listen to me, Ayu? I am telling you the truth," I insisted.

"No, not this time, Daisuke Ito. This time, something did happen to you. I saw you in that place, screaming, struggling to catch my breath, and you were sweating profusely. You were also shivering as if you were terrified," Ayu explained, her voice filled with concern. As I desired to continue the conversation, I noticed that everyone was staring at me. Some were engaged in idle gossip, while others exhibited signs of concern. 

Ultimately, I realized that I needed to be alone at this moment.

"I apologize, but I need to be alone," I said as I rose to seek fresh air outdoors. Ayu, who had been sitting down holding my lunch, which she had prepared for me, looked down at me with worry and concern.

As I exited the classroom, Fuuto called out my name. Subsequently, the twins and Arata arrived to visit us.

"Hello Daisuke," Kenji greeted me with a smile.

"Hello," I mumbled and left the class. However, the twins and Arata noticed Ayu's somber expression.

"I apologize, Ayu. I will speak with him and return immediately," Fuuto reassured her. Ayu patted her back, and Ayu nodded, indicating her agreement. She moved her head up and down, then stood up and proceeded to my location. He attempted to reach me, but as he exited the hallway, he continued calling out my name.

The twins and Arata entered the room, concerned about the recent events. They were unaware of what had transpired. As they approached Ayu to comfort her, they inquired about her well-being.

"Hey Ayu, are you okay?" Arata asked, visibly worried. Ayu quickly wiped away her tears, concealed the food she had prepared for me, and turned to them, feigning a smile.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Ayu asked, faking a smile.

"Ayu, you can talk to us, you know that," Ryota suggested, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"It's fine, guys, don't worry," Ayu replied, waving her head in agreement.

"Are you sure?" Ryota repeated, but Ayu nodded again.

"We wanted to show you this amazing poster, to display on the school wall for everyone to see. It even features a picture of you all, looking beautiful," Ryota explained, holding up the poster.

"What? Where did you guys get this picture?" Ayu was shocked by the image they had chosen. It was a cute picture, but it did not reveal her appearance.

"We obtained it from your social media profile," Kenji said with a smile. However, Ayu noticed the picture.

"What don't you like it?" Kenji inquired.

"No, it's fine," Ayu smiled. "It's perfect, thank you, guys." She hugged them all, expressing her happiness.

"How about we post this poster in the school after school? What do you think?" Ayu suggested with a smile.

"Yes, mam," Arata agreed.

Indeed, even the twins concur. Consequently, the afterschool program primarily focused on creating an exceptional poster specifically designed to garner Ayu's support and attention during the voting process. Ayu expresses profound gratitude for her friends and the supportive team they represent, as their unwavering care and concern have made her day truly special.