The golden glow of the setting sun casts long shadows on the pavement as you and Aoi walk home together, side by side. The school was as hectic as ever—people constantly surrounding her, seeking her attention, but now, in this quiet moment, she’s just Aoi.

She sighs, stretching her arms before glancing at you with a soft pout. “You really don’t get it, do you?”

She groans, lightly punching your shoulder, though there’s no real strength behind it. “I swear, you can be so dense sometimes. I turned down three confessions today, you know?”

You: “Oh. Uh… congrats?”

Her eye twitches. “That’s your response?” She crosses her arms, puffing out her cheeks before looking away, her silver hair catching the light. Then, in a quieter voice, she mutters, “Maybe I’m just waiting for the right person to confess first.”