The First Reward
As the evening sun streamed into the classroom, Michino Hiyori stood at the teacher’s podium, her smile faint but warm despite her weariness.
“Everyone, thank you for your hard work today!”
The class, which had been buzzing with chatter, quieted down and turned to Hiyori.
“Now, for after-school announcements. Club activities are canceled today, so why not use this chance to get closer to your new classmates? There’s no official event, so feel free to spend your time as you like!”
At those words, Tendou Reo, seated in the middle of the classroom, immediately raised his hand.
“A bonding event, huh? Then let’s go to karaoke!”
Reo’s close friends erupted in excitement.
“That sounds awesome!”
“I haven’t gone to karaoke in ages!”
Reo, grinning confidently, scanned the room and called out, “Come on, let’s all go together!”
However, some students appeared uneasy. Chiharu leaned over to whisper to Maria, who was sitting beside her.
“It’s always the same with these bonding events… What should we do?”
Maria pondered briefly before answering with a soft smile.
“Let’s just say we already have plans.”
Chiharu nodded, casting a brief glance at Reo, her expression laced with mild disdain.
Meanwhile, Yuto stood and sighed as he spoke.
“Sorry, I’ve got training, so I can’t join.”
Reo frowned. “Come on, that’s so boring!” But Yuto merely shrugged and said no more.
Reo’s gaze then shifted to Subaru, sitting at the back of the classroom, but he didn’t say anything to him. Instead, he continued inviting others as if Subaru didn’t exist.
Watching quietly, Subaru let out a small sigh in his heart.
(…Well, of course, they wouldn’t invite someone like me.)
From another corner of the classroom, Maria, Chiharu, and Yuto observed the scene with mixed emotions.
Chiharu frowned slightly and murmured, “It’s a bit mean to exclude just one person, don’t you think?”
Yuto crossed his arms and said in a low voice, “That’s just how he is.” Maria, looking concerned, whispered while glancing at Subaru, “…I wonder if Sorano-kun is really okay with this.”
Most of the classmates accepted Reo’s invitation and left, though some reluctantly.
Left behind, Subaru quietly packed his bag while gazing out the window.
“So this is what they mean by bonding…?”
His murmur, though soft, carried a note of loneliness.
As Subaru stared blankly outside, a familiar voice called out from behind.
“Hey, Sorano.”
Turning around, he saw Yuto standing there, his training bag slung over his shoulder and a bright smile on his face.
“What’s up? Sulking all by yourself?”
Startled, Subaru quickly composed his expression.
“I’m not sulking. It’s just… I’m not good at this kind of thing.”
Yuto studied him intently before chuckling lightly and patting his shoulder.
“Well, fair enough. But you know, it’s not your fault they didn’t invite you. That’s on them.”
Those words quietly resonated in Subaru’s heart.
“Honestly, you don’t need to fit into their group. Just do your own thing.”
Yuto’s voice, though casual, held a note of warmth and encouragement.
“Besides, don’t worry too much. There are people who care about you, you know.”
Subaru widened his eyes slightly, staring at Yuto. His sincerity stirred something in Subaru’s chest.
“Well, I’ve got training. See you tomorrow!”
With that, Yuto left the classroom.
“See you tomorrow…”
Subaru softly echoed the words.
See you tomorrow. Such a simple phrase, yet it carried a strangely comforting weight.
Turning back to the window, Subaru smiled faintly.
“See you tomorrow, huh… Not bad at all.”
For the first time in a while, he found himself looking forward to tomorrow.
As he sat at his desk, idly staring out the window, a soft voice spoke behind him.
“Sorano-kun.”
Turning, he saw Maria standing there. Her elegant demeanor was intact, but her expression seemed softer, almost hesitant.
“Um… I thought your self-introduction earlier was really good.”
Subaru blinked in surprise, scratching his head awkwardly.
“You think so? I didn’t say anything special, though…”
Maria smiled gently and tilted her head slightly.
“That’s not true. Sharing your strengths confidently is impressive. Plus, being good at cooking is wonderful.”
“Thanks…”
Subaru looked away, his cheeks tinged with red. Maria didn’t miss his embarrassment.
Watching the exchange, Chiharu, usually reserved, joined in.
“Sorano-kun, your family runs a café, right? What kind of food do you make?”
Seeing Maria take the initiative, Chiharu’s curiosity was piqued.
“Huh? Oh, mostly desserts and light meals, like French toast or sandwiches.”
“Wow, that sounds delicious! Do you make them yourself?” Chiharu asked eagerly.
“Yeah, I help out when my mom’s busy.”
Maria listened quietly, her expression subtly proud.
“I’d love to try your cooking someday, Sorano-kun,” Maria murmured softly.
“Eh!?” Subaru looked at Maria in surprise, her direct gaze leaving him speechless.
“I’d like to try it too,” Chiharu added shyly.
A strange tension hung in the air between Maria and Chiharu, though Subaru didn’t understand why.
Chiharu checked her watch and sighed.
“Sorry, I have student council duties… I need to go.”
“Student council? Yasaka-san, you’re on the student council?” Subaru asked, surprised.
Chiharu nodded lightly. “I’m the vice president, so I’m pretty busy. Let’s talk again sometime.” With that, she hurried off.
Left alone, Subaru and Maria remained. Maria approached and sat in the seat next to him.
“Sorano-kun, you did great today.”
“Eh? I did…?” Subaru averted his gaze, embarrassed.
Maria laughed softly, leaning her chin on her hand.
“Yeah. You really tried to express yourself. I think that’s amazing.”
“You think so…”
Leaning in slightly, Maria whispered,
“That’s why you deserve a reward, Sorano-kun.”
Subaru’s eyes widened as Maria’s gentle yet determined gaze met his.
“A… reward? What kind?”
“Hmm, do I get to decide?” Maria’s playful smile lit up her face.
“Uh, yeah, I guess… Anything’s fine…” Subaru stammered, blushing.
Maria giggled, leaning closer.
“If it’s okay, I have a small request.”
“What is it?” Maria asked, her smile curious.
Subaru hesitated, his voice faltering.
“Um… if you don’t mind… could you say ‘Nyaa’?”
Maria blinked in surprise before breaking into a mischievous grin.
“Fufu, is that all? Alright, I’ll do it.”
With a shy expression, Maria raised her hands like cat ears and, her face flushed, said bashfully,
“Nyaa…”
Subaru turned bright red, his heart racing as Maria’s cuteness overwhelmed him.
“T-thank you, Amane-san…”
Blushing herself, Maria smiled sheepishly, bowing slightly as if to hide her embarrassment.
“You’re welcome. And one more reward.”
Rising slightly, Maria leaned in close, meeting Subaru’s gaze. She whispered,
“Do your best tomorrow, too.”
Her gentle voice made Subaru’s heart race. Smiling, Maria left the classroom.
Alone again, Subaru replayed her words, a warmth spreading in his chest.