It was 9:33 a.m. on a Sunday when Rai finally woke up—with a music sheet pressed against her face. Still half-asleep, she reached for her phone and squinted at the screen. Notifications flooded in—far more than usual. Most were from the group chat Yuki had created yesterday, with a few from Kousaki. Rai opened the group chat and scrolled through last night's messages. Yuki: Did you get home safe yesterday? Shoto: Yeah. Yuki: I think I caught a cold. Watabe: That's because you stayed too long. Shoto: She didn't even want to get out. Her eyes were already turning red. Watabe: Right? Haha. Yuki: But bathing there felt so good. I enjoyed it. Who knows when we'll get to go again? A photo popped up—sent by Watabe. It showed Yuki in the river, caught at the worst possible moment with a ridiculous expression. Shoto: She looks like a drowning monkey. Shoto: HAHAHAHA Yuki: Hey! That's mean! Delete that, Watabe! Watabe: My phone's low battery. Good night. Yuki: HEYYY! Delete that right now!!! Shoto: He's already offline, hahaha. Yuki: Just wait until Monday. Shoto: Scaryyy. Suzuki: Please take care, Yuki-san. Yuki: Aww, Suzuki is the only nice one here. Suzuki: Hehe. Yuki: Oh, Kousaki is active. Shoto: Huh? She's here? Yuki: Yeah. Didn't you see her name? Shoto: Crap. Yuki: Kousaki, did you get home safe? Kousaki: Yes. How about you? Yuki: Yeah, but I think I caught a cold. Kousaki: Then take some medicine. Yuki: Aww, Kousaki too… Rai stopped scrolling. She was too lazy to read the rest. Instead, she opened Kousaki's private messages. From yesterday: Kousaki: Rai, did you get home safe? Kousaki: Did you take a shower? Kousaki: Sorry for pushing you earlier. Rai stared at the messages for a moment. Then a new notification appeared. Kousaki (Just now): Oh—you're awake. Kousaki: Sorry for pushing you yesterday. Did you catch a cold? Rai: No. Kousaki: Ohhh, thank goodness. Kousaki: Are you free right now? Rai: Why? Kousaki: Umm… I have something to discuss with you. I'm at the mall right now, so if you're free, I'll send you my location. Rai glanced at the music sheet beside her—the one she had been studying the night before. The title read: Brahms – Hungarian Dance No. 5. Rai: I have something to do, so no. Kousaki: Oh, is that so. Kousaki was still typing, but Rai shut her phone off, picked up the music sheet, and stepped out of her room. Monday Classes resumed—but something felt off. As Rai walked down the hallway with Shoto, Watabe, and Yuki, she noticed it immediately. Everyone was staring. Whispers followed them as they passed. Watabe frowned. "Why is everyone looking at us?" Shoto glanced at Yuki. "Did you do something again?" Yuki blinked. "Huh? I didn't—" Before she could finish, a group of girls suddenly approached Rai. "Hey, you're the one with Kousaki from the livestream, right?" "What's your name?" "What class are you in?" Rai froze. "…Ah." More students gathered around her. "Whoa—it's really her!" "She looks even better in person!" "Can I get your number?" "Please, can we take a picture with you?" "It's really her!!" The crowd quickly grew, surrounding Rai from all sides. Watabe looked around, confused. "What's going on here?" Shoto frowned as more students kept arriving. "Oi, oi… it's getting too crowded." In the middle of the noise, Rai stood still. Then slowly, she turned her head. Her eyes landed on Yuki—cold and quiet. A silent request for help. Yuki immediately understood. With a sigh, she stepped forward and pushed through the crowd, grabbing Rai's wrist. "Alright, that's enough," Yuki said firmly. "Give her some space." Reluctantly, the students stepped back, though whispers still lingered. Yuki didn't waste time. "Let's go." She pulled Rai out of the crowd, with Shoto and Watabe following behind. They turned a corner and finally escaped the noise. Rai exhaled softly. "…Thanks." Yuki glanced at her. "You okay?" Rai frowned slightly. "What's up with those… things?" Yuki stopped walking and lightly tapped her head, unimpressed. "Don't call them 'things.' They're students." Without another word, they headed toward their classroom. But the moment they stepped inside— All eyes turned to Rai. The room exploded. "It's Rai!!" "Look! You're trending in online" "Can we take a picture?" "Wait—don't move!" Several classmates rushed toward her desk before she could take another step. Others remained in their seats, watching with amusement. "Whoa… looks like Rai's really popular now." Watabe raised his hands. "Hey, hey—give her some space!" Shoto groaned as he got pushed from behind. "Oi—stop pushing! We can't even get in!" Yuki clicked her tongue and stepped forward, her presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. "Rai doesn't like crowds," she said firmly. "So back off for a bit." The room quieted slightly. Yuki crossed her arms. "If you want pictures or autographs, line up properly." That worked. The chaos slowly turned into an organized line, though excited whispers still filled the room. Rai stood stiffly, clearly uncomfortable. "…This is ridiculous." Lunch Time Rai stayed in her seat, her head resting sideways on the desk, unwilling to move. Yuki glanced at her. "What's wrong, Rai? You're not going to the cafeteria?" Shoto stretched. "Me and Watabe are heading there. You want to come?" Rai didn't even lift her head. "Mmm… Watabe, just buy for me." Watabe sighed. "What do you want?" "As usual." Yuki raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you just go yourself?" Rai slowly lifted a finger and pointed toward the door. "Because… those things are still there." Everyone looked. A few students were still peeking inside, trying to catch a glimpse of her. Yuki let out a small laugh. "Ah… yeah." Shoto shrugged. "We'll be back in a minute." Yuki added quickly, "Hey—Shoto, buy me a juice." "Roger." Watabe looked uneasy. "There are so many students outside… how are we supposed to get through?" Shoto smirked. "We just walk." They stepped outside. "Excuse us… excuse us…" But the moment they did— "Eh—?!" Students grabbed their arms. "You're Rai's friends, right?" "Introduce us to her!" "Please, just once!" Shoto blinked. "Eh?" Watabe looked confused. "Huh?" They exchanged a glance. No words needed. Then— They shook off the students and ran. "HEY!!!" A few minutes later, they finally reached the cafeteria. Both stopped near the entrance, bent over and catching their breath. "…What was that?" Watabe gasped. Shoto laughed tiredly. "We almost got dragged into a cult." Watabe nodded. "Being Rai's friend is dangerous…" Shoto straightened up. "Let's just eat quickly before they find us again." Watabe sighed. "Yeah… no risks today." Meanwhile, inside the classroom— The noise outside the hallway only seemed to grow louder. Yuki leaned toward the window, peeking through the curtain gap. "Whoa… they're multiplying. What is going on with all of them?" Rai, still resting her head sideways on her desk, didn't even look up. "Hell if I know." Yuki blinked at her. "Wait… I think I heard them mention Kousaki earlier." At that, Rai's fingers paused slightly. Kousaki? she repeated in her mind. Before she could think further, Yuki suddenly grabbed her shoulders and shook her lightly. "Hey, Rai! Do something about them. They keep coming in more and more. Even the class president is struggling—look." Yuki pointed toward the front of the room. The "organized line" had already fallen apart. Students were peeking through the door, others whispering excitedly, and a few even trying to take photos through the windows. The class president looked completely exhausted, raising his hands in surrender. "I can't control this anymore…" Yuki clicked her tongue. "This is getting worse…" Rai slowly lifted her head from the desk. Her expression remained blank, but her eyes sharpened slightly. "…It's noisy." Yuki stared at her. "Come on do something." Rai stood up. Without another word, she walked toward the door. The room immediately quieted a little. Behind her, Yuki clenched her fists dramatically. "Go, go, go—fight!" Rai stopped in front of the door and looked at the students gathered outside. For a moment, she said nothing. Then— "Ahhh—she's here!" "She's so tall!" "Hey—can we exchange LINE?" "Waaah, she's so close!" "Are you and Kousaki dat—" Rai let out a quiet sigh. "…Sorry," she said calmly, her voice low and cold. "But you're all disturbing our class. Could you please go back to your own classrooms?" A pause. "…Please?" The students froze for a second. Then— "Y-Yes! If that's what you want!" "Kyaaa—she talked to us!" "She's so cool!" Within moments, the crowd began to disperse, though not without excited whispers and lingering glances. Rai blinked, a small bead of sweat forming at her temple. "…Huh." Just like that, the hallway cleared. She turned around and walked back to her seat as if nothing had happened. Yuki stared at her, wide-eyed. "…What kind of magic you used?" Rai sat down. "Talk no jutsu." Yuki blinked—then burst out laughing. "What is that?!" She stretched in relief. "Waaa, I'm glad they already gone." Then she called out— "Yoooo, President, you okay?" "…Yeah, thanks," he sighed. Yuki grinned. "Don't sweat it—it's Rai fault anyway." Back in the cafeteria, Shoto and Watabe had already bought what they needed. On their way back to the classroom, they moved carefully along the hallway—sticking close to the walls, trying not to be noticed. Watabe whispered, "This is so embarrassing… why are we doing this?" Shoto replied quietly, "Shh. Just hold your horses." Watabe sighed and peeked ahead. The hallway near their classroom… was empty. She blinked—then lightly tapped Shoto's head. "Ow—what was that for?" Shoto complained. "Look," Watabe said, pointing ahead. "Let's go." Shoto followed her gaze. "…Ah. I see." Just like that, they straightened up and walked normally back to the classroom. "Ahh—they're back," Yuki said as soon as they entered. Watabe handed the food over. "Rai, here." "…Thanks," Rai replied. Yuki immediately turned to Shoto. "Where's my juice?" Shoto froze. "…Ahh. I forgot." A dangerous silence filled the room. Shoto quickly waved his hands. "Wait—listen! Earlier, some students grabbed us, so we ran straight to the cafeteria—and when we came back, I just—uh—forgot—" Yuki grabbed his ear. "Ow—OW—OUCH—okay, okay, sorry! I'll go buy it now—just let go already—OWWW—" Yuki released him. "Faster." "Yesss, ma'am!" Shoto dashed out of the room. Watabe looked around. "So… why are the students outside suddenly gone?" Yuki pointed at Rai. "…She told them to leave." Watabe blinked. "…Seriously?" The final bell rang. Some students were already waiting outside for Rai. Inside the classroom, Yuki peeked through the window. "Wooow… looks like they're waiting for you again," she said. "I can't help you later—I still have club activities." Shoto stretched. "Me and Watabe too… sorry." Yuki turned to Watabe. "Eh? You're staying for the baseball club?" Watabe scratched her cheek awkwardly. "Coach begged… like, actually knelt in front of me. I couldn't refuse." Yuki laughed. "Ehhh? That's kind of amazing though." Koyomi peeked inside from the hallway. Yuki grabbed her bag. "Alright, I'm heading out." Shoto nodded. "Yeah, us too." By then, Rai had already stood up and started walking toward the door. Yuki blinked. "Eh? You're leaving already?" Watabe frowned slightly. "Are you going to be okay getting out?" Rai gave a small nod. "Mm." She raised a hand in a short wave and walked away. Yuki watched her go. "…Is she going to be okay?" Shoto shrugged. "Yeah. Don't worry—she'll handle it." Watabe looked uneasy. "I hope so…" The four of them eventually split off, each heading toward their respective clubs. Rai walked alone down the hallway. Step by step, she descended the stairs, her expression calm—but her eyes alert. The moment her shoes touched the first floor, faint voices reached her ears. "…I heard she's around here." "Really? Let's find her." Rai paused for half a second. Then continued walking. Quietly. Casually. As if she hadn't heard anything. But the moment she turned the corner— "Hey—!" Someone spotted her. "…!" More footsteps followed. "They found her!" "There—she's there!" Rai clicked her tongue softly and changed direction, her pace quickening just slightly. She turned into another hallway, scanning for an exit. Left. Blocked. Right. Blocked. Ahead— More students. Her path was closing in from every direction. "…Tch." She stopped. For the first time, a faint crease appeared between her brows. Nowhere to go. The noise grew louder—closer. "Rai!!" "Wait!!" "Just one picture!" She exhaled slowly, steadying herself— Then suddenly— Someone grabbed her bag. Rai's eyes sharpened instantly. "Shhh!" The voice came in a hurried whisper. Rai blinked. "…Kousaki?" Kousaki peeked from behind the corner, one finger pressed to her lips. "Be quiet. They're coming." Footsteps echoed through the hallway—fast, chaotic, getting closer. Kousaki quickly pulled something from behind her back and held it out. "Here. Use this." Rai looked down. A paper bag. She stared at it for a second… then slowly looked back at Kousaki, unimpressed. "…Why would I wear that?" Without answering, Kousaki stepped forward. "Just hurry up and wear it" Bam. The paper bag was shoved over Rai's head. "…Seriously?" But Kousaki had already grabbed her wrist. "Come on." Right on cue, a group of students rushed into the hallway. "Where did she go?!" "I saw her turn this way!" "She couldn't have gone far!" Their voices overlapped, scanning every corner— Then they froze. Right in front of them stood Kousaki… And beside her— A tall figure. With a paper bag over her head. Silence. The students looked at each other, confused. "…What is that?" "…Is that… a person?" "Why is she wearing a paper bag?" Kousaki didn't even flinch. She casually brushed her hair back and spoke in a calm, slightly annoyed tone. "You're being too loud." The students immediately straightened. "S-Sorry, Kousaki-san!"
"Right are you and Rai dating?"
Kousaki paused.
They already know her name?
"…No."
"Then why were you together at the river? And that livestream?"
"…We had other friends with us. It just happened that her face showed."
They glanced at the "paper bag person."
"…then....have you seen Rai?"
Kousaki didn't even look at them.
"No."
A pause.
The students exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering across their faces. Slowly, they began to turn away—
Then—
"…Hey."
Kousaki's voice stopped them.
They froze instantly.
"Y-Yes?!"
She hesitated.
Just for a second.
Her fingers curled slightly at her side, as if the words didn't come easily to her.
"…I know I don't really have the right to say this, but…"
A small pause.
"…could you all stop crowding her like that?"
The students blinked.
"…It's not that she doesn't like it…"
Kousaki looked away for a moment, searching for the right words.
"…she just doesn't know how to deal with it."
Silence settled over the group.
"…She's not good with crowds," Kousaki added, quieter this time.
"So if you all come at her all at once… she won't say anything, but…"
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"…it bothers her."
The students shifted, their expressions softening.
"…Ah…"
"…We didn't think about that…"
"…We just got excited…"
Kousaki exhaled softly.
"…Yeah. I get it."
Then, more firmly—
"…But still. Give her some space."
A pause.
Then one of them nodded.
"…Okay."
"…Sorry about that…"
"…We'll be more careful…"
Kousaki suddenly clapped her hands lightly.
"…Ah—wait. I know."
The students looked back at her.
"…If you still want to talk to her," Kousaki continued, a small smile forming,
"…do it during my livestream next time."
A beat.
"…Huh?"
From the corner—
Hidden just out of sight—
Rai's eyes narrowed slightly.
Livestream…?
Then it clicked.
Saturday.
The river.
Kousaki painting—while streaming.
…So that's the reason, Rai thought quietly.
Back in the hallway—
"Ehhh?! Are you serious?!"
"We can talk to her there?!"
Kousaki smiled—bright, easy.
"…Mm-hmm."
"Thank you, Kousaki-san!!"
One by one, the students stepped back, waving at her excitedly.
Then they turned—
And left.
Silence returned.
Kousaki stayed still for a moment.
Listening.
Making sure.
Then—
"…They're gone."
Behind her—
A soft rustle.
The paper bag slowly lifted.
Rai exhaled immediately, her face slightly flushed. A few strands of her hair clung messily to her cheeks.
"…It's so hot," she muttered.
She dropped down onto the floor without caring about her posture, fanning herself lightly with her hand.
Kousaki looked at her for a moment—then crouched down in front of her without hesitation.
Before Rai could react, Kousaki reached out and started fixing her hair.
"Hey—don't come closer. It's hot," Rai said, leaning back slightly.
But Kousaki ignored her, gently brushing the messy strands away from her face.
"Stop moving," Kousaki said flatly. "Or I'll flick your forehead."
Rai went still.
For a moment, she just stared at Kousaki's face—quiet, observing.
Kousaki remained focused, her fingers careful as she adjusted the last few strands.
"…There."
She pulled her hand back and stood up.
Rai followed, brushing off her pant lightly.
A short silence settled between them.
Then—
"…So," Rai said.
Kousaki tilted her head slightly. "Hm?"
Rai crossed her arms, her gaze steady.
"What was that about?" she asked. "The livestream thing. Letting them talk to me there."
Kousaki paused.
For once, she didn't answer immediately.
"…Well," she started, looking slightly to the side, "it's easier that way."
Rai raised an eyebrow. "Easier?"
"Mm," Kousaki nodded. "If it's through a screen, they won't crowd you."
She glanced back at Rai.
"And you won't have to deal with them all at once."
Rai didn't respond right away.
Kousaki continued, more casually now—
"Besides, they already watch my streams sometimes. It's not a big deal."
"…So you just decided that on your own?" Rai asked.
"Yeah."
Kousaki looked at Rai with an annoyed expression.
"And thennn—" she started.
Rai cut in immediately. "What? You're the reason I got crowded in the first place. It's because of that livestream."
Kousaki narrowed her eyes.
"If you had just come with me when I told you I had something to say on Sunday, then you wouldn't have been hiding from students like an idiot."
As she said that, she lightly kicked Rai on the leg.
Rai flinched. "Ow—ow! Didn't I tell you I had something to do that day?"
Kousaki repeated in a flat voice, "I have something to do that day."
Then she looked away toward the hallway, clearly still annoyed.
"…Forget it. At least my followers increased," she muttered with a small, mischievous laugh.
"Fufufu…"
Rai froze.
"…Huh?"
She stared at Kousaki, completely speechless.
"…That's your takeaway from all of this?"
Kousaki: "Its okay with you, right?"
Rai: "Huh?"
Kousaki smiled brightly, as if the weight of the world didn't exist on his shoulders.
"Thanks, Rai. I'm going to do my best—through my artworks, and everything I post."
Rai froze the moment she saw that smile. It wasn't loud or dramatic, but it stayed with her, quietly unsettling something deep inside her chest.
Without waiting for a reply, Kousaki turned and started walking ahead.
Kousaki: "Let's go."
The distance between them slowly widened, until only the sound of footsteps remained—and then even that began to fade.
Rai stayed where she was for a moment longer, watching his figure disappear into the flow of people.
The wind brushed past her, cool and unbothering, but her thoughts were anything but calm.
And for some reason she couldn't explain, that smile of his refused to leave her mind.