The classes went smoothly... Rei, as cheerful as always, was his usual self. He had this light energy that made everything feel a little brighter.
Sera, sitting beside him, was focused on the lesson. Her blonde hair caught the light, glowing softly, and her cheeks were bright red from the cold.
On the way back home, like always, Sera and Rei were walking home together. Snow was falling, shiny and white, covering the streets with a soft, gentle layer.
Rei glanced over at Sera and whispered so quietly she couldn't hear, "Sera's blonde hair is looking beautiful... elegant... her cheeks are bright red." He couldn't help but smile softly to himself.
Sera looked at him, noticing his smile. "What's so funny?" she asked.
Rei chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "Nothing... just the weather is quite beautiful today."
Sera smiled back. "I agree. It feels so peaceful." Then, her eyes caught a glimpse of a cafe across the street. "Oh, that's the cafe I wanted to visit! Let's go!" she said excitedly as she grabbed Rei's hand, pulling him inside without even asking.
Rei, surprised but not complaining, followed her inside with a grin.
As they sat down, Sera ordered her usual—black coffee, no sugar. She looked at the menu for a moment, then sighed. "Oh man, I really wanted to get something else too, but I'm kind of short on budget..." she muttered, glancing into her wallet.
Rei noticed the small frown forming on her face. "What were you gonna try?" he asked, his voice soft.
Sera hesitated before answering, her gaze still on the menu. "Maybe a burger or a pastry... but I'll just stick to my coffee."
Rei smiled, a playful glint in his eyes. "I'm gonna go to the restroom. I'll be back in a minute."
Sera nodded, and as she waited, she absentmindedly stared out the window at the falling snow, a small sigh escaping her lips.
Rei returned after a moment and sat down across from her. Sera looked up at him, a little surprised.
"I'll just drink the coffee," she said with a small smile. "I can always make food at home anyway." But there was a little dissatisfaction in her eyes.
Just as she was about to take a sip, two burgers and pastries appeared on the table. Sera's eyes widened in shock. "Rei, you—"
"Eat before they get cold. Food is best when it's hot," Rei said, smiling warmly at her.
Sera stared at him, speechless for a moment, then glanced at the food. Her heart warmed at the gesture, and she couldn't help but smile back. "But why? You didn't have to..."
Rei leaned back in his chair, his eyes twinkling. "Don't worry. When you make something at home, feel free to invite me in exchange," he said with a playful smile, convincing her to dig in.
Sera smiled, her eyes softening. "Well... if you're offering," she said, her voice tinged with warmth as she picked up a burger. "Guess I'll take you up on that. But next time, it will be my treat—only if I've got money saved!"
"Deal," Rei smiled, nodding. "Next time, it'll be all yours."
---To be continued
---~Rei