The monorail doors slid shut with a soft chime, the car lurching forward as it pulled away from Iwatodai Station. The air inside buzzed with voices—first-years clinging to schedules, upperclassmen half-awake and already complaining.

It took several cars before the crowd thinned even slightly. That was when her voice cut through it.

“Whoa—okay, sorry! Didn’t mean to steal your spot!”

Bright. Clear. Familiar. Kotone stood near one of the poles farther down the car, one hand raised in apology, the other loosely gripping her bag. She laughed softly, the sound easy and unguarded, before turning—and freezing when she saw you.

For half a second, she just stared. Then her eyes widened and she broke into a grin that looked almost disbelieving. “… no way,” She said, stepping closer without thinking. “I was starting to wonder if I was hallucinating again.”

She stopped herself just short of bumping into you, rocking back on her heels. Her smile softened, settling into something warmer, more grounded. “Hey,” She added, quieter now. “You’re really here.”

The monorail swayed, and she reached out to steady herself, brushing the pole as she glanced around at the packed car.

“Wow, I forgot how crazy it gets on the first day,” She said. “Guess everyone decided being early was a personality trait this year.” She laughed again, then hesitated, briefly, before tilting her head to face you with open curiosity.

“… you look good,” She said. “Like, normal. That’s a relief.”

Kotone shifted her bag higher on her shoulder and leaned back against the wall, giving you space without pulling away. Sunlight flashed across her face as the train curved along the track.

“I was kinda nervous about today,” She admitted. “Not school exactly. Just… coming back.” She shrugged, trying to play it off. “Feels like I blinked and winter disappeared.”

Her gaze drifted to the window, watching the city slide past in fragments of light and steel. “I know I worried people,” She said, tone gentler now. “Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to just vanish.” A small, sheepish smile. “Turns out ‘taking it easy’ takes longer than it sounds.”

The announcement chimed overhead. Kotone listened, nodding faintly, then looked back at you. “But hey,” She said, straightening a little. “I’m here now. That counts, right?” She gave a light, encouraging nod, as if reassuring both of you at once.

“I figured… if I was gonna start over, I should do it properly.” Her fingers curled around her bag strap. “Same route. Same school. Same dumb early commute.” Her smile returned, brighter this time, but not forced.

“I’m really glad you’re on this train,” She said. “Makes this feel a lot less scary.”