Chapter XXXI: The Purple Bull, Part 3
Another day at school brings with it a whirlwind of activities, leaving most of the students looking haggard and worn out. However, the bustling energy of the classroom is a stark contrast to the sense of fatigue that hangs over them like a dark cloud. Although, for Saki, there is a glimmer of light amidst the chaos and turmoil. Every time she glances to her left, her eyes meet Kota's, and a spark of energy surges through her veins.
"His something, like something unexplainable my mind can't even comprehend" (Saki)
The bell rings for dismissal, but Haruto, Hageshi, Miran, Ryujin, Saki, Kitsune, and Rikiyo linger in the classroom, reluctant to leave just yet. The atmosphere is charged with an unspoken anticipation. Hageshi, ever the instigator, approaches Saki with a mischievous grin.
"Do it," he urges in a hushed tone, his eyes gleaming with encouragement.
Saki's heart races.
"Dude, seriously at this time?!", Saki screams in her head.
She have been contemplating this moment for days, rehearsing it in her mind over and over again. As Ryujin gather his belongings and prepares to leave the classroom, she takes a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage she had.
"Well, what else do I have to lose?", Saki thinks.
From behind, Saki steps forward and wraps her arms around Ryujin in a warm hug. Ryujin freezes, caught completely off guard. His face turns a deep shade of red, mirroring the flush that spread across Saki's cheeks. The room seems to hold its breath, the surprise palpable. A dead silence if one could comprehend, a lingering silence of surprise.
"OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! I DID IT!!!!!!!", Saki screams in her own mind, still blushing as ever, feeling warmth from Ryujin's body.
Kitsune, Rikiyo, and Hageshi watch with a mix of relief and delight. This is a moment they have all been hoping for, a breakthrough in Saki's timidness. Hageshi looks around and wonders where Haruto is. Haruto have already left the classroom, missing the unfolding drama, while Miran remains absorbed in a phone call with his mom.
"Wha-Wh-What is... this.... Feeling? Is this what they call Giri-Giri? Doki-Doki?!", Ryujin's heart races as he thinks.
Saki releases Ryujin from the hug, her heart still pounding in her chest. She then reaches up and pats his head, a gesture that is both affectionate and shy.
"H-h-h-head pats? What is going on?!", Ryujin screams in his mind.
With that, she quickly gather her things and left the classroom, flank by Kitsune and Rikiyo. The trio's laughter echo faintly in the corridor as they disappear from sight.
Ryujin stands rooted to the spot, still processing what had just happened. His mind is a whirl of confusion and delight. Hageshi saunters over, unable to hide his amusement.
"Ryujin, you need a punch to snap out of it?" Hageshi teases, raising his fist playfully.
Ryujin manages a weak nod, his thoughts still a tangled mess. With a gentle punch to the arm, Hageshi jolts Ryujin back to reality. They share a laugh, the tension melting away in the camaraderie of the moment.
Later that evening, in the privacy of their respective homes, Ryujin and Saki finds themselves texting each other about homework. The conversation quickly shifts to more personal topics, as if the hug have opened a door to deeper connection.
"Hey, about earlier...", Ryujin types, and blushes.
"Yeah?", Saki winks timidly and grins.
"I... I really liked it," Ryujin types, his fingers hovering over the send button for a moment before he pressed it.
Saki's reply comes quickly. "Me too. I've wanted to do that for a while."
Their conversation flows naturally, punctuated by moments of vulnerability and honesty. Saki reiterates the importance of building a strong foundation as friends first, suggesting that perhaps, in a few years, they could be together. Her openness is refreshing, and Ryujin feels a sense of comfort and excitement.
In the attic of Ryujin's home, a mysterious key lays on an old wooden table. The key glints faintly in the moonlight streaming through the window. On the other hand, shooting stars streaks across the night sky, casting fleeting glows that reflects in Saki's eyes as she gazes out the window, lost in thought. Back to Ryujin, he is unaware of the key's significance, but he feels a strange sense of destiny, as if the universe is aligning in unexpected ways.
As the days pass by, the bond between Saki and Ryujin grow stronger. Their interactions at school are filled with shared glances and subtle smiles. Ryujin finds himself looking forward to their text conversations each night, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to learn more about her.
In the midst of all this, Dr. Aoshima's own journey continues. He returns again to the university with newfound knowledge and determination. The dark crystals, their secrets, and the arcane rituals he have learned about consumes his thoughts. He dives deeper into his research, connecting the dots between ancient prophecies and modern science.
Meanwhile, the school continues its usual rhythm, but there is a subtle change in the air. The students, though exhausted from their activities, seem to carry a renewed sense of purpose. The events of the Starlight Festival, the mysteries of the dark crystals, and the blossoming relationships among them all contribute to a sense of unity and shared destiny.
One afternoon, as the sun cast long shadows across the campus, Ryujin and Saki find themselves sitting together under a large oak tree. The gentle breeze rustles the leaves above, creating a soothing symphony. They talk about their dreams, their fears, and their hopes for the future.
"Do you think we'll always be friends?" Saki asked, her voice soft but filled with genuine curiosity.
Ryujin smiles, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering certainty.
"I think we'll be more than friends, Saki. I believe we'll share something truly special."
Saki blushes, her heart swelling with a mixture of happiness and nervous anticipation. They sit in comfortable silence for a while, the world around them fading into the background as they reveled in the connection they are building.
As the weeks turn into more weeks, their friendship continues to deepen, each moment shared bringing them closer. And all the while, the mysterious key in Ryujin's attic remains untouched, waiting for the day when its secrets would be revealed. The shooting stars have marked the beginning of a journey that is far from over, a journey that would intertwine their fates in ways they could never have imagined.
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