I hadn't planned to stay long. I was just supposed to drop off some spare props for the play, make sure everything was running smoothly, and get back to my own class's preparations. Simple, right?
But the moment I stepped into the nearly empty auditorium and saw Tachibana-san on stage, everything else… just disappeared.
She was adjusting the backdrop, her dark hair falling over her shoulders, the stage lights catching the subtle highlights. Even from a distance, her presence commanded the space. She wasn't just Snow White—she was Snow White. And for a split second, I forgot to breathe.
I hauled the bundle of props closer. "Need help with this?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
Tachibana-san glanced at me, nodded, and gave the faintest smile. That small gesture—so subtle—made my chest tighten.
Before I could think too much about it, a voice cut through the quiet. Smooth, confident, and slightly teasing.
"Oh? So that's how it is…"
From the shadows near the side door, a girl stepped into view. Honey-gold braid, sharp green eyes, and a knowing smirk that screamed someone who already thought she had the upper hand.
Miyko Arisaka. Ren's cousin.
She moved like she owned the stage, even before she was on it, and her gaze locked onto me—not flirtatious, but curious.
"You must be Yuuto-kun," she said, circling me like she was inspecting a new toy. "Ren mentioned you. Said you're… complicated."
I blinked. "And you are?"
"Miyko Arisaka. And if I'm not mistaken…" She tilted her head, studying me. "You've got it bad for Rina-chan."
I froze.
She nodded toward Tachibana-san, still on stage. "The way you look at her. Like she's the only thing keeping you together."
"I don't—" I stammered, but she cut me off with a grin.
"Relax. Not a crime. Just didn't expect someone like you to look at someone like her that way."
"Someone like me?" I frowned.
"You're… grounded. Not impressed by the usual tricks, not fazed by the usual charms. That makes you interesting." She leaned closer, her smirk widening. "You're my new challenge."I ohhlk
I took a half step back, brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Before she could answer, Tachibana-san's sharp voice cut through the tension.
"Miyko. That's enough."
I turned. Tachibana-san had stepped between us, arms crossed, her expression unreadable—but I could feel the tension radiating off her.
Miyko's smile didn't falter. "Oh? Protective, Rina-chan?"
"I'm saying Yuuto-kun has things to do. If you're done playing around…" Tachibana-san's tone was calm but final.
Miyko laughed softly. "Right. Wouldn't want to upset the princess." She turned to me, eyes glittering with mischief. "Don't disappoint me, Yuuto-kun."
And just like that, she sauntered off, leaving me standing there, still processing.
Tachibana-san's gaze softened slightly as she exhaled. "She's playing the Witch," she muttered.
I blinked. "Seriously?"
"She knows how to poison with words," Tachibana-san said, narrowing her eyes.
I chuckled lightly. "She's convincing."
"She doesn't need a script. She's born for it." Her voice wavered, just slightly, betraying unease. Not irritation.
I caught the flicker. Not jealousy. Not anger. Closer to… fear. Fear of losing something she hadn't admitted she wanted.
Tachibana-san strode off, deliberate and confident, heels clicking against the floor. At the door, she glanced back at me.
"She's lovely," she said softly. "Let's see if you're brave enough to keep looking at her like that."
The door closed, leaving me to exhale slowly.
"She's like Ren. Just wants to win," Tachibana-san said quietly, her tone low.
I glanced at her. "You think she sees you as a prize?"
"No," she said, steady eyes meeting mine. "She sees you as one."
I blinked.
"Don't let her make you doubt yourself," Tachibana-san added quietly.
I swallowed hard, meeting her gaze. "I won't. She's not the one I was watching on stage."
For a moment, Tachibana-san's chest tightened, her heart beating a little too fast. She glanced away quickly, crossing her arms to hide the flush rising on her cheeks.
I turned and walked away, leaving the room thick with unspoken feelings—and a challenge I didn't plan to lose.