Ren walked along the stone path, his bag heavy against his back, but his heart felt even heavier — not with worry, but with something he couldn’t quite name. His sneakers scuffed the ground as he slowed near the small shrine at the bend in the road, breath misting in the cool air.

And there she was.

Aoi stood beneath the crimson torii gate, her dark hair catching the rising sun’s glow, her uniform neat as always. She seemed to pause, as if feeling his gaze, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. A petal from the last cherry blossoms clung to her sleeve, trembling in the breeze.

Ren’s throat tightened, and he almost smiled.

Why does she look different today? he thought. It’s just Aoi… isn’t it?

He raised a hand, forcing his voice to sound casual. “Morning.”

Her head lifted, eyes meeting his for a heartbeat before she glanced away, cheeks coloring like the dawn. “Morning, Ren.”

They fell into step, and for a moment, all Ren could hear was the soft rhythm of their footsteps mingling with the gentle whisper of the breeze.

---

The road to school wound past small gardens where spring flowers nodded sleepily. Wisteria vines curled along low stone walls, their purple blooms heavy with dew. From behind a shop curtain, the smell of freshly steamed buns filled the air, warm and sweet.

Ren tried to speak — to say something about the weather, or the sea, or even a joke about homework — but the words tangled in his chest.

Why am I so awkward? We’ve walked this road together a hundred times... but now it feels different.

Beside him, Aoi kept her eyes on the path ahead, but inside, her thoughts raced.

My heart won’t calm down… what’s wrong with me? Why does it feel like… like he’s closer than ever, even without saying a word?

The breeze lifted her skirt slightly, sent a shower of petals across their path. She caught the scent of Ren’s soap — faint, clean — and felt her face grow warm again.

---

Their peaceful walk didn’t go unnoticed.

From behind a corner, two classmates — Yuta and Karin — spotted them and exchanged mischievous grins.

“Well, well,” Yuta called, stepping out with exaggerated surprise, arms folded. “If it isn’t Shiomachi’s new couple on their romantic morning stroll!”

Karin giggled, joining in. “You guys are so cute together! Did you meet early on purpose?”

Aoi froze, then waved her hands quickly, face scarlet. “N-No! We just… we always walk this way, that’s all!”

Ren groaned inwardly, rubbing the back of his neck, but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. “Yuta, don’t you have better things to do?”

Yuta smirked. “Not when I can tease you, man.”

Karin leaned closer to Aoi. “Is it your secret date spot? Under the shrine gate?”

Aoi covered her face with both hands, laughing helplessly despite herself. “Stop it, you guys! You’re making it weird!”

The four of them continued together, the teasing easing into chatter about the upcoming sports festival, the tests next week, and rumors of a new bakery opening near the station.

But as they neared the school, Ren and Aoi both felt that something had shifted — as if their friends’ teasing had pulled their feelings a little closer to the surface.

---

The school gates loomed ahead, the courtyard bustling with students. The cherry trees, though nearly bare now, still clung to a few fragile blossoms, as if reluctant to let go of spring’s magic.

Aoi glanced at Ren as they slowed near the entrance.

“See you at lunch?” she said softly, hope flickering in her voice.

Ren met her gaze, heart thudding. “Yeah. Definitely.”