Hiroki leaned a little closer to Saki, his eyes fixed on hers, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
"Your eyes… they're really beautiful," he said, his voice almost a whisper, soft and warm.
Saki raised her eyebrows in surprise at the sudden compliment.
"T-thank you… yours are really beautiful too," she replied, her voice trembling and shy.
Hiroki didn't take his eyes off her, a faint smile lingering on his face.
"I've always liked kind-hearted girls like you.
Being by my side… it feels really nice."
Saki's face flushed, her breath catching slightly.
"Y-yes… I'll always be by your side," she said in a shaky voice.
Hiroki smiled softly, a warm sparkle in his eyes.
"Your scent and your eyes… they reminded me of one of my favorite songs.
If you want… I can play it for you."
Saki's heart raced, her excitement clearly visible on her face.
Could this… be my special song? she wondered.
Hiroki smiled and stood up, as if he could read her thoughts.
"You seem quite curious about this song," he said, with a gentle grin.
Then, he walked slowly toward his guitar.
Saki couldn't take her eyes off him.
Could it be that I'll hear the special song now? she thought eagerly.
Hiroki picked up his guitar and sat back down beside Saki.
He held it firmly, took a deep breath, and prepared himself.
"This isn't my most special song… but it's a song just for you," he said.
Saki felt a brief wave of disappointment; she wanted to hear the special song as soon as possible.
But she lowered her head and smiled softly.
"Yes… I'm waiting for my special song," she said.
Hiroki nodded lightly, a warm glow in his eyes.
"The inspiration for this song… will be your eyes," he said, his voice soft and sincere.
Saki smiled, gripping the sides of her chair, her excitement palpable.
She waited eagerly, her heart beating in rhythm.
Hiroki plucked the strings, and the notes echoed gently through the empty classroom.
Each tinkle of the guitar transformed the quiet room into a melody filled with love.
As he sang, Hiroki never took his eyes off Saki.
Every word, every note… was dedicated to Saki, his inspiration.
When the song ended, Saki looked at him with wide eyes.
A smile spread across her lips.
"Your song… it gave me energy. You're really talented, Hiroki," she said.
Hiroki smiled proudly and scratched his nose, a little embarrassed.
"Thank you… I'm glad you liked it.
But next time… I'll play my truly special song just for you."
Saki's heart skipped a beat, her face turning bright red.
"Just… for me?" she whispered, her voice trembling but excited.
Hiroki locked eyes with her, his smile warm and sincere.
"Yes… just for you," he said.
And in the silence after the guitar, the air between them was filled with a closeness that went beyond words.
Hiroki leaned a little closer, his gaze fixed on Saki.
"But… until that day, you have to earn my special song," he said.
"Do you think getting special things is that easy?"
Saki furrowed her brows in surprise, staring at Hiroki with a sharp look.
"You can enjoy a special song to some extent with charm," Hiroki said, his voice slightly serious.
"But for the very special one… you have to complete my tasks."
Saki crossed her arms over her stomach and turned her head slightly.
"Okay… so what are these special tasks, sir?" she asked, her tone playful yet challenging.
Hiroki gave a small smile, narrowing his eyes.
"Don't worry… I won't make it too difficult," he said.
"Your first task… is to make sure the performance takes place in Tokyo."
Saki turned her head toward Hiroki, her voice calm but determined.
"I'll do that anyway. So… what are the other tasks?"
Hiroki brought his hand to his chin, narrowing his eyes, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Hmm… your other task…" he began but stopped abruptly.
Saki raised her eyebrows, curiosity flashing in her expression.
"Where did these tasks even come from? I'm already doing what you want."
Hiroki smiled lightly, a little embarrassed.
"Alright… I'll tell you the other task later."
Saki pursed her lips, suspicious.
"There really isn't another task, right?" she asked, her tone certain.
Hiroki, slightly flustered, had to admit:
"There is… but I can't tell you right now."
Saki pouted, a playful frown on her face.
"So… you're going to use me like a slave for your song, huh?"
Hiroki chuckled softly, a warm light in his eyes.
"Rest assured… there are many things that make my special song truly special."
Saki grinned teasingly and nodded.
"Hmm… is that so?"
Hiroki smiled gently and leaned closer to Saki.
"Alright… you'll be challenged, but don't worry, I'll give you helpful tips along the way."
Saki turned her eyes toward him, curious.
"In the travel club, first, three representatives are selected.
Each of these three representatives suggests a city for the competition.
Then, the volunteer students at school vote for one of the three cities.
The city with the most votes will host the competition."
Hiroki continued without taking his eyes off her.
"You see… for someone as charming as you, this is an easy task."
Saki raised her eyebrows, her expression slightly lazy.
"Hmm… okay, I'll do it if I can."
Hiroki seemed to exhale deeply, relieved.
"Thank you, Saki. Since you didn't make it difficult… I'll reveal the reward for your first small task."
Saki raised her eyebrows slightly, though she couldn't feel much excitement after all that work.
"Reward… is it another task?" she asked.
"No, your reward…" Hiroki began, but just then, a sudden noise made the door slam open.
Both of them turned their heads instantly.
Who was this person…?