~Tears of Unreciprocated Love?

Chapter-10: Rekindling The Unknown

"Iye, iye, it's a bit stressful, but as long as I have your support, I can make it through," Ichinose replied.

"I always trust my Honami-chan, no matter what," Amikura said with a smile at Ichinose.

Ichinose smiled back, but her thoughts drifted to Ayanokoji. "He must be feeling the pressure of the exam too, but I know he'll do his best as always."

"For whom are you so lost in thought, Ichinose-san?" Yume squealed, teasing her.

"N-no, it's not like that," Ichinose stammered, blushing and hanging her head low. Both Yume and Minamikata cooed at her.

Amikura looked at Ichinose with a hint of worry. "If it's about him, I need to keep an eye on this. I don't know how Ayanokoji is, I haven't seen him often or know him well but I don't know why but I don't get a good feeling with him," Amikura thought to herself, recognizing how much Ichinose had changed because of him.

"I can't let your smile fade because of him. But what can I do? Your happiness is so tied to him that it's impossible to break it now," Amikura mused, observing her friend who was hiding her face, avoiding everyone's gaze.

ON THE OTHER HAND

"Ayanokoji, let's move to the café. I need to talk to you."

"How about we have our lunch—" He trailed off, sensing her piercing glare.

"And make sure to let your girlfriend know about it. I don’t want her coming after me," Horikita said before turning and heading to the cafeteria.

Ayanokoji approached Kei, explaining the plan to meet Horikita. Kei agreed, happy to be with her friends during recess.

"So, I guess I’m heading out," Ayanokoji said as he started to leave.

"Bye, Kiyotaka," Kei responded before he could fully exit.

"Wow, you’ve got a really handsome boyfriend, Karuizawa-san," one of her friends teased, making her blush.

AT THE CAFE

"Firstly, what strategies do you think will help us in the upcoming special exam?" Horikita asked with a serious expression.

Ayanokoji sipped his black coffee before replying, "Maybe we should just wait and see what happens next."

"Are you really serious? An idi—never mind," Horikita said, her frustration evident.

"Let me ask you again. Do you have any strategies in mind now?" she asked, her anger palpable.

"Well, as you said earlier, coordination can help. So make sure you know all the students in the class well, including their weaknesses and strengths. That will help in protecting them," Ayanokoji suggested.

Horikita thought to herself, "He’s just copying my earlier suggestions. He’s clearly not paying any attention." She glared at him, annoyed.

An awkward silence fell between them, broken only by the noise of the café. Ayanokoji glanced at Horikita, who was still glaring at him.

"So, how long are you going to watch me like this?" he asked.

"......"

"If you do so—"

Ayanokoji paused before continuing, "I will take my leave."

"I will take my leave," Horikita repeated in a monotone, mimicking his composure.