Echoes In The Wind

Rio woke up, groggy from the aftermath of his grueling match. His body ached from the intense game and the brutal fight with Akira. He could feel the weight of it all—the adrenaline, the victory, and the lingering tension. Yet, in the quiet of the moment, one thought hit him with undeniable clarity.

"I love you, Please....wake up."

Miku's words echoed in his head, making his heart race. He flushed red, the warmth creeping up his neck as he recalled her confession.

Before he could get too lost in his thoughts, Rio stumbled out of bed, heading toward the room where the rest of the team was celebrating their victory. There was a small crowd inside, members of Hanamura City congratulating him for his role in the match—and for taking down Akira. But as his eyes scanned the room, he felt a sense of isolation. The celebrations faded into the background as he noticed Taiki, Miku, Rin, and Alya standing off to the side, waiting for him.

"Nice job, Rio," Taiki said with a grin, slapping his shoulder.

"Thanks," Rio replied, offering a tired smile. But the words felt hollow. He wasn't truly celebrating; not yet. He still had a lot to figure out.

Rin stepped forward and clapped Rio on the back. "Well done, bro. You've got some real potential." His words were casual, but there was something more in his tone—something that felt like an unspoken acknowledgment.

"Thanks, Rin-senpai," Rio replied, finally feeling some of the exhaustion catch up to him. He sat down as Rin, Alya, and Taiki exchanged casual conversation, but Miku stayed back, her eyes occasionally glancing toward him.

After a while, Rin spoke up, addressing the group. "Well, looks like I'm heading out. Little sis, you coming?"

The room fell silent at Rin's words. The title "little sis" hung in the air, and Rio could sense the shock ripple through the others.

Miku blinked in surprise, eyes widening. "Wait, Rin-senpai—" She started but trailed off when Rin shrugged nonchalantly.

"Yeah, she's my sis," Rin replied casually, a smirk on his face. "What, didn't you all know?"

"Wow," Taiki muttered, his surprise barely hidden.

"You coming?" Rin asked again, glancing at alya.

"Nah, I'm gonna stay and follow Miku," alya added, her gaze softening.

Alya's cheeks flushed slightly at the attention but said nothing, simply nodding as Rin made his way out.

Rin waved as he left the room, leaving behind a confused but relieved group. As he exited, Alya stood up, stretching and heading toward the door. "I need to make a quick call," she said, leaving the room behind her.

Rio watched her go before heading to the restroom, needing a moment to collect his thoughts. Taiki, left alone with Miku, took a step closer, his eyes not meeting hers at first. The air was thick with unspoken words.

Miku turned toward him, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "Taiki...?"

Taiki finally met her gaze, his voice quieter than usual. "Miku... I need to tell you something. I... I loved you."

The words hung in the air like a confession he'd been holding back for far too long. Miku blinked, her breath catching in her throat. She felt her heart race, but before she could respond, Taiki took a deep breath, cutting her off.

"I know this might be sudden," he continued, his voice wavering slightly. "But... just promise me one thing."

Miku's eyes widened, unsure where this was going. "What?"

"Keep him safe, okay?" Taiki's voice softened, and for a brief moment, his face seemed to crumple with emotion. "I'll always be your friend, Miku. No matter what."

Before Miku could say anything, Taiki turned and exited the room, leaving her alone in the quiet. The weight of his words hit her hard, and her chest tightened with confusion and emotions she wasn't sure how to sort through.

Minutes later, Rio walked out of the restroom, his mind still racing. He froze for a moment when he saw Miku standing there, her face flushed, her lips parted as if she had been about to say something.

But before they could speak, Taiki was already outside. He looked down, his face suddenly heavy with something Rio couldn't quite place. Alya came up beside him, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey, what's going on, Taiki?" she asked, sensing his mood shift.

Taiki didn't answer immediately. Instead, he just stared at the ground, lost in thought.

Alya, seeing the tension in his body, smiled gently, but there was a seriousness in her eyes. She reached out, cupping his cheek softly. "You look like you're carrying the weight of the world, Taiki."

Without warning, Alya leaned in, kissed him on the lips, and pulled away just as quickly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"I kinda love you, Taiki," she said with a smile, her voice teasing yet earnest. "I always have."

Before Taiki could react, Alya turned, running off into the distance, leaving him standing there, his heart hammering in his chest. He felt like he was standing on the edge of something big—something that was beyond his control.

Back Inside the School...

Meanwhile, Rio and Miku were alone again in the room. She was standing by the window, looking out into the fading evening light. Rio's pulse quickened as he approached her, his thoughts still tangled after the words Taiki had just dropped.

"Miku," he started, his voice quieter than he intended. "I... I've been thinking about what you said earlier. About how you love me and I feel the same way. But... there's so much going on. So much I don't know."

Miku turned, her eyes searching his, as if trying to find the truth in his words. She stepped closer, her hand brushing his. "Rio, I—I need you to know that I mean it. I love you. And I want to be with you."

Rio felt a lump form in his throat. "I... I don't want to lose you, Miku. After everything, I want to make sure we can face whatever comes next. Together."

Miku smiled, her eyes softening. "We will. I know we will."

Just then, the door to the room opened, and Akira stepped in. His presence was sudden, and it left Rio and Miku frozen in place. Akira's gaze shifted between them, and for a moment, it was clear that he wasn't here for friendly conversation.

"I'm going," Akira said quietly, but there was an undeniable edge in his voice. "But don't think for a second that this is over. I'll be back. And when I do return, you won't be ready for what comes next."

Rio's heart clenched. He knew Akira wasn't someone to back down. But he wasn't going to let him win.

Akira lingered for a moment longer then turned and walked out without another word.

As the door clicked shut, Rio took Miku's hand, looking into her eyes. They didn't speak at first. Their hearts were speaking for them, telling them they were ready. Ready to face whatever Akira was bringing. Together.

Rio leaned in, and Miku followed his lead, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss that spoke volumes of the promise they had made to each other.

Outside, under the dimming sky...

As they walked out of the school together, Rio's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, his heart sinking when he saw the message that flashed across the screen:

"I will be back. Maybe as a friend, maybe as a foe."

Miku read it over his shoulder, and the fear in her eyes mirrored his own. But they didn't speak. They didn't need to.

The storm was coming. And they were going to face it.