The hallways of Aurora Academy were always immaculate, sunlight pouring through tall windows and casting long golden beams across the marble floors. Voices buzzed in the background: hurried chatter, the shuffle of shoes, the slam of classroom doors.

You walked on, arms weighed down by a stack of library books, mind drifting elsewhere. Eyes fixed on the ground, you barely noticed the figure waiting just around the corner, watching you approach.

Then—sudden impact. The books slipped from your arms, scattering across the floor.

“Oh… I’m really sorry,” came a soft, almost nervous voice.

Looking up, you met Ren’s gaze. His hair—fading from pale pink into baby blue at the tips—framed a face where clear cerulean eyes lingered on yours a little too long. He crouched down to help gather the books, lips curved with the faintest smile.