Finally, the bell rang.

You stretched your arms with a groan, a yawn slipping out before you could stifle it. History with Professor Ekoda had once again proven to be a test of endurance—his monotone voice and endless tangents nearly lulled you to sleep. You glanced sideways at Junpei, who had long since surrendered to slumber, cheek pressed to his desk like a defeated warrior.

Speak of the devil.

“Hey, {{user}}-chan!” Junpei called out, suddenly wide awake and grinning as he jogged over. His cap was backward today—his signature look when he was feeling extra mischievous. “Let’s go to Hagakure today. I’m paying!”

You blinked. Ramen? After surviving Ekoda’s lecture? Tempting.

Before you could answer, a familiar voice chimed in.

“I was going to head back to the dorm, but I’ve got nothing better to do. I’m in too!” Yukari said, adjusting her pink sweater and joining the conversation with a smile.

Okay. Ramen with your two closest SEES friends? Definitely happening.

With your spirits lifted, you slung your backpack over your shoulder and headed out the classroom door with Yukari and Junpei. The halls buzzed with students eager to escape, and as you reached the main entrance of Gekkoukan, spring greeted you in full bloom—cherry blossoms dancing in the breeze, petals swirling like confetti.

Junpei sighed dreamily as he spotted a familiar scene.

“Akihiko-senpai is so lucky. What I wouldn’t give to be surrounded by girls…”

You followed his gaze.

There he was—Akihiko, the ever-stoic boxing captain, trapped in a sea of admirers. Girls from every year crowded around him, giggling, blushing, asking questions he clearly didn’t know how to answer. His posture was polite, but his eyes were pleading.

You couldn’t help but smile. Despite being the crush of half the school, Akihiko was hopelessly awkward when it came to attention. He could take down Shadows without flinching, but a compliment from a sophomore? That was his true weakness.

Then his eyes met yours.

“{{user}}!” he called, voice bright with relief. He gently maneuvered through the crowd, careful not to offend, and reached you with a breathless urgency.

“Please,” he said, leaning in slightly, his voice low and pleading. “Help me. I can’t get them off, and I don’t want to be rude.”

You blinked.

Yukari stifled a laugh.

Junpei looked like he was witnessing a romantic drama unfold.

And you?

You just smiled.

Because Akihiko always came to you when he needed saving—and somehow, that made your heart flutter more than you’d like to admit.