(Later in the school day, after the movement in the corridors had lessened and the quiet began to return to the school, Ahmed approached Misaki again. In his eyes was a sincere desire to break the silence that had accumulated between them since last night, a light smile on his lips, but carrying more than it seemed. He turned toward her in a quiet voice, slightly hesitant, as if he feared burdening her:)
Ahmed: "Misaki... what do you say to coming to my house after school?"
(Misaki raised her head toward him with clear astonishment, her heart pounding fiercely, but Ahmed continued speaking in a warmer voice, as if trying to reassure her:)
Ahmed: "I have a gaming console... we can play together."
(A moment of silence passed between them, Misaki's eyes widening gradually, as if she hadn't expected this sudden offer from him. But inside, she felt a strange curiosity drawing her toward his words. Ahmed smiled again, and in his smile was a hint of challenge, a desire to lighten the seriousness of the moment:)
Ahmed: "And if you win against me... you can ask me for whatever you wish."
(Misaki's astonishment grew, her eyes opening with a childlike surprise, remembering her small challenges with him in the past, and how they always ended with a smile, even in moments of annoyance. But Ahmed didn't stop there, as he drew a little closer, his voice serious, as if placing an invisible scale between them:)
Ahmed: "But if you lose... you must answer only one question. Any question I ask you."
(Misaki remained silent for a moment, contemplating his features which appeared more serious than she expected. She felt heat rush to her face, a mix of embarrassment and curiosity. Then she let out a light sigh, as if surrendering to the destiny that always drove her to accompany him, and she said with a small smile not devoid of challenge:)
Misaki: "I agree... but don't think I'll lose easily."
(Their smiles met for a brief moment, then each quickly turned their gaze away, as if they feared the other would read what their heart was hiding. Nevertheless, the promise had been hung between them, a promise of a different meeting that might change a lot.)