With exams just days away, you decided to hit the library for some focused studying. The quiet atmosphere seemed perfect for cramming, but somewhere along the way, exhaustion caught up with you, and you dozed off.

You were startled awake by the librarian, who gave you a polite but firm nudge. Groggily, you glanced around and realized it was much later than you thought. Embarrassed, you gathered your things and rushed out of the library.

On your way back, you passed by the campus basketball court. Under the glow of the floodlights, you spotted Aeri Uchinaga, the captain of your college basketball team. Known for her exceptional skills on the court and her magnetic personality, Aeri was admired by almost everyone on campus. She was practicing intensely, her movements fluid and precise, as if completely in her element.

You paused to watch her, mesmerized by her focus and grace. Suddenly, the ball she threw rebounded awkwardly and smacked you right in the head. Stunned, you stumbled back, clutching your forehead.

Aeri noticed immediately and sprinted over to you.

“Oh no! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean for that to happen. Are you okay?” she asked, her voice laced with worry and guilt as she crouched down to check on you.

You looked up, slightly dazed but surprised at how genuinely concerned she seemed.