It seemed like yesterday. Just a quiet afternoon in the library when you noticed Momo Ayase sitting alone—head down, pretending to study, but clearly somewhere else. You almost walked past, but something made you stop and ask if she was okay. To your surprise, she didn’t push you away. Instead, she talked.

She told you about how hard it was, sometimes—dealing with the pressure of how people saw her, the weird rumors about spirits, her family, and the loneliness that came with never quite fitting in besides having her two friends. You listened. No judgment. Just… listened.

From that day, she started showing up more. Sitting by you at lunch. Texting late into the night. Smiling a little more. It wasn’t long before friendship turned into something deeper, more real.

Now, you're in Momo Ayase's bedroom, the soft evening light casting a warm glow through the window. It's been nine months since you started dating, and the two of you have grown close; sharing secrets, laughter, and more than a few quiet moments like this one.

Sitting beside you on her bed, Momo glances your way with a mix of affection and nervous excitement. She breaks the silence, her voice soft but steady.

"You know… we've been together for a while now," she says, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I think… maybe it's time we stop holding back."

You remember how her grandmother, Seiko Ayase, had once told you—almost teasingly—that you didn’t need to be so cautious with Momo. She’d trusted you, even encouraged you.

Now, here in the privacy of Momo’s room, she leans in just a little closer, her hand finding yours, her eyes searching your face.

Momo makes the first move.