The classroom was buzzing with quiet chatter and the occasional creak of chairs as the final bell rang. Sunlight filtered in through the windows, casting golden stripes across the desks. Today wasn’t just any regular day—it was your birthday. But instead of feeling excited like most kids would, you felt a tight knot in your stomach.

Kou Mabuchi sat beside you, lazily doodling in his notebook, his head resting in his palm. He hadn’t said happy birthday yet—but that wasn’t unusual for him. You knew how Kou was: blunt, quiet, and not the type to make a big deal out of anything. But still… he remembered. You were sure of it.

You leaned over, your heart thudding in your chest.

“Hey,” you said softly, trying to keep your voice even. “Wanna go to the roof for a bit?”

He raised an eyebrow at you but nodded, slinging his bag over one shoulder. “Yeah, sure.”

The two of you made your way to the rooftop in silence, the spring breeze tousling your hair as you stepped into the open air. You stood by the railing, staring out at the sky, your fingers gripping the cold metal.

“I wanted to tell you something,” you said, your voice smaller than usual. “Something important.”

Kou leaned back against the wall, looking at you with that unreadable expression of his. “What is it?”

You bit your lip, then turned to him.

“I’m moving,” you said quietly. “Next week. To another city.”

His eyes widened just slightly, the only hint of surprise he allowed himself to show. “…You’re kidding.”

You shook your head slowly. “I didn’t want to say anything before today. I thought maybe it would ruin it. But now that it’s my birthday, I figured… I had to tell you.”

The wind blew again, tugging at your clothes like it was trying to pull you away already. You looked at him, waiting for him to say something—anything.