The cultural festival had come to an end, leaving the school halls eerily quiet the next morning. The remnants of the festivities lingered—half-taken-down decorations, faded banners fluttering in the breeze, and discarded props tucked into corners. The vibrant energy that had consumed the school for weeks was now replaced by a calm stillness.

  Kaito walked into the classroom, his bag slung over one shoulder. He glanced around, noticing his classmates chatting softly or resting their heads on their desks. It seemed everyone was exhausted from the festival’s excitement.

  Haruto waved at him from his seat. “Kaito! Over here!”

  Kaito walked over and plopped down beside him. “You look half-dead.”

  Haruto yawned dramatically. “I feel half-dead. I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard in my life.”

  Kaguya, sitting a few seats away, chuckled. “That’s because you spent half your time goofing off.”

  “Hey, I contributed!” Haruto protested. “Who else would have entertained the kids at the haunted house?”

  “You mean scared them so much they refused to go inside?” Akari chimed in, walking over with a smug grin.

  “That was the point of a haunted house!” Haruto retorted.

  Kaito shook his head, a small smile on his face as their playful banter filled the room.

  As the morning classes began, Kaito found his mind drifting. The festival had been a whirlwind of emotions and activities—preparing stalls, performing, and sharing moments with his friends. Now that it was over, he couldn’t help but feel a strange emptiness.

  During the lunch break, Aoi approached him with a gentle smile. “Kaito, do you want to eat outside? It’s a nice day.”

  He nodded, grateful for the invitation. Together, they made their way to the rooftop, where the cool autumn breeze greeted them.

  They sat side by side, unpacking their lunches. Aoi took a bite of her rice ball before speaking. “The festival was amazing, wasn’t it?”

  “Yeah,” Kaito agreed, staring at the distant horizon. “It feels strange now that it’s over, though. Like something’s missing.”

  Aoi tilted her head thoughtfully. “Maybe it’s because we were all so focused on it for so long. It became a part of our routine.”

  He nodded. “Probably.”

  For a moment, they ate in silence, the only sound being the rustling of leaves.

  “Kaito,” Aoi said softly, breaking the silence. “You were incredible during the festival. The way you played the violin at the performance—it felt like you poured your heart into it.”

  Kaito’s cheeks reddened slightly. “Thanks. I just wanted to make it special for everyone.”

  “You did,” Aoi said with a warm smile. “It was unforgettable.”

  When they returned to the classroom, the atmosphere felt lighter. The teachers had announced a half-day, giving the students a chance to rest after the festival. Haruto immediately suggested hanging out at the local arcade, and everyone readily agreed.

  The group—Kaito, Aoi, Haruto, Kaguya, and Akari—spent the afternoon laughing and competing against each other. Haruto’s dramatic losses at the claw machine and Akari’s surprisingly competitive streak at racing games kept everyone entertained.

  As the day came to an end, they found themselves sitting on a bench outside, enjoying the fading sunlight.

  “This was fun,” Aoi said, her voice tinged with contentment.

  “Yeah,” Kaguya agreed, leaning back with a small smile. “It’s nice to have days like this.”

  Haruto stretched his arms with a grin. “We should do this more often!”

  Kaito looked around at his friends, a warmth spreading in his chest. Despite the chaos and uncertainties, moments like these reminded him of what truly mattered.

  That evening, as Kaito sat on his balcony, he reflected on the day. The aftermath of the festival had left a void, but it had also brought new memories—simple, precious moments that he would treasure.

  The stars twinkled above, and for the first time in days, Kaito felt a sense of peace.

  The next day, Kaito woke up feeling refreshed. The weekend had passed quickly, and the festival’s echoes still lingered in his mind. As he made his way to school, the cool autumn breeze carried the faint scent of dried leaves.

  Entering the classroom, he noticed a cheerful buzz among his classmates. It seemed the relaxed atmosphere from the day before had carried over. Haruto waved him over as soon as he walked in.

  “Kaito, did you see the class chat?” Haruto asked excitedly, holding up his phone.

  “No, why?”

  Haruto grinned. “Someone uploaded pictures from the festival. There’s one of you playing the violin. Look, it already has a ton of comments.”

  Curious, Kaito leaned in to look at the screen. The photo captured him mid-performance, his expression focused and intense. The lighting from the stage cast a golden glow, making the moment almost ethereal.

  “‘Kaito’s so cool!’” Haruto read out loud, smirking. “‘I didn’t know he could play like that. He’s so talented.’ Wow, looks like you’ve got some fans.”

  Kaito rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a bit embarrassed. “It’s not a big deal.”

  Kaguya joined them, a playful glint in her eyes. “Oh, it’s definitely a big deal. People are calling you the ‘Violin Prince’ now.”

  “Violin Prince?” Kaito repeated, bewildered.

  “Embrace it,” Kaguya teased. “It suits you.”

  During lunch, Aoi approached Kaito with a shy smile. “Kaito, can we go to the rooftop again?”

  He nodded, and the two of them slipped away from the bustling classroom. The rooftop had become their quiet refuge, a place where they could escape the noise and simply be themselves.

  As they sat down, Aoi pulled out her phone. “I saw the picture of you playing the violin. You looked amazing.”

  “Not you too,” Kaito said, shaking his head.

  “I mean it,” Aoi said softly, her gaze steady. “When I watched you on stage, it felt like you were telling a story with your music. It was beautiful.”

  Kaito looked away, unsure how to respond. Aoi’s words were sincere, and they warmed his heart.

  After a moment of silence, Aoi changed the subject. “Do you ever think about what you want to do in the future?”

  Kaito thought for a moment before answering. “Not really. I guess I just take things one day at a time. What about you?”

  Aoi’s expression grew thoughtful. “I don’t know yet. But… I want to do something that makes people happy. Like how your music does.”

  Her words struck a chord in Kaito. He had always played the violin as a way to express himself, but hearing Aoi’s perspective made him realize its impact on others.

  That evening, Kaito found himself back on his balcony, gazing at the stars. The quiet moments with Aoi lingered in his mind. She had a way of making him feel calm yet inspired, and he couldn’t deny the growing feelings he had for her.

  As he leaned back in his chair, a faint memory surfaced—one he couldn’t quite place. It was like a whisper in the wind, something distant yet familiar.

  The sound of his phone buzzing pulled him out of his thoughts. It was a message from Haruto: “Meet us at the park tomorrow after school. We’re planning something fun!”

  Kaito smiled, grateful for his friends. No matter what uncertainties lay ahead, he knew they would face them together.

  The next day after school, Kaito made his way to the park as Haruto had suggested. The crisp autumn air was invigorating, and the late afternoon sunlight painted the surroundings in warm hues of orange and gold. As he approached the park’s entrance, he spotted Haruto waving enthusiastically with Kaguya and Akari standing nearby.

  “You’re finally here!” Haruto called out, grinning. “Now we can start the fun.”

  Kaito raised an eyebrow. “What exactly are we doing?”

  Kaguya smirked. “Haruto decided it’d be a great idea to revisit the festival games we missed yesterday. So, we’re having a mini contest right here.”

  Akari added with a giggle, “And knowing Haruto, it’ll probably turn into something ridiculous.”

  Haruto puffed out his chest. “Hey, it’s all about making memories, right?”

  Just then, Aoi arrived, slightly out of breath. “Sorry, I’m late! I had to finish up some student council work.”

  Kaito’s heart skipped a beat when their eyes met, and Aoi smiled warmly. She had a way of lighting up the atmosphere just by being there.

  They began with a series of lighthearted games. The first was a ring toss set up by Haruto, where everyone took turns trying to land their rings on the pegs. Akari proved surprisingly good at it, her precision earning her first place.

  “Looks like we have a hidden talent here,” Haruto joked, clapping.

  Next was a round of balloon popping with darts. Kaito was up first, his serious focus drawing everyone’s attention.

  “Watch out, Violin Prince is in his zone,” Kaguya teased.

  Kaito hit all but one balloon, earning applause from the group. “Not bad,” he said modestly, stepping aside for Aoi.

  Aoi picked up the darts nervously. “I’m not very good at this.”

  Her first dart missed entirely, and she laughed awkwardly. “See what I mean?”

  “Here, let me help,” Kaito offered, stepping behind her. He gently guided her hand, showing her how to aim properly.

  The closeness made Aoi’s cheeks flush, but she didn’t pull away. With Kaito’s help, her next dart hit its mark.

  “Nice teamwork!” Haruto cheered, though Kaguya’s smile had a hint of mischief.

  As the sun began to set, they sat on a blanket spread out on the grass, sharing snacks and stories. The golden hour cast a magical glow over the scene, making everything feel surreal.

  “You know,” Kaguya began, “these moments are what really matter. It’s easy to get caught up in school or responsibilities, but days like this remind me how lucky we are to have each other.”

  Akari nodded in agreement. “Even if Haruto’s ideas are a bit over the top sometimes.”

  “Hey!” Haruto protested, making everyone laugh.

  Aoi glanced at Kaito, her expression soft. “I’m really glad I transferred here. Being with all of you feels… right.”

  Kaito smiled back at her, the warmth in her voice resonating deeply. “We’re glad too,” he said sincerely.

  As they walked home together under the stars, Aoi and Kaito ended up lagging behind the others.

  “Kaito,” Aoi began hesitantly, “thank you for today. I had a lot of fun.”

  “Me too,” he replied.

  For a moment, they walked in comfortable silence. Then, without thinking, Kaito added, “You make things better just by being here.”

  Aoi’s steps faltered slightly, and she looked up at him with wide eyes. “Do you really mean that?”

  He nodded, his expression earnest. “I do.”

  Her lips curved into a radiant smile. “Then I’ll do my best to keep making things better.”

  Kaito’s heart swelled at her words, and he knew he was falling even deeper for her.

  The next day at school, the air was abuzz with chatter about the festival’s success. Students exchanged photos and recounted highlights, but Kaito was lost in his thoughts. Sitting by the window in his homeroom, he stared outside, the image of Aoi’s smile from the previous night etched in his mind.

  “Kaito?”

  He blinked, turning to see Haruto leaning over his desk. “You okay, man? You’ve been zoning out all morning.”

  “Yeah, just… tired,” Kaito lied, offering a weak smile.

  Haruto smirked knowingly. “Tired, huh? Does this ‘tiredness’ have anything to do with a certain someone?”

  Before Kaito could respond, Kaguya appeared, arms crossed. “Haruto, stop teasing him. Not everyone wants their feelings aired in public.”

  Haruto raised his hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. I’ll back off… for now.”

  Kaguya rolled her eyes before sitting down beside Kaito. “Ignore him. He’s just being nosy as usual.”

  Kaito chuckled softly, grateful for the distraction.

  During lunch, Kaito found himself walking to the rooftop, needing some air. To his surprise, Aoi was already there, leaning against the railing with a thoughtful expression.

  “Aoi?”

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  She turned, startled, but then smiled when she saw him. “Kaito. I didn’t think anyone else would come up here.”

  “I could say the same about you,” he said, walking closer.

  They stood side by side, the gentle breeze carrying the faint scent of autumn leaves. For a while, neither of them spoke, simply enjoying the peace.

  Finally, Aoi broke the silence. “Do you ever feel like everything’s moving too fast?”

  Kaito glanced at her. “Sometimes. Why do you ask?”

  She hesitated before answering. “I guess… after transferring here, I’ve been trying to keep up with everything—classes, meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends. It’s a lot to take in.”

  “You’re doing great,” Kaito said sincerely. “Everyone likes you. And… I’m glad you’re here.”

  Aoi’s cheeks flushed, but she didn’t look away. “That means a lot coming from you.”

  Later that evening, as Kaito walked home, his thoughts returned to the rooftop. He replayed their conversation in his mind, wondering why Aoi’s words had struck such a chord with him.

  Before he could dwell on it further, his phone buzzed. It was a message from Akari.

  Akari: “Study session tomorrow at my place. Don’t be late!”

  Kaito smiled faintly. Even amidst all the chaos, his friends never let him forget how connected they all were.

  As he stepped into his house, he resolved to focus on the present and take things one step at a time. But deep down, he knew his feelings for Aoi were growing stronger with each passing day, and it was only a matter of time before things came to a head.

  The following day, Kaito arrived at Akari’s house for the scheduled study session. Her house was as lively as ever, with the scent of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air. Akari greeted him at the door, a bright smile on her face.

  “You’re on time for once,” she teased, stepping aside to let him in.

  Kaito raised an eyebrow. “I’m always on time.”

  Akari smirked. “Sure you are. Come on, Haruto and Kaguya are already here.”

  In the living room, Haruto was sprawled on the floor with a textbook open in front of him, though it was clear his focus was elsewhere. Kaguya sat primly on a chair, flipping through her notes.

  “Finally,” Haruto said as Kaito walked in. “Now we can get started. Not that I’m looking forward to hours of math.”

  “Don’t worry,” Akari said, setting down a tray of snacks. “I’ll make sure you don’t fall asleep.”

  The study session started with the usual chaos. Haruto complained about every other question, while Akari patiently tried to explain the concepts. Kaguya, as always, was diligent, though she occasionally sent disapproving glances at Haruto’s antics.

  Kaito, however, found his thoughts drifting. Despite the lively atmosphere, he couldn’t shake the memory of his conversation with Aoi on the rooftop. Her words had felt so personal, so raw.

  “Kaito?”

  He blinked, realizing Akari was staring at him. “Huh?”

  “You’ve been staring at the same page for ten minutes,” she said, frowning. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said quickly, though he could tell she wasn’t convinced.

  Kaguya leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “If you’re not going to study, you might as well tell us what’s on your mind.”

  Haruto grinned. “Let me guess—it’s a girl.”

  Kaito groaned. “Can we just focus on studying?”

  Akari exchanged a knowing look with Kaguya but didn’t press further.

  As the session wrapped up, Akari walked Kaito to the door.

  “You’ve been quiet today,” she said softly. “Is something bothering you?”

  Kaito hesitated. Akari had always been perceptive, and he knew she wouldn’t let it go until he gave her an answer.

  “I’m just… thinking about some stuff,” he admitted.

  “Stuff like Aoi?” she asked, her tone teasing but her eyes serious.

  Kaito sighed. “Yeah, something like that.”

  Akari nodded, her expression unreadable. “You know, you don’t have to figure everything out right away. Just… don’t shut us out, okay?”

  Kaito gave her a small smile. “I won’t. Thanks, Akari.”

  Walking home, Kaito felt a strange sense of clarity. His friends were always there for him, no matter what. And while his feelings for Aoi were still a tangled mess, he knew he wasn’t alone in facing them.

  The sky had turned a dull gray as Kaito walked home from Akari’s house. The gentle drizzle soon turned into a steady rain, soaking through his clothes. He cursed under his breath for forgetting to bring an umbrella.

  As he reached the park near his house, he noticed a familiar figure sitting on a bench, holding an umbrella.

  “Aoi?”

  She turned at the sound of his voice, her eyes widening slightly. “Kaito? You’re drenched!”

  “What are you doing here?” he asked, walking up to her.

  Aoi hesitated before answering. “I just… needed some fresh air.”

  “Fresh air in the rain?” he teased, though he couldn’t hide his concern. “You’ll catch a cold.”

  Aoi stood, offering him her umbrella. “Here, take this. You’re going to get sick if you stay like that.”

  Kaito shook his head. “What about you?”

  “I’m fine,” she said, her tone firm.

  Without thinking, Kaito grabbed the umbrella and held it over both of them. “If you’re staying out here, then we’re sharing.”

  Aoi blinked, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. “You’re stubborn, aren’t you?”

  “Only when I have to be,” he replied with a small smile.

  They sat on the bench, the umbrella shielding them from the rain. The sound of raindrops hitting the ground filled the silence between them.

  “It’s peaceful, isn’t it?” Aoi said softly.

  Kaito glanced at her. “Yeah, it is.”

  For a moment, neither of them spoke. The quiet was comforting, but there was an unspoken tension in the air.

  “Kaito…” Aoi began, her voice hesitant.

  “Yeah?”

  She looked down at her hands. “I’ve been thinking a lot since the festival. About… everything.”

  Kaito felt his chest tighten. “What do you mean?”

  Aoi shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Nothing serious. Just… I’m glad I came to this school. I’ve made so many memories already.”

  Kaito nodded, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more she wasn’t saying.

  As the rain began to lighten, Aoi stood. “We should head home. It’s getting late.”

  Kaito followed her, holding the umbrella over both of them as they walked. The streets were quiet, the only sound the splashing of their footsteps on the wet pavement.

  When they reached Aoi’s house, she turned to him, her expression soft. “Thanks for walking me back.”

  “Anytime,” he said, handing her the umbrella.

  As she stepped inside, Aoi paused, looking over her shoulder. “Kaito?”

  “Yeah?”

  She hesitated before smiling. “Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight, Aoi.”

  Walking back to his house, Kaito couldn’t help but feel a strange warmth in his chest. Despite the rain, despite the unanswered questions, he felt lighter.

  The next day, the sky cleared, leaving behind the refreshing scent of rain. Kaito arrived at school earlier than usual, still thinking about his conversation with Aoi. Something about the way she spoke last night stuck with him.

  He placed his bag on his desk and leaned back, staring out the window. The sunlight poured into the classroom, but his thoughts were clouded.

  “You’re up early,” Haruto’s voice broke through his reverie.

  Kaito turned to see his friend walking in with his usual carefree grin.

  “Couldn’t sleep,” Kaito replied with a shrug.

  “Festival aftermath still messing with you?” Haruto teased as he sat down.

  “Something like that,” Kaito said, though he didn’t elaborate.

  Haruto raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. “Well, try not to overthink. Life’s too short for that.”

  As the classroom filled, Aoi entered with her usual calm demeanor. Her presence immediately drew attention, but she didn’t seem to notice.

  “Good morning,” she greeted, her gaze briefly meeting Kaito’s before she took her seat.

  Kaito felt his heart skip a beat but quickly looked away, pretending to focus on his notebook.

  The day passed slowly, with classes dragging on longer than usual. During lunch, Kaito found himself sitting on the rooftop, seeking some quiet.

  To his surprise, Aoi appeared, carrying her bento.

  “Mind if I join you?” she asked, holding up her lunch.

  “Not at all,” Kaito replied, shifting to make room.

  They ate in silence for a while, the breeze ruffling their hair.

  “This spot is nice,” Aoi said, breaking the silence. “It’s peaceful.”

  “It’s my go-to place when I need to think,” Kaito admitted.

  Aoi nodded, taking another bite of her food. “Kaito… about last night.”

  His chopsticks paused mid-air. “What about it?”

  “I… I wanted to thank you,” she said, her cheeks faintly pink. “For staying with me. It helped more than you know.”

  Kaito felt a warmth spread through him. “Anytime. I mean it.”

  Later that afternoon, Haruto, Akari, and Kaguya cornered Kaito in the hallway.

  “Why have you been acting so weird lately?” Haruto asked, his arms crossed.

  “I’m not acting weird,” Kaito replied, trying to brush past them.

  “You totally are,” Akari chimed in, her eyes narrowing. “Is this about Aoi?”

  Kaito froze. “What about her?”

  Kaguya smirked, stepping closer. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with her lately. Something you want to tell us?”

  “There’s nothing to tell,” Kaito said quickly, though his face betrayed him with a slight flush.

  Haruto laughed, patting him on the back. “Relax, we’re just messing with you. But seriously, you and Aoi, huh?”

  Kaito sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s not like that.”

  “Yet,” Akari muttered under her breath, earning a glare from Kaito.

  As the day came to an end, Kaito walked home alone, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. Between Aoi’s presence, his friends’ teasing, and his own feelings, he couldn’t find clarity.

  Looking up at the sky, he muttered, “Why does everything have to be so complicated?”

  The following evening, the school grounds were quiet, with most students having gone home. Kaito stayed back, helping Yukina organize the leftover supplies from the festival. She had asked for volunteers, and Kaito, needing a distraction, had agreed.

  “You’ve been spacing out all day,” Yukina said as she packed some decorations into a box. “Something on your mind?”

  Kaito hesitated, unsure if he wanted to share his thoughts. Yukina, however, had a way of drawing people out.

  “It’s nothing serious,” he finally said, tying a string around a bundle of banners.

  “You’re a terrible liar,” Yukina replied, giving him a knowing look.

  Kaito sighed. “It’s… complicated. People, feelings, all of it.”

  Yukina chuckled softly. “Sounds like you’re navigating some pretty tricky waters.”

  “Yeah, you could say that,” Kaito admitted.

  “Just remember, you don’t have to have all the answers right now,” Yukina said, her tone gentle. “Sometimes, things take time to sort themselves out.”

  As he walked home later that night, Kaito’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out to see a message from Aoi.

  Aoi: Are you free to talk?

  Kaito’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly replied, agreeing to meet her at the park near their neighbourhood.

  When he arrived, Aoi was sitting on a bench, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She looked up as he approached, her expression soft but serious.

  “Thanks for coming,” she said.

  “No problem,” Kaito replied, sitting down beside her. “What’s on your mind?”

  Aoi hesitated, her fingers fidgeting. “I’ve been thinking a lot… about us. About everything.”

  Kaito felt his chest tighten. “And?”

  “I… I just wanted to say I’m glad you’ve been by my side,” Aoi said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know what the future holds, but… you’re important to me, Kaito.”

  Kaito’s throat went dry. “Aoi, I—”

  She cut him off, shaking her head. “You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know.”

  They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of her words hanging between them.

  On his way back home, Kaito’s thoughts were all over the place. Aoi’s words had struck a chord, but so had his lingering memories of Kaguya and Akari. He felt like he was being pulled in multiple directions, each one leaving him more uncertain.

  When he reached his room, he collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling.

  “Why can’t things ever be simple?” he muttered to himself.

  As he drifted off to sleep, an image flashed in his mind—Aoi’s smile, Kaguya’s determination, and Akari’s quiet resolve. He didn’t have the answers yet, but he knew he couldn’t avoid the questions forever.

  The weekend came and went in a blur of mundane tasks and restless thoughts for Kaito. He tried keeping himself busy, but the words and emotions shared during the aftermath of the festival kept replaying in his mind.

  On Monday morning, the atmosphere at school felt different. The lingering warmth from the festival had settled into a calm quietness, but there were undercurrents of change Kaito couldn’t ignore.

  At lunch, Kaito found himself sitting under the tree in the courtyard where he and Aoi often met. To his surprise, Aoi was already there, waiting for him. She smiled as he approached, patting the spot next to her.

  “You’ve been avoiding me,” she teased lightly, though there was a hint of concern in her voice.

  Kaito shook his head, sitting down beside her. “Not avoiding, just… thinking.”

  “About?” she pressed, tilting her head.

  Kaito hesitated. He wanted to tell her everything—the weight of Kaguya and Akari’s confessions, the uncertainty he felt about his own emotions, and the way her presence always seemed to calm the storm in his mind. But he couldn’t find the right words.

  “Life,” he finally said.

  Aoi gave him a curious look but didn’t push further. Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. “Here.”

  “What’s this?” Kaito asked, accepting the box.

  “Open it,” she said, smiling softly.

  Inside was a simple silver bracelet with a small charm shaped like a star.

  “I saw it at the festival,” Aoi explained. “It reminded me of you—for some reason, it felt like something you should have.”

  Kaito stared at the bracelet, touched by the gesture. “Thank you, Aoi. I’ll treasure it.”

  Later that day, as classes ended and the students began heading home, Kaito found himself walking with Haruto, Kaguya, and Akari. The four of them had been inseparable for years, but now there was an invisible tension that Kaito couldn’t ignore.

  “Hey, Kaito,” Haruto said, nudging him. “You seem out of it. Something on your mind?”

  “Just tired,” Kaito replied, brushing it off.

  Akari and Kaguya exchanged a glance, but neither said anything.

  When they reached the fork in the road that separated their paths, Kaguya hesitated before speaking. “Kaito, can we talk later? Just the two of us.”

  Kaito nodded. “Sure.”

  As they parted ways, Akari gave Kaito a faint smile, as if she already knew what Kaguya wanted to say.

  That evening, Kaito met Kaguya at the park. She was waiting by the swings, her usual confident demeanor replaced by something more subdued.

  “I’ve been thinking,” Kaguya said as he approached. “I know I said I wouldn’t give up, but… maybe I need to take a step back. For now.”

  Kaito blinked, surprised. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean I want you to be happy,” Kaguya said, her voice steady but her eyes glistening. “And if being with Aoi makes you happy, then I’ll support you. But don’t think for a second that I’m giving up for good.”

  Kaito smiled faintly. “You’ve always been strong, Kaguya. Stronger than me, honestly.”

  She laughed softly, wiping her eyes. “Don’t let it go to your head, idiot.”

  The following morning, sunlight streamed through the windows of Kaito’s room, waking him earlier than usual. He sat up in bed, staring at the bracelet on his desk. The small star charm caught the sunlight, reflecting tiny rays across the room. It was a simple gift, yet it carried so much weight.

  As he prepared for school, Kaito felt a renewed sense of determination. The conversations with Kaguya and Akari had lingered in his thoughts, but Aoi’s gesture the previous day reminded him of what mattered most—moving forward without fear of confronting his emotions.

  At school, the hallways buzzed with chatter about the festival’s success. Kaito found himself walking alongside Haruto, who seemed unusually quiet.

  “Kaito,” Haruto began, breaking the silence. “Do you ever feel like things are changing too fast?”

  Kaito gave him a sidelong glance. “Yeah, I do. But isn’t that part of life?”

  Haruto chuckled, scratching the back of his head. “I guess so. Just feels like yesterday we were all goofing off without a care in the world.”

  “Things change, but we’ll always have those moments,” Kaito replied, offering a small smile.

  During lunch, Aoi waved Kaito over to their usual spot in the courtyard. She looked radiant, her smile brighter than the sunshine filtering through the trees.

  “You seem happier today,” she observed as Kaito sat down.

  “Maybe I am,” he admitted.

  They shared a quiet moment, eating and chatting about small things—their classes, their teachers, and the lingering memories of the festival.

  “You know,” Aoi began, her tone shifting slightly, “I’ve been thinking about what you said during the festival.”

  Kaito’s heart skipped a beat. “What about it?”

  “That no matter what happens, you’ll protect what’s important to you.” She looked at him, her gaze steady. “I believe you.”

  The sincerity in her words left Kaito momentarily speechless. He wanted to tell her everything—about his feelings, his fears, and the growing emotions he couldn’t ignore. But instead, he simply nodded.

  “Thanks, Aoi. That means a lot.”

  As the day came to an end, the group of friends found themselves gathered on the rooftop, watching the sunset. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, a fitting backdrop for the moments they shared.

  Kaguya leaned against the railing, her usual energetic demeanor subdued but peaceful. Akari stood next to her, quietly watching the horizon. Haruto sat cross-legged nearby, humming a tune under his breath. Aoi stood beside Kaito, her hand brushing his arm as they both gazed at the fading sun.

  “It feels like something big is coming,” Haruto mused, breaking the silence.

  “Big or small, we’ll handle it together,” Aoi replied, her voice firm.

  Kaito glanced at her, feeling a surge of gratitude for the people around him. Despite the complexities of their relationships, they were all bound by something unspoken yet unbreakable.

  As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kaito felt a sense of closure—not just for the festival, but for the lingering uncertainties that had haunted him.

  The rooftop grew quiet as the last sliver of sunlight disappeared, leaving behind a deep orange glow on the horizon. The group stood together, the breeze carrying the faint sounds of laughter and life from the school grounds below. It was a rare moment of peace, a pause in the whirlwind of emotions and events that had defined their lives recently.

  Kaito leaned against the railing, glancing at each of his friends. Kaguya was lost in thought, her usual cheer replaced with a soft, pensive expression.

  Akari had her arms crossed, but there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. Haruto yawned, muttering something about dinner. And then there was Aoi, standing quietly beside him, her presence grounding him in a way he couldn’t fully describe.

  “Hey,” Kaito began, his voice breaking the silence. “I know things have been a little... intense lately.”

  Haruto snorted. “You think? That festival was like an emotional rollercoaster.”

  The group chuckled, easing some of the tension.

  “But,” Kaito continued, “I’m glad we’re all here. Together.”

  Kaguya turned to him, her usual boldness returning. “That’s kind of cheesy, Kaito. But... I’ll let it slide this time.”

  Akari smirked. “For once, I agree with her.”

  Aoi didn’t say anything, but the soft smile she gave Kaito said enough.

  As they descended from the rooftop, the group naturally broke into smaller pairs. Haruto and Akari walked ahead, engaged in a lighthearted argument about who would win in a cooking contest. Kaguya trailed behind them, hands clasped behind her back as she hummed a tune.

  Kaito and Aoi walked side by side, the soft click of their footsteps filling the quiet space between them.

  “Kaito,” Aoi said suddenly, breaking the silence.

  “Yeah?”

  “Thank you. For everything.”

  He looked at her, confused. “What do you mean?”

  “For being you. For always trying to do the right thing, even when it’s hard.” Her voice was soft, almost hesitant. “It’s... inspiring.”

  Kaito felt his cheeks warm. “I’m not really doing anything special,” he muttered.

  Aoi shook her head, her eyes meeting his. “You are. You just don’t see it.”

  Before he could respond, Aoi reached out, gently taking his hand in hers. The gesture was simple, yet it sent a jolt of warmth through him.

  “Let’s keep moving forward, together,” she said, her voice steady.

  Kaito nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Yeah. Together.”

  By the time Kaito returned home that evening, he felt a strange sense of calm. The day had been long and emotionally charged, but it left him with a renewed sense of purpose. As he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, he couldn’t help but think about the people in his life—Aoi, Kaguya, Akari, Haruto, and everyone else who had become so important to him.

  They were all on this journey together, navigating the twists and turns of life. And while the path ahead was uncertain, Kaito knew one thing for sure: he wasn’t alone.

  With that thought, he closed his eyes, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring.