Alya's POV – A Hidden Past
Alya watched as Rio's gaze flitted from Miku to Taiki and back to Miku, a strange intensity settling between them. But something was off today—something that felt different, almost like unfinished business in the air. Alya didn't say anything to the group, but she knew it. Akira's arrival wasn't just about Rio. No, Akira had an eye on something... or someone else, too.
> "I can tell something's not right."
She stared at Akira, who stood leaning against the wall in the corner of the room, his smirk like a shadow stretching across the floor. Her instincts screamed at her that Akira wasn't just here to rekindle old grudges with Rio. He had other plans.
The tension tightened as Alya caught a glimpse of something—Akira's eyes flicking past Rio, meeting Taiki's for the briefest moment, and she saw it. Recognition. And something else, something deeper.
> "Damn," she whispered. "It's not just Rio. It's him too."
Akira's POV – The Game Begins
Akira didn't come to Tokyo just for Rio. No, he came for something else—a mission that tied him to this city, to someone in this school, someone who wasn't as innocent as they seemed. His sharp eyes scanned the room, lingering on Miku, then Taiki, before finally resting on Rio again. The silence between them spoke volumes, and he could feel the past creeping back, threading its way through his mind like a burning memory.
> "So you've finally grown up, huh?" Akira thought, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "But this game isn't over. Not by a long shot."
As he watched Taiki and Miku interact, something twisted in his gut. The boy who'd once been his teammate, who had stood by while Akira bullied Rio, now stood at the edge of something… maybe even too close to Miku.
> "This is just getting fun."
Akira's mind was in overdrive, processing every little detail—how Taiki smiled at Miku, how she seemed to lighten whenever he was near. But the real question was this: Could Taiki be the one who stood in the way of Akira's plans? Or had he moved past that? Akira would find out soon enough.
Taiki's POV – Zoning Out
Taiki was lost in his thoughts, staring out the window with a faraway look. He hadn't been able to focus since Akira showed up again, and his mind kept racing back to that time—the dark time—when Akira's presence had loomed like a storm cloud. It was more than just bullying; it was manipulation, games, and things better left in the past. But now... the past was coming back to haunt him, just like it was for Rio.
> "What the hell am I supposed to do?" Taiki muttered under his breath.
Alya, sensing his discomfort, leaned over. "Hey, you good?"
He blinked and turned to her, giving a small nod.
> "Yeah, just thinking about the festival."
Alya narrowed her eyes at him, sensing he wasn't telling her the whole truth. But she said nothing—her own suspicions clouded her thoughts.
Rio's POV – Watching
From across the room, Rio watched the group with narrowed eyes. His gaze flickered over Taiki and Alya as they walked down the hall together, talking and laughing. Alya's blonde hair bounced as she swayed her hips, her gyaru style and confident aura impossible to ignore. There was something magnetic about her, but Rio couldn't help feeling a strange pang in his chest.
> "Hmm... they look good together."
But then his thoughts turned back to Miku. There was something about her, something that felt different. His heart tightened as his thoughts swirled. Could he really get close to her? Would he ever have the courage to take that step, knowing what he was up against?
Miku's POV – A Quiet Moment
Miku stood by the window, watching Taiki and Alya walk down the corridor. The way they laughed, the way they looked at each other—there was a warmth between them, something unspoken but undeniable.
> "Maybe they make a good pair," Miku thought wistfully, her heart sinking a little. She shook her head, trying to push the thought aside. She couldn't afford to get distracted. But something about the way Taiki smiled, so easily and warmly at Alya, made her feel like she was standing at the edge of something… fragile.
She glanced back toward the classroom, where Rio's eyes were locked on her. He caught her gaze for a second, and the corner of his mouth twitched upward, that mischievous smile returning.
The Gathering – And the Wait
As the day wore on, the group slowly made their way around Tokyo after their gaming session. Taiki was still distracted, but Alya was lively as ever, chatting about everything and anything, her presence giving everyone an undeniable sense of energy.
> "Look at them. A happy little crew," Rio thought with a soft laugh. But then his smile faded slightly. This warmth, this connection… it wouldn't last forever.
Akira watched them from a distance, his lips pressing into a tight line. He'd been patient. But the game was starting soon, and everyone—especially Rio—was in his sights.