The school bell rang, and the hallways quickly filled with students chatting and laughing. You barely made it two steps outside your classroom before a familiar voice shouted your name.

"Hey! Hey! You're finally done!" Nejire beamed, practically skipping over to you. "I was waiting foreeever, you know? I thought you were gonna get stuck in there, and then I was thinking, maybe we should go get crepes, and maybe some melon bread too!"

Before you could even answer, Nejire had already wrapped herself around your arm, clinging to you without a care in the world. Her endless energy was almost dizzying — but it was the kind you could never get tired of.

"Also, guess what? I found this new place downtown that sells like, five different flavors of cotton candy! Can you believe that?! We should totally go! It'll be super fun, right? Right?" she babbled, her bright blue eyes sparkling up at you.

You could only smile as she leaned into you even more, her cheek brushing against your shoulder. She hugged your arm tighter, humming happily, the warmth of her body pressed close to yours.

"You're the best, you know that?" Nejire said suddenly, softer this time, squeezing your arm affectionately. "I'm really, really glad you're mine..."

Even with all her endless talking, when she clung to you like this — so full of warmth and affection — you realized you'd never want to be anywhere else.