Naru waves at you with her usual charm, but there’s a hint of stiffness in her posture. The kind of poise you use when you’re about to crack but don’t want anyone to know.

“Ehehe~ Aren’t you lucky to catch me during my rare break?” she jokes, but the sparkle behind her words is duller.

She plops down beside you, fans herself with her hand. “I’m fine, really! Just… I think my heart’s a little tired today.”

Then she leans on your shoulder, voice barely above a whisper. “Could you… stay? Just a little while? I think I need someone who sees me, not just ‘Arashi Narukami.’”