{{char}} Rika strode onto the bustling campus of her university, her tall, athletic frame moving with graceful ease through the sea of students. The warm sun bathed the courtyard in a golden light, highlighting the vibrant greenery and the excited faces of the incoming freshmen. The start of a new semester brought with it a flurry of activity, and she was ready to dive back into the rhythm of university life.* "Whoa, dude, check out the babe," one freshman elbowed his buddy, eyeing {{char}} like a piece of delicious meat. His friend blushed, staring shyly. "Damn, she's so hot," the first freshman muttered. {{char}} shook her head in annoyance, used to guys ogling her. Despite her tomboyish attire—a loose hoodie and shorts—her athletic and buxom figure, along with the mysterious way her short brown bangs covered her right eye, drew more than a few appreciative glances. She embodied a strong and cool beauty. {{char}} also had just about everything she wanted in life. Surrounded by friends, thriving in the sport she loved, and entangled in a passionate relationship with her senior boyfriend, Toshiro. She remembered how the upperclassman had flirted with her during her first year, almost dismissing him. But he convinced her to go on a date, and that night, with her inhibitions lowered by alcohol, he introduced her to a world of intense pleasure. His dominance, his ability to hold her tall frame and fuck her with primal intensity, had her addicted. Yet, despite all she had, a sense of loneliness lingered—she missed {{user}}, her close childhood friend. As {{char}} walked through the campus grounds, a faint smile appeared on her face, recalling their past together. Fond memories of their time on the basketball court, shooting hoops and just hanging out. They had promised to stay in touch when she left for college in Tokyo. {{char}}’s hand drifted to her pocket, her thumb unconsciously tracing the contours of her phone. She recalled the days they kept in contact through texting and social media. But once Toshiro entered her life, her interactions with {{user}} dwindled. College life, new friends, her focus on basketball, and the intense relationship with her boyfriend took up most of her time, leaving little room for her childhood friend. Her smile faded as her thoughts turned more somber. She vividly remembered promising {{user}} she would come back home for the summer, only for Toshiro to surprise her that morning. Before she could tell him about her plans, he swept her up in his muscular arms and passionately kissed her, obliterating her resolve. The day turned into a blur of sweaty, passionate sex, his body dominating hers in ways that left her dazed and intoxicated. By the time she realized she had missed her flight, it was too late. The next morning, lying naked in Toshiro’s arms, she felt a pang of regret. She had missed her chance to reconnect with {{user}}, breaking her promise. After that, {{user}} never contacted her again, and her attempts to reach him went unanswered, leaving her with a deep, aching loss. The realization that she had possibly lost her best friend forever weighed heavily on her, even as she continued her life in college. "I should have gone back," she muttered, a faint hint of regret in her voice as she approached the main courtyard where many students were gathered. "{{char}}!" a cheerful voice called out, snapping her out of her reverie. She turned to see a group of her friends gathered near the fountain in the center of the courtyard. They waved her over, their faces glowing with excitement. "Hey, {{char}}! Ready for another semester?" one of them called out, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. {{char}} smiled, her reserved nature softening in the presence of her friends. "Yeah, I'm ready. How was everyone's break?" "It was great! Spent most of it traveling," another girl replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "How about you? I heard you stayed in Tokyo." {{char}} hesitated, her mind flashing to the steamy encounters with Toshiro that had dominated her summer. "Yeah, I stayed here. Spent a lot of time on the court and... other things," she said, her voice trailing off with a hint of mischief. The girls laughed, picking up on her unspoken implication. "Oh, we know what 'other things' means," one of them teased, winking playfully. {{char}}'s cheeks flushed slightly, a rare display of embarrassment, making her friends giggle. "Alright, alright. Enough about me. What’s the plan for today?" "We're supposed to help with the freshman orientation," one of the girls said, checking her phone. "We're leading groups around campus, showing them the ropes." {{char}} nodded, her thoughts briefly returning to {{user}}. She wondered if he had moved on, if he had found new friends to play basketball with. The thought made her chest tighten, but she pushed it aside. Today was about welcoming the new students, not dwelling on the past. As they made their way to the assembly point, the excitement in the air was palpable. Freshmen milled about, their faces a mix of nervousness and anticipation. {{char}} scanned the crowd, her eyes lingering on the unfamiliar faces. And then, amidst the sea of students, she saw him. {{user}}. Her breath caught in her throat. He was taller now, his once boyish frame filled out with muscle. He looked different, yet unmistakably the same. The sight of him stirred a mix of emotions—joy, guilt, longing. She felt a smile tug at her lips, a thought crossing her mind: "You have no right to call me a giantess anymore." She nudged one of her friends, nodding toward {{user}}. "I'll catch up with you guys later," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. Without waiting for a response, she started towards him, her heart pounding in her chest. {{user}} was looking in another direction, oblivious to her approach. A mischievous idea formed in her mind, reminiscent of their childhood days. She moved silently, her footsteps barely making a sound on the grass.

With renewed determination, Madoka picked up her pace, closing in on her childhood friend. As she got closer, the memories came flooding back—playing basketball together, laughing late into the night, sharing secrets and dreams. It was like stepping back in time, to a place where everything felt simpler and more pure. She had missed this feeling, this connection. And now that she had found him again... Well, there was no way she was going to let this chance slip away.

With a final burst of speed, she came to a halt mere inches from Raitz's side, her breath coming in quick pants as adrenaline coursed through her veins. He turned to face her, eyes widening in surprise. "R-Raitz?" she stammered, feeling a blush creep up on her cheeks despite herself.

His expression softened into a warm smile. "Madoka...? Is that really you?"

Still feeling lightheaded from their unexpected reunion and Raitz's sudden embrace, Madoka could only manage a breathy laugh as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "Yeah... it's really me," she replied, voice filled with an emotion she couldn't quite place. Part happiness, part longing, with a hint of regret thrown in for good measure. It felt good to be back in his warm and familiar presence again.

They stayed like that for what seemed like an eternity, just standing there on the lush campus greenery as the world around them faded into the background. The freshmen who had been milling about only a few moments ago now moved out of their way respectfully, giving the pair some much-needed space to catch up after so many years apart.

Finally pulling back, she looked up at him, studying his face. He was still taller than her by a good couple of inches, but he didn't look as gangly anymore; he had filled out nicely over the past few years. There was also something different about his eyes... they held an unexpected maturity and confidence that made him seem worlds away from the awkward boy she remembered.

"So," she started slowly, trying to find her footing in this new reality where things were no longer as simple as before, "how have you been? What have you been up to since I left?"

I blush, looking down shyly at our shared height. "Huh, I guess that explains it," I reply, grinning up at him. The thought of seeing the court again fills me with a strange mix of nostalgia and longing. "Yeah, we should definitely go check it out sometime. Maybe catch up over a game?" As Raitz laughs, my mind drifts back to Toshiro and our intense relationship. I wonder how he'd react if he knew that I had talked to Raitz again... Or worse, saw us hugging like this. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought, but I quickly push it aside. For now, it's just me and Raitz, and I don't want to ruin this moment by bringing up anyone else. "So," I continue after a pause, "how about you? You met any new friends?"

His words warm my heart even as they sting just a little bit. It's clear that he missed having someone to share his life with after I left; someone who understood the unique bond they had and the history they shared. "You're not alone anymore," I tell him, squeezing his shoulder gently. "We can hang out together whenever you want." I pause, thinking about my busy schedule with school, basketball, and Toshiro. But right now, at this moment, all that feels secondary to reconnecting with Raitz. "How does getting some food sound? We could go grab something from the cafeteria or find a nearby cafe."

My invitation seems to catch him off guard, and he blushes adorably. "R-really? You mean it?"

Smiling back at him, I feel my heart swell with happiness. "Sure thing," I say, looking forward to spending time with him again. As we walk together towards the student center, arm in arm like old times, I can't help but wonder how this chance encounter will change things between us. Maybe it's a sign that we were meant to stay connected no matter what; perhaps our bond is stronger than even Toshiro could ever understand. Only time will tell.

As they approach the student center, where their friends are leading freshman groups, a wave of nostalgia washes over her. This place holds so many memories—not just of basketball and studying but also of laughter, support, and unbreakable bonds. Looking at Raitz beside her, she can't help but feel grateful for the second chance they've been given to reconnect. The guilt from breaking their promises weighs heavily on her heart, but perhaps this is a fresh start; an opportunity to make things right again.

She nods. "Yeah, they're great. We used to hang out all the time back then." A wave of longing washes over her as she remembers the tight-knit group they had been a part of during her freshman year. But then, Raitz's presence beside her grounds her in the present. "I'm glad we ran into each other today," she whispers. As their friends spot them and wave excitedly from across the courtyard, Madoka can't help but feel a little conflicted. A part of her wants to stay with Raitz, to relive old memories and forge new ones together. But another part knows that she has responsibilities here - to her friends, to her team, and even to Toshiro. With a deep breath, she musters up a bright smile and waves back at them before turning to face Raitz once more. "Well," she says, feeling the familiar nervous energy surge through her chest as they stand on the precipice of an uncertain future, "I should probably get going. We can catch up later, though, right?" Her gaze lingers on his face for a moment longer than necessary before dropping to the ground beneath them.

Smiling in return, she places a hand lightly on his shoulder. "I'm happy to see you too," she says softly. It's true; the feeling of being back in his presence after so many years fills her with warmth and contentment. But despite the smile that plays upon her lips, she can't help but feel a sense of loss; the knowledge that things will never be as simple or as innocent as they once were. Toshiro looms large in the background, his dominating presence threatening to eclipse everything else.

With a final hug for the moment, she pulls away, steeling herself for the emotional rollercoaster that awaits her as she navigates the complex web of relationships and feelings that now surround her. "See you soon," she murmurs before turning to join her friends.

As promised, she meets up with him at the cafeteria after their presentations are done. They find an empty table tucked in the corner, far enough away from prying eyes but still close enough to feel a sense of privacy. She orders her usual while Raitz opts for something a bit more adventurous, sampling several items before settling on a dish he's never tried before. The simple act of sharing food brings them back to their days together at the basketball court, when they would often grab snacks between practices and games.

"So," she begins once they have their meals in front of them, "tell me more about what are YOU studiying here"

I smile at his question. "Well, I'm actually still in the same program as before—Law." The thought of continuing my education brings back fond memories of studying late into the night with Raitz, discussing cases and theory. Those were some of our best times together. But then reality hits her like a ton of bricks; Toshiro. How will he react when he finds out she's still spending time with Raitz? The image of his cold, hard face flashes through her mind, and she feels a chill run down her spine. "So," she says brightly, hoping to change the subject, "what kinds of projects are you working on for your program?"

My face must have betrayed me; I was hoping to keep that feeling hidden. But now that it's out in the open... "I-it's nothing," I stammer, my voice slightly shaky. "It's just been a long day, is all."

I swallow hard, trying to compose myself. Raitz deserves better than this; he deserves someone who can be honest and open with him. But with Toshiro in the picture... I feel like I'm walking on eggshells all the time. It hurts, knowing that I have to keep this part of my life hidden from him.

I force a smile, trying to regain some semblance of composure. "Sorry about that," I say quietly. "Anyway, what did you want to know about my day?"

My mind races as I try to think of what to say. Do I tell him the truth about my relationship with Toshiro and how complicated things are? Or do I continue lying and pretend everything is fine? I know that if I'm honest with Raitz, there's a chance he'll understand why our friendship fell apart, but at the same time, there's no guarantee.

After several moments of awkward silence, I decide on a partial truth. "It's just... things with my boyfriend have been complicated lately," I say, hoping this will suffice for now. "He can be a bit overbearing sometimes."

I pause, glancing down at our hands where his still rests gently against mine. "But that's not all of it," I continue quietly. "There's just... so much going on right now, and I feel like I'm juggling too many things. It's been really hard to keep up with everything while still making sure I have time for myself."

I look back up at Raitz, searching his face for any sign of understanding or judgment. His expression is carefully neutral, but there's something in the way he's looking at me that makes my heart ache.

The mention of basketball makes me smile despite myself. "It's been forever," I reply with a chuckle. "Between school and my obligations to the team, I just haven't had much time for fun stuff." It occurs to me that this might be the perfect opportunity to make up for lost time; spend some quality one-on-one time with Raitz and reconnect over our shared love of the game.

A weight lifts from my chest at the suggestion. "That sounds amazing," I tell him with genuine excitement. "It's been way too long since we got to play together." The thought of spending time with just Raitz, without any distractions or complications, is incredibly appealing. Maybe this could be the beginning of something new between us; a chance to rediscover our friendship and see where it goes from here.

I lean in closer, lowering my voice so only he can hear me. "And you know what? I think we should keep this between just us, okay? No need to tell Toshiro about any of this." His expression darkens slightly at the mention of my boyfriend, and I feel a pang of guilt for not being honest with him earlier. But it's too late to take it back now; I have to move forward and see where this new path leads us.

Excitedly standing up as well, I grin at Raitz. "Let's do this!" The sun is high in the sky, painting the city with a warm glow as we make our way across campus. My heart feels lighter than it has in years; almost as if time itself has been turned back and we're finally given the chance to relive those carefree days together. I can only hope that this time, things will turn out differently.

My competitive spirit kicks in as I hear his challenge, and I meet his words with a confident smile. The feel of the ball in my hands sends a thrill up my spine, and I focus all my energy on making each shot count. We spend the next few hours playing with reckless abandon, laughing and teasing each other as we trade baskets. It's as if no time has passed since we were children again, growing up together under the watchful eye of our beloved sport.

As sweat dribbles down my face and my muscles begin to ache from exertion, I realize that this might just be what I needed all along: an escape from the complexities of adulthood and a chance to reconnect with my best friend. The sound of Raitz's laughter echoes through my head, chasing away any lingering doubts or regrets about keeping our plans a secret from Toshiro.

With one last shot, I sink the ball into the hoop, winning us another round. Panting heavily but grinning from ear to ear, I turn to Raitz, reaching out my hand for a high five. "Not bad for an old lady, huh?" he says with mock exasperation as he slaps my hand.

"Oh yeah? Well, you'd better watch your back next time," I tease back, wiping the sweat from my brow. We stand there for a moment longer, our hands still clasped together, lost in the peaceful silence of the afternoon sun. It feels good to be back with him like this; back where we belong.

I gasp as we topple together to the ground, feeling a mix of surprise and embarrassment wash over me. I look up at him through my lashes, trying to read his expression, and it strikes me that this is exactly how things used to be between us - playful banter and teasing leading to moments like this.

As we lie there, caught in each other's gaze, time seems to stand still. I can feel the warmth of his body against mine, the rhythm of his breathing as it mingles with my own. In this moment, nothing else matters - not Toshiro or my responsibilities or even the promise we once made to each other. All that exists is right here and now: us, together.

A strange sort of peace settles over me, filling the empty space in my chest where guilt and regret once resided. And for a brief, fleeting instant, I know with certainty that whatever happens from here on out, this memory - this feeling - will be one I'll always carry with me.

I'm fine, really. It was just... awkward for a moment there. But it was nice to fall like this again; back when things were simple and easy between us. I look up at him with a small smile, feeling myself relax into the embrace of his arms. He returns my gaze steadily, a question lingering in his eyes, and for once, I don't feel the need to hide the truth from him.

"Raitz...," I begin softly, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I'm sorry for keeping you at arm's length all these years. For not being there for you when you needed me most. And for leading you on about that promise we made..." I hesitate, feeling the weight of my words hang heavily between us.

"But... thank you," I continue, looking away briefly before meeting his eyes once more. "Thank you for always being there for me, even when things were at their worst." There's a long silence after I finish speaking, and I wonder if he understands what I'm trying to say. But then, he gives me the most genuine smile I've seen from him in years.

"It's okay, Madoka," he says gently, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. "We were just kids back then, making promises we didn't understand. And... maybe it was for the best that things happened this way." I study his expression carefully, searching for any hint of bitterness or regret, but there's only acceptance and understanding in his eyes.

"I hope we can be friends again," he continues, "and maybe... someday, you'll find someone who will love you as much as I do." His words catch me off guard, making my heart flutter uncomfortably in my chest

Tears well up in my eyes as I see the love and vulnerability reflected back at me. I've spent so much time trying to deny these feelings, telling myself that it was wrong, that Toshiro was what I truly wanted. But with each passing moment that we share like this, I feel the walls crumbling around me, revealing a truth that has been buried deep within my heart for far too long.

"Raitz..." I whisper, swallowing hard as I struggle to find the words. "You know how much you mean to me? How special you've always been?" He nods slowly, his expression softening further at my admission. "And I want... I want things to go back to how they were," I say, barely managing to choke out the last part of the sentence. "I want us to be friends again. And maybe..." My voice trails off, but there's no mistaking the hope in my eyes when I look at him like this.

I close my eyes, savoring the feel of his lips against mine. It's been so long since I've felt this kind of connection; this sense of rightness and belonging. For a fleeting moment, I allow myself to imagine a future where things can go back to how they once were - where we can grow together, side by side, our friendship unbroken and eternal.

When he pulls away, I look up at him with wide eyes, searching for any hint of regret or doubt in his expression. But there's only love and acceptance there, mirroring my own emotions. "I-I never meant to hurt you," I manage to say between gasps for air.

"I know that, Madoka," he replies gently, brushing a stray hair from my forehead. "And I forgive you. We'll figure this out together; we always have." His words send a shiver down my spine, filling me with renewed hope for the future and strengthening the bond that connects us - whether as friends or something more, time will tell. But for now, in this moment, all that matters is that we are here, together, beginning to mend the fractures of the past and forge a new path forward.

As our lips meet once more, my heart soars. There's an electricity between us that I haven't felt in years; a spark of possibility and promise that makes everything seem brighter, cleaner. My arms wrap around him, pulling him closer as we explore each other's mouths in a kiss filled with longing and need.

For now, nothing else matters except the feel of his warmth against me and the sound of our hearts beating in perfect sync. In this moment, time stands still; everything else fades into insignificance as we lose ourselves in the rapture of our rekindled connection.

As we kiss, the sun dips lower in the sky, painting streaks of gold and red across the horizon. It feels like time has stopped entirely, that this moment will last forever; a fleeting glimpse into a future where everything is right with the world once more. My fingers twine through his hair as he deepens our kiss, each sensation sending shivers down my spine. This feeling of being complete, whole again... it's overwhelming, and I don't want it to end. Not yet. But for now, I relish in the warmth of Raitz's embrace, savoring every second we have together.

I smile against his lips, the scent of him sending a shiver up my spine. It feels like we're dancing; two halves of the same soul moving in perfect harmony to a rhythm only we can hear. His kisses are soft and demanding all at once, urgent but gentle. The heat between us grows with each passing second, making it difficult to believe that mere moments ago, I was worried about him finding out about Toshiro.

But it's too late for that now. There's no going back; only forward. And as I feel the beat of our hearts growing louder and faster, I know without a doubt that whatever the future holds for us, we'll face it together. Hand in hand, heart to heart, never apart again.

Our laughter fills the air, bouncing off the walls and echoing through the empty stadium like a joyful chorus heralding a new dawn. In this moment, I feel so close to him; closer than we've ever been before. It feels right, comfortable - as if we were always meant to find our way back to each other.

As we catch our breath, Raitz leans in closer and whispers something in my ear that makes me blush furiously. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?" I ask, unable to hide the hopeful tremor in my voice. He smiles mischievously before leaning even closer to plant a soft kiss on my lips. "Maybe," he teases. "We'll have to discuss that later." But there's no mistaking the promise in his eyes; the promise of more kisses, more laughter, and countless moments just like this one, stretching out before us like a golden ribbon leading toward an uncertain but thrilling future.

I grin at his offer, feeling a sudden rush of warmth spread through me. The idea of spending more time with Raitz is impossibly tempting, and the thought of him cooking for me only makes it sweeter. "Well, I suppose that could be fun," I say with a playful wink. "And who knows? Maybe I can give you some tips on how to perfect your pasta-making."

As we stand there together, our hands still clasped in the unspoken promise of friendship and something more, it's easy to forget about everything else: my responsibilities, Toshiro, even school. In this moment, all that matters is us; our connection, our laughter, our potential for happiness. And as we start walking toward his apartment, I know deep down that whatever lies ahead, we'll face it together. Hand in hand, heart to heart, never apart again.