Chapter 1: Sweet tooth and Promises

"But… I do know one thing. I want us to stay close, like this, even in the future."

-------------------♡

Zaire yawned as he rode his red scooter to school, the crisp morning air doing little to wake him up. He hadn't gotten a wink of sleep last night, his mind preoccupied with the strange encounter he'd had with Rika. Why had she been in that tree? The question nagged at him, but no matter how hard he tried to focus, his thoughts kept drifting back to her ocean-blue eyes—eyes that hadn't changed since their elementary school days.

"Zaire!"

A voice pulled him from his thoughts. He blinked and realized he was nearing the school gates, where a crowd of girls had gathered, their excited greetings echoing in the air.

"Good morning, Zaire!"

"Morning, Zaire!"

Zaire forced an awkward smile, carefully navigating his scooter through the throng to avoid accidentally hitting anyone. His popularity was both a blessing and a curse. With his sharp features, athletic build, and charming demeanor, he was the school's golden boy—the kind who effortlessly captured hearts. Yet, despite the confessions and fluttering notes passed to him, he never reciprocated anyone's feelings, a fact that puzzled everyone.

After much effort, Zaire finally parked his scooter and made his way to the classroom. Inside, his best friend Andre was lounging by the window, his trademark lopsided grin already in place.

"Yo!" Andre greeted, raising a hand for a high-five. "The girls swarming you again this morning?"

Zaire smacked his hand against Andre's and plopped into the seat in front of him with a sigh. "Yeah. Should've used the back gate."

Andre chuckled. "I keep telling you, man. Just get a girlfriend, and they'll leave you alone."

Zaire shot him a glare. "Not happening."

"Seriously, though." Andre leaned forward, his grin turning mischievous. "How can someone as good-looking as you do not have a girlfriend?"

"I've told you a hundred times—I'm not interested," Zaire replied flatly.

Before Andre could press further, Klein appeared, his cheerful grin brighter than usual.

"Morning, guys!" Klein greeted, dragging over an empty chair to sit with them.

"Morning, Klein," Andre smirked. "You're in a good mood today. Something happened?"

"Maybe," Klein said, his grin widening.

"Oh, let me guess," Zaire interjected, leaning back with a knowing look. "You finally asked Yumi out."

Klein's face turned crimson as Andre's eyes widened.

"Wait, seriously?" Andre exclaimed.

"How did you know?" Klein demanded, looking at Zaire in disbelief.

Zaire shrugged nonchalantly. "Just a hunch."

Before Klein could respond, the bell rang, signaling the start of class.

"See you at lunch," Klein said hastily, returning the chair and hurrying out.

As Zaire watched him leave, his attention was caught by a flash of pink hair passing the classroom door. His heart skipped a beat—it was her. Rika. She looked distracted, almost hurried.

"Hey!" Andre's voice jolted Zaire back to reality.

"What?" Zaire turned to his friend, trying to act nonchalant.

Andre raised an eyebrow. "What's up with you? Did someone catch your eye?"

"It's nothing," Zaire said quickly. "Just... stuff on my mind."

Andre didn't look convinced but let it drop as the teacher walked in.

-------------------♡

By lunchtime, the trio had gathered again, eating their lunch and chatting as usual.

"So, what's the plan for the big date?" Andre asked, sipping from his apple juice box.

"I don't know but im planning to take her to some cafe" Klein replied, fidgeting slightly.

"Smart move," Andre said, nodding approvingly.

"Please," Zaire muttered, spearing an apple slice with his toothpick. "Like you know anything about dating. Your relationships last, what? A week?"

"At least I had relationships!" Andre shot back, crushing his juice box in mock indignation.

The exchange earned a hearty laugh from Klein, who found their bickering endlessly entertaining.

As the laughter subsided, a soft voice interrupted.

"Hi, Zaire."

The three turned to see Penny standing there, a coy smile on her face and a neatly wrapped box of cookies in her hands.

"Hey, Penny," Zaire said casually. "What's up?"

"I baked some cookies. Want to try them?" she asked, holding out the box.

"Sure, thanks." Zaire smiled, their fingers brushing slightly as he took the box. Penny blushed, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink.

"If you want more, just let me know," she said shyly before walking away, glancing back at him every so often.

Andre leaned closer, whispering, "Dude, why don't you just date her? She's cute and obviously into you."

Zaire shook his head. "I'm not interested."

"She's popular, she's sweet, and she baked for you!" Andre persisted.

"Yeah, but I'm just being polite." Zaire glanced at Penny, who was still sneaking looks at him. He gave her an awkward smile before returning to his lunch.

-------------------♡

Later, as the bell rang, Andre's request stopped Zaire in his tracks.

"Hey, can you help me with something?" Andre asked with a smirk.

"No," Zaire replied without missing a beat.

"Come on, man! Just one last time," Andre pleaded, giving him the dreaded puppy-dog eyes.

Zaire sighed. "Fine. Who is it?"

Andre grinned triumphantly. "Rika."

Zaire froze. The name echoed in his mind, and for a moment, his usual composure faltered.

"Wait, what?"

"She's the prettiest girl in school, man!" Andre gushed. "Smart, talented... I mean, how could I not fall for her?"

Zaire stared at him, feeling a strange knot in his stomach. "You're serious?"

"Yeah! She even waved at me the other day. I'm telling you, I've got a chance."

Zaire sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. I'll talk to her."

"Thanks man you the best you know that!" Andre grin.

-------------------♡

Zaire looked around the school for Rika, he went to her classroom but she wasn't there, he doesn't know where she could have been so he just desperately look around for her but he didn't until he heard a humming sound coming from the storage room.

He found her in the storage room, humming softly to herself as the afternoon sun streamed through the window. Her pink hair shimmered in the light, and for a moment, Zaire simply watched her, captivated.

"You've got a beautiful voice," he said finally, breaking the silence.

Rika turned, startled. "You scared me," she said, placing a hand over her chest.

"Sorry," Zaire said, stepping closer.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, closing the window.

"I was looking for you," he said with a smile.

Rika's expression turned wary. "Why?"

"Just thought we could catch up... like old times," Zaire said, but his grin faltered as her frown deepened.

Rika and Zaire had been close friends since elementary school, their bond forming naturally after they were placed in the same class. Back then, Zaire had been a loner, and Rika was his only friend, filling his otherwise quiet days with her endless chatter. But when Zaire's family moved to another city during middle school, their connection was abruptly severed. Now, after all these years, they were finally face-to-face again.

"It's been a while… how are you doing?" Rika asked softly, her voice barely breaking the stillness of the storage room.

"I'm doing all right. How about you?" Zaire replied, noting how her ocean-blue eyes avoided his gaze.

"I'm good," she answered curtly, her tone distant.

An awkward silence enveloped the room. Zaire fiddled with the hem of his shirt, searching for something to say to ease the tension. He wasn't used to this version of Rika—the girl he remembered always had a dozen topics to discuss, even the most random ones.

"What are you doing here?" Zaire finally asked, curious why she was spending her lunch break alone in such a place.

"I was sent to pick something up," she explained, brushing a strand of pink hair behind her ear. "But the window was open, and the breeze felt nice, so I stayed to cool off."

Zaire nodded, though he couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't telling the whole truth. Still, he decided not to press further.

The silence returned, heavier this time. Zaire cleared his throat and tried again. "So, how are your parents—"

Before he could finish, Rika suddenly pushed him against the wall, her hand clamping over his mouth. His eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, she leaned in close.

"Shhh," she whispered, her voice firm. Zaire froze, confused, as the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears.

"Umm… I was wondering if we could go on a date tomorrow—Saturday?" a male voice stammered, sounding both nervous and hopeful. The footsteps stopped just outside the room.

"Oh? Y-Yeah, sure! A date sounds nice," a girl replied, her voice equally flustered.

"Great! Uh, can I pick you up at your house at five? Does that work?" the boy asked, his tone filled with anticipation.

"Yeah, that works," the girl said. Both their voices carried the unsteady rhythm of rapidly beating hearts. Then, the bell rang, shattering the fragile tension.

"Well, I should get back to class…" the girl murmured.

"Yeah, see you," the boy replied.

The sound of retreating footsteps faded into the distance. Rika exhaled deeply, releasing her hand from Zaire's mouth. Before Zaire could say anything, the storage room door burst open, and Klein rushed in, slamming it shut behind him. His curly brown hair was disheveled, and panic was written all over his face.

"Rika!" Klein exclaimed, oblivious to Zaire's presence. "I asked her out—now what do I do?!"

"Calm down," Rika said, leaning against a metal shelf with a smug smile. "I already told you everything would be fine. You just need to trust me—and be confident."

"That's the problem! I don't have confidence!" Klein groaned, ruffling his hair in frustration. "I couldn't even talk to her without feeling like my heart was about to explode."

"Well, I'll help you with that," Rika said with a mischievous smirk.

Klein's eyes widened in surprise, his lips curving into a grin. "Really? Thank you so much!"

As he spoke, he finally noticed Zaire standing in the corner. His excitement quickly turned to embarrassment. "Zaire?"

"Hey," Zaire greeted awkwardly, stepping forward. "Sorry, man—I, uh, heard everything." He placed a hand on Klein's shoulder.

Klein's face turned a deep shade of red. "Why are you even here?"

Zaire chuckled. "I was talking to Rika, but then she pinned me against the wall and told me to stay quiet so she could eavesdrop on you two." He gave Rika a playful look. "Care to explain what's going on?"

Rika ignored him, brushing off her clothes and straightening her hair. "Save the questions for later. The bell's already rung. Meet me at the coffee shop near school after class."

Klein nodded, trying to steady his breathing. "Got it."

Rika offered him a reassuring smile. "It's going to be fine. Just trust me."

With that, she exited the room, leaving Zaire and Klein standing in silence. Klein let out a heavy sigh, muttering, "I hope she's right…"

-------------------♡

The sunset bathed the small coffee café in a warm orange glow, casting vibrant hues across the trio seated by the window. The words "Come and Latte" were emblazoned on the glass, slightly faded but still legible. The café was cozy, offering not just coffee but also an array of desserts and breakfast options. It was a haven for those seeking an early pick-me-up or a casual meeting spot.

Rika, Klein, and Zaire occupied a booth, their drinks and snacks neatly arranged on the table. Klein had an Americano, Zaire opted for a classic iced latte, and Rika indulged her sweet tooth with a cookies-and-cream iced coffee paired with a matching cake. Zaire couldn't help but smile at her order, the memory of her childhood love for sweets sparking a quiet nostalgia.

"Why is he here?" Rika asked, her tone laced with mild annoyance, gesturing toward Zaire, who sat beside Klein in his signature red jacket.

"Why can't I tag along?" Zaire replied casually, sipping his drink.

"This is a private matter. No outsiders allowed," Rika insisted, placing her backpack on the empty seat next to her.

Klein intervened with a smile. "It's fine, Rika. Zaire's my close friend, so I don't mind."

Rika sighed in reluctant acceptance. "If you're okay with it, I guess it's fine." She took a sip of her coffee, her face lighting up as the sweet flavor delighted her. Unable to hide her reaction, she let out a small squeal of satisfaction before quickly composing herself.

Zaire chuckled softly, noticing the foam mustache left on her upper lip. Rika, oblivious to it, grabbed a napkin and wiped her mouth with the precision of someone trying to maintain their dignity.

"Now, let's get down to business," she said, placing the napkin neatly on the table. Klein leaned forward, his expression serious.

"So, what's your plan for the date?" Rika asked, her tone all business.

Klein hesitated, fidgeting slightly. "W-Well, I'll pick her up on my motorbike, and then… maybe take her to a fancy restaurant?"

Rika raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you can afford a fancy restaurant?" Her question carried the weight of a detective probing for cracks in a suspect's alibi.

"I have the budget—"

She cut him off, her tone firm. "A fancy place doesn't guarantee a successful date."

"But I want it to be special," Klein protested.

"Special isn't about the place or the price," Rika said, scooping a bite of her cake. She closed her eyes, savoring the sweetness, letting out a quiet squeal before resuming her composed demeanor. "It's about you. A date is about you and your partner, no one else. The effort and connection are what make it special."

Zaire was impressed. He hadn't expected Rika to give such sound advice. He remembered her as a kid who devoured romance stories, yet here she was, offering real-world dating wisdom.

Klein nodded, absorbing her words. "You're right. So… what should I do?"

Rika's lips curled into a smug smile. "You need to be confident and lead the conversation."

"That's the problem. I can't do that!" Klein groaned, lowering his head in defeat.

"Then practice," Rika said firmly, taking another sip of her coffee before wiping her mouth.

"How?" Klein asked, looking up with a glimmer of hope.

"Let's role-play. Imagine you're on a date with Yumi. You're sitting together, the food's on its way, and it's time to make conversation. What would you say?"

Klein hesitated, closing his eyes to imagine the scenario. "Uh… how was your day?"

"Okay, now I'm Yumi," Rika said, straightening her posture and adopting a softer tone. "I'm fine. How about you?"

"O-Oh, I'm fine too," Klein stammered, his posture stiff as he looked into Rika's eyes.

Rika waited expectantly. "...And then?"

"H-How's the weather?" Klein blurted, his voice tinged with panic.

Rika groaned, planting her face in her hand. Zaire, unable to hold back, chuckled quietly.

"I can't do this," Klein muttered, slumping in his seat. His lips formed a pout, his frustration evident.

The café was warm and vibrant as the sun began to dip lower on the horizon. The soft hum of customers chatting filled the space, blending with the faint clinking of cups. Zaire and Rika remained seated, while Klein fidgeted nervously in his seat.

"Don't say that, bud," Zaire said, draping an arm around Klein's shoulder in a brotherly gesture. "You're super talkative with me and Andre. Just treat her like one of us—relax and be yourself."

Klein sighed, placing a hand over his chest. "It's not the same. Every time she's near, my heart feels like it's about to explode." His voice carried equal parts awe and frustration.

"Then practice is what you need," Rika chimed in, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. She reached into her bag, rummaging through its contents until she pulled out a printed photo.

Both Klein and Zaire's eyes widened in shock. "W-What is that?!" Klein stammered, his face already turning crimson.

"It's a picture of Yumi from Instagram," Rika said nonchalantly, placing the photo on the table. "I printed it out for you to use as a practice tool. Tape it to your bathroom mirror and practice talking to her reflection."

Klein's blush deepened as he shakily grabbed the picture. "Y-You're serious?"

"Absolutely," Rika said with a cheerful nod. "If you get used to looking at her, you'll feel less nervous when you're face-to-face."

Though skeptical, Klein nodded slowly. "O-Okay… I'll try." He carefully tucked the picture into his bag, making sure it was secure and hidden from view.

Zaire chuckled, finishing the last of his latte. "How long have you been planning this?"

"Since yesterday," Rika replied smugly, leaning back in her seat. "I had a feeling he'd ask for help eventually."

"Is there anything else I can do to boost my confidence?" Klein asked hesitantly, his voice tinged with hope.

"Just believe in yourself," Rika said with an encouraging smile. "I know you can do this. Relax, be natural, and everything will fall into place."

Klein seemed comforted, but his nerves quickly returned when Rika added, "But if it doesn't go well, it's on you."

"Rika," Zaire said, laughing nervously. "I think you're stressing him out more."

"Fine, fine," Rika chuckled, holding up her hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Klein. It'll be great."

Taking a deep breath, Klein nodded. "Okay… I got this."

Zaire decided to shift the focus. "What about the location? Have you decided where to take her?"

Klein paused, thinking hard. "I don't know much about good cafés or restaurants for a date. At first, I thought about going somewhere fancy, but… my budget is tight."

"What about this café?" Zaire suggested, gesturing to their surroundings. "The sunset view is great, and the prices are reasonable."

Klein glanced around, admiring the warm, inviting interior. "It's nice, but—"

"No," Rika interjected firmly, setting down her mug.

Zaire tilted his head, confused. "Why not?"

Rika leaned forward slightly. "This is your first date, right, Klein?"

He nodded.

"First dates are about getting to know each other better. You need a place that allows for conversation," Rika explained. "That's why I don't recommend movies for a first date—no chance to talk."

"But this café works for that," Zaire argued.

Rika shook her head, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "The problem is the coffee. It makes your breath smell bad. Trust me, you don't want to make your date uncomfortable with coffee breath."

Both boys instinctively smelled their breath, grimacing at the faint bitterness.

"Fair point," Zaire admitted, impressed with her foresight.

"So, where should I take her?" Klein asked, looking to Rika for guidance.

Rika pulled out her phone and showed them a photo of a cozy café with a floral interior. It was nestled beside a flower shop and near a park, offering a picturesque view through its large windows. "This café. The food is great, reasonably priced, and there's no long waiting time. Plus, after your meal, you can buy her a flower from the shop next door and take a walk in the park. Perfect first-date vibes."

Klein studied the photo and nodded. "Yeah, that looks amazing. I'll take her there."

"Then it's settled," Zaire said, crossing his arms with a satisfied grin.

"Thanks, Rika," Klein said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I owe you one."

"No problem," Rika replied, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. "Just doing my job."

Klein glanced at his watch and stood abruptly. "I need to go before my mom starts yelling at me. I'll pay for today's meal—don't argue!" Without waiting for a response, he bolted for the door.

Zaire smirked, shaking his head. "That's just how he is—always generous."

Rika watched Klein leave, a small smile on her face. "With a heart like that, I'm sure his date will go smoothly."

Rika finished the last crumb of her cake and glanced at her phone as it buzzed. "I have to go too. Bye" She grabbed her bag, answering her phone as she hurried out.

"Bye," Zaire called after her, watching her disappear into the fading light. He leaned back in his seat, a soft smile lingering. "I hope Klein really nails this date."

-------------------♡

"Are you sure it's alright for us to do this?" Zaire whispered, hiding his face behind the menu. His shoulders hunched slightly as he glanced around nervously.

"It's fine. We had an agreement," Rika replied matter-of-factly, her tone calm. She adjusted her sunglasses to cover more of her striking blue eyes.

"This feels so wrong. Doesn't this make us look like stalkers?" Zaire muttered. Then a sudden realization struck him. His eyes widened as he turned toward her. "Wait a second. Is that why you were in that tree a few days ago? You were watching Klein and Yumi, weren't you?"

Rika shot him a flat look, clearly unimpressed. "Don't tell anyone I fell out of it," she muttered with a tinge of embarrassment.

Zaire raised an eyebrow, taking in her composed demeanor. "Are you always doing things like this? Aren't you worried people might start rumors?"

"Oh, shut up. You're here too, you know," Rika retorted, brushing off his concern.

-------------------♡

[A Few Hours Earlier]

The sun was shining brightly that Saturday morning as Zaire stood outside, cleaning his red scooter. He wore a simple gray tank top and sweatpants, the muscles in his arms flexing as he worked. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, inadvertently revealing his toned abs beneath his shirt.

After finishing his task, he headed inside for a quick shower. Once dressed, he set off for his part-time delivery job. Zaire worked tirelessly, delivering packages across the neighborhood for a modest wage.

"Ah, Zaire, here are all the packages," Mr. Pines, the owner of a local electronics shop, called out. His shop was one of the many small businesses that regularly used Zaire's delivery service. A neat stack of well-sealed boxes, each labeled with an address, rested on the shop floor.

Zaire crouched down and began lifting a few boxes, carefully placing them onto the rack behind his scooter.

"Looks like business is booming today, Mr. Pines. That's more packages than usual," Zaire commented as he tied the boxes securely with a rope to prevent them from falling.

"Yeah, seems like everyone's ordering kitchen appliances—blenders, microwaves, you name it," Mr. Pines replied with a chuckle, leaning against the shop's doorframe.

"That's good news for me—the more deliveries, the more I get paid," Zaire said with a small grin, prompting another chuckle from the shopkeeper.

"You know, I'm heading out tonight for dinner with some friends. You should join us. My treat," Mr. Pines offered warmly. Over the years, he'd grown fond of Zaire, treating him like one of his own kids.

Zaire paused for a moment before shaking his head. "As tempting as that sounds, I'll have to pass tonight."

"Oh? Got plans? Is it a date?" Mr. Pines teased, a sly smile playing on his face.

Zaire rolled his eyes, letting out a soft sigh. "No, nothing like that."

"Well, suit yourself. Just don't go breaking anything out there!" Mr. Pines called as Zaire mounted his scooter and sped off. Shaking his head with a chuckle, the shopkeeper muttered, "That kid," before heading back inside.

-------------------♡

Zaire cruised through the streets, occasionally glancing down at the address on the package. "Mrs. Sheila, huh," he murmured to himself. He'd delivered to this address countless times, enough to know it by heart.

It didn't take long for him to arrive. He parked his scooter in front of the familiar house, untied a few of the boxes, and carried them to the door. After ringing the bell, he waited, listening to the soft sound of footsteps approaching.

The door creaked open to reveal Mrs. Sheila, a sweet elderly woman with a kind smile.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Sheila. You're looking as young and lovely as ever," Zaire greeted her with a charming smile, earning a laugh from the old lady.

"Oh, you flatter me, Zaire. Good afternoon. Just place the boxes over there, would you?" she said, pointing to a spot near the door.

Zaire carefully set the packages down, making sure not to damage anything. "So, lots of kitchen appliances today. What's the occasion?"

Mrs. Sheila chuckled softly. "Ah, my old microwave and other appliances finally gave out. I tried getting them fixed, but it seems they've reached their end."

"My condolences," Zaire joked, drawing another laugh from her.

"You're such a playful young man," Mrs. Sheila said warmly. "You remind me of my late husband when he was your age."

Zaire smiled at the compliment. "Some of these appliances can be tricky to set up. Want me to help you with them?" he offered.

Mrs. Sheila shook her head gently. "Oh, no, dear. I wouldn't want to take up your time."

"It's no trouble, really," Zaire insisted.

"No, no, Ms. Olivia will help me with it when she's back," Mrs. Sheila assured him, referring to her maid.

"Speaking of Ms. Olivia, where is she? She's usually the one who answers the door," Zaire asked, noticing her absence.

"She's out running errands. She'll be back soon enough," Mrs. Sheila replied.

"I see," Zaire said, heading back toward his scooter.

"I'd offer you some cookies, but my oven's out of commission," Mrs. Sheila said apologetically. She often baked treats for Zaire, treating him like the grandson she never had.

"It's fine, Mrs. Sheila. I'm good," Zaire reassured her with a smile.

"Well, thank you, my child. Send my regards to Mr. Pines," she said with a warm smile as Zaire waved and drove off.

-------------------♡

Zaire continued his rounds, delivering packages across the neighborhood until he returned to Mr. Pines' shop to collect his payment.

"Here you go, Zaire. Thanks for your hard work today," Mr. Pines said, handing him an envelope of cash.

"Don't forget to join us for dinner next time!" Mr. Pines called out.

"Yeah, sure. Wait, what time is it, Mr. Pines?" Zaire asked, suddenly remembering something important.

"What time is it now?" Zaire asked suddenly. Remembering about Klein's date

Mr. Pines glanced at the clock. "It's 4:30."

Zaire's eyes widened. "Thanks!" He bolted out of the shop, leaving Mr. Pines chuckling in his wake.

As Zaire reached the café Klein had mentioned, he parked his scooter and casually walked inside. Spotting Klein and Yumi seated at a table, he hesitated, unsure of how to approach them.

"You followed them too, huh?" a familiar voice said from behind him.

Turning around, Zaire found himself face-to-face with Rika, who was surprisingly incognito. She wore a black sweater, a red skirt, and a hat, her hair tied in a neat ponytail. Her sunglasses concealed her bright blue eyes.

Rika handed him a cap. "Your disguise could use some work," she teased before walking toward a nearby table.

-------------------♡

[Back to the Present]

They sat at a table not too far from Klein and Yumi—close enough to hear and observe them but far enough to avoid drawing attention.

"Klein's already sweating," Zaire whispered, sneaking a glance at his best friend, who was visibly nervous, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"Yumi looks nervous too," Rika whispered back, nodding toward the blonde girl. Yumi was anxiously tapping her heel against the wooden floor, the faint sound filling the quiet space without disturbing others.

Both Klein and Yumi were visibly on edge, trying to calm their nerves by focusing on the menu in front of them.

"W-what are you going to order?" Klein stammered, summoning the courage to break the silence. His sudden question startled Yumi, who jumped slightly in her seat.

"O-oh, um... I think I'll get the fruit salad. Wh-what about you?" Yumi replied, her voice trembling as she glanced up at him.

"I-I'll get the fish and chips," Klein blurted out, picking the first thing he spotted on the menu. He hesitated, then asked, "W-what about dessert?" His question only seemed to make Yumi more flustered.

Zaire sighed softly as he observed the nervous pair. "They're both so tense," he muttered, glancing at Rika for her reaction. To his surprise, she wasn't watching them at all.

Instead, Rika was browsing through the menu. "Hmm, this blueberry mousse looks good," she murmured, flipping the pages to look at other options.

"You're seriously thinking about food right now? I thought we were just here to observe them," Zaire said, raising an eyebrow at her.

Rika didn't look up, completely unbothered. "Relax. Besides, we need to order something, or we'll look suspicious just sitting here." She turned another page in the menu. Zaire had a feeling she was using that as an excuse to indulge her sweet tooth.

They both placed their orders, waiting for their food to arrive while Zaire kept an eye on the nervous couple. Klein and Yumi had gone quiet again. Yumi fidgeted with her blonde hair, twisting it around her fingers, while Klein nervously tapped his fingers against the edge of the table.

"They're not getting anywhere," Zaire muttered, glancing at Rika, who seemed perfectly relaxed.

"They're fine," she said calmly. "What can we do? It's their date, after all."

Zaire sighed but nodded in agreement. Rika was right. It wasn't their place to interfere, no matter how much he wanted to help.

Klein nervously adjusted his collar before finally speaking. "S-so, how do you like the café?" he asked, his voice trembling.

"O-oh, it's nice! I really like the flowery theme," Yumi replied softly. Her response was brief, and the conversation quickly fell into silence again.

Klein fiddled with his fingers while Yumi toyed with her hair. After taking a deep breath, Klein suddenly blurted out, "You know, I'm really nervous about this date. I'm sorry I haven't been talking much… It's just that whenever I'm with you, my heart beats so fast, and it makes me so nervous." He shut his eyes tightly, bracing for the worst.

Zaire's eyes widened as he watched from a distance, while Rika smiled knowingly.

Klein, convinced he had ruined everything, kept his eyes closed. Then, to his surprise, he heard a soft laugh. Opening his eyes, he saw Yumi smiling.

"I was nervous too," Yumi admitted, her cheeks flushed. "Before you came to pick me up, I tried on so many outfits, trying to figure out what would look best. I spent hours choosing, and when the doorbell rang, I still hadn't decided! I just grabbed something last minute… I was so worried you might not like it."

Klein stared at her, stunned. "Y-you look gorgeous," he said earnestly. "I really like what you're wearing." His face turned red, and Yumi's did too. "S-sorry I didn't say that earlier… I was just so nervous."

They both laughed, realizing how ridiculous they had been.

"We're both a mess, huh?" Yumi said with a chuckle.

"Yeah," Klein agreed, smiling for the first time that evening.

At their table, Zaire let out a sigh of relief. "Looks like they're working it out," he said, glancing at Rika.

"They are," Rika said softly, her tone carrying a hint of satisfaction.

Zaire raised his eyebrows, sensing something was off. "You knew this would happen, didn't you?" he asked. "You've been way too calm about all of this."

Rika smirked and shrugged. "Caught me. Actually…"

-------------------♡

[Yesterday]

"Thanks, Rika," Klein said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I owe you one."

"No problem," Rika replied, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. "Just doing my job."

Klein glanced at his watch and stood abruptly. "I need to go before my mom starts yelling at me. I'll pay for today's meal—don't argue!" Without waiting for a response, he bolted for the door.

Zaire smirked, shaking his head. "That's just how he is—always generous."

Rika watched Klein leave, a small smile on her face. "With a heart like that, I'm sure his date will go smoothly."

Rika finished the last crumb of her cake and glanced at her phone as it buzzed. "I have to go too. Bye" She grabbed her bag, answering her phone as she hurried out.

"Rikaaa! I'm so nervous about the date!" Yumi's voice came through the phone in a panic.

Rika sighed and found a bench in a nearby park. "You'll be fine. Just be confident."

"But I can't! I get so nervous around him! Oh, Rika, what should I do?"

Rika chuckled. "How about we meet at the mall? I can give you a few pointers."

"Okay! I'll head there right now!" Yumi said before hanging up. Rika smiled and got up, heading to the mall to help.

-------------------♡

[Back to the present]

"So Yumi asked for your help too?" Zaire said, surprised, as their food arrived. He had ordered a fried egg sandwich with iced tea, while Rika had her beloved blueberry mousse and a milk tea.

"Yup," Rika said, taking a spoonful of her dessert and smiling in delight. "She wanted advice on how to get closer to Klein."

Zaire blinked. "So let me get this straight. Klein asked for your help to confess to Yumi, and Yumi asked for your help to get closer to Klein? And neither of them realized they liked each other?"

"Exactly," Rika replied with a chuckle. "They were both so nervous and oblivious. It was adorable."

Zaire shook his head, smiling as he glanced at the couple, who were now chatting comfortably.

As the sun set and the sky darkened, Klein and Yumi's date continued smoothly, with occasional bursts of nervous laughter. After their meal, Klein bought flowers for Yumi and suggested they take a walk in the nearby park—just as Rika had advised him.

From the café window, Rika and Zaire watched the couple stroll toward the park, disappearing into the night.

"The date went well," Zaire said, sipping his iced tea. The café was almost empty now, the soft glow of the moonlight shining through the window.

"I told you it would," Rika replied, taking out her sunglasses. Her ocean-blue eyes seemed to sparkle under the moonlight, almost rivaling its glow.

"I have a question," Zaire said, finishing his iced tea. "Why would Klein and Yumi ask for your help? I've never seen Klein get close to you, and the same goes for Yumi."

Rika's smile faltered briefly, but she didn't respond. Instead, she stood up suddenly. "It's already late. I should head home." She grabbed her wallet and walked briskly toward the counter.

"Hey, wait! Let me pay—"

"No need. We're covering our own meals," Rika cut him off as she quickly handed over her payment. She turned to leave before Zaire could protest further.

"Wait, wait!" Zaire hurried to pull out money from his pocket—the cash he had earned from delivering packages earlier. He slapped it onto the counter, not caring if it was too much. "Keep the change," he muttered, before rushing after her.

"Rika, wait!" Zaire called out, finally catching up to her. She was walking fast, her gaze fixed ahead. "Are you still mad at me?" he asked breathlessly.

Rika stopped in her tracks but didn't turn around. She let out a deep sigh, her shoulders rising and falling, before continuing to walk away. Zaire stood there helplessly, watching her figure grow smaller under the starry night sky. He lowered his head, staring at the cold concrete below.

-------------------♡

[Ten Years Ago]

Two children sat in a small park, their laughter filling the air. Rika was on the swings, her straight pink hair flowing behind her as she swung back and forth. "Zaire, what's your dream?" she asked, her ocean-blue eyes twinkling as she looked at him.

Zaire, sitting on the adjacent swing, wasn't moving. Instead, his dark eyes followed Rika's rhythmic motion. "Dreams?" he repeated, tilting his head.

"Yeah, you know… what you wanna be when you grow up. What you wanna do," she explained, planting her feet on the ground to stop swinging. She smiled at him, resting her chin on her hands.

Zaire frowned, deep in thought. "I… I don't know," he admitted softly, looking down at the ground.

Rika chuckled, making him glance back up. Her grin was warm and reassuring. "That's okay. You don't have to know right now. You'll figure it out someday." She turned her gaze to the bright sun, lifting her hand as if to reach for it.

"What about you, Rika?" Zaire asked after a pause. "What's your dream?"

Rika hummed, pretending to think hard. Then she looked back at him with a wide grin. "I don't know either."

Both of them burst into laughter, their giggles echoing across the park. When the laughter died down, Rika smiled softly. "But… I do know one thing. I want us to stay close, like this, even in the future."

Zaire smiled back. "Me too."

"Promise, then?" Rika held out her pinky finger.

"Promise." Zaire linked his pinky finger with hers. They smiled, their small hands intertwined in a vow they believed would last forever.

-------------------♡

But promises are sometimes broken.

"Zaire, we're moving," his mother said gently, smiling down at him.

"Moving?" Zaire looked up at her, his expression confused.

"Yes, your dad got a new job, so we'll be moving closer to him," she explained. "Is that okay?"

"O-okay," Zaire mumbled, nodding weakly.

Guilt consumed him as the moving day drew closer. He avoided Rika for days, too afraid to tell her he was leaving. But Rika wasn't one to be ignored. On the last day before the move, she caught him at the school gate.

"Caught you!" she said triumphantly, grabbing his shoulder. "You've been avoiding me! Are you mad at me?"

Zaire shook his head, but he couldn't meet her gaze.

"Then why?" she asked, her voice softer this time.

Zaire remained silent, his heart pounding in his chest.

Patient as always, Rika waited. "Did I do something wrong?"

"N-no, I just… I have the flu," Zaire lied, his voice trembling.

"Oh…" Rika tilted her head. "Then why have you been avoiding me?"

"I-I didn't want you to catch it," he stammered, his hands trembling.

Rika's worried expression softened into a smile. "Well, I hope you get better soon." She gently held his cold, sweaty hand.

"O-okay," he whispered, unable to look at her.

"Tomorrow is my sixth birthday," Rika said brightly. "I hope you'll come to my party. It's going to be amazing!"

Zaire's eyes widened as he remembered. Tomorrow was her birthday—the same day he would be moving.

"You'll come, right?" Rika asked, her smile unwavering.

"O-okay," Zaire muttered, nodding weakly.

"Great! Get some rest, Zaire. See you tomorrow!" She waved as she walked away, her pink hair bouncing with each step.

Zaire stood frozen, tears streaming down his face. He had lied to her. He wouldn't be at her party. He wouldn't even be in the same city.

The next day, Rika showed up at his house with a sliced of cake from her birthday yesterday, she thought that he might still be sick and cannot come to the party so she left the first sliced of cake for him to eat and also thought that they come spend time together like they always do. But all she found was an empty home and an empty promise.