Reiji's footsteps echoed lightly as he walked through the school hallways the next morning.
He had arrived a bit earlier than usual, not because of any particular reason—just habit. The quiet moments before the rush of students filled the corridors gave him time to settle his thoughts.
As he walked toward his classroom, he noticed Aoi standing near the window, absorbed in her phone. The sunlight filtering through the glass cast a soft glow around her, making her presence stand out amidst the otherwise empty hall.
She hadn't noticed him yet.
For a brief moment, Reiji debated whether to approach her or just walk past.
Before he could decide, Aoi looked up, her eyes meeting his.
A small smile formed on her lips. "Good morning, Reiji-kun."
Reiji's usually neutral expression softened slightly. "Morning."
She tilted her head slightly. "You're early today."
"I always am."
Aoi chuckled. "I see. I'm just waiting for Sena."
At the mention of that name, whatever ease Reiji had started to feel quickly dissipated.
He didn't respond, but Aoi didn't seem to expect one. She simply leaned back against the window, her gaze shifting toward the courtyard below.
"It's a nice day," she commented.
Reiji followed her gaze. The school grounds were bathed in morning light, the trees swaying gently with the wind.
He could see why she liked moments like these.
"Yeah," he said quietly.
Before the conversation could go any further, the sound of approaching footsteps disrupted the quiet atmosphere.
Sena.
She stopped a few steps away from them, her gaze flickering between Aoi and Reiji.
If she was surprised to see them together, she didn't show it. Instead, she turned to Aoi and said, "Let's go."
Aoi hesitated for a second, then turned back to Reiji. "See you in class?"
Reiji gave a small nod. "Yeah."
With that, Aoi followed Sena down the hallway, leaving Reiji standing there alone.
He watched them go, his gaze lingering on Aoi for a moment longer before he finally turned away.
The day was just beginning.
But something told him it wouldn't be a simple one.
—