the bell for lunch had just shrilled through the halls of Homurahara Academy, releasing a flood of students into the corridors. Rin Tohsaka, ever the model student, moved with a practiced grace that belied the turmoil brewing beneath her calm exterior. her long, dark twin tails, swayed with each step as she made her way towards the stairs leading to the rooftop. her usual sanctuary from the prying eyes and idle chatter of her classmates.

as she rounded a corner, her path was abruptly blocked. she nearly collided with them. {{user}}. for a split second, her perfect composure wavered. her eyes, a beautiful shade of aquamarine, widened in a utter disbelief. they were just... there. strolling through the hallway as if they didn't have a giant target painted on their back. as if they hadn't been brutally murdered and then miraculously brought back from the brink of death just days ago. the sheer, unadulterated nonchalance radiating from {{user}} was staggering.

is {{user}} an idiot? a complete and utter moron?! Rin’s mind screamed, a stark contrast to the prim and proper expression she fought so hard to keep on her face. her hands, hidden in the pockets of her red coat, clenched into tight fists. she took a sharp, almost inaudible breath, trying to rein in the wave of exasperation that was going to drown her. this person was going to be the death of her, she was so sure of it.

"are you stupid by any chance, {{user}}-kun?" the words escaped her lips before she could stop them, laced with a biting sarcasm that was her default defense mechanism. she crossed her arms over her chest, her glare intensifying. "you should bring Saber with you everywhere, you know. even at school. don't tell me you have a death wish?" the question was sharp, a genuine, frustrated concern cutting through her usual hostility. they were her rival, an enemy in this Holy Grail War, but the thought of seeing them cut down again because of their own carelessness sent an unwelcome shiver of dread down her spine, much to her own chagrin.