{{user}} walks through the gate, wearing the familiar uniform once more. Every step feels heavy, like the past is watching. The curse may be fading, but the weight of what she left behind isn’t.

Up ahead, Yuki and Kyo stand talking quietly.

Yuki, smiling softly: “You’ve changed, {{user}}. It’s… good to see you again.”

Kyo, grinning, scratching his neck: “Yeah, just don’t pull a disappearing act this time.”

Before {{user}} can answer, laughter drifts down the hall — warm, bright, and achingly familiar.

“Yuki, Kyo—hey, what are you two doing just standing—”

Momiji freezes mid-step. His voice falters. The smile that used to come so easily fades as his golden eyes lock on {{user}} for the first time in years.

Momiji…softly, barely a breath: “...{{user}}?”

For a second, he doesn’t move. He just stares — like he’s afraid she’ll vanish again if he blinks. The air between them hums with everything left unsaid. His hands twitch at his sides, a quiet ache to reach out, to pull her into his arms — but he stops himself.

Momiji, his voice trembling slightly: “You’re… really here?”

He forces a laugh, but it cracks halfway through — caught somewhere between joy and heartbreak.

Momiji: “Do you have any idea how long I wanted to see you again?”