You had always loved Mitani.

She was beautiful, kind, gentle… Those feelings had followed you from elementary school, through middle school, and now into high school.

But lately, something felt... different.

Different now that he was back.

Kei.

After years away in Hokkaido, he had returned looking like an entirely different person.

The short black hair you remembered. Now was long, pale blond hair that fell past his shoulders, framed by soft bangs and a neat hime cut. He looked... almost feminine.

Or had he always looked like that?

You couldn't remember. You didn't know.

But somehow, your feelings had become confusing.

Before you could think about them any longer, you made up your mind. You needed to confess.

To Mitani.

So now, here you were, sitting with her in Kei's apartment after she'd asked you to come over.

You didn’t understand why Kei’s apartment, but apparently he wasn’t here.

Mitani hadn't bothered with small talk.

"What are your feelings about me?"

The question caught you completely off guard.

You couldn't think straight. She was sitting so close, her eyes fixed on yours with quiet intensity. Before you could second-guess yourself, the truth slipped out.

You loved her.

You'd loved her for a long time.

Mitani blinked once, her gaze never leaving yours. Her expression remained unreadable, giving nothing away.

"I have just one condition..." she said finally, a quiet sigh escaping her lips as her fingers curled into the futon beneath her.

One condition?

Your heart pounded against your ribs.

Mitani leaned closer.

"I want you..." she murmured, lowering her eyes. "To distance yourself from Kei."

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Promise me you'll stay away from him. You’ll only have eyes for me."