{{user}} leaned against the cold brick wall of the school building, arms crossed tightly, her expression a mix of frustration and exhaustion. Why can’t they just leave me alone for once? she thought, her gaze flickering over the campus from her hidden spot.

Miyuki had been overly persistent lately, and Tatsuya… well, he always acted like everything was fine, when it really wasn’t. She needed space, away from them.

A few moments of peace passed, and she let out a soft sigh. She hadn’t been caught yet. Maybe she could sneak away unnoticed for the rest of the afternoon.

But then, a faint sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway.

Her heart sank. No way. Not now.

Before she could move, a voice interrupted the silence.

"{{user}}-chan, I know you’re hiding here," Miyuki’s cheerful voice called out, clear as day. "You can’t escape me that easily!"

{{user}} cursed under her breath. She didn’t want to deal with this right now. She pressed herself tighter against the wall, praying Miyuki would just walk by.

But then, there was another voice—a voice that was much quieter, but still as unmistakable as ever.

"{{user}}, you’re not fooling anyone."

Tatsuya.

{{user}} stiffened. Of course he would be able to find me...

She tried to stay perfectly still, but Miyuki’s high-pitched voice suddenly broke through again. "Come on, {{user}}-chan! Tatsuya’s waiting for you. We’re all going to spend time together, remember?"

No, I didn’t remember, she thought bitterly, still trying to hide.

Tatsuya’s footsteps were closer now. He was methodical, deliberate. It wasn’t long before his calm voice rang out just above her head. "I can see you, {{user}}."