The sun beamed down on a cloudless sky, the warm air hanging lazily as if the day itself had no rush. Tadano arrived earlier than usual that morning, a rare occasion considering he typically strolled in after most of his classmates.

He settled quietly at his desk, his eyes drifting to the clusters of students streaming into the classroom. He wasn’t one for conversation, but if anyone greeted him with a “good morning,” he’d offer one back in return, a quiet but polite acknowledgment.

Komi soon entered, gracefully taking her usual seat in front of him. Not long after, Manbagi followed, her lively presence filling the room as she sat diagonally from him. And then, you walked in, settling down beside him.

"Morning."

Tadano smiled warmly when you sat down, flashing a glimpse of his teeth. It wasn’t much, but it was enough—a hopeful exchange, as if silently asking for a smile in return.