After Riku left the nurse's room, he immediately went to meet with his friends for lunch.
They usually have lunch at the same place every day, below the old neem tree near the old school building.
Since the building is quite old, very few people come here. So during recess it's quiet here, which Riku likes.
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Once he reached the designated place, there were already 4 students waiting for him.
They were waiting for Riku.
"Man, Riku thought you were going to miss today as well, The one who spoke was KaitoFujimura. The soccer genius of the school. He was also called the prince of soccer. Despite being only a first-year student, he has already represented the school in a national competition and performed exceptionally well, earning various trophies. He was a cheerful person and the mood maker of the group.
"Riku, what made you so late?" The one who spoke was ShiroganeItsuki,the Acting Prodigy, the one who had called Itsuki earlier.
"Hey! Man, what happened to your face?" The one who spoke was Takumi Fujimoto. He had a slightly fatty body, and he looked like a geeky otaku. Despite his looks, he is also a genius. He is called the networking Prodigy. He is an expert in computer gadgets and internet-related stuff. Rumors are that a lot of famous companies are relying on his software solutions, and he is earning millions.
There is one boy in the group who was staying silent. he was the 2nd least talkative person in the group. Ren Takahashi also known as a mystery expert.He is a genius detective who has solved numerous cases and is quite attractive to girls of his age. He has a good reputation in the public law agencies. He has an observing personality and quietly observes his surroundings.
"Hahha... it just happened," 'Riku' said, casually dodging Takumi's questioning gaze. Even if he hadn't done anything wrong, he couldn't bring himself to talk about a girl's vulnerable moment—especially when she was a top beauty.
These 5 were called the oddball group in the first years, and the group was quite famous. 4 of them were super prodigies in their respective fields, and their personalities and fields are polar opposites. So, it's obvious the group is famous. And the connecting dots between these 4 is the most common ordinary boy of the school RikuAizawa. It was quite a mystery that in this school, where geniuses gather and almost each one of them had a special profession, he did not have any special qualities, and even his academic performance was below among the bottom of this school.
Riku generally does not like much interaction with others and likes to keep a low profile, so this group of 5, also called the oddball group, often meet here, which is quite during recess to interact with each other since all are in different classes.
"Hey, Guys!! Have you seen the new product launch of LUMINA FORM?" The one who spoke was 'Shirogane'. He is an actor, so he has a huge interest in fashion products, less the famous products of LUMINA FORM, a top company in the fashion industry.
"Yes! I saw it. it is very good. I have even used it, and the effect is very good" Kaito spoke. Being a Famous Soccer player, he often comes in interviews and sports magazines. so, he uses good and latest fashion products to keep himself looking good.
"Yeah, the product's getting great reviews!" Takumi said, his voice carrying a hint of enthusiasm that was rare for him.
As a top computer expert, Takumi always had his finger on the pulse of the latest tech and company trends. And LUMINA FORM—a name that kept surfacing in high-level trends—was consistently at the top of the list.
"Yeah, LUMINA FORM is trending these days," Ren added, arms crossed casually. he always keeps himself updated with the latest news in the market due to his profession.
"Riku, what's your impression of it?" Shirogane asked, watching him carefully.
There was a short pause.
"I'm not awar—"
Riku stopped mid-sentence, the words catching in his throat. He had been about to dismiss it—to say he wasn't interested, that he didn't know anything about LUMINA FORM.
But just then, something interrupted him.
"Hmm?"
A subtle scent brushed past him—cool, with a hint of sweetness. His head turned instinctively toward it.
Two girls were approaching.
And not just anyone.
The one leading had a graceful confidence in her steps, her presence effortlessly commanding attention. Her eyes found his, calm yet unreadable. Behind her walked another stunning girl, elegant and composed, yet clearly secondary in the dynamic.
"Umm… can I talk to you?"
The voice was soft—gentle, almost melodic—but it rang in Riku's head like a bell from somewhere he thought he'd left behind.
Celeste Han.
Founder and CEO of LUMINA FORM.A girl with power, poise… whom Riku had helped just some time back before coming here.
They had met just some time before. By chance—or so it had seemed.
Now, she was here in front of him again. And she was asking to speak with him.