The afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the bustling streets of Fukuoka as the boys and girls wrapped up their separate outings. Yugo, Sonoi, Katsumi, and Sonoza had decided to hit the local arcade, their laughter mingling with the sounds of cheerful game music. Meanwhile, Izumi, Koga, Haruka, and Sononi explored a nearby café, sipping drinks and indulging in sweet pastries.
As the boys competed fiercely in a racing game, Yugo found himself distracted, his thoughts drifting to Izumi. He couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to see her. "Hey, let's take a break," he suggested, glancing at the others. "I think I need some fresh air."
"Already tired of losing?" Katsumi teased, nudging him playfully.
"Not even close!" Yugo shot back with a grin, but his heart wasn't in it. He stepped outside, taking a deep breath of the crisp air.
Just a few blocks away, Izumi and her friends were leaving the café, their spirits high from the sugary treats. They decided to take a stroll, chatting and laughing together.
As fate would have it, the two groups were on a collision course. Just as Yugo stepped onto the sidewalk, he spotted Izumi in the distance. His breath caught in his throat, and he felt a rush of warmth spread through him.
"Izumi!" he called out, unable to contain his excitement.
Izumi turned, her eyes lighting up when she saw Yugo. For a moment, the world around them faded away. It was as if time stood still as they stared at each other, a spark igniting between them.
"Yugo!" she exclaimed, her heart racing. The sight of him made her feel a rush of happiness.
The boys and girls froze, realizing what was happening. Sonoi smirked, nudging Sonoza and Katsumi. "Looks like someone's found their muse," he teased.
Koga and Haruka exchanged amused glances, while Sononi watched her brothers, feeling a mix of affection and annoyance. "Seriously, you two?" she muttered playfully.
Yugo and Izumi slowly made their way toward each other, the chatter of their friends fading into the background. "What are you doing here?" Yugo asked, a soft smile on his face.
"We just finished at the café," Izumi replied, her cheeks slightly flushed. "And you?"
"Just taking a break from the arcade," he admitted, his gaze never leaving hers.
As they stood there, the chemistry between them palpable, the rest of their friends began to mingle. Katsumi nudged Yugo playfully, while Koga and Haruka engaged Izumi in lighthearted conversation.
"Did you two plan to meet up or something?" Koga asked, a teasing lilt in her voice.
Yugo chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "What can I say? We're just drawn to each other."
"More like glued," Sonoza quipped, causing everyone to laugh.
Izumi rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. "Well, now we're all together. What should we do next?"
"Group outing?" Sonoi suggested, looking between the two groups. "We could hit the arcade or maybe find something to eat."
As the two groups came together, Yugo and Izumi stole glances at each other, their hearts full. In that moment, it felt like the world was right, and everything else faded away.
"Together," Yugo said softly, taking Izumi's hand in his, feeling the warmth of their connection.
"Together," she echoed, a content smile gracing her lips.
And just like that, their friendship—and budding romance—grew even stronger, with everyone else around them cheering for the two.
As the laughter settled down, Sonoi clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention. "Alright, let's make this interesting! We should split into pairs for a little friendly competition."
