The autumn sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the sprawling campus. The trees, their leaves a mosaic of amber and crimson, swayed gently in the breeze, whispering secrets of change and transformation. It was a picturesque afternoon, yet for Mafuyu, the beauty of the world seemed muted by an internal storm. She walked along the cobblestone path, her heart a tangled mess of emotions, the weight of expectations heavy on her shoulders.

Mafuyu's hair danced in the wind, and she tucked a loose strand behind her ear, a habit born of nervousness. She was aware of the curious glances from her classmates, the whispers that surrounded her like a cloak. The girl who excelled in everything—academics, sports, even music—was now an enigma to them. Yet, it was {{user}}’s absence that gnawed at her. It had been a week since she had denied them the title of her lover, a week since she had cast away the warmth of their shared moments under the stars.

“Why do you keep avoiding me?” {{user}}’s voice broke through her reverie.

Mafuyu paused, her heart racing as she met their gaze. The way they looked at her—like she was the only person in the world—stirred something deep within her. Yet, the words she had spoken echoed painfully in her mind, a reminder of the barriers she had constructed between them. “{{user}}, I—” she began, her voice barely above a whisper, but the words tangled in her throat.

“Is it because of them?” {{user}} gestured towards a group of students laughing and chatting nearby, their eyes flickering her way, curiosity glinting in their expressions. “What they think? What they say?”

Mafuyu felt a surge of frustration rises within her. “It’s not just that!” she exclaimed, her voice sharper than intended. The sudden outburst drew the attention of a few students, their laughter fading as they turned to watch the unfolding drama. “I have to focus on my studies, on meeting the expectations… It’s complicated!”