After school.
Shuu lingered in the hallway, leaning casually against a wall near the shoe lockers. From here, he had a clear view of the classroom doors and could see every student heading home.
He wasn't stalking anyone.
He just happened to be waiting.
And sure enough, after a few minutes, Kouno Sakura quietly stepped out of the classroom, her bag held tightly in front of her, her gaze low.
Just like yesterday, she looked like a breeze could carry her away.
Shuu straightened up and called out, "Heading home, Sakura?"
She stopped and turned, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Iura—ah, I mean… Shuu-kun?"
He smiled. "Mind if I walk with you again?"
Sakura hesitated. Then gave a tiny nod.
"…Okay."
They walked side by side once more, the afternoon sun casting warm shadows along the road.
This time, the silence between them wasn't as heavy.
There was a rhythm now.
A quiet understanding.
Halfway down the path, Shuu glanced at her. "You're good at cooking, huh?"
Sakura looked startled by the question. "...Sort of. I've been making my own lunches since middle school."
"That's impressive. I can't even make rice without screwing it up."
She smiled faintly. "It's just practice."
Shuu rubbed the back of his head. "I tried to make omurice once. The egg turned into scrambled tofu."
Sakura laughed quietly.
The sound made something warm bloom in his chest.
They continued walking like that, exchanging small thoughts and gentle words, until they reached the fork in the road again.
Just like yesterday, Sakura paused and pointed. "This is where I turn."
"Got it," Shuu said. Then added, "Hey..."
Sakura looked up.
Shuu's tone turned a little more serious. "I know this might sound sudden, but... I'm really glad we started talking."
Sakura blinked, clearly caught off guard.
"No one really notices me," she murmured, almost to herself. "I'm not... very interesting."
"That's not true," Shuu said firmly.
"You're thoughtful. Kind. Smart. And you make amazing lunches."
She stared at him, eyes wide, lips slightly parted.
In that moment, something shifted in the air—like a curtain lifting, or a camera finally panning to the right corner of the stage.
For the first time, Kouno Sakura had a spotlight.
And she didn't shrink from it.
"…Thank you, Shuu-kun."
Her voice was soft, but steady.
Shuu smiled. "See you tomorrow."
As she turned down the road, her steps were lighter.
And behind her, Shuu stood still, hands in his pockets, watching the side character walk away...
Like she was slowly becoming the heroine of her own story.
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