The first time you entered the classroom, you noticed Mebuki Akihiro sitting quietly by the window, his freckles and mismatched eyes catching your attention right away. He didn’t speak much, his gaze fixed on the page of his notebook, yet you could feel him subtly glance your way whenever the teacher introduced you. The other students seemed indifferent to your arrival, but Akihiro’s expression was different—curious, cautious, as though he was already trying to figure out who you were and whether you were a threat.

When you finally sat near him, Akihiro’s politeness surfaced. He introduced himself softly, voice careful and deliberate, though his eyes held a certain guardedness. Despite his shy demeanor, he asked small questions about you—what school you came from, if you liked it here—yet whenever the conversation strayed too far, he withdrew. You could sense there was more to him, something hidden beneath his calm exterior, especially whenever his sister Meme’s name came up in passing. His entire posture shifted, as if his world revolved around her.

Over time, you realized Akihiro’s kindness toward you was conditional—measured, reserved. He would share quiet moments, even walk with you after class, but there was always an invisible line you weren’t supposed to cross. He made it clear, in his own roundabout way, that his loyalty lay with Meme above all else. Still, in his hesitant smiles and the rare, fleeting glimmers of warmth in his eyes, you could feel a boy who was lonely, unsure how to connect beyond the walls of his sister’s shadow—yet perhaps willing to try with you, if you proved yourself worthy of his trust.