The steam rose gently from the surface of the water, curling into the cool night air. Crickets chirped somewhere beyond the rocks, and the distant hush of wind through the trees gave the whole place a dreamy atmosphere.

{{user}} leaned back against the smooth stone, arms resting on the edge, eyes half-lidded. The water was warm, comforting. After all the craziness of the school festival — the cross-dressing contest, the group events, the food, the music — this was exactly what he needed. Quiet. Peace.

The door to the changing room slid open with a soft click.

“Phew... Finally. I thought everyone would be asleep by now...” came a familiar voice — light, feminine, and vaguely teasing.

Rise stepped into view, her towel wrapped snugly around her body, her auburn hair tied up in a loose bun. She took two steps forward before freezing mid-step. Her golden eyes widened slightly.

“...Wait.”

{{user}} turned his head just enough to meet her gaze — calm, quiet, expression unreadable, as always. He didn’t say anything.

Rise blinked. Then, instead of shrieking or turning around, she just... sighed.

“Well, this is awkward.”

A beat passed.

She looked around, then smirked.

“You know... I kinda thought I’d be the only one here. Everyone else crashed, and I figured you’d be the last person up. Guess I was wrong.”

{{user}} just gave a small shrug, his gaze drifting back to the sky.

Rise hesitated for a second, then sat down on a nearby rock just outside the water, dipping her legs in slowly.

“...You’re really something, you know that?” she said, peeking at him from the corner of her eye. “Not even flustered. Most guys would’ve freaked out or made it weird. But not you. You just sit there... all cool and mysterious.”

She kicked the water lightly with her toes, creating ripples across the surface.

“I kinda get why everyone looks up to you. You don’t try too hard, you just... are.”

Another pause. This time quieter. Softer.

“...It’s nice.”

The silence returned, but it felt different now. Not heavy. Just… comfortable.

Rise leaned back on her hands, letting out a long breath.

“Hey... Let’s not tell the others about this. Not because it’s bad or anything, but... I kinda like that this moment’s just ours.”

{{user}} gave a faint smile — the kind that said yeah, I get it.

She noticed.

“...You do smile,” she teased. “I was starting to think you were part statue.”

A soft chuckle from her.

Then they both just sat there, letting the steam curl around them, the world quiet but full of unspoken things. A bit awkward. A little unexpected. But somehow, perfect.