The sun rose brightly over Fukuoka High School, illuminating the campus with a fresh sense of possibility. Yugo, Izumi, Katsumi, and now Sonoi walked together, an unexpected but welcome mix of old friends and new allies.
As they approached the café, Yugo spotted Sonoza and Sononi leaning against a nearby wall, both wearing the same black and red jackets that Katsumi had draped over his shoulder. The jackets seemed to symbolize a new alliance, their vibrant colours standing out against the backdrop of the school.
"Hey! Over here!" Katsumi called out, waving them over.
"Nice jackets!" Yugo remarked, grinning as he caught their attention.
Sononi smirked, flipping her hair. "Of course! We couldn't let you all have all the fun without us."
Sonoza pushed himself off the wall, a playful grin on his face. "We heard you were having a reunion. Thought we'd crash the party."
Izumi stepped forward, her expression warm and inviting. "The more, the merrier! We were just about to grab some drinks."
As they made their way into the café, the air was filled with laughter and banter. Katsumi and Sonoi took the lead, chatting animatedly about their favourite games, while Yugo and Sonoza compared their training regimens. Sononi, ever the spark, chimed in with playful jabs that kept everyone on their toes.
"So, what's the deal with you and Sonoi?" Sonoza asked Yugo, a teasing lilt in his voice. "I thought we were rivals!"
"Turns out we're more alike than I thought," Yugo replied, feeling a sense of camaraderie growing. "We both just want to have some fun and push ourselves to be better."
Sonoi nodded. "Exactly! Competition can be friendly, you know? It's more exciting that way."
As they settled into a large booth, the conversation flowed effortlessly, with jokes and stories blending into an easy rhythm. The café buzzed with energy, and the group felt more like a family with each passing moment.
Haruka and Koga walked in, spotting their friends at the booth. "Well, look who's expanded their circle!" Koga exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "What's this all about?"
"New friends!" Izumi introduced, gesturing to Sonoi, Sonoza, and Sononi. "They're joining our crew!"
"Nice to meet you guys!" Haruka said, waving enthusiastically. "I'm Haruka, and this is Koga. We're all about fun and adventures!"
"Adventures, huh?" Sononi raised an eyebrow, her smile mischievous. "Count us in!"
With Haruka and Koga's energy added to the mix, the group quickly fell into a lively discussion about their favourite anime, upcoming events at school, and even plans for a weekend outing. Yugo felt a warmth in his chest—this was what friendship was meant to be, vibrant and inclusive.
As the laughter echoed through the café, Yugo realized how far he had come since his return. The past no longer felt like a weight; instead, it transformed into the foundation of something new and exciting.
"Hey, how about we plan a little adventure for this weekend?" Katsumi suggested, leaning forward with enthusiasm. "Something that'll get our blood pumping!"
"Like what?" Sonoza asked, intrigued.
"An escape room challenge!" Katsumi proposed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "We'll see who can solve the puzzles the fastest!"
"Count me in!" Koga declared, bouncing in her seat. "I love a good mystery!"
As they finalized the details, Yugo looked around the table, feeling a profound sense of belonging. With Sonoi, Sonoza, Sononi, Katsumi, Izumi, Haruka, and Koga by his side, he knew they were all in for an unforgettable journey ahead.
