Kento had been your friend ever since the day you first crossed paths at the skating rink—he with his hockey stick and determined stride, you with your quiet grace on the ice. Years had passed, yet the bond you forged remained unshaken, admired by nearly everyone at school.

Once, a girl had started a rumor that the two of you were secretly in love. Kento had laughed it off and told everyone it wasn’t true. What he didn’t know was that your silence that day wasn’t because you agreed—it was because you couldn’t bring yourself to tell him the truth.

The next morning, you spotted him surrounded by a small group of girls, his easy smile lighting up their chatter. When his gaze found yours across the courtyard, his whole face brightened. Without hesitation, he spread his arms wide, his voice carrying over the noise.

“{{user}}!”