Evening descended quietly.
The setting sun dyed the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, stretching the shadows of roadside cherry trees across the pavement. A cool breeze drifted through the air, gently dispelling the lingering heat of the day.
On a quiet street in Kanagawa, a black private car moved steadily through traffic.
Its design was restrained and elegant—smooth lines, understated contours—yet the fine details revealed a quiet luxury that subtly set it apart from the surrounding vehicles.
Inside the car, the atmosphere was calm.
The driver focused on the road ahead, while in the spacious back seat sat Akashi Seijuro and Kamishiro Ruri.
This was far from the first time Kamishiro Ruri had ridden in Akashi's private car.
Naturally, such matters could not escape the notice of the elders of both the Kamishiro and Akashi families. Rather than objecting, they had chosen to tacitly approve, quietly pleased with how the relationship between the two young people was developing.
Akashi glanced sideways.
Ruri's hands were constantly moving—adjusting her camera, scribbling notes, sketching quick diagrams in a notebook. Her expression was serious and focused.
"…What are you doing?" Akashi finally asked, curiosity creeping into his otherwise calm tone.
Without lifting her head, Ruri continued writing, her voice light and cheerful.
"Preparing material for Ryonan's next issue, of course."
Akashi immediately recalled her earlier report.
"I don't think it's necessary," he said after a brief pause, choosing his words carefully. "The results of the match speak for themselves. There's no need to go out of your way to promote it."
Some of those reports… had made people uncomfortable.
"It's fine." Ruri finally stopped, lifting her head. A confident, radiant smile spread across her face, her eyes shining with determination. "I want everyone to see Ryonan's strength—and Akashi-kun's excellence. This is my job, and it's what I want to do."
She paused, her voice softening.
"Ryonan was underestimated for a long time. Now that we've beaten Shoyo, it's even more important to let everyone know that Ryonan is a team capable of standing at the top of Kanagawa."
The words on Akashi's lips faded away.
Looking into her earnest eyes, he found himself unable to refuse.
After all, this was her sincerity.
The rest of the ride passed in idle conversation.
Soon, the car slowed to a stop in front of the Kamishiro family residence.
"Young Master Akashi, Miss Kamishiro, we've arrived," the driver said respectfully.
Beyond the window stood the elegant Kamishiro estate. Warm yellow light spilled from the house, creating a welcoming glow against the deepening night.
Ruri's eyes lit up instantly. She turned toward Akashi with an expectant smile.
"Akashi-kun hasn't visited in a while. If you're free, would you like to come in and sit for a bit?"
Akashi agreed without hesitation.
It wasn't his first visit.
Ruri's joy was impossible to hide. She reached out naturally, hooking her arm around his and pulling him toward the door. Akashi slowed slightly, turning back toward the driver.
"I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to wait a little longer."
The driver nodded immediately. "Of course, Young Master."
Both the Akashi and Kamishiro families were prominent throughout Japan, with extensive holdings across various industries. Their Kanagawa residences had been arranged specifically for their children's schooling.
The Kamishiro residence was a traditional Japanese garden estate. Neatly trimmed pine trees lined the entrance, white pebbles flanking the stone path. When the evening breeze passed through, the faint fragrance of tuberose drifted through the courtyard.
Inside, a maid in a neat uniform stepped forward and bowed.
"Welcome back, Third Miss."
Kamishiro Ruri was the youngest of three daughters, cherished dearly by the family.
The maid—Sadako—was Ruri's personal housekeeper.
Her gaze lingered briefly on Akashi before she bowed again.
"Young Master Akashi."
"There's no need to be so formal," Akashi replied calmly. "I'm practically family by now."
Ruri smiled brightly and turned to Sadako.
"Sister Sadako, please prepare some food. Matcha daifuku and salted plums—Akashi-kun's favorites. And brew a pot of hot matcha, not too sweet."
"Yes, Third Miss." Sadako smiled gently and headed toward the kitchen, her steps noticeably lighter.
Ruri led Akashi into the living room, animatedly pointing things out.
"That ukiyo-e there—Father had it specially framed! And that celadon vase was a gift my sister brought back from Kyoto…"
Akashi listened quietly, his gaze sweeping over the familiar tatami mats, calligraphy scrolls, and neatly stacked photography magazines. Beneath the warm lighting, the room radiated a sense of comfort.
Compared to the fierce tension of the court, this peaceful atmosphere made him feel unusually at ease.
Dinner was soon served.
Sashimi, sukiyaki, tempura, and freshly made matcha daifuku filled the table. The atmosphere was warm and unhurried, punctuated by soft conversation and the gentle clink of utensils.
Midway through the meal, Ruri suddenly set down her chopsticks.
"…Akashi-kun," she asked hesitantly, "have you thought about which university you want to attend?"
Akashi paused.
"It's a bit early, isn't it?" he replied.
Ruri's cheeks flushed. She fidgeted with the edge of the tablecloth, her voice growing softer.
"I know… but I can't help wondering. What if we end up choosing different universities? Different cities…"
Her voice trailed off.
She lowered her head, ears burning red.
Akashi looked at her quietly.
Under the soft light, her nervousness was unmistakable—fragile and sincere.
After a brief silence, his voice softened.
"If I decide, I'll tell you."
That single sentence was enough.
Ruri's eyes lit up instantly.
"Really?!"
She quickly held out her pinky.
"Then it's a promise."
Akashi hesitated only briefly before hooking his finger with hers.
"No backing out."
The subtle contact sent a faint electric sensation through them both.
Nearby, the maids exchanged knowing glances, smiles filled with quiet envy. Sadako merely watched with satisfaction.
Dinner soon ended.
As Akashi prepared to leave, Ruri adjusted his collar instinctively.
At the door, under the warm light, she waved.
"Be careful on your way… good night."
Akashi turned back, his gaze gentler than usual.
"Good night. Rest well."
She watched until the car disappeared into the darkness.
Only then did Sadako's voice sound behind her.
"Third Miss, Madam is on the phone."
Ruri hurried inside.
"Hello… Mom?"
Concern, teasing, advice—her mother's voice flowed endlessly.
When the subject turned to Akashi, Ruri nearly dropped the phone.
"M-Mom! We're just friends!"
Her mother laughed knowingly.
Later that night, far away in Tokyo, the Kamishiro parents discussed the same topic beneath blooming cherry trees—half worry, half hope.
In the quiet warmth of the night, one thing was certain:
Whatever they called it now, this relationship was no longer just "ordinary friends."