---Time 1:12pm---
Souta's cleats tore into the field, every kick sharper than the last. His teammates kept their distance; the usual playful ace of the soccer club was gone, replaced by someone whose anger radiated with every move.
"Haruto and miyuki going for a date?That good for nothing is going with miyuki."
The thought repeated in his head like poison. He clenched his teeth so hard his jaw hurt.
Meanwhile, in the student council room, I stacked papers into neat piles, but my focus drifted. My hand froze when I saw the date printed on the corner of a report. A memory slammed into me my honeymoon with Miyuki in my past life. The way she had smiled at the beach, the sound of waves, her hand in mine…
The papers slipped from my grip.
"Haruto-kun?" Yui tilted her head, frowning. "Are you okay? You look pale."
I forced a small smile. "I'm fine. Just… remembered something."
She tapped her fingers against the desk, then softly said, "Sit down for a moment. You've been working nonstop since morning. I'm sorry for making you do all these reports."
I shook my head. "Don't apologize. I'm happy to help you, Yui."
Her cheeks turned faintly pink, and she quickly looked away. "…You're too nice, you know that?"
In the courtyard, Miyuki sat with her friends, who were buzzing with excitement.
"So, it's true? You're going on a date with Haruto-kun?!" one asked.
"Ahhh, Miyuki-chan, finally! You have done this We've been waiting for this day We are so Happy!" another also joined.
Miyuki pressed her hands to her cheeks, her face burning. "It's not… that big of a deal."
"Not a big deal?! You're insane!" her friend laughed. "You have to wear something Kawaii, make him fall head over heels for you. A dress, maybe? Or that necklace which you bought which have a heart shape!"
Miyuki shook her head quickly. "T-that's too much… I just…"
Her voice softened as she fiddled with her lunchbox. "…I'll do it in my own way. His smile... that's enough for me."
Her friends exchanged teasing grins but didn't push further.
---Time 4:45 pm---
The day passed faster than I expected. As the final bell rang and students spilled out of classrooms, Miyuki lingered by the lockers.
"Haruto-kun," she called softly, tugging on my sleeve. Her cheeks glowed red under the fading sunlight. "Wait a moment…"
I stopped, tilting my head. "What is it?"
She took a breath, eyes darting away shyly. "…Where should we go on our date tomorrow?"
I thought for a moment, then listed them off. "How about… the movies, shopping, arcade, maybe karaoke?"
Her lips curved into a smile, and she nodded. "Okay. Then… let's meet tomorrow. In front of the park. At ten o'clock."
"Alright," I said, and for a brief moment, her happiness was almost enough to warm even the cold memories in my chest.
The city of Hoshikawa glowed in the evening light, neon signs flickering on as people rushed home. Students laughed together on the streets, their carefree voices echoing against the buildings.
But somewhere beyond the noise, a shadow lingered.
A figure stood at the edge of the field, fists clenched, eyes burning with rage.
If he takes Miyuki away from me… I'll make sure he regrets it.
The night swallowed Souta's words, leaving only the storm in his chest.
And tomorrow… that storm would break