It had been the second month since we became friends. For some reason, several boys had expressed interest in dating Ayu, but she had consistently rejected them and remained single. Initially, Ayu had been hesitant to date anyone in school because she had yet to find the right person. However, there was one instance when we were walking to school one morning, and I had a heavy load of books. Suddenly, Ayu became tired. I appeared out of nowhere and she was delighted to see me.
"Daisuke! Hello!" she greeted me.
"Oh, hello Ayu, how are you doing?"
"Good, just had a lot of good books to turn in," she replied.
"Hey, let me help you with that. It looks heavy," I offered, trying to assist her.
"Oh no, it's fine really," she insisted.
"A kind girl like you doesn't deserve to carry this heavy stuff," I said, being polite. However, I became nervous and started to feel anxious.
"Thank you, Daisuke. You are kind as always. Those books were really heavy to carry, and my hands were hurting. Thank you," Ayu felt appreciated by Daisuke. She continued the conversation.
"Hehe today you being manly today that's so different of you," she smiled at Daisuke. But on the other hand, Daisuke blushed.
"O-oh look at the time. We better get going before we get late," he said, blushing. Both of us continued walking to school together. During lunchtime, Fuuto, Daisuke, and Ayu would sometimes eat together. However, this time, they decided to each have lunch separately. Daisuke rushed to the cafeteria to purchase food, having forgotten to cook breakfast due to waking up late and lacking sufficient time. His sister departed for school early, having a volleyball meeting, while Aunt Yumi was working an early shift that day.
Currently, Ayu and Fuuto are the only two people in their circle. Suddenly, Fuuto initiated a conversation while Ayu was eating.
"Ayu, my dear, I am surprised you continue to engage with us. You enjoy spending time with us, don't you?" Fuuto playfully remarked.
"Of course, you two are the best people to talk to and hang out with. You are the best. You even perceive me as a normal person, unlike others who see me as a celebrity, cute, intelligent, and the top student in our school. You know," Ayu replied, continuing to eat.
"I recall when I initially expressed my surprise, as I was astonished to hear you speak in high school. You are the girl who is a top student, cute, and intelligent. This occurred at the ramen restaurant, right?" Fuuto clarified to Ayu that he had always viewed her in this light.
"You only mentioned it once, and after that, you never brought it up again. I respect individuals who treat me as they do, just like you and Daisuke," Ayu responded.
"Speaking of Daisuke, what are your thoughts on him?" Fuuto inquired, seeking to engage in a more interesting conversation.
"What about Daisuke?" Ayu replied, taking a sip of her juice.
"Don't you find him attractive? He may be lonely and enigmatic, but you must know his true self. He is an intriguing individual," Fuuto playfully suggested.
"He is a good friend. Daisuke has always been kind and supportive of me. I respect him," Ayu stated.
"Incidentally, he has a six-pack," Fuuto whispered in Ayu's ear.
"Fuuto, please stop it!" Ayu blushed, momentarily embarrassed by his comment.
"I find it amusing to tease you," Fuuto chuckled.
"You are being rude," Ayu mumbled, quickly closing her eyes to avoid further mental Images of Daisuke carrying a pack, but Ayu shook her head, unwilling to entertain the thought.
"I and Daisuke occasionally visit the gym. You should join us sometime; it would be enjoyable," Fuuto suggested, inviting Ayu to accompany them.
"I will think about it," Ayu replied, still blushing and mumbling, She continued to consume her lunch.
During gym class, Ayu was feeling fatigued and sought to drink water. However, she noticed Daisuke, who was also thirsty, and unfortunately, he was delighted to see her.
"Hello, Ayu! How are you doing?" Daisuke greeted her with a smile.
Ayu observed Daisuke's perspiring shirt and noticed his well-defined six-pack abs. She felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she admired his physique.
"It was a challenging training session today, wasn't it?" Daisuke inquired.
"Yes, it was quite strenuous, and I must depart now," Ayu replied, attempting to escape from Daisuke.
"Wait, Ayu!" Daisuke protested.
Today, Ayu deliberately avoided Daisuke during class. This behavior was entirely Fuuto's fault, as he had inadvertently reminded her of Daisuke's impressive physique. Ayu ignored him throughout the class, and even when the bell rang, Daisuke and Fuuto made an effort to locate her and escort her to the front gate. However, Ayu refused to accompany them and sought refuge within the classroom, determined to avoid Daisuke's presence. She could not shake the image of his six-pack abs from her mind.
As the bell rang, Daisuke and Fuuto waited for Ayu to join them. However, Ayu remained seated, contemplating her actions. She realized that she had been treating Daisuke and Fuuto cruelly, as they were now her newfound friends. She had shared enjoyable moments with them and did not want to lose their friendship.
With a newfound sense of remorse, Ayu rose to her feet and intended to walk with them and apologize for her behavior. However, as she opened the door, she was confronted by a group of senior students.
"Well, well, if it isn't the queen of this high school, Ayu Takahashi," one of the students with blond hair remarked.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, but I must depart now," Ayu politely requested. However, one of the students placed his arm on her, preventing her from leaving.
"Come on, we were just beginning to get to know each other, Ayu," he persisted. As Ayu's fear grew, she sensed an impending doom and recognized the sequence of events that were about to unfold, she was frozen.
Three senior students approached Ayu. One, who wore glasses, appeared unattractive and somewhat skinny. The second, with blond hair, had a muscular physique. The third, tall and slender, resembled someone on his sixth-foot-five height. They appeared to be trying to impress Ayu by engaging in conversation.
Ayu, however, had no desire to interact with them. She simply wanted to walk with Daisuke and Fuuto. However, she was attempting to retrieve her phone for assistance. The blind-haired student held Ayu's hands and anticipated her actions, preventing her from proceeding.
"Come on, sweetheart," he said, "we're just being friendly and trying to get to know you." He seized Ayu's hands as she reached for her phone.
"Why do you want to know more about me if everyone already knows who I am, and I suppose you do too?" Ayu retorted, removing the blond-haired student's hand and attempting to leave.
However, the tall student quickly grabbed her hands again and moved her away from the door, forcing her back to the same spot.
"Come on, let's have some fun with you, Ayu," he said, about to place her hands on her. As Ayu was frightened and covered herself, closing her eyes, she cried out for help.
Suddenly, Daisuke intervened, grabbing the tall student's large hand. "Excuse me, gentlemen," he said, addressing them politely. "You are not being respectful to Ayu. If she says she is on her way, she is on her way."
Daisuke's demeanor was composed, but his inner anger was evident. He was deeply troubled by their intentions towards Ayu and their disregard for her wishes.
"Who are you?" the man with glasses exclaimed, adjusting his glasses and finding his comfortable spot.
"Daisuke," Ayu was surprised to see Daisuke.
"Everyone, let's give it our all tonight. There's no need for any problems here," someone said, entering the room. It was Fuuto.
"Fuuto," Ayu was surprised to see both of them.
"You think a sophomore student can defeat us as senior students? We're three, and you're only two," Fuuto said.
Fuuto remarked, "I believe that is a two-and-a-half because the slender-framed individual is considered half."
In a lighthearted exchange, the individual with the slender glasses engaged in mockery of the blond-haired guy.
"You motherfuckers" the blond-haired guy stammered.
"Let's teach them a lesson, boys!" the blond-haired guy continued, his voice filled with determination.
As the three of them pursued Daisuke and Fuuto, who were preparing to attack, Daisuke and Fuuto stood ready for combat. The tall, muscular individual with his right arm raised intends to strike Daisuke. Daisuke swiftly dodged the attack and retreated, attempting to engage in a fight. As he moved back, he aimed to strike the tall individual in the stomach with his right arm and simultaneously moved toward his face with his left arm.
The tall individual was caught off guard and stumbled, falling to the ground. Enraged, he lunged at Daisuke, placing his head on Daisuke's stomach and wrapping his arms behind his back, attempting to grab him. Daisuke, despite the struggle, managed to punch the tall individual in the back, causing him to recoil. The tall individual then punched Daisuke's stomach three times, prompting Daisuke to cover his abdomen and retaliate by striking the tall individual in the upper jaw. This struck the tall individual, causing him to fall unconscious.
As Daisuke regained his composure, Fuuto was being relentlessly beaten by the blond-haired individual.
"Daisuke, lend a hand!" Fuuto pleaded as he was repeatedly punched in the stomach. Daisuke rushed towards the blond-haired individual.
"Rough!" Ayu shouted, brandishing a broomstick. She struck the blond-haired individual with all her might, causing the broomstick to break.
"AAGGHH!" The blond-haired individual cried out in pain, as Ayu continued to strike him with the broken broomstick. Fuuto then punched the blond-haired individual in the face, knocking him to the ground.
"Damn girl, thank you for your assistance!" Fuuto exclaimed, surprised by Ayu's actions.
"You are welcome," Ayu replied, taking a deep breath before gathering her strength to strike the blond-haired individual.
"What about him?" Fuuto inquired, his attention drawn to the slender-glasses man.
"Eek!" The man exclaimed, his fear palpable as he realized he lacked combat skills and trembled uncontrollably, As he was backing up.
As Daisuke approached the individual wearing glasses, he seized his neck shirt in a fit of anger due to the impending actions towards Ayu.
"If I ever encounter you again near my Ayu, I assure you that you will experience a nightmare street around you. You have understood!" Daisuke declared, grasping the glasses-wearing individual with force. However, Ayu had overheard Daisuke's words and began to blush.
"Please, I am not intimidated by you. I will begin spreading rumors that Ayu is associating with you two because of your inappropriate behavior towards each other. It would be logical for a beautiful girl to be drawn to you two," the glasses-wearing individual replied with an evil smile.
"Very well, do whatever you wish. I possess a video recording of your intentions towards Ayu," Fuuto stated, retrieving his phone from the table in front of the classroom. As Fuuto held his phone, he paused the recording and began pressing play as the three approached Ayu.
"Hold on a moment! You two did not engage in any actions while holding my hand," Ayu expressed her disappointment upon hearing this from Fuuto. However, the glasses-wearing individual remained silent and eventually surrendered. As the situation calmed, the glasses-wearing individual awakened their friends and slowly rose, becoming visibly frightened as he gazed upon them. He then began apologizing profusely and fled the room.
"Wow, that was exceptionally clever of you, Fuuto," Daisuke expressed his admiration for Fuuto's intelligence.
"Thank you," Fuuto replied. "Shall we proceed home now? It is growing late." Fuuto began gathering his belongings.
"Wait a moment! How did you two know I was here?" Ayu inquired, her curiosity piqued as she crossed her arms and fixed her gaze on them.
"Well, didn't you inform us that you have a secret room and that this was the one no one had entered?" Daisuke clarified, tilting his head in thought.
"Oh, that's right. I did mention it to you. Alright, let us depart home now," Ayu said, picking up her school bag and preparing to leave. The rest of the group followed suit to the gate.
As they were departing from the school and running late, Daisuke experienced abdominal pain.
"Ouch!" Daisuke winced, trying to conceal his discomfort from Ayu.
"Daisuke, you're hurt! It must have been when that tall boy pushed you hard from behind," Ayu placed her hand on Daisuke's stomach and gently massaged it.
"Ngh, thank you, Ayu…" Daisuke blushed slightly. However, as Ayu massaged his stomach, she remembered Fuuto's words about Daisuke's six back. She paused the message, placed her hand on the side of her body, and continued walking while looking down, her face even redder.
"Are you alright, Ayu? Your face is flushed. Are you feeling unwell now? Let me check how warm your head is," Daisuke placed his hand on Ayu's hair, moving it from side to side, and placed his head on hers. Ayu's blush intensified even further, as Daisuke was so close to her face, and she was looking at his lips.
"AAAH GET AWAY FROM ME!!" Ayu shouted, raising her arm to strike Daisuke in the face. Daisuke fell to the ground and passed out.
"Daisuke!!" Fuuto cried out in alarm.
"AAAHHH Daisuke, I'm sorry!" Ayu was also concerned that she might have caused serious harm to Daisuke by hitting him in the jaw. Ten minutes passed, and Daisuke's eyes fluttered open. As he opened his eyes, he saw Ayu sitting in front of him, her head resting on his lap.
"Ah, Daisuke, you're awake," Ayu was relieved that Daisuke was okay.
"Fuuto, I was genuinely concerned that you had been harmed," Ayu exclaimed, her voice filled with worry. However, Fuuto, in his usual playful manner, responded with a sheepish grin.
"I was merely jesting, Ayu," Fuuto clarified. "Ayu's intense gaze was quite frightening to Fuuto. Daisuke, who had been standing nearby, blushed profusely and quickly rose to his feet.
"I am unharmed, please do not be alarmed," Daisuke reassured them. However, he was now experiencing pain in his jaw, a testament to the force of Ayu's punch.
"I apologize for striking you with such force, Daisuke," Ayu sincerely expressed her remorse. "I also regret neglecting you both throughout the day."
"And why did you choose to ignore us?" Fuuto inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Please do not dwell on that matter, Fuuto," Ayu interjected, her voice firm. It was Fuuto's fault for informing her of Daisuke's intentions to visit the gym and his impressive physique.
"Very well, but are we going to disregard Daisuke's earlier remark? 'Don't touch my Ayu!' Fuuto was about to repeat what Daisuke had said earlier in the fight, but as soon as he was about to do so, Daisuke quickly rose and covered his mouth. Do you know how Fuuto enjoys playing pranks? However, as Ayu, she was aware of Fuuto's intentions to retort about what had transpired earlier, and as she recalled that, she began to blush at Daisuke's words.
"Daisuke, why would you say that? Although it was… so brave of him to care so deeply about me…" Ayu muttered to herself.
"Fuuto, be quiet!" Daisuke exclaimed, his voice directed towards Fuuto's ear.
As they continued walking, Fuuto reached his limit and proceeded on his own way home. Meanwhile, Ayu and Daisuke walked together for a while, both becoming quiet. Ayu's blush deepened. They had reached the point where their separate road walks from home converged. As Daisuke always dropped Ayu off at the train station, he bid her farewell.
"Well, this is it… see you tomorrow at school, Ayu. Goodnight," Daisuke waved at Ayu as he prepared to leave her at the station.
Suddenly, Ayu grabbed Daisuke's arm, and he looked back slowly. Ayu was blushing, her gaze averted.
"H-How about this time you take me home, please? I mean, if you're willing…" Ayu blushed, her gaze fixed on the side. She desired to spend more time with Daisuke.
"HUH? WHAT THE HELL!!" Daisuke exclaimed in his mind, still conversing with himself. "Calm down, why is Ayu acting strangely? Not even that she looks… cuter when she blushes…" Daisuke looked at Ayu slowly, both of them still blushing.
"Certainly, I would be delighted to take you home," Daisuke replied, blushing profusely. Ayu was overjoyed and they proceeded to walk together to the train station. As the train began its journey, they sat side by side. Suddenly, Ayu rested her head on Daisuke's left shoulder. While smiling, Daisuke blushed and looked down at her.
"Thank you, Daisuke. You are my hero," Ayu mumbled softly.
As Ayu closed her eyes, smiling contentedly as her head rested on Daisuke's shoulder, he inquired, "Did you say something, Ayu? I didn't quite catch what you said."
"It's nothing," Ayu replied, her voice slow and deliberate. She continued, "I had my head on your shoulder as we rode the train, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace."
"And that's when I began to develop feelings for you," Ayu said, her smile growing wider. "I felt a deep sense of protectiveness towards you, even though both of us were present. At that time, I noticed how much you cared for me, how much you wanted to safeguard me."
Ayu paused, her expression thoughtful. "I also realized that when I'm with you, you treat me like a normal person. You listen to me, you share your thoughts and feelings with me, and you make me laugh. I cherish those moments, and I want to continue experiencing them with you. Every chance I get, when we cross paths, I want to be with you, Daisuke. Back then, I faced some difficult times, but when I met you, everything changed. You brought a sense of joy and purpose into my life, and I am eternally grateful for your presence in my world."
Ayu's smile softened, and she tilted her head, gazing into my eyes. "Daisuke," she whispered, "I love you."
"I love you too, Ayu," I replied, my voice filled with emotion. Holding her hand, I smiled at her, expressing my deep affection. It felt as though I wanted to protect her even more, to shield her from any harm that might come her way.
As Ayu inched closer, her lips brushing against mine, I felt a surge of happiness. This was just the beginning of a remarkable journey, a relationship filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.