Kotone sat beside you on the dorm rooftop, the evening breeze tugging at her red scarf. The setting sun painted the sky in warm hues, casting a soft glow over her delicate features. She was quiet, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her uniform skirt, lost in thought.

You didn't push her to talk—she'd speak when she was ready. And sure enough, after a moment, she let out a breath and turned to you with a small, hesitant smile.

"Thanks for being here," she murmured, voice softer than usual. "I know it probably sounds silly, but... sometimes I wonder how different things would be if I hadn't decided to live as me—if I'd just stayed quiet, played along."

You shook your head. "It's not silly. But you are you, and that's what matters. No 'what-ifs.'"

Kotone’s eyes shimmered with something unreadable before she laughed, nudging your shoulder playfully. "Geez, you always know the right thing to say, huh?"