(Thanks to Xin Huo Bu Jin and Geheimnis for the generous tips. ૮ ºﻌºა On guard!)
"You don't have to apologize. I'm the one who should be sorry." Toudou Shizuka's voice carried a hint of gentleness, almost imperceptible, as she gently slid a tissue toward Sakura Airi. "Those things were just a little something from a friend. They weren't a burden.
"If you ever need anything else, or run into trouble again... just tell me, okay? Don't try to handle everything on your own." She emphasized "friend" once more, offering a clear promise of support.
Sakura Airi nodded vigorously. Her tears still wouldn't stop, but the trembling in her shoulders gradually eased.
She took the tissue and hurriedly wiped her face. She removed her oversized glasses and set them on the table, revealing eyes rinsed by tears—slightly red and swollen, yet remarkably clear.
This was the first time Toudou Shizuka had seen her face so clearly. She still looked timid, but the delicate features usually hidden behind thick lenses and bangs now showed through her tears, revealing a fragile, genuine beauty.
[Sakura Airi Affection +4 (A huge emotional impact and deep trust gained through honesty, an apology, and a clear promise of support). Current: 60 (High Trust)!] [Unlocked target (Sakura Airi) skill: Photography (Composition and Light Capture) A-Rank Simulation Privilege!] [Simulation Points +50 (Successfully established a High Trust relationship and unlocked A-Rank skill authority). Current: 65 points!]
Goal achieved! The A-Rank Photography skill was within reach! But Toudou Shizuka's thoughts weren't on the skill at all just then.
He looked at the girl before him, who had finally shed a little of her heavy disguise and was crying like a child. The hardness in his heart, born of calculation, seemed to soften a little as it was touched by her tears.
"Drink some tea before it gets cold." Toudou Shizuka pushed the Honey Yuzu Tea toward her, his tone carrying a warmth he hadn't even noticed in himself.
Sakura Airi sniffled and obediently cupped the warm mug, sipping from it in little mouthfuls.
The sweet yuzu tea mingled with the salty taste of her tears, settling in her stomach and bringing an oddly soothing calm.
She sneaked a glance at Toudou Shizuka. He was quietly gazing out the window, his profile looking calm and dependable in the warm yellow light. An overwhelming sense of security enveloped her.
"Toudou..." She gathered her courage. Her voice still wavered with tears, but it was much clearer now. "Thank you... really... thank you for telling me... and for always helping me..." She paused. With her oversized glasses off the table, she seemed to have found a little more courage. "From now on... could I... could I share more of the photos I take with you? I... I'm not very good, but..."
"Of course, Sakura. You know, you were already willing to share your photos with me. That alone is so warm and precious. You've really done wonderfully.
"Maybe you just haven't noticed, but sometimes you overthink things a little. Honestly, though, if you could be just a bit more confident and stand tall, letting yourself shine, the liveliness and gentleness hidden in your eyes would be like flowers lit by the sun—so beautiful they'd take your breath away."
Toudou Shizuka turned toward her and smiled warmly. "That little sparrow behind the glass, and the greenery after the rain—they both have such a lovely feel to them." He offered her another sincere compliment.
At last, a shy but genuine smile appeared on Sakura Airi's face, and she nodded vigorously. She put her oversized glasses back on, but Toudou Shizuka could sense that the wall of ice separating her from the outside world had melted a little at the edges.
The tension between them eased, replaced by the calm warmth of friendship. They talked about photography—mostly Sakura Airi talking while Toudou Shizuka listened attentively—and about places around campus that made good photo spots. The conversation was relaxed and natural.
Just as things were hitting their stride, the bell above the cafe door rang brightly.
"Welcome!" called a sweet-voiced server.
Toudou Shizuka glanced up instinctively.
A girl with chestnut hair and a smile as sweet as melting honey walked in. It was Kushida Kikyo. Two girls from Class D were with her, and the three of them seemed to be discussing something. Kushida wore her signature smile, the kind that made everyone feel at ease.
[Scanning target: Kushida Kikyo (status refreshed)] Social Affinity (Broad): A-Rank (active) Expression Management and Emotional Camouflage: A-Rank (active) Topic Guidance and Listening Skills: A-Rank (active) [Emotional state: outwardly relaxed / inwardly assessing (target discovered)] [Affection: 14 (neutral) → 15 (neutral)] — A faint curiosity was sparked by finding Toudou Shizuka in private conversation with Sakura.
Kushida Kikyo's gaze swept across the entire cafe like a precision radar.
When her eyes landed on Toudou Shizuka and Sakura Airi in the corner, her perfect smile paused for an almost imperceptible 2.5 seconds, then grew even brighter and more natural.
She seemed "surprised" to spot them and waved enthusiastically. "Oh! Isn't that Toudou and Sakura? What a coincidence!"
The two Class D girls beside her looked over as well, their faces curious. Sakura Airi shrank back like a startled rabbit. A flicker of panic showed behind her oversized glasses, and she instinctively edged closer to Toudou Shizuka.
Toudou Shizuka felt a faint alarm bell ring in his mind. Kushida Kikyo! Was her appearance at this moment a coincidence, or was she keeping an eye on Sakura? He still hadn't shaken Ayanokoji's watchful gaze, and now Kushida's feelers were reaching out too!
A warm smile—one befitting "Toudou Shizuka"—quickly appeared on his face. He replied naturally, "Good afternoon, Kushida. It really is a coincidence." He deftly used the word "coincidence," acknowledging their chance meeting.
Kushida Kikyo had already led her companions over, her smile flawless. "We were discussing next week's Class Activity and happened to pass by, so we came in to sit for a while.
"Sakura, why are your eyes so red? Are you okay?" she asked with concern. Her A-Rank affinity made her concern seem utterly sincere.
"N-no, I'm fine..." Sakura Airi murmured, lowering her head even further as fresh anxiety washed over her. The relaxed atmosphere they had just built vanished completely.
"Maybe it's because we were talking about some particularly moving photography works."
Toudou Shizuka smoothly took over the conversation, smiling as he explained, then redirected it. "Kushida, what's your class planning for next week? If you need a hand, I might be able to offer a little support."
He offered a friendly gesture while also trying to take control of the conversation.
Kushida Kikyo's smile didn't change, though a faint trace of curiosity flickered deep in her eyes. Her gaze moved briefly between Toudou Shizuka's calm face and Sakura Airi's lowered head.
"Oh, just some little team-building games. We're still planning them. You're so thoughtful, Toudou! If we need help, we'll definitely ask you!" She deftly avoided sharing any specifics while accepting Toudou Shizuka's offer.
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