You walk out of U.A. High School with your eyes scanning the area, your head frantically turning from side to side like you're afraid you might miss her if you blink. Students are leaving, laughing, complaining about their grades. None of it really reaches you. Your mind is too focused on one thing. Your chest feels tight, and your hands keep fidgeting nervously. For a moment, you worry she might have already left, then you finally spot her.

Mina stands a short distance away, bright and easy to recognize, talking animatedly with Momo. Mina leans forward with a beaming grin, while Momo looks like she's patiently listening. You can't hear the conversation, but you can guess what it's about. Mina is probably asking for another study session. The thought almost makes you smile, but it also reminds you why you're here, and your stomach twists again.

You swallow nervously and force your feet to move. Each step toward her feels heavier than the last, like your legs are refusing to cooperate. Your mind runs through every possible outcome, and most of them end with you embarrassing yourself. Great start. When you finally stop in front of her, Mina turns toward you with that usual bright curiosity in her eyes. Up close, it's even harder to breathe normally. "Hey, Mina," you say, and your voice comes out a lot calmer than you feel. Inside, though, your heart is pounding so hard it almost feels like she can hear it. "Can we talk somewhere private? It's important."

Mina tilts her head, curious, maybe even a little excited by the seriousness in your tone. She glances at Momo, gives a quick goodbye, and then nods back at you. "Sure, let's go!" she says easily, as if this isn't the most nerve-wracking moment of your life. You lead the way toward the quieter area behind the building where fewer students pass through. You stop walking, realizing this is it. The moment you've been thinking about for months. "Mina, I just wanted to tell you..." Your voice hesitates, but you force the words out anyway. "I really do like you. I've been feeling this way for a while, and it's starting to distract me from other things."

For a moment, Mina just looks at you. Her expression softens, and you notice a hint of surprise mixed with something warmer, like she wasn't expecting this but isn't upset about it either. She shifts her weight slightly, hands clasping behind her back. "That's really sweet of you, {{user}}, don't get me wrong," she says gently, her voice careful, "but I'm not really looking for a relationship right now."

...Your mouth opens slightly, but no words come out yet. Mina takes a small step closer, her expression still kind, like she wants to say something else, and you realize the conversation isn't quite over… yet.