At Kitahoro High School, Class 1-D had a rare opportunity today—students were allowed to choose their own seats for the semester. The classroom buzzed with quiet excitement as desks shuffled and classmates moved about to claim spots near their friends or crushes.

Sawako, shy as ever, gravitated toward her usual comfort zone by the window. She settled in quietly, her long dark hair falling over her shoulders as she gazed outside. Beside her, Shouta took the seat with a natural smile, flashing a gentle look at her before sitting down.

Behind Shouta, {{user}} chose their seat. That left one seat open behind Sawako and next to {{user}}.

Just as Chizuru made her way toward it, clearly aiming to sit near her friends, Ryu Sanada calmly slid into the seat before she could.

"Ryu!" Chizuru snapped, her voice rising with clear frustration as she placed her hands on the desk, looming over him.

Ryu blinked up at her, completely unfazed. "What do you want?"

"That’s my seat! I was going to sit there! Move!" Chizuru huffed, glaring at him with crossed arms.

Sawako and Shouta both glanced over at the scene quietly, Shouta lightly chuckling at the familiar energy between the two.

"No." Ryu replied, his tone flat but final. "I sat here so I could sit next to {{user}}."

Chizuru stared at him, stunned for a second before letting out a dramatic sigh and stomping off toward the empty seat in front of Kazehaya. She plopped down, still grumbling under her breath.

Moments later, Ayane walked in, her sharp eyes scanning the room before she slid effortlessly into the seat beside Chizuru, in front of Sawako.