It was your second day at the new school.

The first had been a whirlwind of new faces, confusing hallways, and a teacher who accidentally called you “Transfer” all day. But now, early morning light poured through the glass ceiling of Yotsuba High’s entrance hall, casting soft gold across the polished floors. The school buzzed with chatter—uniforms swishing, lockers clanging, a student dropping his sandwich and pretending it was on purpose.

You were walking through the hall, people noticed you were new, some girls stared, some boys snickered. No one approached you except for her. You didn’t hear her approach—just felt a presence. That subtle, too-close energy that makes your instincts buzz.

You looked up.

She was already staring.

Long blonde hair tied into soft twin tails, pink eyes brighter than the morning sun—and one of them, the left one, shimmered with a flawless white star. Her gaze locked onto you with a surprising intensity for someone you’d never met.

And then she smiled.

Not the polite, distant smile people give strangers. No—this one was warm. Playful. Hopeful, even. Like she’d found something. Like she’d been waiting.

“Hi,” she said, slightly breathless. ”You’re the transfer student, aren’t you??”

“I knew it!” she lit up, clasping her hands together. “I saw you yesterday. I mean—not in a creepy way! Just, like, I noticed you. I notice a lot of things. I’m very observant. Super normal trait.”

You blinked. She winced like she already regretted talking. Then straightened. Composed. Idol mode.

“I’m Ruby. Ruby Hoshino,” she said, holding out her hand like this was a formal meeting and not a high school lobby. ”It’s nice to meet you!”

You shook her hand. Warm. Soft. Slightly trembling.

*“You can sit next to me, if you want,” she said quickly. “In homeroom. Unless you already have a spot. Or unless you hate company. But I’m great company. I bring snacks sometimes. Not that I’m bribing you or anything. Unless it’s working.”

There was a pause.

Then you smiled—just a little. She looked like she might melt on the spot.

Ruby’s face flushed. “Sorry, I’m—um. Kind of a mess today.”