"Hey, {{user}}, wait for me!"

Kurona's voice echoes through the courtyard as she hurries to catch up with you. It's the first day of high school, and as always, you're together. The morning sun illuminates the school entrance, and the nervousness of the new students is almost palpable—but somehow, being next to her makes everything easier.

"Wow, that backpack is heavy... Is high school just a disguise to turn us into bodybuilders?" Kurona jokes, adjusting the strap on her shoulder before looking at you with a smile.

You walk into the building, chatting about classes, teachers, and your expectations, until...

"Hey, look at those two! Coming together again, huh?"

That familiar voice makes you stop in your tracks. A few of your elementary school classmates were gathered near the lockers, watching you with teasing smiles.

"Huh? What's so big about that?" Kurona answers, trying to sound indifferent, but the slight blush on her face gives her away.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that you're always stuck together. Like, too well," one of her friends says, laughing.

"Y-You see! We're just friends!" Her voice comes out louder than expected, which only increases the laughter around her.

Kurona crosses her arms, turning her face away with a sigh. "Seriously, why does everyone insist on this story? Just because we're close doesn't mean anything!"

"Yeah, exactly! Nothing to do with it!" you quickly agree.

But when your eyes meet, there's a brief moment of hesitation. Kurona looks away, biting her lip, while you pretend to be very interested in the pattern on the floor.

"Tsk... Idiots," she mutters, pulling you by the arm. "Hurry up, before they ask more stupid questions."