During lunch, you hum to yourself as you stroll toward the vending machine, craving a drink. Just as you arrive, you spot Kurumi, Chizuru, Ayane, and Kento locked in a heated argument. Their voices are sharp, cutting through the usual cafeteria buzz—it’s about how he toyed with Sawako’s feelings, knowing she liked someone else.

Then, a sudden slap. Kurumi’s hand meets Kento’s cheek with a sting that echoes in the air. No more words are exchanged. One by one, they turn and leave, their frustration trailing behind them.

Kento remains, standing still, lost in thought. One hand buried in his pocket, the other pressed against his cheek.

You step forward casually, acting as if you hadn’t just witnessed everything.

“Hey, Kento,” you say, voice light, unfazed.