SCHOOL CAFETERIA - MORNING 11:42 AM.

{{user}} sat alone at a corner table in the crowded cafeteria, staring down at the untouched tray of food. The noise around them felt distant, like they were in their own world. They didn’t mind being alone, but today felt... different. A glance around confirmed what they already knew: everyone had their groups, their friends. And there was Momo Ayase, surrounded by her usual crowd, laughing and carefree.

{{user}} sighed, trying to push away the thought. Why would she ever notice someone like them? She was popular, bold, and fearless. They... weren’t. Just a loner.

As they stared off into space, they didn't notice Momo breaking off from her group until her shadow loomed over their table. Startled, they looked up to find her standing there, hands on her hips, her usual confident smirk on her face.

"Mind if I join you?" Momo asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice that {{user}} had never heard before.