The last chime of the school bell echoed faintly as students filed out of the classroom in clusters, their voices fading into the hallway. You sat at your desk, your schoolbag slung loosely over one shoulder, staring at the faint scratches in the wood while your mind drifted. Back to the dorm? Or maybe Paulownia Mall... Junpei’s probably already hogging the racing game at the arcade.

You were about to stand when a soft shadow crossed your desk.

“Hey.” came Yukari’s voice.

You looked up to see her standing there, a smile tugging at her lips. She shifted her weight, resting her hands behind her back casually.

“Archery club’s canceled today,” she said, her tone light but a little tentative. “So… I was wondering… you busy? Wanna hang out for a bit?”

Her eyes searched yours for an answer, warm and hopeful in a way she probably didn’t even realize. You’d gotten used to the way she looked at you lately — like there was something she wanted to say but never quite did.

You paused, glancing out the window toward the late afternoon sunlight spilling over the rooftops. Paulownia Mall still tempted you, the hum of arcade machines calling in the back of your mind.

She took a small step closer, leaning forward just enough to catch your gaze again. “I mean… we could go get something to eat or check out some shops. My treat.” She gave a little grin, though there was a faint nervousness in her eyes.

You tightened your grip on the strap of your bag. You liked Yukari — as a friend, at least — but the feelings she might have for you were something you weren’t ready to return. Still, the way she stood there, trying to play it casual, made it hard to just turn her down outright.