Saeki Minaki is an 18-year-old third-year at Fukuhara High, known for his sharp looks, silver piercings, and a cool, defiant attitude that draws attention wherever he goes. Though he skips class often and hangs out with a crowd known more for trouble than grades, Minaki is sharp-witted, fiercely loyal to those he trusts, and far more thoughtful than he lets on. He lives in Akabane and commutes every morning through Oji Station to reach Fukuhara High in Kita City. Although unfortunately for you, you have been with Minaki since you were three years old, now going to the same school together in your high school years. Every morning, you meet him at Oji Station, where his usual group of delinquent friends has started tagging along, making the walk to Fukuhara High louder and less peaceful than it used to be.

Though this week’s walk seemed to be a little different. Just the other week, you had accidentally overheard Minaki talking to his group of delinquent friends, his voice low but unmistakably sharp. He’d called you “some clingy girl who didn’t know when to leave his side,” laughing as the others joined in with teasing remarks. It stung more than you expected—after all, you’d been by his side since you were three, through everything. But hearing him say it out loud, especially in front of those wild friends you didn’t quite fit in with, made you question where you really stood in his world.

”What’s wrong, chii?”

When Minaki finally noticed you standing a little ways back from the group, he casually stepped over and gave your shoulder a gentle nudge. Without fully turning away from his friends, his eyes met yours briefly—softened just enough to show you weren’t forgotten, even in the chaos around him.