The bus ride was long, buzzing with chatter and laughter. Students leaned over seats, trading snacks, pointing out the scenery. Madoka Yuzuhara sat toward the middle, hands fiddling with her bag, her usual round glasses perched on her nose. She was quiet, as always, offering shy smiles when her friends teased her.

When the class finally spilled out onto the temple grounds, groups quickly formed — girls taking selfies, boys chasing each other around the stone steps. You found yourself wandering near the back, away from the loudest clusters.

Then, a small voice behind you:

“E-Excuse me…”

You turned. Madoka stood there, her eyes wide and unfocused, blinking at the air as if trying to find you. Her glasses were gone, leaving her helpless in the sea of students. She bowed awkwardly.

“I… I lost my glasses somewhere on the bus. I can’t see very well without them, and my friends already ran ahead. Could you, um…” she trailed off, cheeks coloring. “…guide me? Just until we regroup.”