Scene: Early morning. Snow falls steadily, covering the school courtyard in a soft white blanket. Amane waits at the school gate, blowing warm air into his hands. Mahiru arrives, her breath visible in the cold air.
Mahiru:"Sorry to keep you waiting. Did you get cold?"
Amane:(smiling)"Not really. I was enjoying the view."
Mahiru blushes slightly, realizing he's looking at her, not the snow.
Mahiru:"…Dummy."
They walk into school together, enjoying the rare quiet before the day begins. Students greet Mahiru warmly, but some glance at Amane with curiosity — rumors about the couple are slowly spreading.
Mahiru:(whispers)"People are starting to notice."
Amane:"Let them. We have nothing to hide."
Mahiru slips her hand into his for just a moment — a secret touch before they part ways for class.
Scene shifts to the classroom. Their group gathers during homeroom to finalize the festival plans. Sayaka leans back in her chair, eyeing Mahiru.
Sayaka:"So, angel-san… Are you ready for the spotlight?"
Mahiru:(steady voice)"I don't need the spotlight. I just want everyone to enjoy."
Sayaka:"You really are too good for this world."
Amane watches, reading between their words. He sees it — a flicker of something like envy in Sayaka's eyes.
The teacher arrives, announcing that the festival setup will start after classes today. Excitement buzzes through the room.
Itsuki:(grins at Amane)"Ready to hammer nails and carry boxes?"
Amane:"If you drop anything, I'm blaming you."
Chitose:(teasing)"I'll bring snacks again. Workers need fuel!"
After school. The group moves to the gym storage to gather tables and decorations. Amane lifts a heavy box, Mahiru steadies it for him.
Mahiru:"Careful. Don't hurt your back."
Amane:"I'll be fine. You just watch your fingers."
Sayaka appears beside them, carrying a roll of posters.
Sayaka:"You two always so protective of each other?"
Amane:"Yeah. It's called caring."
Sayaka:(murmurs, half to herself)"Must be nice."
They carry supplies to the classroom they'll transform into the winter café. Soon the room is alive with chatter, laughter, and the rustle of decorations. Mahiru carefully hangs fairy lights. Amane helps her reach higher spots.
Chitose:(snaps a photo with her phone)"Aww, so domestic! Look at you two!"
Mahiru:"Chitose!"
Amane:"Don't post that anywhere."
Itsuki:"Too late. I bet the comments will explode."
Sayaka watches them, arms crossed, a strange look on her face. When Mahiru turns to her, Sayaka looks away sharply.
As dusk falls, the group takes a break in the nearly finished café space. Warm light from the fairy lights bounces off the snow outside the window.
Itsuki:"I have to admit… this turned out better than I thought."
Chitose:"Thanks to Mahiru's touch. And Amane's muscle."
Sayaka:(quietly)"Don't forget mine."
Mahiru turns to her, offering a gentle smile.
Mahiru:"Thank you, Sayaka. Really. We couldn't have done this without you."
Sayaka stiffens as if she wants to deny it — then just exhales.
Sayaka:"Don't get all soft on me."
The others leave for the night, but Amane stays behind to help Mahiru tidy up stray decorations. The snow outside falls thicker now, blanketing the world in quiet.
Mahiru:"Tomorrow's the festival. Are you nervous?"
Amane:"Maybe a little. But with you here, I know it'll be fine."
Mahiru smiles, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
Mahiru:"I'm glad we get to share this. Even the worries."
They stand together at the window, looking out at the snow.
Suddenly, Sayaka's reflection appears in the glass — she's still here.
Sayaka:"You two are really something."
They turn. Amane tilts his head slightly.
Amane:"You say that like it's a bad thing."
Sayaka:"…It's not. It just makes me wonder."
Mahiru:"Wonder what?"
Sayaka:(softly, eyes lowered)"If people like me can ever find something like that."
A brief silence hangs in the room, gentle but heavy.
Mahiru:"You will. Maybe sooner than you think."
Sayaka scoffs but can't quite hide the tiny smile tugging at her lips.
As Sayaka slips out into the hallway, Amane looks at Mahiru — and she nods, understanding his thoughts without words.
Amane:"She's not really our enemy, is she?"
Mahiru:"No. Just someone who wants to be seen."
They stand side by side in the warm glow of their fairy-lit café, ready to welcome the world tomorrow.
Outside, the snow keeps falling — soft, silent, and full of promises.
[End of Episode 5]