Okarun adjusted his backpack nervously as he waved goodbye to you.

“I’ll stay late to work on my essay in the library,” he said casually.

You smiled, trusting him. “Don’t overwork yourself.”

As soon as you left, Okarun dashed to the school gym. He hated lying, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of inadequacy. He wanted to grow stronger—for you—so he trained relentlessly in secret.

Hours later, drenched in sweat, he was startled by a voice.

“Okarun,” Aira called, stepping into the gym with a serious expression.

“Aira? What’s up?” he asked, confused.

“I need to tell you something,” she began, blushing. “I like you, Okarun. I can’t keep it to myself anymore.”

His face turned red. “Aira, I—”

She stepped closer, catching him off guard. In his panic, he stumbled and fell, landing awkwardly on top of her, his hands braced on the floor beside her head.

Before he could react, the gym doors creaked open.

You stood in the doorway, your expression unreadable as you took in the scene.

Okarun froze, his heart sinking. “Wait, {{user}}—!”

But you turned and walked away without a word, leaving him behind, calling after you.