After talking with Saeko, Lucas felt more confident about meeting Takagi. He stepped out of the dojo with a clearer mind.
That afternoon, he rode his bike toward the Takagi residence. The address Rei had given him led to a large, traditional Japanese-style house with a tall gate and tight security.
Lucas took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before approaching the gate. A guard stopped him.
"What is your business here?" the uniformed man asked in a formal tone.
Lucas raised his hands in a non-threatening manner. "I'm Lucas, a friend of Takagi's from school. I came to see her."
The guard studied Lucas for a moment before speaking into a small radio on his shoulder. After a few seconds, he nodded and opened the gate. "Miss Takagi is inside. Go ahead, but don't cause any trouble."
Lucas gave a small smile and walked in. He passed through a vast courtyard with a well-manicured garden before finally reaching the veranda of the main house.
A servant led him inside. The house was filled with classic decorations, showcasing the prestigious status of the Takagi family.
The servant knocked on the door of a room before slightly opening it. "Miss Takagi, you have a visitor."
There was no response. The servant turned to Lucas. "Please enter. If you need anything, just call."
Lucas nodded and stepped inside.
Inside the room, Takagi was sitting on a futon, leaning against the wall with her arms wrapped around her knees. Her long hair looked slightly messy, and her expression still carried traces of irritation.
Lucas carefully closed the door. "Yo, Takagi," he greeted softly.
Takagi glanced at him and scoffed. "What are you doing here?"
Lucas walked closer and sat cross-legged in front of her. "I came because I was worried. You didn't come to school, and I feel like it's my fault."
Takagi clicked her tongue. "Tch… So you finally realized, huh?"
Lucas smirked. "Yeah, I'm not a complete idiot."
Takagi let out a long sigh, looking at him with a mix of frustration and exhaustion. "So… did you just come to apologize?"
Lucas shook his head. "I came because I don't want things to be awkward between us. I don't want you to distance yourself over a misunderstanding."
Takagi stared at him, as if assessing his sincerity.
After a few moments of silence, she finally spoke in a softer tone. "I was just… mad at myself."
Lucas frowned. "Why?"
Takagi looked away. "Because I realized I like you more than I thought."
Lucas froze. It was a straightforward and honest confession.
Takagi met his gaze again. "I was jealous, Lucas. Seeing you with Rei… I was afraid you'd choose her."
Lucas sighed and gave a small smile. "Takagi… You know I don't play around with my feelings, right?"
Takagi lowered her gaze slightly. "I know. That's why I hate feeling this way."
Lucas thought for a moment before speaking gently. "Then… how about I make sure that I choose you?"
Takagi remained silent, her cheeks slightly flushed. "What do you mean?"
Lucas grinned. "I want to make it up to you. So… how about we go on another date?"
Takagi's eyes widened slightly. She stared at Lucas, then scoffed and covered her face with one hand. "Tch… Idiot."
Lucas chuckled. "I'll take that as a 'yes'."
Takagi let out a deep breath, then looked at him with a softer expression. "Fine… But you're paying."
Lucas laughed. "Of course. Anything for the princess."
Takagi rolled her eyes, but this time, a small smile formed on her lips. Their relationship had finally returned to normal—or perhaps even closer than before.