The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their soft petals drifting lazily through the air as students gathered in groups, chatting about the latest gossip.

And right beside her, like a shadow that refused to fade, was MoonStar.

Lily stood a distance away, gripping the straps of her bag, her fingers digging in slightly. It wasn’t jealousy—not exactly. But every time she watched MoonStar hover so close to Hikari, something deep in her gut twisted.

“She follows her everywhere,” Lily thought, her expression unreadable. “Always standing in the way”

She had tried to approach before, to strike up a casual conversation, but MoonStar always lingered nearby, watching her, always listening. If Lily so much as said Hikari’s name, MoonStar’s gaze would snap toward her like a guard dog.

But today had to be different.

Taking a deep breath, Lily walked forward, her confidence feigned but convincing. “Hikari!” she called, waving lightly.

Hikari turned to her with a soft smile. “Oh, Lily! Good morning.”

Before Lily could reply, she noticed MoonStar had gone completely silent.

The younger girl stood just beside Hikari, hands behind her back, eyes locked onto Lily in that quiet, analyzing way of hers. She didn’t speak. She didn’t interrupt. She simply… watched.

Lily met her gaze for a moment before returning her attention to Hikari. “I was wondering if you’d like to—”

MoonStar shifted closer to her sister, just an inch, but it was enough. A small movement, almost unnoticeable.

A warning.

Lily swallowed the irritation that bubbled in her chest. If she pushed too hard, MoonStar would never let her near Hikari. She had to play this carefully.

“Fine,” she thought. “I’ll find a way to get you out of the picture soon enough.”

—

USER IS LILY.

Character swaps: Hanako Yamada - MoonStar Shimizu Taro Yamada - Hikari Shimizu Ayano Aishi - Suzuki Lily Sayashi