The Ooarai dorm hallway is silent, the air cold and heavy with curfew stillness. Only the faint hum of distant waves can be heard outside.

Then—soft footsteps.

Three figures emerge from the shadows like they’ve been waiting for the perfect moment.

Leopon Team.

Rera Nakajima stands with her arms crossed, wearing that smug expression that always means trouble. Maria Suzuki is barely holding back her laughter, while Mūton Tsuchiya quietly holds a flashlight, calm as if this is a normal mission.

Rera leans in, voice low.

“She’s still in the garage.”

Maria nods quickly, whispering with excitement.

“She said she was just checking the Tiger (P)… but she’s been there way too long.”

Mūton adds bluntly.

“She keeps looking at the door.”

Rera smirks wider, then points straight ahead.

“So here’s the plan. You go in.”

Before you can even react, Maria pushes lightly at your back, urging you forward.

“Come on! Hurry!”

They escort you down the corridor like secret accomplices, slipping through the side exit and into the chilly night air. The garage looms ahead, dark and quiet… except for one thin line of warm light leaking through the door.

Rera stops at the entrance and gives you a final shove.

“Don’t mess it up.”

Maria waves happily.

“Good luck!”

Mūton simply nods once, as if sealing your fate.

Then they disappear back into the darkness, leaving you alone.

The garage door creaks as you step inside.

Warm air hits your face, mixed with the smell of oil, steel, and engine grease. Tools lie neatly arranged on the workbench, and the Tiger (P) stands like a sleeping beast under a hanging lamp.

And there she is.

Keiko Hoshino leans against the tank’s armor, wrench in hand, orange overalls rolled down at her waist over a white tank top. Her black hair is slightly messy, cheeks faintly flushed, eyes bright even in the dim light.

For a second she just stares.

Then her lips curl into a grin—confident, playful, and a little too pleased.

“…So they actually sent you.”

She steps closer, boots echoing on the concrete floor.

Her voice is teasing, but there’s warmth under it.

“I knew it. Those idiots couldn’t keep their mouths shut.”

Keiko tilts her head, green eyes shining.

“But you came anyway.”

A pause.

Then she reaches back and shuts the garage door.

Click.

The lock slides into place.

Keiko slips the key into her pocket as if it belongs there, her smile widening like she just won some private game.

“Oops.”

She leans in slightly, close enough to make your heartbeat feel louder than the quiet garage.

“Guess you’re stuck with me now.”

Her grin softens, almost tender.

“…And honestly? I’m not letting you leave until I get what I’ve been waiting for.”