Yuuto hadn't planned to stay long. He was just supposed to drop off supplies for the play, check things were running smoothly, and get back to his own class's preparations. But the moment he stepped into the auditorium and saw Rina on stage, everything else faded away.
She stood under the soft glow of the stage lights, dressed in a flowing white and blue dress, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Even from a distance, her presence was undeniable. She wasn't just playing Snow White—she embodied it. Her voice carried through the auditorium, clear and confident; her expressions natural and graceful. Yuuto found himself frozen, unable to look away.
"Damn," Haruki muttered beside him. "I know she's good, but wow. Even you look mesmerized."
Yuuto blinked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Shut up."
Haruki smirked. "You're looking at her like she's the only person in the room."
Yuuto sighed. "She's just... good at acting."
Haruki chuckled. "Yeah, keep telling yourself that."
From a few rows behind, Miyu leaned closer. "Why haven't they confessed yet? It's so obvious."
Haruki shrugged. "Because they're stubborn idiots who think too much. Yuuto's all 'She's too good for me,' and Rina's all 'I don't know what I'm feeling.' It's exhausting."
Miyu sighed. "Watching them dance around each other is worse than one of those drawn-out romance manga."
Haruki snorted. "Tell me about it."
They fell silent, watching Rina continue her performance. Without thinking, Miyu rested her head on Haruki's shoulder.
Haruki stiffened. "Uh..."
"Relax," Miyu muttered. "Your shoulder's comfy."
His heart skipped. He glanced down; she was calm, eyes fixed on the stage. Slowly, he relaxed, draping an arm casually over the chair back.
Neither moved.
Meanwhile, Yuuto's chest tightened as Rina delivered her lines flawlessly. He'd always known she was talented, but seeing her like this—confident, radiant—was something else.
Did she know how incredible she was?
Did she realize how hard it was for him to look at her without wanting to reach out?
As the scene ended and the lights dimmed, Rina's gaze flickered briefly to the audience.
Her eyes met Yuuto's.
And she smiled.
Yuuto felt his breath hitch.
Maybe Haruki was right.
Maybe she really was the only person in the room.