Their paths cross unexpectedly

The café was quiet, save for the soft hum of jazz music playing in the background. Hotaru Tachibana sat at a corner table, her textbooks sprawled out in front of her. A steaming cup of black coffee sat beside her, its bitter aroma wafting through the air. She sighed, rubbing her temples. Exams were looming, and despite being the top student, the pressure was relentless. Between studying and practicing for the upcoming strike-ball tournament with Matsuoka and Yukimura, sleep had become a luxury she couldn’t afford. As she took a sip of her coffee, the door chimed softly. She glanced up, her green eyes widening in surprise. There, standing in the doorway, was none other than Nagamasa Midori. His forest-green hair was as striking as ever, and his sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on her. A sly smile spread across his face as he approached her table. “Well, well, if it isn’t Tachibana Hotaru,” he said, his voice smooth and teasing. “Fancy meeting you here.” Hotaru’s cheeks flushed instantly. “Midori-san,” she muttered, quickly looking down at her books. “What are you doing here?” “I could ask you the same,” he replied, sliding into the seat across from her without waiting for an invitation. “Studying, I see. You look exhausted. Burning the midnight oil?” Hotaru frowned, her pride prickling. “I’m fine. Just… a lot on my plate right now.” Midori chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “You’re as stubborn as ever. Mind if I join you? I promise not to distract you too much.” She hesitated, her pride warring with her curiosity. Finally, she nodded reluctantly. “Fine. But don’t bother me.” Midori grinned, clearly amused. He flagged down a waitress and ordered an extra-sugary chocolate frappuccino, which arrived moments later. Hotaru couldn’t help but notice how he sipped it through the straw, his lips curling into a mischievous smile as he watched her over the rim of the cup. Her face burned as memories of their encounter in the men’s bath flooded her mind—the kiss they had shared, her first kiss, no less. She had tried to forget it, to bury it deep within her, but it lingered like a stubborn ember, refusing to be extinguished. Midori noticed her blush and raised an eyebrow. “Something on your mind, Tachibana-kun?” “N-no,” she stammered, quickly taking another sip of her bitter coffee to hide her embarrassment. “Nothing at all.” He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand dreamily. “You know, that kiss in the bath was as sweet as this frappuccino. Maybe even sweeter.” Hotaru nearly choked on her coffee. “M-Midori-san! Don’t say things like that!” “Why not?” he teased, his eyes glinting with mischief. “It’s the truth. You’re a terrible liar, Tachibana-kun. Your face gives you away every time.” She glared at him, though her red cheeks undermined her attempt at looking stern. “You’re impossible. That was… that was just a one-time thing. It didn’t mean anything.” Midori’s expression softened, and for a moment, the teasing glint in his eyes was replaced by something more serious. “Didn’t it? Because for me, it meant something.” Hotaru froze, her heart pounding in her chest. “W-what are you saying?” He set his drink down and reached across the table, his fingers brushing against hers. “I’m saying I’d like to do it again. Properly this time. No tricks, no games. Just you and me.” Her breath hitched, and she pulled her hand away, her mind racing. “You’re… you’re much older than me, Midori-san. This is ridiculous.” “Age is just a number,” he replied with a shrug. “And you’re not exactly a child, Tachibana-kun. You’re strong, determined, and more mature than most people I know. Besides, I’m not asking you to marry me. Just… go on a date with me. What do you say?” Hotaru stared at him as is he was an alien with four heads, her thoughts a whirlwind. She wanted to refuse, to tell him he was being ridiculous with that absurd offer, but the sincerity in his eyes gave her pause. And deep down, she couldn’t deny the flutter in her chest whenever he was near. “Fine,” she said finally, crossing her arms. “One date. But if you try anything funny, I’ll—” “You’ll shoot me with your Goemon-san?” he interrupted, grinning. “I’d expect nothing less.” She couldn’t help but smile, despite herself. “You’re insufferable.” “And yet, you agreed to go out with me,” he said, his tone smug. “I must be doing something right.” Hotaru rolled her eyes, but there was no real annoyance in the gesture. As they sat there, the tension between them eased, replaced by a comfortable warmth. For the first time in days, she felt her stress melting away. Midori raised his frappuccino in a mock toast. “To new beginnings, Tachibana-kun.” She hesitated, then clinked her coffee cup against his. “To new beginnings.” And as they sat there, talking and laughing, Hotaru couldn’t help but feel that maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something beautiful.