Story of a Rhythm Game Couple

Chapter 13. Weekend school

The rain gradually subsided, then ceased altogether. The sun was slowly emerging from behind the clouds, casting a warm glow across the neighborhood. One could catch a glimpse of the sunbeam reflected in a damp leaf across the street, puddles scattered over the roads, and a whiff of petrichor in the air.

People and vehicles were gradually more and more visible in the street. The doors of the households were back open, and the stores around here seemed to be back in business. After the torrential downpour, the neighborhood regained its vibrant atmosphere.

"I'm going to school with you, and you can drop me home on the way back. I can't just stay inside again when the weather is this good."

Since it was no longer raining, Asahi decided to take Sana home. At least, that was the original plan.

"That will do. Do you forget anything? Your clothes and stuff?"

"All here."

Asahi was informed that the work he had finished the other day for the assignment needed some refinement, and since both Sajou and Imai were involved in their club activities at school, he opted to simply go there to get things done. He was going to drop Sana off at her home before heading to school, but she seemed to be suffering from having to spend the entire day indoors, so she insisted on accompanying him to get some fresh air, even if it meant going to school on the weekend.

Within half an hour of cycling, he finally reached Kourin school gate. He took his bike to the parking lot and walked through the front building.

"How about I wait for you out here?"

"It would be weird to go all the way here and just sit in the parking lot, wouldn't it? C'mon, I'll swipe the card for you."

It was the weekend, so ID authentication was required to get past the front building. One card swipe would unlock the door for a few seconds, so even though Sana didn't bring her ID, they would be able to get through it just fine.

"Where do you have to do your homework?"

"Let's see..." Asahi browsed the message from Sajou and Imai group chat. "I think they are on the running track?"

"Behind the cafeteria?" Sana was confused. "Why are you all studying in such a rowdy place and not in, you know, a library?"

"Beat me!" Asahi took a deep sigh, probably in impotence. Sana could only return with a sympathetic smile.

Behind their massive cafeteria was the physical area, including a fairly large running track and a huge two-story indoor gymnasium. These facilities were included in the school's curriculum as part of the physical education that all students were required to take, but outside of school hours, club members could use them to practice their specialties.

After a fairly long walk from the front building, Asahi and Sana finally made it to the running track. Asahi caught sight of Imai immediately. Sitting in the spectator area across the entrance, she leisurely munched on snacks while fixing her gaze on the field.

She seemed to spot Asahi at the entrance, so she shifted her focus to him and waved enthusiastically. In response, Asahi subtly waved at her before approaching her seat, together with Sana.

"Afternoon, Noguchi-kun! Sorry for taking up some time from your precious weekend when you could have spent it with, uh, miss girlfriend here." Imai turned her attention to Sana. "I didn't think you would bring her along."

It appeared that Imai was also mistaking Sana for his girlfriend, just like Asahi's mother. Sajou sent a private message on the ZEN group chat to summon him to school, and he showed up with a girl behind him. It was such a convenient setting that anyone, not just Imai, wouldn't believe they weren't a couple.