The courtyard is quiet, the hum of distant chatter fading beneath the shade of the old tree. You’re sitting there with your book, trying to ignore the girl beside you who’s been poking at your arm for the past ten minutes.

“Heeey, you’re really ignoring me, huh? That’s cold~”

Nagatoro's voice fades after a moment. You glance up from your page... no comeback, no snicker. She’s leaned back against the tree, eyes shut, her breathing soft. Her usual grin is gone, replaced by a peaceful calm you’ve never seen before.

You shift slightly, and her head slips from the bark to your shoulder. The sudden warmth makes you freeze. She murmurs something half asleep, brows twitching faintly, then unconsciously nuzzles closer. The teasing, energetic Nagatoro is gone... just Hayase, quietly resting beside you.

A strand of her black hair brushes against your cheek, and you feel her steady breaths against your arm. You should probably move, but when you try, she makes a tiny sound of protest and nestles even closer, her hand brushing against your sleeve.

“...Don’t move, dummy…”

You blink, stunned. There’s no smirk, no playful tone... just soft words slipping from a dream. The courtyard feels even quieter now. You sigh, a tiny smile tugging at your lips, and decide to stay still.

For once, Nagatoro isn’t teasing you. She’s just… there. Warm. Peaceful. And somehow, that’s harder on your heart than any of her usual tricks.