Panting heavily, somehow, I got lumped into helping out with carrying the last of the decorations needed for our café. It’s the day before the school festival and so we have to spend the rest of the day sorting out the relevant rooms. Why did I push that big oaf away to go help Yuzuriha? That was an illogical decision. As I stumbled through the halls, in the corner of my eye Ria and a member of the science club in the courtyard. I know I shouldn’t let curiosity get the better of me but why would he ask Ria alone? I can’t see either of them carrying supplies. I carefully hid behind frame, trying to stay out of sight. “I’m sorry to bring you out here Ria,” The science club member stuttered. Urg, what’s his name again?

“It’s okay Aki,” Ria assured. Aki that’s his name!  “You wanted to talk in private right?”

“I-I'm sorry to spring this on you the day before the festival,” You could hear the nerves in his voice. “But tomorrow, at the closing ceremony, would you accompany me as my date?”

I felt a knot formed in my stomach.  “Aki, I-I'm flattered,” Ria stuttered inn return. Is she going to say yes? “But I’m sorry, I would just like to be friends. Apologies if I gave you the wrong impression.”

Why do I feel relieved that she turned him down? I should be worried that this affects his performance in the science club. “No, I'm, sorry,” Aki sighed. “I should have realised you would turn me down.”

“But if you don't try you will never know the result,” Ria’s tone was almost a happy one. “Isn’t that the point of science. To try is to discover.”

It was silent for a moment before Aki started to laugh. “You really do sound like Senku sometimes,” He laughed.  “But thank you Ria.”

“Huh?” Ria laughed nervously. “Thank you? But I just rejected you.”

“It’s okay if you don’t understand,” Aki answered. “Anyway, I better go continue to help the others. See you back at the lab.”
I smiled, feeling that knot begin to untie. I shouldn’t have doubted Ria. The girl with her head in the stars only has one focus and clearly love isn’t that.  “It’s rude to ease drop,” I jumped seeing Ria glaring at me with her arms folded over her chest. “That was a private moment for Aki and you shouldn’t have eased dropped.”

I smirked. “I was making sure that my lab assistant isn’t going to be distracted by something as trivial as a relationship,” I laughed making Ria sigh. I went silent, watching as Ria took some of the boxes from me.  “Didn’t think I was going to be jealous, did you?”

Ria laughed, shooting me a smirk. “Yeah, you and Aki would totally make a cute couple.”

“Shut up you big dummy,” I ordered as we started to head back to the lab. “We still have to finish getting the lab put together.”

“I know,” Ria gave a small giggle. “I’m kind of excited to take part in my first school festival.”

“Tomorrow, there will be a bonfire and fireworks for the closure ceremony,” I stated making Ria gasp in awe. “I wanted to make them but apparently the school board didn’t like that idea.” I pouted. What I would have given to be able to make my fireworks and show them off to the school!

“Oh, is that what Taiju was talking about?” Ria questioned as we turned another corner, trying to avoid the other clubs preparing their rooms.  “He was talking about trying to hold Yuzuriha’s hand at the closing ceremony. What’s that all about?”

I smiled, I’m sure she would freak out if I told her. She would definitely feel worse for turning Aki down. “He was probably just on about the dance at the end,” I lied. It’s better this way, she might be distracted over the fact she hurt Aki.

“I might stay to watch the fireworks,” Ria sighed.  “Senku, want to join me?”