A gentle breeze brushed past, carrying a faint scent of lavender and sun-warmed soil. A vibrant garden stretched before them — rows of colorful flowers swaying in the wind: marigolds, lilies, and delicate morning glories climbing the fence. A wooden bench sat beneath a small arch of wisteria; petals scattered like tiny stars across the floor. Nearby stood a low table cluttered with brushes, palettes, and half-squeezed tubes of paint.

“Whoa~!” Mitsuru and Rikuya exclaimed together, their eyes glittering with awe.

“I’ve never seen so many flowers in one place,” Mei breathed, her gaze softening in quiet wonder.

“I know, right?!” Ayane giggled, clasping her hands. “This is so pretty! I didn’t know the rooftop looked like this!”

Aoi just blinked, scanning the scene with disbelief. “What in the…” she murmured, before glancing toward Raito — who stood motionless, expression flat, hands still tucked in his pockets. It’s like they’re having a flower expedition up here, she thought dryly.

Her attention shifted when Misora approached a familiar brunette, who was standing by an easel — her back turned to them, fully absorbed in her work.

“Hey, Reina, I finally brought—”

“Shhh!!” the brunette hissed softly, not even glancing up. “Just give me a second here!”

The group froze. Reina’s voice was light yet commanding, her focus absolute. She leaned forward slightly, her brush gliding gracefully across the canvas. The tip of her tongue poked out as one eye stayed closed in concentration, her other hand holding a palette speckled with rich swirls of color. A strand of brown hair slipped across her cheek, and she puffed it away without missing a stroke.

Misora stood behind her, “But… you did tell me to get them,” she said flatly.

“Yeah, but I need absolute silence to concentrate right now,” Reina murmured, her tone calm but firm as her brush moved in delicate arcs.

Everyone stood awkwardly in place. Even Raito’s usual stoic expression twitched slightly.

“Almost there…” Reina whispered to herself. Her wrist moved with a final elegant curve of green paint before she stepped back, exhaling softly. A satisfied smile bloomed across her lips. “Done~!”

Setting her brush down, she admired the painting proudly. The group leaned forward to look — and gasps of awe followed.

On the canvas was a beautifully detailed painting of a silver-haired figure crouched low next to a flower bed, his back turned toward them. The strokes captured not just his posture but the quiet strength in his stance.

“That’s… incredible,” Aoi muttered under her breath.

“Whoa!! That’s awesome!” Mitsuru exclaimed, practically pressing forward.

“You’re really talented, Reina!” Ayane and Rikuya echoed at once.

“It truly is beautiful,” Mei added softly, her voice filled with admiration.

Reina chuckled modestly, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Glad you guys think so.” She turned to face them fully now — wearing a white apron splattered with little flecks of color, neatly tied over her uniform.

Misora finally spoke again, folding her arms. “Right. I’ve brought the others like you asked.”

Reina smiled, setting her brush into the water cup. “Perfect timing. I was just finishing up anyway.” She lifted her gaze again, her eyes meeting Aoi’s subtle lavender ones with a soft, knowing smile.

“Nice to see you again, Aoi~,” she said with a light giggle, her eyes closing in cheerful recognition.

Aoi blinked, surprised by the warmth in her tone. “Really…” she scoffed, turning her face away, much to Ayane’s dismay.

“Aoi! Show some respect!” she scolded softly.

“Wait, hold on— you two have met before?” Mitsuru asked, glancing between them in confusion. Before Reina could answer, another voice broke in— calm, low, and oddly familiar. 

“Oh? So, the newbies are finally here,” the voice said, coming from behind a nearby flower bed. The group turned, startled to see a man crouched low among the blossoms, his back to them as he adjusted a few petals with careful precision. None of the first-years had noticed him when they arrived— all except Raito, whose eyes had been subtly fixed on him since the start.

Aoi’s breath hitched as recognition stirred in her mind. No way… that hair… 

Reina smiled softly, tilting her head toward the male. “Ryo. They’re here. And yes— Aoi’s among them.”

At that, the guy rose slowly, brushing off his hands before turning to face them. The afternoon light caught the faint silver-blue tint of his hair, and his calm expression turned into a teasing smirk the moment his eyes met Aoi’s.

Aoi froze, her eyes widening as disbelief washed over her. “You’ve got to be kidding me…” she breathed, then pointed in shock, her bag slipping down her shoulder. “It’s you!?”

Ryo’s smirk deepened, a trace of amusement in his voice. “Heh… long time no see, Aoi.”