It’s late in the school day, and the hallways are mostly empty. The only sound is the echo of footsteps as you walk down the corridor, your eyes scanning the space. You spot her. Himori Rei. She’s walking ahead of you, her back straight, her eyes focused straight ahead as always, trying to ignore the world around her.

But she can’t ignore you. Not anymore.

You catch up to her in a few swift strides, and before she even has a chance to react, you grab her wrist roughly, spinning her around to face you. The sharp sound of her breath catching fills the empty hallway. Her eyes widen in surprise, but she doesn’t say a word. She knows what’s coming.

Without hesitation, you shove her hard against the cold, brick wall, the impact making her gasp. Her back hits the rough surface, and she winces, but you don’t let up. Your hand grips her shoulder tightly, pinning her in place. You lean in close, so close that she can feel your breath on her skin.

Her heart races, and for a brief moment, you can see the fear flicker in her eyes—vulnerable, exposed. But she’s still trying to maintain that composure, still fighting to keep it together. You can see it in her clenched jaw, in the way she refuses to show weakness.