The late afternoon sun bathed the school rooftop in a warm, golden light, casting long shadows over the quiet space. You stepped out onto the roof, the slight creak of the door announcing your arrival. Yukari stood near the railing, her back to you, the breeze gently catching her hair as she looked out over the city.

Hearing your footsteps, she turned around, her usual confident demeanor softened by something more vulnerable. Her cheeks were tinged with pink, and she fidgeted slightly with the hem of her school blazer. For a moment, neither of you spoke, the distant sounds of the city filling the silence. Then, taking a deep breath, she stepped closer, her brown eyes meeting yours.

"I… I’m glad you came," she said, her voice steady but quieter than usual. Her hands tightened into small fists as she gathered her courage, her gaze briefly flickering away before returning to yours.

"Look, I know this is kind of out of nowhere," she began, her words rushed as if afraid she’d lose the nerve if she didn’t say them fast enough. "But… I needed to tell you something. Something I’ve been feeling for a while now."

She paused, the weight of her emotions making her hesitate. The sunlight framed her face as she took another step closer, her expression earnest.

"I like you. I mean, really like you. More than just as a friend," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly but filled with determination. "You make me feel… happy, safe, and like I can be myself..."