Elements: Age of Creation

An Invitation Accepted

Hikaru sat frozen for a moment, still processing Mei's question.

A festival? With just the two of them?

Mei tilted her head. "Hikaru?"

Realizing he had been silent for too long, Hikaru quickly snapped out of it. "Oh–uh, yeah! Sure, I'll go."

Mei's face brightened. "Really? That's great! It's this weekend, so don't forget, okay?"

She smiled before waving goodbye and hurrying off.

As she left, she spotted Hikari chatting with a few of her volleyball teammates. Without hesitation, she rushed over and whispered something into Hikari's ear.

Hikari's eyes widened.

Then–

Her face turned red.

Mei grinned mischievously. "Sooo, if Hikaru's going with me, who are you inviting, Hikari?"

Hikari immediately knew where this was going.

"W-What? I–I wasn't even thinking about it!" she stammered.

Mei's grin only widened. "Ohhh? So you weren't thinking about inviting Teshii?"

Hikari's blush deepened. "I never said that!"

Mei giggled. "Well, you better hurry. You wouldn't want someone else to snatch him up first~"

Hikari glared at her. "You're enjoying this way too much."

Mei winked. "Yup."

Teshii's Endless Teasing

Later that day, as college ended, Hikaru was making his way out of class–only to find Teshii already waiting for him with an annoyingly smug grin.

"So," Teshii began, falling into step beside Hikaru. "Mei, huh?"

Hikaru sighed. "Please don't start."

Teshii smirked. "A festival date? Romantic."

"It's not a date," Hikaru muttered.

"Mmhm."

Hikaru shot him a look. "I hate you."

Teshii grinned. "Nah, you love me."

Dinner with the Nozomi Family

That night, the Nozomi family sat around the dining table, enjoying a home–cooked meal. Teshii, as usual, had fit right in–eating way too much and teasing Hikaru every chance he got.

Sayaka smiled warmly. "You have quite an appetite, Teshii."

Teshii grinned. "Can't help it! Good food needs to be appreciated."

Sasuke nodded approvingly. "A man who enjoys his food is a good man."

Hikaru groaned. "Dad, please don't encourage him."

As the laughter settled, Sayaka glanced at Teshii. "So, Teshii, what about your family?"

The moment the words left her lips, the atmosphere shifted.

Teshii's usual grin faltered for just a second.

Then–his playful mask kslipped back into place, but something about it felt… forced.

"Ah… nothing much to say there," he said, waving it off. "Just me, myself, and I."

Sayaka immediately realized she had touched on something sensitive.

She lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

Teshii shrugged, his usual grin still in place. "No worries. Not a big deal."

Hikaru, however, wasn't convinced.

That brief moment of hesitation–that wasn't like Teshii.

A Private Conversation… Sort Of

After dinner, Hikari stood up and glanced at Teshii. "Hey… can we talk? Just the two of us?"

Teshii blinked. "Huh? Uh, sure?"

Hikaru and Sasuke immediately stopped eating.

Their eyes locked onto Teshii.

"…What do you two want to talk about?" Hikaru asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Nothing that concerns you," Hikari shot back.

Sasuke frowned. "I don't like this."

"Neither do I," Hikaru muttered.

Hikari rolled her eyes. "Oh my god, you two are so annoying."

Teshii chuckled, standing up. "Relax, old man. I promise I'll behave."

Sasuke's gaze sharpened. "You better."

Hikaru crossed his arms. "I'll be watching you."

Hikari groaned. "You guys are so overprotective!"

Ignoring them, she grabbed Teshii's wrist and dragged him outside.

Hikaru and Sasuke immediately moved toward the window, peeking outside.

Sayaka sighed. "You two really need to calm down."

Hikaru and Sasuke, in perfect unison, said, "No."

The Unexpected Invitation

Outside, Hikari let go of Teshii's wrist, crossing her arms. "Sorry about them. My brother and dad are ridiculous."

Teshii chuckled. "I dunno, I think it's funny."

Hikari took a deep breath, steeling herself.

"So… um." She looked away. "I heard Hikaru got invited to the festival this weekend."

Teshii tilted his head. "Yup. By Mei."

Hikari's eye twitched. "Yes, I know."

Teshii smirked. "Jealous?"

"Wha–NO!" she blurted, her face turning red.

Teshii laughed. "Relax, I'm messing with you."

Hikari huffed, crossing her arms. "Anyway… I was wondering if… you wanted to come too?"

Teshii blinked. "To the festival?

Hikari nodded, trying to act casual, but her red ears betrayed her.

Teshii grinned. "Sure. Sounds fun."

Inside the house, Hikaru and Sasuke both immediately freaked out.

Hikaru: "NO!"

Sasuke: "ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

Sayaka facepalmed.

Hikari groaned. "I hate them."

Teshii chuckled. "I think this is gonna be fun."