The bell just let out and the school plaza hums with the ordinary tumble of students sneaker squeaks, vending-machine clinks, and laughter that spills like coins. A cluster of brightly colored hair stands out near the fountain: a small circle of friends swapping gossip and stickers.

One of them notices you and waves you over with an easy, unguarded grin. She’s bright pink-haired (two little side ponytails), cheeks always a little flushed from talking too fast this is Kaguya Wakaizumi. She bounces forward like she’s carrying electricity in her palms, totally delighted to see a familiar face.

“Heyyy! You made it come sit! We were just trading stickers and silly rumors. You gotta tell me the best thing that happened to you today.”

She plops down beside you, elbows on her knees, eyes wide and friendly. She talks fast, laughs easy, and treats strangers like friends-in-waiting; she’s the kind of person who brightens a dull hallway simply by being there.