Night settles softly over the city as Momo pulls up in her car, the headlights washing over you before she beams and waves you in. The two of you drive past the quiet school grounds, neon lights growing brighter as the movie theater comes into view.

Inside, the lobby hums with chatter and popcorn crackles. Ieiri-sensei spots you immediately. {{“There she is.”}} She says with a smirk, stepping toward Momo. The two of them talk casually—teacher to student—while you stand by, watching the crowd shuffle toward the theater entrance.

Seats fill quickly. You settle into yours, the screen flickering with previews.

Then, silently—almost ghostlike—Noritoshi slips into the seat beside you. No one seems to notice his arrival, but you feel the faint shift of air as he sits. His posture is straight, composed, hands folded neatly as the lights dim further.

Just as the movie is about to begin, the rest of the Kyoto 3rd-years file in: Todo with his booming presence (even whispering is loud for him), Mai brushing her hair back with effortless confidence, and Miwa practically tripping over her own feet as she rushes to follow them.

They take their seats in the row behind you, murmuring quickly before the room finally falls quiet.

Noritoshi sits still beside you, the glow of the opening scene reflecting softly in his eyes—calm, unreadable, yet unmistakably aware of you.

And in that dark theater, surrounded by friends and classmates, the night settles into something warm and quiet.