-AURORA ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE, SAPPORO, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN-
-8:21 AM, NOVEMBER 6, 2017-
The corridors of Aurora Academy glowed faintly under the early morning sun, polished floors reflecting the soft winter light. Students hurried to their classes, chatter echoing between the tall glass windows.
Ichika Komori walked toward Class 1-B, her long pink hair swaying with each step, a gentle hum unconsciously leaving her lips. She had slept well last night—better than usual.
Maybe because…
"See you tomorrow, Komori."
Her heartbeat fluttered at the memory.
She reached her classroom door, bowed politely, and entered.
Another school day.
Another routine day.
Or so she thought.
-AURORA ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE — HALLWAY-
-10:31 AM, NOVEMBER 6, 2017-
The moment the bell signaled the end of 2nd Period, the hallway spilled with students switching classes. Ichika stepped out of her classroom, hugging her binder lightly to her chest.
Her path to 3rd Period brought her past the 1-A corridor—and instinctively, her eyes shifted.
There he was.
Rikuu Arakawa, leaning against the wall, adjusting the strap of his bag. His expression was the same cool indifference he always wore, but something about him was different today.
He looked… more awake.
Less closed off.
A little warmer.
Their eyes met across the small distance.
Ichika slightly dipped her head.
Rikuu blinked slowly—and gave the smallest, faintest nod in return.
Barely noticeable.
But to Ichika, it felt like a quiet greeting—one meant only for her.
"Komori-san?"
She nearly jumped. Misuzu appeared beside her, adjusting her glasses.
"You're staring into space," Misuzu said softly.
"O-oh, no, I was just… thinking."
"Mh." Misuzu's eyes flicked—just briefly—toward 1-A's doorway, then back to Ichika.
Ichika flushed pink.
"Let's go to class," she said quickly.
Misuzu followed, her expression unreadable.
-AURORA ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE — COURTYARD-
-12:38 PM, NOVEMBER 6, 2017-
Lunch break.
Kiyomi swung her legs excitedly over the courtyard bench. "Ichikaaa, you look extra sparkly today!"
Ichika blinked. "I do?"
"You do," Misuzu added quietly.
Ichika looked away, embarrassed.
"I-I just slept well, that's all."
"Oh? Really?" Kiyomi leaned forward dramatically. "Or maybe you're thinking of someone—"
"Kiyomi!" Ichika squeaked, cheeks warming.
Kiyomi laughed, loud and bright.
But Ichika's eyes drifted—again—to where Rikuu usually sat.
He wasn't alone today.
Masayoshi Fujikawa sat across from him, waving his hands animatedly while Rikuu listened with half-lidded eyes. It wasn't lively—Rikuu didn't smile or laugh—but he wasn't cold either.
Ichika watched for a quiet moment.
He can talk casually with someone…?
The thought lightened her chest in a way she didn't expect.
But when Rikuu's gaze shifted and landed on her across the courtyard—
She quickly looked away, heart jumping.
Kiyomi whispered, "Ooooooh."
Ichika wanted to sink into the snow.
-AURORA ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE — REAR BUILDING HALLWAY-
-2:12 PM, NOVEMBER 6, 2017-
Classes were done. Students trickled out of the building, heading toward their cars or afterschool clubs.
Ichika stepped into the quieter back hallway, walking toward the gate where her family driver waited.
But then—
Footsteps.
She turned.
Rikuu.
He walked from the opposite side, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable as always. The hallway was empty except for them—the quiet air hanging between them like a thin thread.
Ichika swallowed, her voice soft.
"Oh… Arakawa."
He stopped a few steps from her.
"…Komori."
Silence.
Ichika gently held her books tighter. "U-um… did you have a good day?"
Rikuu tilted his head slightly. "A day's just a day. Nothing special."
"Oh…"
He looked at her—longer than he usually would.
Then:
"But… you. You look… less tired."
Ichika blinked. "I-I do?"
"Yeah." He looked away casually, almost annoyed at himself for saying it. "Guess that's good."
The tips of Ichika's ears warmed.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Rikuu scratched the back of his neck. "It's nothing."
Another pause.
Ichika shifted her weight nervously.
"Um… Arakawa?"
Rikuu looked back at her.
"Mm?"
"I'm… glad we're friends."
His eyes widened just a fraction—not enough for most people to notice, but Ichika saw it.
Watched it.
Cherished it.
Rikuu blinked slowly, exhaling a soft breath.
"…Yeah."
A beat passed.
"I'm still getting used to it."
Ichika smiled softly. "Me too."
He stared at her for another second—like he was trying to understand something unfamiliar and delicate.
Then he stepped aside, giving her space to pass.
"See you tomorrow, Komori."
Ichika bowed her head slightly.
"See you tomorrow… Arakawa."
She walked past him, heart warm and steady.
Rikuu watched her go.
And though he didn't smile—
something in his chest softened.