Lunch after PT felt different to Eadlyn. It wasn't just a meal—it was his first real glimpse into belonging. He sat with Kentaro on the terrace, sunlight soaking the benches, their bento boxes open between them.
Ken tapped his chopsticks against his drink can. "So, Ead, what do you do in your free time? Manga? Games? Girls?"
Eadlyn chuckled. "Mostly manga and novels. I kinda grew up on stories… they shaped how I see the world."
Ken grinned. "Ah, you're one of those romantics. I respect it."
Their banter flowed naturally—anime rankings, game strategies, exaggerated criticisms. Despite their differences, a comfortable rhythm formed between them. Then Ken leaned back dramatically.
"Buddy, let's go to karaoke today. Manami's joining us. And one more girl."
Eadlyn didn't hesitate. "Sounds fun."
The way Ken casually said "Manami" made Eadlyn realize something: Japanese friendships, once established, flowed easily. There was a kind of closeness he wasn't used to, but welcomed.
Classes resumed. At the end of the day, Naomi-sensei called him to the office.
"Mr. Greyson," she said, her voice calm, "you need to choose a club. Ask around tomorrow. Don't delay."
He nodded—and hurried toward the entrance, aware Ken was waiting.
But then—
"Ead?"
He turned.
Sayaka stood there, her expression softening the moment their eyes met. Her summer uniform fluttered slightly in the breeze.
"I didn't expect you to be in the same school," she said. "But… it's nice."
He blinked. "Well, my grandfather arranged the admission yesterday. Quite the coincidence, Saya-senpai."
The word senpai hit her like a spark. A light blush dusted her cheeks, though she tried to hide it behind her composed tone.
"If you need anything," she said, voice carefully steady, "your senpai will help you."
Even Ken froze. The campus queen—the girl everyone admired yet rarely approached—was speaking warmly to a boy she had just met a few days ago.
Eadlyn gave a short bow. "Thank you. I'll count on you."
He left her with a smile, unaware of how many eyes had witnessed the exchange.
At the karaoke shop, Ken messaged the girls. Soon, Manami and Nanao Riko arrived—coincidentally the same two who had seen Sayaka interact with him earlier. Their curiosity burned quietly, but they hid it behind polite greetings.
The four booked a small room. Neon lights glowed softly, a screen flickering with song choices.
Ken went first, belting an anime opening with unrestrained passion. His voice was chaotic but enthusiastic enough to make everyone laugh.
Manami followed with a soft J-pop ballad. Her voice wasn't just good—it was polished, subtly emotional. For the first time, Eadlyn saw a version of her that wasn't playful or teasing, but quietly expressive.
Riko chose a cheerful track, intentionally dramatic, coaxing Ken into a duet until he surrendered.
Finally, it was Eadlyn's turn.
He picked one English song, then a Japanese one he remembered from an anime OST. His accent made the lyrics wobble in places, but instead of awkwardness, laughter filled the room—warm, accepting.
During a break, Manami leaned over.
"So, Eadlyn… how do you know Sayaka-senpai?"
There it was—the question they all wanted answered.
"We're neighbors," Eadlyn said simply. "She showed me around the town."
Ken let out a dramatic sigh. "Bro, Sayaka-senpai is a school idol. If you stay close to her, half the guys are gonna come after you."
Riko nodded. "They'll form a line."
Manami only glanced sideways at Eadlyn, expression unreadable. Something flickered behind her eyes—curiosity, perhaps something more.
They left the karaoke shop under the soft glow of streetlights. Contacts exchanged, plans promised, laughter still lingering.
Eadlyn realized something important.
He wasn't just living a story anymore.
He was becoming part of one.