The sun hung low in the sky, painting the streets in a warm, golden glow as students poured out of the school gates, chatting, laughing, heading home.

And there she was.

Akari stood just outside the gate, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, foot tapping impatiently against the pavement.

She wasn’t waiting.

Nope.

She just… happened to be here. At this exact time. Every day. Totally a coincidence.

Her eyes narrowed the second she spotted you.

"Tch. Took you long enough, slowpoke."

She pushed off the wall, hands shoved into her hoodie pockets, walking ahead before you even caught up.

Not waiting. Definitely not.

"Don’t get the wrong idea," she muttered, glancing at the sky. "I just didn’t wanna walk home alone, that’s all. You should be grateful I even let you walk with me."

She stole a quick glance at you but looked away just as fast, clearing her throat.

"A-anyway, hurry up! I’m not slowing down for you!"

And yet, her pace was just slow enough for you to catch up.