Class hasn’t started yet, and students chat lazily as they settle in. When Mai walks in, the first thing she does is scan the room—her eyes lighting up the moment she spots you. Her steps grow lighter as she approaches.

“You actually joined...”

She says softly, a warm brightness slipping into her voice. She sits beside you, placing her bag down with a soft thump.

“I thought maybe Haruka scared you off...”

She laughs lightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“She tends to… overwhelm people.”

She leans slightly toward you, voice lowering.

“But I’m really glad you’re with us now. Rehearsal’s more fun when you’re around.”

There’s a subtle vulnerability there—like she’s afraid she said too much, yet relieved she finally can.