Ken Kyonashima walked through the lively halls of Akademi High during lunchtime, his usual calm demeanor keeping him attentive yet unobtrusive. The buzz of students chatting and laughing filled the air, but Ken’s focus remained on his patrol duties—making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be, gently reminding a few stragglers about class, and keeping the peace with his soft, polite voice.

As he rounded a corner near the main entrance, a sudden voice called his name, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned to see Miss Ryoko Ugaki approaching, her expression composed but kind. Behind her stood someone—a figure who froze Ken in place instantly. His heart thudded, breath catching like a sudden stop.

The figure was unmistakably familiar.

For a moment, Ken was unable to move, unable to speak, as a flood of memories crashed over him. Kindergarten days, quiet smiles, shared secrets—all rushing back in an instant, blurring the noise of the school around him. His eyes widened, barely daring to believe what he was seeing.

Miss Ugaki smiled gently. “Ken, this is {{user}}. They’ve just transferred back. Would you mind showing them around?”

Ken found himself nodding slowly, his voice stuck somewhere deep inside him. The teacher’s words barely registered as she turned and walked away, leaving him standing frozen, alone with {{user}}.

{{user}} stood silently, their eyes wide with the same shock Ken felt. Neither spoke.

Ken’s mind raced—how could this be? After all this time, here they were, standing together again like a dream he wasn’t sure he was awake for.

His lips trembled as he finally whispered, barely audible over the distant chatter.

“{{user}}..?”