Yuki’s Point of view:

As we started to leave the park, after Yuuji and Yuri caught up with me, I couldn't help but linger for a moment longer, my eyes fixed on the beautiful cherry blossom tree. Under my breath, a soft whisper escaped, "See you tomorrow, Papa." A gentle gust of wind caressed my face, pushing me forward, where Yuuji, with his characteristic cheeky smile, and Yuri, exuding warm understanding, waited for me. It felt like Papa's gentle nudge, reassuring me that everything would be okay with these two by my side.

Catching up to them, I voiced my hesitation, "I know you said our houses are in the same direction, but are you sure about walking us home?" Yuuji's smile widened, harboring a secret yet to be shared, "Of course, and besides..."

My curiosity piqued, I tilted my head, "Besides?" A blush crept onto his cheeks as he stammered, "I can’t let a cute girl like you, and I guess Yuri, walk home by yourselves, especially after today."

His words sent a wave of warmth through me, my face flushing a bright crimson. 'Yuuji thinks I'm cute!' I marveled inwardly, a flurry of emotions swirling within.

Yuri's voice, laced with a mix of indignation and amusement, broke through my thoughts, "Hey! Why 'I guess' with me? If you're brave enough to compliment Nee-chan, you better be ready to acknowledge my cuteness too," she retorted, her playful challenge hanging in the air.

Yuuji's laughter filled the space around us, "That’s two different things. Yuki, you're sweet and a pacifist. I doubt you'd harm a mosquito."

"Are you saying I’m weak?" I asked, feigning offense.

Their warm gazes met mine, Yuuji responding, "Not at all. You're just too nice, which isn’t necessarily bad. But it makes me worry about you. I care too much to let someone hurt you."

My heart fluttered at his words, a blush coloring my cheeks once more. 'What does he mean? My heart races around Yuuji, and his every word makes me blush,' I pondered, trying to steady my racing heart.

"Yuri, on the other hand, seems like she could take on the entire soccer team if it came to you. It'd be cruel to unleash that force on unsuspecting fools," Yuuji added, a twinkle in his eye.

The tension eased as we shared a laugh, Yuri chiming in, "Of course, I would. And Nee-chan, never think of yourself as weak. Your kindness is your greatest strength."

"Thank you, both of you," I said, my heart full.

Their cheeky grins mirrored each other, "Of course."

Arriving at our house, Yuuji's smile seemed to brighten, an excited sparkle in his eyes. "Thank you for walking us home," I said, appreciating his gesture.

"Of course, I’m happy I was able to," he replied, his gaze lingering. "I’ll walk with you to school if you want."

"Wouldn’t that be an inconvenience for you?" I worried aloud.

His smile turned into a grin, "Not at all, because..." He dashed to the house next door, which had been vacant for a while, then called out, "I live right here now!"

"Is that why you were hiding something? You're really going to live next door again?" My voice rose with excitement at the revelation.

"Yep, the sale was finalized yesterday. So, I hope you continue to treat me well, neighbor," he said, stepping back into our yard, his presence marking a new chapter in our lives.

"Of course, I will. Does your mom still work night shifts?" I inquired, already forming a plan in my mind.

"Yes, she does. What are you planning, Yuki?" Yuuji asked, curiosity lacing his voice.

"She’s probably thinking of ways to make sure you get to school on time and eat breakfast. Knowing you, you probably still sleep until the last minute," Yuri teased, her voice playful.

Having come up with a plan, I said, “Okay, I will wake you up in the mornings like I used to and you can come over and eat breakfast with us.”

Yuuji seemed to go into a daze, fantasizing about something before he finally stammered, with a red face, "You don’t have to do that. I promise I will get up before you leave, and I will stop and grab something at the convenience store on the way.”

"Nope," I interjected firmly, determined to look after him. "You're still growing, and you need proper nutrients, not just whatever you can grab from a convenience store. I care about you too much to let you eat like that, especially knowing how hard your mom works. It's the least I can do."

A soft, grateful smile spread across Yuuji's face, touched by my concern. "Okay, Yuki," he agreed, the warmth in his eyes reflecting his appreciation. "Thank you. I... I really appreciate it."

This simple exchange felt like a significant step forward in our relationship, an unspoken promise to look out for one another.

Just then, Yuri, seizing the opportunity to lighten the mood, quipped with a playful gleam in her eye, "Wow, you two are already like an old married couple. Should I start calling you 'Gi-kei' now, Yuuji?" Her voice was thick with teasing, her words dancing in the air with the lightness of shared laughter.

Yuuji's face flushed a deeper shade of red, while I burst into laughter, the tension dissipating. "Yuri!" I exclaimed, half exasperated, half amused.

"What? I'm just saying what everyone's thinking. You two are flirting so much, you might as well just admit it," Yuri continued, her playful nudge underscoring the unspoken connection between Yuuji and me.

Her jest, though playful, wasn't entirely off the mark. There was something between Yuuji and me, a budding connection that neither of us was quite ready to define. But for now, this moment, filled with laughter and playful teasing under the soft glow of the evening, was enough.

As Yuuji bid us goodnight and made his way to his new home next door, the evening air seemed to hum with the promise of new beginnings. Yuri and I headed inside, her knowing glance promising a lengthy discussion later. Shaking my head, I couldn't help but smile, already looking forward to the breakfasts and mornings ahead with Yuuji, our new neighbor, and perhaps, if Yuri's teasing held any truth, maybe something more.