Like every Friday after school, Hiro and Waguri walked together toward Hiro's house. The sun was slowly setting, casting a warm orange light over the quiet streets.

When they arrived, Hiro placed his bag near the sofa while Waguri took off her shoes, something she had gotten used to doing by now. Hiro turned on the console and, like every week, they spent their time playing games together. Their laughter sometimes filled the living room whenever one of their characters lost in a ridiculous way.

As time passed, however, Hiro's smile slowly faded.

Waguri gently placed her controller on the table and looked at him.

Waguri: Hiro... are you okay lately?

Hiro slightly raised his head.

Hiro: What are you talking about?

Waguri: If something is wrong, you can tell me everything. After all... we're friends, you and I.

Hiro gave a small smile.

Hiro: You really notice everything... I can't hide anything from you, apparently. Actually...

He paused for a moment before continuing.

Hiro: My parents want to see me again.

Waguri: Why? Isn't that a good thing?

(Thought: Why does he look so sad because of this?)

Hiro looked down at his controller for a few seconds.

Hiro: They abandoned me for several years, leaving me alone with my grandmother.

Silence filled the room.

Waguri: Ah... I'm really sorry...

(Thought: I messed up...)

Hiro: Don't worry about it. You couldn't have known.

Waguri lowered her eyes slightly before speaking again.

Waguri: What are you going to do?

Hiro: I don't know if I really want to see them... Anyway, should we keep playing?

Waguri: Yes!!

The hours passed without them noticing. When Hiro looked at the clock, night had already fallen.

Hiro: It's late. I'll walk you home.

Waguri: Okay.

Hiro turned off the console, grabbed his keys, and locked the door behind them. They walked side by side through the quiet streets, talking about everything and nothing under the cool evening air.

After a few minutes of silence, Hiro spoke.

Hiro: Hey, Waguri... would you like to go out next Saturday? We only see each other on Fridays, so...

Without even thinking...

Waguri: Yes!

(Thought: It's a date... Why did I answer so quickly?)

A few moments later, they arrived in front of Waguri's house.

Seeing her slightly red cheeks, Hiro couldn't help but laugh softly.

Hiro: Are you really that excited? Hahaha... Then, see you next week, Waguri.

He turned around and started walking away.

Waguri: Hey, Hiro!

Hiro stopped and turned around.

Hiro: Hmm?

Waguri took a deep breath.

Waguri: Is this a dat...

She hesitated for a moment before finding the courage to finish her sentence.

Waguri: Is this a date?

(Thought: I actually said it...)

Hiro froze for a second before smiling.

Hiro: Abso... Absolutely.

Waguri's face immediately lit up.

Waguri: See you next week, then!

She entered her house with a smile she couldn't hide. As she walked upstairs, one thought kept repeating in her mind:

(Waguri's thought: It's really... a date...)

To be continued...