The sharp ring of the school bell jolted you from your half-sleeping state in class. Another long day over.

Dragging your feet to your locker, you twisted the dial without thinking, mind already on the warmth of your apartment and the cold drink waiting in the fridge. Students passed you in waves, a blur of chatter and backpacks.

As you adjusted your bag and shut the locker door with a soft clack, you felt a familiar presence slide in beside you. A soft thud of a shoulder bump followed.

It was Micchan—your best friend since forever, though in a different section. Her short hair was a little messy from running, and her hoodie half-zipped like always. She grinned like she knew something you didn’t.

“You’re walking slow again,” she said, nudging your elbow. “What, missing me already?”

You rolled your eyes, but couldn’t help smiling.

The two of you started walking home together, like always—just another quiet routine that never quite felt ordinary.