Part 2 – An Invitation
Haruto quietly placed his notebook into his bag.
As he stood...
A familiar voice called out from behind him.
"...Haruto?"
Haruto turned around.
Amaya stood beside her desk, holding her notebook against her chest.
"...Um..."
She hesitated for a moment.
Then smiled.
"...Would you... like to come over to my house?"
Haruto blinked.
"...Huh?"
"We still have today's notes to finish..."
"And..."
She glanced away for a second.
"...We could study together for tomorrow's quiz."
Haruto stood there for a moment.
Then nodded.
"...O-Okay."
A small smile appeared on Amaya's face.
"...Really?"
Haruto smiled back.
"...Yeah."
"Then..."
"I'll wait outside."
She gave a small wave before leaving the classroom.
Haruto watched her disappear through the doorway.
"..."
He turned toward Ayame and Kaito, who had been quietly watching the entire conversation.
Kaito slowly looked at Haruto.
Then...
A grin spread across his face.
"...Oho..."
Haruto immediately recognized that smile.
"...Don't."
"So..."
Kaito leaned closer.
"Amaya invited you to her house?"
Haruto rubbed the back of his neck.
"...To study."
"Sure..."
Kaito nodded dramatically.
"...'Study.'"
Haruto sighed.
"...We're actually studying."
"Mhm."
Kaito smirked.
"Have fun on your date."
"D-Date?!"
Haruto's face instantly turned red.
"Kaito!"
Kaito burst into laughter.
Haruto puffed out his cheeks.
"...Keep talking..."
"...I'll tell her."
Kaito raised an eyebrow.
"...Her?"
"You know who."
For just a second...
Kaito froze.
Then he shrugged.
"...Go ahead."
Haruto blinked.
"...Huh?"
"I don't care."
Haruto quickly added,
"...I'll tell her you have a crush on someone else."
Kaito stared at him for a moment...
Before laughing even harder.
"...And?"
Haruto opened his mouth.
"..."
Kaito folded his arms proudly.
"What do you think she'll do?"
"...Beat me?"
Haruto opened his mouth...
Then slowly closed it again.
"..."
He hadn't thought that far.
Kaito couldn't hold it in anymore.
He laughed.
"Hah!"
"Worst blackmail ever."
Haruto let out a small, defeated sigh.
"...Forget it."
Ayame shook her head with a helpless smile.
"...That's enough, Kaito."
She lightly nudged his shoulder.
"Stop teasing him."
Kaito shrugged, still grinning.
"...Alright, alright."
Ayame turned to Haruto.
"...Go."
"Amaya's waiting."
Haruto nodded.
"...Okay."
He picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder.
Just as he turned...
Kaito suddenly leaned closer.
He lowered his voice so only Haruto could hear.
"...Idiot."
Haruto blinked.
"...Huh?"
"...You brought the letter."
Haruto's eyes widened.
Instinctively, he touched the pocket inside his jacket.
"...Oh..."
He had completely forgotten.
Kaito quietly held out his hand.
"...Give it to me."
Haruto carefully took the folded letter from his pocket and placed it in Kaito's hand.
"...Can you keep it in my desk?"
Kaito nodded.
"...Leave it to me."
Haruto let out a small sigh of relief.
"...Thanks."
He smiled at his siblings.
"...See you later."
"See you."
Ayame smiled warmly.
Kaito tucked the letter safely away.
"...Now go."
"...And actually study."
Haruto chuckled.
"...We will."
With that...
He hurried out of the classroom, leaving the siblings behind as he made his way toward Amaya waiting outside.
Haruto stepped out of the classroom.