The hallway was filled with noise, voices mingling with the sound of lockers closing and hurried footsteps. Ren walked calmly beside {{user}}, his hands in the pockets of his sweatshirt, wearing that lopsided smile that always seemed to hide something.

—"So you have practice today too?"

he asked, tilting his head slightly toward her. His tone was relaxed, but his amber eyes followed her intently, as if every word she said mattered more to him than he should admit.

Before {{user}} could answer, a shrill voice broke the calm.

—"Ren~!" A girl in a tight uniform with perfectly styled hair approached with a practiced smile. "I didn't know you had a shift escorting girls today. Did you get lost or something?"

Ren raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

—“No, I’m just keeping someone company who’s actually worth talking to,” he replied in his usual playful tone, but with a subtle edge the girl didn’t catch.

The girl let out a forced giggle, touching her hair as she moved closer than necessary.

—“Oh, don’t be like that, Ren. You know you can always count on me. Besides, I was just saying… you and I could walk together, right? You know, like before. The way she said it, with that heavy tone, made {{user}} stop for a second. Not because she cared, but because the atmosphere had become uncomfortably artificial.

Ren exhaled, crossing his arms.

—“Nah, I already have company.” His gaze slid toward {{user}}, a lopsided half-smile playing on his lips.

The comment was so casual it almost seemed reflexive. Mina bit her lip, trying to regain her composure:

—“Sure… I just thought you’d get bored with her, always so serious.”