The final bell rang through the school halls like a gentle release. Students began to shuffle their papers, zip up bags, and chat about where to go next — the convenience store, the café, the arcade.
Lily stood up slowly from her seat, her fingers brushing over her bag. That letter had sat folded in her pocket all day like a secret heartbeat. She hadn't told anyone — not Mira, not Riku, not even…
"Lily," Aki said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Want to walk home together?"
She hesitated.
Aki noticed. His quiet gaze lingered on her face — he wasn't smiling, but his voice carried a subtle warmth. He was beginning to do that more lately, talking to her like they were something… closer.
She forced a smile.
"I actually have something to do today," she said, not quite meeting his eyes. "So… I'll see you tomorrow?"
Aki blinked. "Oh. Right."
She turned and walked quickly out of the classroom.
But Aki didn't move from the doorway.
After a second, he stepped out into the hallway and followed — at a distance.
Lily made her way toward the back wing of the school. Not many students lingered here after hours. Her steps slowed when she reached the old side corridor, leading to the art room.
She paused. Her hand touched her chest where the folded note still pressed lightly against her shirt. She took a deep breath.
She had told herself she wasn't going. That it didn't matter. That it was silly.
And yet…
She slid the door open and stepped inside.
Unbeknownst to her, Aki stood just around the corner, heart tight, eyes narrowed in concern.
He didn't know what she was doing — only that something in her expression today had felt different. Distant. Guarded.
He'd never seen her act like she had something to hide before.
So he waited.
And listened.
Not ready to ask — but not ready to let her carry something alone either.