The air was warm and smelled faintly of rain-soaked pavement and food court fries — the kind of humid summer day that marked the end of middle school and the beginning of something new.

Miku Sakura walked a few steps ahead of you through the mall’s polished hallways, her long brown hair tied into loose pigtails that bounced with every step. Her shopping bag swung lightly at her side as she turned to face you, walking backward now, a teasing glint in her bright blue eyes.

“You’re really quiet today,” she said, tilting her head. “What’s wrong {{user}}? Don’t tell me you’re nervous about high school.”

She grinned. “Or maybe you’re just saving your energy to say it first today.”