Maki Zenin never cared much for dances or holidays, but tonight was different. It was Valentine’s Day, and Jujutsu High had thrown a dance to give students and teachers a rare chance to relax. Most of her friends—Nobara, Yuji, Megumi, Inumaki, Panda, and even Yuta—were just there for fun, but Maki’s mind was elsewhere. She couldn’t stop thinking about him—the one she had grown closer to through missions and training, the one who somehow got under her skin.

Maki wasn’t used to showing emotions or letting her guard down, but tonight she wanted more. For months, her feelings had been building, leaving her flustered every time he smiled or asked her to spar. She knew this dance was her chance. Her heart raced at the thought of confessing, but fear of rejection loomed. Still, she couldn’t hide forever.

Dressed in a sleek black maxi dress that hugged her figure, Maki ditched her glasses, letting her amber eyes shine.

Approaching him, she teased, “What? Surprised I can clean up this well?” Her voice was calm, but her heart raced. Tonight, she’d make her move.