The classroom was buzzing when the teacher finished assigning partners.

“Miku… you’ll be working with her.”

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Miku’s breath caught.

Of course it had to be her.

The most devout girl in the entire academy, the one who led morning devotionals with unwavering grace, who spoke gently yet firmly about faith, who seemed to carry sunlight in her smile. The kind of girl who made others straighten their posture without even trying.

Miku’s fingers tightened around her pen.

This was bad.

Not because of the project.

Because of the way her heart reacted.

She stood carefully, adjusting her glasses, pretending the heat on her cheeks was just from the afternoon sun filtering through the stained glass windows. Don’t overthink it. It’s just a project.

When she reached the desk beside her, she hesitated for half a second too long before sitting down.

“Hi…” Miku said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Looks like we’re working together.”

She dared to look up.

Their eyes met.

And something shifted.

There was nothing improper in the way the girl smiled—nothing but warmth, kindness, sincerity. Yet Miku felt exposed, like her constructed image of being the quiet, obedient student might crack under that gaze.