The after-party was in full swing, but Sora and Akira had slipped out the side gym door ten minutes ago. The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of early cherry blossoms from the school courtyard.
They walked in silence at first—hands brushing every few steps, neither quite brave enough to hold on.
Sora broke the quiet. "You know, for someone who claims not to dance, you didn't step on my feet once."
Akira adjusted his glasses. "I was following your lead."
Sora laughed softly. "That's a first."
They reached the courtyard benches. Sora sat. Akira hesitated—then sat beside her. Close enough that their shoulders touched.
She tilted her head back, looking at the stars. "I can't believe I said it on stage. In front of everyone."
Akira's voice was low. "You said you're staying."
"Yeah." She glanced at him. "I meant it."
Akira exhaled—long, slow, like he'd been holding it for weeks. "Good."
Sora nudged him. "That's all? 'Good'?"
He turned to her. "I'm… relieved."
She studied his face. "You look like you're about to calculate the probability of me changing my mind."
Akira's ears went pink. "I might have run the numbers."
Sora laughed—real, bright. "You're ridiculous."
Akira almost smiled. "You chose to stay. For the project?"
Sora shook her head. "For me. And… yeah. For you too."
Silence settled—comfortable this time.
Sora spoke softly. "So… what now?"
Akira looked at their joined hands—hers still resting near his on the bench. "Now we figure it out. Slowly."
Sora nodded. "No rushing."
"No walls."
She leaned her head on his shoulder—just a little.
Akira stiffened for half a second.
Then relaxed.
They sat like that until voices drifted from the gym doors—Mai calling Sora's name.
Sora sighed. "We should go back before they send a search party."
Akira stood first. Offered his hand.
She took it.
They walked back slowly—fingers laced, no hurry.
At the door Sora stopped.
"Takahashi."
He looked down.
"Tomorrow… after school. Walk me home?"
Akira's throat moved. "Yes."
She smiled—small, nervous, real.
Then she slipped back inside.
Akira stayed outside a moment longer.
He looked at his hand—the one she'd held.
And for the first time, he let himself believe:
Maybe this could be real.