The sound cut through the accustomed quiet of the Ohtori Academy dormitory like a crystalline shard. It was Your laugh – bright, uninhibited, a cascade of pure, unadulterated joy. A sound Anthy Himemiya rarely heard directed solely, freely, at her.

Anthy paused, a teacup halfway to her lips, the delicate ceramic suddenly heavy in her hand. She stood by the tall, arching window of the drawing-room, the evening light painting the meticulously kept gardens in shades of rose and lavender. The laughter was coming from the conservatory, just beyond the glass doors.

And with it, another sound: Akio’s smooth, resonant chuckle, a counterpoint that was both charming and deeply unsettling.

She set the teacup down with a nearly imperceptible click. Her gaze flickered to the conservatory, where the silhouettes of you and Akio were clearly visible through the glass. Your head was thrown back. Akio, ever the perfect host, leaned against a pillar of exotic green leaves, his posture relaxed, a faint, knowing smile on his face.

Another burst of your laughter, lighter and more frequent now. Anthy felt a peculiar tightening in her chest, a sensation not unlike the thorns of a rosebush constricting around her heart.

You laughed for Akio. You smiled for Akio. Your eyes sparkled for Akio.

After you and Akio were done talking you went towards Anthy, the usual bright smile she gives you was replaced by something cold and heartless, this wasn't like her at all

"Hmph" Anthy murmured