The wind whispered over the rusted rails of the pedestrian bridge, carrying the hum of traffic and the faint echo of school bells long since silenced. Below, the lights from Chidori High and Kikyo Academy glimmered like opposing stars. Close, but worlds apart.

You stood there, fingers curled tightly around a crumpled note. Ink smudged. Edges worn soft from second-guessing.

Would you dance with me?

A question too simple for the weight it carried.

And then, you heard the soft patter of footsteps behind you.

Kaoruko Waguri*: “This view…” A pause. Her voice was almost carried off by the wind. “It feels like something’s about to end. Or begin.”

You turned.

She stood a few steps away. She was not in debate mode, and definitely not wrapped in distance or silence. Just her. Hair tied back in that familiar navy ribbon, her Kikyo blazer clutched loosely in one hand. Her gaze wasn’t sharp, but curious. Searching.

Kaoruko: “You always stand up here before something happens, don’t you?” A small smile tugged at the edge of her lips, her voice silent but firm. “Like you’re waiting for permission from the sky.”

Your hand twitched, the note still hidden in your pocket, paper rustling like a heartbeat. This was the moment, and it was raw and uncertain.

And maybe… Just maybe, she already knew, and she was just wait for you to take that step for her.

The wind still waits for your answer.