Chapter 31: CHAPTER - 31 - AKIRA
A week had flown by since Akira joined the team as a trainee.
Lunchtime brought a welcome break. As usual, Akira joined Ryo and Sara for a chat and a bite.
"Hey Akira," Ryo greeted.
"Senior Ryo!" Akira responded, a broad smile on his face."How's Sakura treating you?" Ryo inquired.
Akira's eyes lit up. "It's incredible, Senior! Way better than I imagined."
"Really? What did you expect?" Ryo prompted.
"Well," Akira began, lowering his voice slightly, "Sakura High is legendary. Everyone wants to teach there. I always thought it would be a dream come true to focus on my passion – sports and physical activity. And guess what? It's exactly that! Zero disappointment here." She chuckled. "Basically, I love it."
Ryo eyed her with a hint of amusement. "So, interested in a permanent position?
"Akira's jaw dropped. "Senior, is that even a question? Absolutely!"
"Excellent," Ryo said, making a mental note to speak with Jona. "Your dedication is impressive, that much is clear."
A playful glint entered Akira's eyes. "Are you gonna use your magic here?"
Ryo winked. "Not a bad idea at all, don't you think?" She glanced at the watch. "Speaking of magic, I have a lunch date with Rin soon. She should be here any minute."
Akira's grin widened. "Senior Rin? Wow, it's been ages! When will she be here?"
A hint of intrigue flickered across Ryo's face. "Soon," she said, her gaze shifting towards the entrance. "Very soon."
The staff room door slid open, revealing a familiar face.
"Speak of the devil," said Ryo
"Senior Rin!" Akira exclaimed, excitement bubbling in his voice."
Akira," Rin greeted warmly, walking towards their table. "Good to see you again. Ryo mentioned you're a sports trainee here."
"Yes, Senior," Akira replied. "But, shouldn't you have announced your arrival before entering the staff room? You know outsiders aren't typically allowed access." Concern flickered in Akira's eyes
"Oh, you worry too much, Akira," Rin said playfully, pulling her into a brief hug. "Think of it as an elite pass, shall we say?"
Akira relaxed slightly. "In that case, everything's fine."
"Rin", Ryo rose from her seat and called her
"Yeah?," Rin replied
Sara, who was about to speak, abruptly stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening at the scene. Wait..What are you doing Ryo??? In broad daylight, no less!
Her gaze darted between Ryo and Rin, their close proximity raising further questions. Were they...? Kissing...? Here??!!
Ryo surprised everyone by cupping Rin's face and pulling her close. "Rin," she said, concern evident in her voice. "Do you have a fever?"
Rin blinked, seemingly caught off guard. "Fever? I don't know."
"You look pale," Ryo continued, her tone firm. "Take the day off and rest."
"But I have work to do," Rin protested weakly."
"I'll handle it," Ryo insisted.
Rin wanted to argue, but a sigh escaped her lips. "Alright, alright. You win."
"Good," Ryo said, a reassuring smile gracing her face.
She turned to Sara, who was still speechless. "Sara?"
Sara cleared her throat, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Ah, yes. I was just going to ask you about lunch."
What the heck?! Sara's mind reeled. Was that all? A temperature check? Here I thought... They were just... Stupid!"
"Sorry, Sara," Ryo apologized. "I made lunch plans with Rin, and I won't be able to make it for the rest of the day. I need to take care of her."
"Oh, no worries," Sara said with a smile. "But Miss Rin, you should definitely rest."
"Do I look that bad?"
"Your complexion is a bit pale," Sara said, a hint of concern in her voice
A surprised look crossed Rin's face. "Really? I didn't even notice."
"That's why you should rest, silly," Ryo said with a gentle nudge.
"heheh",
"Perhaps you should let your workplace know you won't be in today," Sara suggested, her brow furrowed with concern for Rin.
"No need," Akira interjected casually.
Sara's eyes flickered between Akira's relaxed demeanor and Rin's. "You have your own business, like Ryo?"
Rin chuckled, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes, "Haha no, but you can say more or less"
Sara's confusion deepened.
Rin continues, pulling a card from her purse, "Right! I never gave you my business card right? Here…"
Sara took the card, her jaw dropping as she read it.
"Whattt??? You're the Vice-President of The CRIMSON?"
"Hoo….I like your reaction Miss Sara, this never fails to amuse me…ahahha…yes, I am" A satisfied smile spread across Rin's face.
Sara's gaze darted towards Akira. "You knew about this, Akira?"
"Yes," Akira confirmed with a nod.
"Wow, you two are impressive," Sara breathed, a new layer of respect evident in her voice.
"Hahaha…Anyway, You ready Ryo?"
"Yea," Ryo replied. "See you both tomorrow. Sara, Akira."
"Later…", they echoed in unison.
As the door closed behind them, curiosity gnawed at Sara.
"Are Ryo and Miss Rin... dating?" she ventured.
Akira chuckled. "Not at all."
"HUH? Are you sure because they seem so close," Sara protested."
"Haha…can't argue with that but they are definitely not dating. They have been like this for as long as I remember. At first, I thought the same thing and I bet 99.9% of people would think the same. Besides, Senior Rin is actually in a relationship with Senior Aki, and they've been together since high school."
"That long? They must be serious," Sara mused.
"Indeed." Akira changed the subject. "Care to join me for lunch?
"Sara couldn't help but smile. "Sounds good."
Meanwhile, down the hallway, a different conversation unfolded.
"Rin, wait for me in the car, I will be back soon"
"Going to the washroom?"
"That and gotta meet with Jona"
"Jona, why?"
"Akira seems to have great potential in Anthelics, so will tell Jona to make her permanent"
"Oh, I wouldn't disagree, She's a natural," Rin replied.
"Exactly, so wait for me"
"Take your time," Rin said with a smile.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone