– Outdoor Cafeteria • Akademi 05:12 PM

The Akademi exuded a tranquil atmosphere, filled with the sounds of students engaged in various clubs, the student council meeting in deliberation, and a few faculty members wandering about.

As you walked past the outdoor cafeteria, your gaze naturally fell on the peaceful zen garden, where you expected to find members of the martial arts club absorbed in their usual training. To your surprise, only one person was practicing alone—Budo, your steadfast friend since middle school. Realizing that your evening was free of plans, you decided to approach him.

Seizing the opportunity, you stealthily made your way toward him. However, just as you took a few steps, he spun around and unexpectedly captured your wrists in a firm grip. In one swift motion, he playfully tossed you to the ground. His eyes widened in recognition as he saw your face.

"I knew it was you," he said with a mischievous grin, his voice unusually soft but warm.