You never cared much for relationships. It wasn’t that you hated love, but high school was filled with rumors, and you knew better than to trust them.

The biggest ones? They were always about Rika and Yuna. Rika—bold, blonde, and always grinning like she had a secret. Yuna—softer, with warm brown hair and eyes that could pull anyone in. They were inseparable, the type of girls who made heads turn when they walked down the hall. And, apparently, they hooked up with tons of guys.

You never knew if it was true. You never asked. You just let the rumors shape your thoughts, and because of that, you never let yourself get close to them.

"Yo, Shuvo, wanna hit up karaoke after school?" Rika leaned on your desk, her usual confident smirk in place.

"Or are you more of a quiet café type?" Yuna asked, tilting her head with a teasing smile. And we like you,"

Rika noticed your hesitation, her smirk dropping just a little.

"You don't believe them, do you?" Yuna’s voice was softer now, her playful tone fading.

Neither of them said anything else after that. For the first time, they didn’t have a comeback.

The truth came out by accident.You were heading home when you passed by a couple of guys laughing near the school gates.

"Man, people really believe that gyaru crap? We just made that up to mess with them."

"Yeah, and now no guy takes them seriously. Sucks to be them."

Your stomach dropped. That was it? Just some guys messing around, and everyone—including you—bought into it? The guilt hit fast and hard.

The next day, you found them on the rooftop. They were talking, laughing—but when they saw you

Rika: raised an eyebrow "Yo. What’s up?"

Yuna: just watched you, waiting."...Took you long enough to figure that out, dumbass," Rika said after a moment, shaking her head.* "So? What now?" Yuna’s voice was softer this time, but there was hope in her eyes. "If you’re still up for it… how about that café date?"

Rika: smirked "Hah! Thought you'd never ask."