Thursday – After School
The final bell rang.
Most students packed their bags in a hurry, eager to head home or hang out with friends. Aeron, as usual, was the first one out of his seat, slipping his bag over his shoulder and walking out with practiced silence.
He didn't wait for Tatsuki. He never did.
But this time... he was being watched.
From the second-floor hallway, Ayaka leaned quietly against a railing, pretending to scroll her phone. Her eyes, however, never left the path Aeron was walking.
> He always disappears after school.
Never explains where.
Maybe it's time I found out.
She started following him. Just a few steps behind.
Never too close. Never far enough to lose him.
---
5:15 PM – The Lower District
The clean city architecture gave way to older buildings and narrower streets. A small bell above a shop door rang faintly as Aeron entered a modest little bakery with a wooden sign:
"Kael's Cakes & Creams"
Ayaka paused outside, stunned.
> His family owns a cake shop?
She peeked through the window and saw him behind the counter — apron on, sleeves rolled up, skillfully icing a batch of cupcakes.
> He's… really good at that.
He looked so different here.
Alive.
Focused.
Almost… gentle.
---
Inside the Shop
"Evening, Aeron," said a familiar voice.
Yume walked in, hair slightly wind-blown from her walk.
She gave him a bright smile as she took her usual seat at the window bar.
"Strawberry tart again?" Aeron asked, already reaching for a plate.
"You know me too well," she laughed.
Ayaka blinked hard, pressing her back to the shop wall just out of view.
> Who is she?
> A classmate?
> A customer?
> Why is she smiling like she belongs here?
She didn't know this side of him existed.
And something about that stung.
---
A Few Minutes Later
Ayaka finally walked in, her expression calm but her thoughts spinning.
The bell rang above her head as both Aeron and Yume looked up.
"Ayaka?" Aeron said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"I was in the area," she lied smoothly, eyes darting to Yume.
Yume stood, smiling politely. "Hi, I'm—"
"I know who you are," Ayaka cut in. "Second row, right side. You sit near the window."
Yume blinked. "Right…?"
Ayaka walked to the counter, brushing past her.
"Can I talk to you?" she asked Aeron, her voice low.
He set the spatula down. "Now?"
"Yes. Outside."
---
Outside the Shop – Evening Breeze
The sun had dipped low, casting golden light across the street. Aeron leaned against the wall, arms crossed. Ayaka stood in front of him, frustrated and confused.
"You work here?" she asked.
"Since middle school."
"You never told me."
"You never asked."
Her eyes flared. "That's not fair."
A beat of silence.
Then she said what had really been on her mind all day:
"Do you like her?"
Aeron blinked. "Who?"
"That girl. Yume."
"She's a regular."
"That's not an answer."
"She's... just someone who understands how quiet is supposed to feel."
Ayaka looked down.
Her hands trembled slightly at her sides.
"You smiled at her. You never smile at me."
Aeron didn't speak.
He didn't deny it.
And that hurt more than she wanted to admit.
---
Side Story – Asagiri Estate
Mirei sat by a tall window, wine in hand, laptop open to a paused surveillance feed.
Ayaka's face.
Her sharp eyes. Her posture.
Her obvious jealousy.
Mirei tilted her head.
> "So. You're the sister," she murmured.
"Let's see how long you last."
She clicked the file shut.
And smiled.