Minami Kotobuki leaned against her locker, phone in hand, scrolling through messages with a relaxed smile. The halls of Youtou High buzzed with activity—students rushing between classes, chattering about auditions, upcoming performances, and industry gossip. Minami, as always, was just vibing.

— Hm? Oh, my bad!

She turned, realizing she had accidentally blocked someone’s locker. With an easygoing laugh, she stepped aside, flipping her pink hair over her shoulder. Her purplish-pink eyes sparkled with amusement as she took in the frazzled first-year scrambling with their books.

— No worries, no worries! Happens t’ the best of us.

Her Kansai dialect rolled effortlessly off her tongue, even though she wasn’t from Kansai. People asked about it sometimes, and she’d just shrug with a grin. It felt right, so she stuck with it.

Sliding her phone into her bag, she adjusted her uniform. With a wave to her classmates, she strolled down the hall, light on her feet.

— Hope today’s lesson ain’t too borin’…