"Not every closeness is meant to bloom—
some are only meant to be felt… and lost in the same breath."
---
Back with the boys, Shido's face became curious. "So, where are you two heading off to in such a hurry? The infirmary? Or a secret date?"
"We are going to the Junior High," Kashima replied, his voice turning serious. "Shiyi's brother forgot his water bottle as well, so we need to deliver it."
Shido raised an eyebrow. "She can go alone, can't she? Why are you going with her?"
Kashima's expression darkened. "Some boys in the classroom were bothering her because she was wet. I had to step in. I'm taking her to finish her errand so nothing else happens."
Shido's smirk disappeared instantly. His eyes turned dark and dangerous. "Bothering her? Who? Give me the names and their classes."
"It was Tanaka and Sato from Class 1-C," Kashima replied coldly. "They think they can say whatever they want just because they are first years."
Shido's expression became terrifying—he looked even angrier than Kashima. "Class 1-C? Those losers? I'll make sure they regret ever opening their mouths. I'll handle them later." He looked at Kashima and added in a low voice, "But don't let a word of this reach Kento. You know how he is. He's the most dangerous one in our group when he's mad. If he finds out, those kids won't even be able to come to school tomorrow."
As they began to part ways, Shido stopped Hori from following them. "Let them go alone, Hori. They have things to talk about."
Shiyi and Kashima started to walk away, finally finding a moment of peace. But suddenly, a loud, booming voice echoed down the hall.
"KANZAKI! THERE YOU ARE!"
A tall boy with perfectly styled hair and a very bright badge that read President of Kami High School came running toward them. He had a wide, beaming smile and eyes that sparkled with way too much energy. He was the kind of person who filled the whole hallway with his presence. He loved Kashima and treated him like a little brother because he wanted Kashima to take over as President next to next year.
"I've been looking everywhere for you! I need your help with the new club budget! Come on, my future successor, the office is waiting!"
Kashima looked at the President, then at Shiyi, and let out a long, tired sigh. His perfect moment was completely ruined.
The President stood there, grinning broadly and holding Kashima's shoulder like he was a prize trophy. Kashima looked at Shiyi, then back at the President, his brow furrowing in frustration.
"President, please," Kashima said, his voice straining to remain polite. "I have a very important matter to attend to. It involves a student's well-being and a delivery to the Junior High. Surely the budget can wait twenty minutes?"
The President leaned in close, his energetic smile turning into a desperate, sweating pout. He lowered his voice to a frantic whisper that only Kashima could hear. "Kanzaki, please! It's not just the budget! I tried to do the advanced calculation section of the report myself and... I think I accidentally divided by zero. Everything is a mess! If you don't help me, the school's financial board will think I'm an idiot! You're the only one who can save me!"
Kashima closed his eyes, a small vein throbbing in his temple. It was true—the President was a great leader, but he was famously terrible at high-level mathematics.
Shiyi watched the exchange and felt a soft pang of sympathy. She saw the heavy weight of the "Genius" title on Kashima's shoulders. Stepping forward, she tightened his blazer around her and gave him a reassuring smile.
"It's okay, Kashima," she said gently. "The President really needs you, and I've already taken up too much of your time. I can go to the Junior High by myself. It's just next door, and I'll be under the umbrella the whole time. I promise I won't get a single drop more of rain on me."
Kashima looked at her, his blue eyes searching hers. He didn't want to leave her side, especially after the morning she'd had. "Are you sure, Ayasaki? If those boys from earlier—"
"I'll be fine," she interrupted, her pink eyes sparkling with confidence. "I'm the Vice-Treasurer, remember? I can handle myself. You go save the President before he breaks the school's calculator."
Kashima sighed, finally giving in. He handed her the large black umbrella. "Fine. But go straight to the nurse's office the moment you return. If I don't see you there in fifteen minutes, I'm coming to find you."
"Deal," Shiyi laughed softly. She took the umbrella, waved a quick goodbye to the frantic President, and disappeared into the crowd toward the school entrance.
As the first bell finally rang, echoing through the grand halls of Kami High, the morning rush began to settle. The students disappeared into their classrooms, the whispers about the "Treasurer and his blazer" faded into the background, and the teachers began their lessons.
Outside, the rain continued to fall, washing over the prestigious stone walls and the cherry trees of the campus. It was just another day at one of the country's most elite schools—a place of high expectations, secret whispers, and the quiet, growing bond between a golden-haired genius and the girl who cared too much.
The school infirmary was peaceful and quiet. The only sound was the light rain tapping against the glass window. Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of clean sheets.
The door slid open quickly as Kashima stepped inside, slightly out of breath. He had just finished a mountain of math problems for the President, and his hair was a little messy from the rush. He stopped when he saw Shiyi. She was sitting on the edge of the white bed, wearing an oversized school gym tracksuit.
"Ayasaki," he breathed out, walking over to her.
Shiyi looked up, her eyes wide. "Kashima! You look like you just ran a marathon."
"The President... is a lot to handle," Kashima muttered. He stood in front of her, his gaze softening. Without thinking, he reached out. His hand was steady and cool as he gently pressed his palm against her forehead to check for a fever.
Shiyi's breath hitched. She froze, her heart thumping so loudly she was sure he could hear it. Kashima didn't move his hand away; he just looked down at her, his blue eyes searching hers. The air between them felt warm and heavy.
"You're still a bit pale." He whispered, his voice low. Shiyi couldn't find her voice. She just nodded, her face turning pink.
SLAM!
The door didn't just open; it hit the wall with a loud bang. Shido walked in like he owned the place, followed by Hori and Tamiko. Kashima jumped back so fast he almost tripped over a chair, pretending he was just looking at a medical chart on the wall.
"Hey! Are you two busy after school?" Shido asked, not noticing the awkward silence at all.
"Why? What's going on?" Kashima asked, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
"Kento is sick," Shido said, leaning against the bedpost. "He skipped today. I thought we should all go to home and visit him. He'd be so happy to see us."
Shiyi stood up, looking worried. "Is he okay? Kento is so strong, it's scary to think of him sick! Is it something serious?"
Kashima frowned. "It is very unusual for him. Is he actually in pain, Shido?"
Shido let out a loud, bark-like laugh. "Nah! It's just a stomach ache. Honestly, I think he just ate too many spicy snacks while playing games last night. He's acting like he's dying, but he just needs some company."
The girls started talking about gifts. "We should get him something tasty!" Hori suggested.
"Oh! I have the perfect gift!" Tamiko said, her eyes sparkling with pure innocence. She pulled out her notebook. "I'll bring him my notes from all of today's lectures! That way, Kento won't be sad about missing his education!"
The room went silent. Shido stared at her. Kashima stared at her.
"Tamiko..." Shido said, trying not to laugh. "You want to give a guy a stomach ache... with math notes? You really are an angel from a different planet."
Hori giggled and hugged Tamiko. "She's so sweet! Only Tamiko would think homework is a cure for a stomach ache."
Shiyi smiled, the tension finally breaking. "Well, I think it's a great idea. We'll meet at the gate after the final bell."
The final bell rang, and the school was suddenly filled with the sound of students rushing home. Outside, the rain was coming down hard. It wasn't just a drizzle anymore; it was a heavy downpour that made the sky look dark and gray. The ground was covered in puddles, and the air felt cold.
Kashima stood at the main entrance, watching the rain. He saw Shiyi standing a few steps away, looking worriedly at the sky. She didn't have an umbrella.
"Ayasaki," Kashima said, walking up to her. "You don't have an umbrella. You'll get soaked again."
Shiyi looked at him and gave a small, shy smile. "Oh, it's okay, Kashima. Maybe I can just borrow a spare umbrella from the office? I don't want to be a bother. I can walk to the Junior High on my own."
Kashima shook his head. "The office is out of umbrellas. And it's too cold for you to walk. My car is right there. Just come with me."
-------
SNEAK PEEK LINES 💬
"Excuse me, Mister. Can I ask you something? Are you an angel?"
"Don't do that! That's gross!"
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— With love, one forehead poke away from collapse,
Sakura Shinomiya 💫