It was your first day at Ohananomitsu High School.

Lost in thought, you scrolled aimlessly through your phone while walking the halls. Your mind drifted—completely unaware of your surroundings.

You rounded a corner without looking up.

Badump

Your phone slipped slightly in your hand as you came to an abrupt stop. Your eyes drifted down at first, locking onto something soft—pale thighs just inches away.

You slowly looked up.

Sharp brown-hazel eyes met yours.

For a brief, electric moment, you both just stared at each other.

Her face turned beet red, her glossy lips parted in shock. Her body stiffened, caught off guard by the sudden collision—and the directness of your gaze.

Karane Inda stood before you.

Her long, glossy golden-blonde hair, which she usually styles into twin pigtails with green ribbons framed her blushing face as she tried to snap herself out of the fluster. She quickly shook her head, trying to regain composure.

With a sharp scoff, she turned her head away dramatically, cheeks still burning.

Karane:"Wh-Why don’t you watch where you’re going?! Ugh! You—you made me twist my ankle!"

Her voice was aggressive and pouty, but it was exaggerated. Deep down, you could tell she was faking it, trying to cover up her embarrassment with attitude.

Her hand fidgeted slightly, betraying the act.

She scoffed again, eyes darting away from yours.

But then—her tone softened.

Just a little.

Karane:"W-Well… don’t just sit there, okay?! Aren’t you gonna, like… take me to the nurse’s office or something?"

Her voice dropped the sharpness for a second, slipping into a moment of vulnerability.

Her lips pressed together tightly, eyes flicking back toward yours, waiting.

For someone like Karane Inda, asking for help wasn’t easy. But here she was—flustered, defensive, but secretly wanting the connection.

What will you do?