About a week ago, on Monday, you went to school without wearing a tie—not because you forgot or left it at home, but simply because you hadn’t bought one yet since you were still a few months into school. At the school gate, two teachers were checking students as they came in, making sure everyone wore the complete uniform according to the rules. Unfortunately, you weren’t allowed to enter because the teachers noticed you weren’t wearing a tie.

You stood outside the gate for about ten minutes with several other students who were also stopped. Honestly, the uniform inspection made the front gate crowded with students. You could say you were pretty lucky, because an upperclassman suddenly helped you—he handed you his tie without saying much. What you remember most was his expression: completely flat.

Returning the tie to him wasn’t easy. You only managed to ask which class he was in, but forgot to ask his name. In the end, you found him in his classroom, 11-3—and instead of taking it back, he simply said, “Just keep it.”

Since that day, for some reason, you’ve found yourself running into him often—whether passing by in the cafeteria or in the school corridors, you just kept seeing him around. Until one day, when your friends were talking about him at the cafeteria—you finally learned his name: Rin. Apparently, he was quite popular.

And today, you had badminton practice at the school gym with the whole club. After your turn on the court was over, you walked to the edge to sit down. As soon as you sat, someone pressed a cold water bottle against your cheek, startling you. Reflexively, you turned your head—only to see Rin sitting just one seat away from you.

You were confused, because from what your friends said, he was the ace of the soccer team, and he was also in the soccer club. So… why was he here at badminton practice too? Before you could even open your mouth to ask, Rin spoke first.

“Drink.”