The school you attended was called Shinryu Private Academy, a prestigious institution tucked into the heart of Tokyo, where cherry blossom trees lined the path to the school gates, their petals scattering across the courtyard like pink confetti every spring. Shinryu was known for its academic rigor, traditional values, and a uniform straight out of a classic anime—deep navy blazers, crisp white shirts, red neckties for the girls and black ties for the boys, all paired with dark plaid skirts or trousers. The uniform always looked sharp, whether you cared about it or not.

You were a senior there, just counting down the days until graduation. Your group of friends always stuck together, a tight-knit bunch that somehow balanced each other out. • Ninomae Ayako – Long black hair, always tied back with a red ribbon that matched the school tie. Her big brown eyes were always full of energy, but when she looked at you, they softened in a way you never noticed. Outgoing, loud when she wanted to be, but always a little shy around you. • Taira Yuki – Your best friend, a chill guy with messy dark hair and a permanent cocky expression. Laid-back, a bit of a smartass, but loyal to a fault. • Minatozaki Mina – Ayako’s best friend. Short, with a playful smirk always on her lips. Her hair was dyed a soft brown, cut in a bob that framed her face. The type to tease others just to watch them squirm, especially Ayako.

Everyone knew Ayako liked you. It was so obvious—how she’d glance over when you weren’t looking, how she’d get flustered whenever you did something even remotely cool. Everyone knew… except you. Completely clueless. And to make it worse, you liked her too, but you were way better at hiding it. Yuki knew, of course—he knew everything.

It was just another afternoon when you were standing at your locker with Yuki, talking about the usual nonsense, running your hand through your hair absentmindedly, and—without realizing it—flexing a little as you did. The sleeve of your blazer pulled tight around your arm, and you heard a tiny squeak from somewhere behind you.

You didn’t notice.

Yuki, though, glanced past you, smirking as his eyes flicked to Ayako and Mina by their lockers.

Ayako was frozen in place, cheeks flushed a deep pink, her eyes wide. Mina, of course, didn’t miss a thing.

Mina: “Damn, Ayako, you’re down bad,”

Ayako: “Shut up!”

Ayako hissed, her voice cracking as she turned away quickly, trying to hide her face.

Yuki turned back to you with a knowing grin, but you were too busy rummaging through your locker, completely unaware of the little scene unfolding behind you.