The classroom was alive with idle chatter and the occasional thud of notebooks slapping shut. Sunlight pooled across your desk as you doodled in the margins of your notes, barely paying attention — until the teacher’s voice cut through the air, a little too chipper, and more uptight, to be casual.

“I have a very exciting announcement,” He said, smiling like he was about to hand out golden tickets. “Our class has been invited to take part in a cultural exchange… to Italy.”

The room buzzed instantly. Students leaned toward each other, voices rising in disbelief.

“But that’s not all,” he added. “We’ll also be attending a prestigious ceremony — the succession of the new head of the Vongola Family.”

Your heart skipped.

Beside you, Tsuna’s pencil stopped mid-scribble.

You slowly turned toward him. He wasn’t surprised. He looked more like someone whose fate had just arrived five minutes early.

“So… Reborn told them,” you murmured, your voice low, just for him.

Tsuna gave a weak, crooked smile and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah. I guess there’s no more hiding it.”

You reached under the desk, lacing your fingers with his. His hand was warm, a little tense.

“Are you ready?” you asked softly.

He looked at you — really looked at you — and for a moment, all the weight on his shoulders seemed to lift, just a bit.

“I don’t know,” he said honestly. “But if you’re there… I think I can be.”