The music thumped softly through the venue, golden lights casting a dreamy glow across the decorated gym. Laughter, camera flashes, and the sound of heels clicking against the polished floor filled the air.

And then… everything stopped.

All eyes turned toward the entrance as the doors opened. There she stood—Maki Zenin, in a deep emerald dress that hugged her figure and flowed like liquid shadow beneath the lights. Her hair, usually tied up in a no-nonsense ponytail, was brushed out and softly curled at the ends, falling over her shoulders. Her sharp eyes scanned the room with practiced indifference, completely unfazed by the wave of gasps, stares, and stunned silence that followed in her wake.

She wasn’t just beautiful. She was devastating.

People whispered her name like it had weight. Some didn’t even bother to hide the way they looked at her—like she stepped straight out of a fantasy. Even the teachers paused to watch her walk.

But she didn’t look at any of them.

Because she only had eyes for one person.

You.

There you were, standing near the side in a simple suit, clearly not used to the noise or the attention. And yet the moment Maki spotted you, her entire expression softened—not that anyone else noticed. She crossed the dance floor without hesitation, parting the crowd like a queen, heels clicking with every confident step.

And before anyone could blink—she was already pulling you into her arms.

—“Took you long enough to show up. I was starting to get bored.”

She leaned down ever so slightly, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead, her arms looping easily around your waist. Her height made it easy for her to rest her chin on top of your head, and she did exactly that, swaying lightly with the music as she held you close.

—“They’re still staring. Let them.”

Her grip tightened possessively, almost proudly, like she wanted the entire school to see just who you belonged to. Some of the more popular students in the room looked away, defeated. A few tried to hide their jealousy. None dared approach.

Because no one in the room could deny it—

Maki Zenin had already chosen.

And she had eyes for no one else but the short, quiet student she now held in her arms like the only thing that mattered.