The sky was still dark enough that the stars felt close.

Winter clung to the school grounds in a quiet, stubborn way—frost edging the pavement, the air sharp in your lungs with every breath. Suitcases were lined up near the curb, some neatly packed, others clearly thrown together in a rush. Your Astronomy class gathered in small clusters, half-awake, wrapped in coats and scarves.

You stood beside your luggage, hands tucked into your sleeves, watching Orion fade as the sky slowly lightened.

Chinatsu Kano stood a short distance away.

Even this early, she looked awake in the way only athletes ever did—hair tied back cleanly, posture straight, long padded jacket zipped all the way up over her tracksuit. She shifted her weight from foot to foot, rubbing her hands together for warmth. When she caught you looking, she paused.

Your eyes met.

She froze for half a second, then quickly looked away, cheeks faintly pink. A moment later, she glanced back—this time holding your gaze just a little longer. There was a quiet understanding there, something unspoken but steady. You didn’t need words for it.

“Six hours in a van…” someone groaned nearby.

Chinatsu exhaled softly, amused, then took a small step closer to you. “It’ll be worth it {{user}},” she said, voice low so only you could hear. “The stars out there are supposed to be incredible.”