The school hallways buzzed.
Photos from the after-party had spread overnight—blurry shots of Sora and Akira holding hands on the dance floor, foreheads touching in the courtyard, walking out together.
By homeroom, the entire senior class knew.
Mai cornered Sora at her desk. "You two are official now, right? Spill."
Sora laughed—nervous. "We're… figuring it out."
Mai squealed. "That's code for yes!"
Across the room, Akira sat at his desk—face neutral, ears pink.
Classmates whispered.
"Takahashi finally cracked."
"Hayashi tamed the Ice Prince."
"Bet they kiss at the festival."
Akira ignored them.
During lunch, Ren approached Akira in the hallway—alone.
"Congrats," Ren said. "She chose you."
Akira met his gaze. "She chose herself."
Ren nodded. "Fair. Just… don't screw it up."
Akira's jaw tightened. "I won't."
Ren left.
Later, in the auditorium for rehearsal, the tension was different—lighter, but charged.
The cast teased relentlessly.
"Save the kiss for the actual show!"
"Don't make us get a room!"
Sora laughed it off.
Akira stayed silent—cheeks burning.
During the narration block, their lines felt heavier.
When they reached the "breath before resolution" freeze, the cast went quiet.
Sora whispered—off-script—"We're okay, right?"
Akira whispered back. "More than okay."
The music swelled.
They stepped back.
The cast cheered.
After rehearsal, Sora grabbed Akira's sleeve in the wings.
"Walk me home again?"
Akira nodded.
Outside, the teasing followed them—classmates whistling, shouting "Get it, Takahashi!"
Sora laughed.
Akira's hand found hers.
They walked—fingers laced.
At her gate, Sora stopped.
"Today was… a lot."
Akira nodded. "Too much attention."
Sora stepped closer. "I don't mind. As long as it's with you."
Akira's voice was soft. "Same."
Sora rose on tiptoes—kissed his cheek again.
Quick. Sweet.
Akira's hand rose—cupped her face gently.
He leaned in—hesitant—kissed her forehead.
Lingering.
Sora closed her eyes.
They pulled back—smiling.
Sora whispered, "See you tomorrow."
Akira nodded.
She went inside.
Akira stood there until her light turned on.
Then he walked home—smiling.
The festival was days away.
But for now, they had this.
And it was enough.