Closer To The Stars With You [shuji x reader]

11. meeting them

It is Monday, and that means school again. It's not that bad, but let's be honest—the only reasons I go are my friends, Shuji, and because I have to. It's been a pretty good start to the day, and now, Kira and I are walking to lunch. We're heading to the spot where Shuji and our friends usually sit. 

 "Did you finish the math homework?" Kira asked, adjusting her backpack.

 "Yeah, barely," I replied, laughing. "It was brutal." 

 "Tell me about it. I had to get my brother to help me, and he's only a year older," she said, rolling her eyes. 

 We made our way through the crowded hallway, dodging groups of students chatting and laughing. As we approached the cafeteria, I felt a flutter of excitement. I always looked forward to seeing Shuji. The weekend had been perfect, but I missed him already. 

 "There they are," Kira said, pointing towards the table near the window. Shuji was sitting with a couple of our friends, animatedly discussing something.

 Shuji looked up and saw us approaching. A wide smile spread across his face, and he waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Y/N! Hey, Kira!" 

 "Hey, Shuji," I said, my heart skipping a beat. "What are you guys talking about?" 

 "Just the usual," Shuji said with a grin. "Video games and weekend plans."

 We joined the table, and I sat down next to Shuji, feeling the warmth of his presence beside me. Andy and Evan were already deep in a debate about the best strategies for the latest game they were obsessed with.

 "So, Y/N, how was your weekend?" Andy asked, turning to me. 

 "It was great," I replied, glancing at Shuji. "We checked out that new café downtown. It was amazing." 

 "Oh, I've heard about that place," Evan said. "Is it as good as they say?" 

 "Definitely," I said, smiling. "You guys should check it out sometime."

 We continued chatting and laughing, the lunch period flying by as it always did when we were together. Shuji and I exchanged occasional glances, small smiles passing between us, making the time even more special. 

 As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, we all groaned in unison. "Back to the grind," Kira said, standing up and stretching. 

 "Yeah, but at least we have gym next," Shuji said, nudging me playfully. "You ready to lose in basketball again?" 

 "Hey, I almost beat you last time," I said, laughing. "This time, you're going down." 

 "In your dreams," Shuji teased, grabbing his backpack. "Let's go." 

We all headed towards the gym, the usual mix of excitement and dread that came with gym class filling the air. Shuji and I walked side by side, our hands brushing occasionally, sending little sparks of electricity through me. 

  Gym class was always more fun with Shuji. We were both competitive, and our friendly rivalry made the class something to look forward to. Today was no different. We split into teams, and the game was on. Shuji and I exchanged playful taunts and encouragements, the rest of the class fading into the background. 

 By the end of the period, we were both out of breath and laughing. "I think we tied," I said, panting. 

 "Maybe," Shuji replied, grinning. "But you did great."

 "Thanks," I said, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. 

 After the gym, the rest of the school day passed in a blur. Classes were a mix of lectures and group activities, but all I could think about was hanging out with Shuji after school.