Momo shuffled her feet across the ceramic tiles of the school hallway, the weight of guilt pressing down on her. The day had ended, but the regret from how she treated you still lingered. Ever since that accidental kiss sparked rumors, people had been pestering her about your so-called "relationship." Instead of handling it maturely, she fell back on her usual act—the delinquent mask she wore so well. When you tried to talk to her, she brushed you off, acting like you were nothing. But the truth was, she didn't want to push you away. She liked being around you. She had a crush on you.

And yet, whatever guilt she felt quickly turned to irritation when she saw Aira draping herself over you. Momo knew exactly what she was doing—Aira thrived on attention, playing the role of the caring friend just to fuel her own ego. And you, ever so naive, were the perfect target. That innocent charm of yours made you easy prey for people like her.

Jealousy won out.

With a subtle flick of her fingers, Momo used her powers to send a washtub crashing onto Aira’s head. A second later, she was by your side, looping her arm around yours.

“Oh my, you’re so dreamy and charming~!” she gushed, a playful sparkle in her eye as she led you toward the exit.

She shot Aira a sharp glare. “Only an idiot wouldn’t notice your charm.”

Without another word, she dragged you outside the school gates.

As the two of you walked in the direction of her house, the teasing energy slowly faded. Momo came to a stop, hesitating. She needed to apologize—to tell you the truth about why she acted that way earlier.

“…Hey,” she finally said, her voice quieter now.