Chapter 1: The Days After the Festival

The sports festival has been a week late, but the boisterous echoes are still felt in the air. No matter where I go—corridors, stairs, even the schoolyard—there are always whispers that follow my steps.

"Sumire-san and Sakura-san back then... I swear, it's so cool!"
"Even sports teachers are praised, right? Their timing was perfect."
"If there was a professional photographer, it would have been in the magazine."

I took a deep breath. Really, shouldn't everyone be tired of talking about festivals? There are weekly exams coming soon, there are clubs that have already started preparing for cultural exhibitions, there are also the usual rumors about who has a crush on whom. But for some reason, the topic of "two school queens running together" has persisted longer than expected.

I stepped into the classroom slowly. The first lesson hour had not yet started, the room was already half full. Some students were busy chatting enthusiastically, others were looking down at notebooks. And by the window—as usual—there was a silver-haired figure that contrasted too much with the morning light.

Sakura Airi.
He sat in his chair quietly, as if it had indeed belonged to him in the beginning. The seat that was once empty next to me is now unimaginable to be occupied by someone else.

As soon as my eyes caught her, she immediately turned her head. A faint smile appeared on his face, light but sharp as always." Good morning, Akari."

I sighed softly, placing the bag on the table. “… Morning."

She chuckled slightly, as if already used to my cold answers. "It's still the same cold, yes."

I opened a notebook, writing down anything to fill in the blank pages. That's been my habit for a long time: pretending to be busy so I don't have to respond to something I don't really want to hear. Unfortunately, pretending to be busy never really works if the opponent is Sakura.

Since the day of the festival, the gossip about us has changed its tone. In the past, people only compared: who was prettier, who was more popular, who was more "school queen." Now... People began to speculate about "compatibility." It was as if our success in the relay was proof that behind the rivalry, there was something more complicated.

And that's a lot more exhausting than just being the center of attention.

"Eh, eh, do you see? Sakura-san sits again next to Sumire-san."
"Oh my gosh, it's like a rivalry drama that slowly turns into romance."
"If this was a manga, I'd read it every week, seriously."

I tapped the tip of the pencil on the table. The little voice was quite soothing, even if it was only for me.

Morning lessons go slowly. The math teacher wrote the problems on the board, while I was busy taking notes neatly. But my focus is not entirely on those numbers. Every now and then, I could feel a gaze from the side. It wasn't an ordinary gaze—more like a deliberate wait for my reaction.

“… What?" I murmured finally, turning my head to glance.

Sakura smiled. "No, I just saw the way you write. As always, it's very neat."

I blinked for a moment, then hurriedly lowered my head again. “… Just focus on your own notes."

He chuckled a little. "I am indeed focused. The focus is on you."

I was silent. Those words made the crowded classroom feel too cramped.

When the recess bell rang, I immediately closed my book. Unfortunately, before he had time to stand, cheerful voices had already arrived.
"Akari! You heard the latest gossip, didn't you?"

Haruna Tachibana, my best friend since junior high school, immediately stormed in with a glowing face. I held my breath. “… What more gossip this time?"

"He said, everyone agrees that our relay couple yesterday will be remembered for a very long time. Some even suggested, the two of you are suitable to be school festival ambassadors!"

I closed my eyes for a moment. "I didn't even know there was such a term."

Sakura, who was sitting casually next to me, instead greeted him with a big smile. "Festival ambassador? Sounds interesting."

"That's right, right?!" Haruna shines brighter. "If you two perform together at the next event, I'm sure this school will become more famous."

I massaged my temples. “… Haruna, please don't add gossip."

He just laughed. "I just said what I heard."

I glanced at Sakura. He still looked relaxed, as if really enjoying all of this. Even when people were busy whispering, he never looked distracted. Instead, I was the one who always felt that my chest was tight every time I was the center of conversation.

That's how the days after the festival were. Sakura's gossip, gaze, and smile that somehow felt hard to ignore.

I once hoped that, after everything was over, my school life would return to normal. But I guess I'm too naïve. It was precisely after the festival that everyone found a new reason to notice me—or rather, to pay attention to "us."

It was as if there were no more Sumire Akari and Sakura Airi as individuals. There are only couples with nicknames that are getting weirder every day. "Two queens of school," "festival gold team," "rivalry duet."

And I... It is getting harder to breathe.

The next lesson hour is classic Japanese. The teacher walked in with a thick book in hand, beginning a long explanation that sounded more like a lullaby spell. Most of the students lowered their heads, some seriously took notes, some openly yawned.

I try to keep up, the pen moving on the paper consistently. However, again, the gaze from the side pierced me.

"Why do you keep staring at me?" I whispered softly without looking up.

Sakura chuckled softly, her voice was enough for me to hear. "Because your serious face is attractive. You look prettier when you're focused, you know?"

I immediately hardened my grip on the pen. “… Don't talk about unimportant things during class hours."

"Not important?" He pretended to be surprised, his eyes shining mischievously. "For me, this is important."

I closed my eyes for a while, trying to refrain from being provoked. If I had responded further, I knew the class would be even more rowdy.

But the brief conversation was enough to make my face hot—though I managed to hide it by lowering my head deeper into the notebook.
I usually eat in class with Haruna, sometimes accompanied by Rina from the literature club. However, this time, the atmosphere was much more boisterous.

"Uh, uh, if Sumire-san and Sakura-san participate in a cultural competition, do you think they'll perform together?" If so, it will be the next big thing for the school district." I'm sure if they were to come together, it would be a great place to live."

I could hear everything despite trying to focus on lunch. Haruna, as usual, looked happy to hear all that.

"Look, right, Akari? Everyone is supporting you both." He nudged my shoulder with his chopsticks. "If I were you, I would be very honored."

I sighed. “… I don't need that kind of support."

"But in reality you can, right?" another voice chimed in.

I turned my head slowly. Sakura was already sitting next to me, opening her own lunch box. I don't know since when he appeared, but no one dared to drive him away.

"Why do you have to eat here too?" I asked, trying to sound flat.

"Because sitting next to you is better than eating alone." The answer was too relaxed, as if it was the most natural answer in the world.

I turned my head quickly, but Haruna was already almost cheering with joy. "Oh my gosh, this is really like my favorite shojo manga scene! The two main characters have lunch together in class!"

I covered my face with my hands, feeling completely defeated.

Sakura just chuckled, then turned her head towards me. "You're always cold, but I like the way you try to ignore me. That even made me more curious."

I put the chopsticks down a little hard. “… Sakura, don't get too close!"

She leaned her chin against the palm, looking at me with her piercing violet eyes. "It's too late. I've been too close since the day of the festival."

Those words—light but meaningful—made me unable to reply.

After school, I chose to go home early. Haruna has a student council meeting, while Sakura is out of nowhere. The path to the station felt quieter than usual. I walked slowly, enjoying the gentle afternoon breeze. For the first time that day, I felt like I could breathe a sigh of relief.

However, of course, that peace did not last long.
"Akari!"

I stopped. The all-too-familiar voice made me turn my head reluctantly. Sakura ran a little over, her silver hair fluttering in the twilight sun. He looked too flashy, even on ordinary streets like this.

“… Why are you following me?" I asked briefly.

"Because I want to go home together." He smiled, as if the answer made sense.

I stared straight ahead, continuing my steps. “… I never said it was okay."

"But you didn't say you shouldn't either."

I gritted my teeth slowly. This girl... always twist logic easily.

We walked side by side for a while, only accompanied by the sound of shoes touching the asphalt. Surprisingly, even though I felt annoyed, I didn't drive him away.

"Want to know something?" Sakura suddenly said, her tone light.

I glanced at my head. “… What else?"

"After the festival, I'm more and more convinced that you're not just a rival to me." He paused for a moment, then added with a faint smile. "You're so much more interesting than I imagined."

I was silent. Those words slowed my pace without me noticing.

“… You really like to play with words, huh."

Sakura chuckled. "Who said I was messing around?"

I didn't answer. Just quickening my pace, hoping he couldn't read the expression on my face that was starting to heat up.

However, deep down, I knew one thing: No matter how hard I tried to keep my distance, Sakura Airi always found a way to get closer.

And I... It was getting harder and harder to deny that his presence was starting to shake my once-quiet day.

That night, I sat at my study desk, staring at the textbook that was open. The pen in my hand doesn't move.

My mind kept coming back to his words.
"You're not just a rival."" You're so much more interesting than I imagined."

I bit my lip slowly. Why can simple words feel so heavy?

I closed the book hard, then laid my head on the table. The room light illuminated my unraveled blonde hair.

"I just want to live a quiet life..." I whispered slowly.

But for some reason, the shadow of silver hair and violet smile kept appearing in my head. And the more I tried to brush it off, the more clearly the shadow stuck in my mind. The days after the festival should be ordinary. But for me, it was the beginning of something much more complicated. Something that, although I reject, is still close to a definite step. Sakura Airi. "Rivals that are getting more and more difficult I just call "rivals."

The next morning, I walked back to school at the same pace as usual—calm, constantly, without rushing. However, the feeling in my chest was no longer the same. There was something hanging down, like a fine thread that was knitting, making me realize that my daily life would no longer be truly lonely.

I arrived at the school gate when noisy noises were already heard. Some students gathered in groups while chuckling, and the topic... Of course, it's still a matter of "us."

"Eh, I heard, Sakura-san came home with Sumire-san yesterday!"
"Time? Serious? Who is looking?"
"My friend in class 3-B said he had seen them on the footpath near the station."

I closed my eyes for a moment, then took a deep breath. Apparently gossip can spread faster than my own footsteps.

As soon as I entered class, the first sight I saw was of course no longer surprising: long silver hair reflecting the morning light from the window. Sakura was already sitting in her chair—the seat that used to be empty next to me. He turned his head as soon as he saw me, as if he was waiting for me.

"Good morning, Akari." His smile was the same as yesterday, light but deeply ingrained.

“… Morning." I answered shortly, putting the bag on the table.

"Did you sleep well last night?" he asked casually, as if we were close enough to talk like that.

I turned my head shortly, looking into his eyes. "Why should you care?"

He chuckled, his chin resting on the palm. "Because I want to know more about you. If I don't ask the little things, when will I know the big things?"

I immediately turned to the blackboard, trying to ignore it. However, the whispers of the class had already begun to crowd.

"They talked again! It's crazy, every morning there's always interaction."
"If this continues, the rumors of rivalry could turn into other rumors."
"Eh, don't worry... Are they really close?"

I tapped the tip of the pen on the table. That small sound was a little soothing, but it wasn't enough to erase the fact that I was—once again—a spectacle.

The first hour of the lesson was slow. Mathematics. I wrote notes carefully, while Sakura sometimes shifted her chair a little closer. Whether intentionally or not, I don't know, but the distance has always made me aware of its existence.

In the middle of the long question that the teacher wrote on the board, I felt a gaze from the side. Again.

“… "Sakura," I whispered quietly without turning my head. "Stop staring at me."

"Why?" his voice sounded light. "If I look at you, you look more serious than usual. It's interesting."

I lowered my head deeper. “… You're annoying."

He chuckled, but didn't object.

The lunch break came sooner than I thought. I opened my lunch in the hope that I could eat in peace. But of course, that hope is only an illusion.

"Akari!" Haruna appeared with her big smile, dragging the chair to sit in front of me. "You know the gossip today?"

I sighed. “… I can already guess."

"But this is different!" Haruna leaned forward, her eyes shining. "He said, the student council teachers are considering making the two of you a model for a cultural festival poster later. It's crazy, isn't it?"

I looked at him flatly. “… Poster?"

"Yes! The main poster is pasted throughout the school."

I closed the lunch for a moment, massaging my temples. "Why do all things have to do with us?"

Haruna chuckled. "Because the two of you look attractive when you're together."

Before I had time to respond, another voice came in smoothly." Agreed."

I turned my head quickly. Sakura was already next to me, opening her lunch as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

“… Why do you always eat here?" I asked flatly.

"Because this place is comfortable. And there you are here." The answer came without a pause.

I didn't reply. Haruna actually looks more enthusiastic. "Oh my gosh, I'm not strong! It's like watching my favorite live-action manga!"

I put the chopsticks down a little hard. “… Haruna, please don't get more excited."

She just laughed, while Sakura glanced at me with a faint smile. "You know, Akari... The more you try to dodge, the more I feel like chasing you."

I paused for a moment, staring at him sharply. “… Sakura."

"What?" He smiled wider, his eyes like they were holding something I couldn't guess.

“… Don't talk weird things."

But even though I said that, I knew my face was already hot.

After school, I walked faster than usual. The corridor was crowded with other disciples, but I just wanted to get out as quickly as possible.

However, as you might have guessed, a familiar voice called back." Akari, wait!"

I stopped. Sakura ran a little over, her silver hair reflecting the afternoon light.

“… Why else?" I asked coldly.

"I want to go home again. Okay?"

I immediately stepped forward without answering. But he caught up easily, his pace light as usual.

"Why do you always bother following me?"

"Because if I walk alone, it feels lonely. If there is you, it feels different."

I turned my head briefly, trying to find a gap to reply. “… You can't keep bothering me like this."

She smiled, as if my words meant nothing. "If it makes you feel like I'm a nuisance, then I'll continue to harass. Until you get used to it."

I paused for a moment, looking at him. “… You're really weird."

"If that means I can be by your side, I don't mind being called weird."

I didn't reply. Just stepped back, trying to cover my face which was heated by the afternoon wind.

That night, I sat at my study desk again. The textbook was open, but the pen in my hand didn't move. My mind turned back to Sakura's words.

"If I look at you, you look more serious. It's interesting."
"The more you dodge, the more I want to chase you."
"If I could be by your side, I wouldn't mind being called weird."

I closed the book loudly, again with a long sigh.

"What exactly does he want from me..." I hummed softly.

But deep down, I already knew the answer—or at least, I was afraid to find out. Because if I admit it, then I have to face the fact that my rivalry with Sakura Airi is no longer just a rivalry in the eyes of others. It had already turned into something deeper. Something that even I myself didn't know if I was ready to accept or not.

The next morning, I arrived at school earlier than usual. The air was fresh, the corridors weren't too crowded, and the morning sunlight pierced through the long window panes in the classroom hallway. I hope coming early will give me some peace of mind before the class starts getting rowdy again. However, of course, my hopes only lasted for a while.

When I entered the room, someone was already sitting sweetly in his chair—the chair right next to my desk. The long silver hair shone brightly in the morning light, making her look more like a character in a magazine ad than a typical high school girl.

“… You came so fast," I muttered softly.

Sakura Airi turned her head, her thin smile appearing in a way that was too natural. "If I don't come soon, who will wait for you, Akari?"

I was silent. My lips moved to answer, but no words came out. I just carefully placed the bag on the table, then sat down without looking back.

"Eh, don't be so cold. I'm really serious, you know?" He rested his chin on the folded arm on the table, looking at me shamelessly.

I sighed, opening a notebook that I didn't even need yet. “… You talk too much in the morning."

He chuckled softly, but didn't stop staring.

The first hour of the lesson is history. The teacher enters while carrying a large map hung on a board, explaining about the Edo period in a monotonous voice. Most of the disciples were lowered over the notes, some began to get sleepy.

I tried to focus, the pen moving on paper in a neat rhythm. However, from the side, I again felt the same gaze.

"If you keep staring at me, you won't understand the content of the lesson," I whispered quickly without looking back.

"When I look at you, I feel refreshed from listening to a lesson."

I refrain from tapping the pen too hard. “… That's the stupidest excuse I've ever heard."

He chuckled a little. "Stupid, but honest."

I glanced over, and as I could have guessed, she was still staring with her shiny violet eyes. There was something in that gaze—a mixture of curiosity, conviction, and temptation that was too hard to ignore.

I hurriedly lowered my head again, pretending to be busy with notes.

During the break, the atmosphere of the class was again crowded with gossip.

"Eh, you know? There are rumors that Sakura-san will be the main model for the cultural festival pamphlets."
"Time? In that case, Sumire-san should also join! Let it look balanced."
"Oh my, imagine the two of them on the same poster... This school could be famous!"

I closed the lunch box slowly, trying to ignore it. But Haruna Tachibana had already approached with a face full of excitement.

"Akari! You heard the gossip, right?"

“… Please don't repeat it," I said tiredly.

"But seriously, if you two were to model the pamphlets, it would be really cool!" Haruna almost screamed. "I can imagine you wearing festival uniforms standing side by side. Ah, perfect!"

I massaged my temples. “… Haruna."

Before I could add anything, Sakura chimed in, as usual. "I don't mind, I'm glad it's true."

Haruna almost jumped for joy. "Look?! Sakura-san agreed! Akari, you agree too, don't you?"

I looked at him with a cold look. “… I don't even know if the rumors are true."

"If it's true, you want it, right?" Sakura leaned over, her voice softer. "I want you to be by my side, Akari."

I was choked. His words were too bright, too direct. Haruna closed her mouth holding back the scream, while I chose to look down, stabbing the rice in the lunch with chopsticks as if it was the only thing in the world.

After school, I walked quickly to the literary club room. Today is a meeting schedule, and I want to turn my mind to something else.

Rina, a cheerful classmate, immediately greeted me as soon as I entered. "Senpai! I just read a draft script for a cultural exhibition. Senpai would be perfect if she was the main character in a club drama!"

I sighed. “… I'm not interested in performing."

"But everyone will want to see Senpai on stage..." Rina sulked, then smiled slyly. "Especially if the co-star is Sakura-senpai."

I immediately looked at him sharply. “… Don't joke, Rina."

He chuckled. "Hehe, sorry, Senpai. But seriously, the gossip between the two of you is endless. Even literary clubs are excited."

I didn't answer, just lowered my head to write notes for the meeting. However, in my heart, I knew that Rina's words were true. The gossip about me and Sakura didn't just stop in class—it had already spread throughout the school.

That afternoon, as I walked home from the footpath near the station, I felt a bit relieved. A breeze caresses my face, the dusk sun lowers a soft light. For the first time that day, I felt like I could breathe without a burden.

But of course, that peace didn't last long.

"Akari!"

That voice again. I turned my head reluctantly. Sakura ran a little over, her silver hair fluttering in the orange light.

“… Why do you always show up here?" I asked coldly.

"Because I know you're going this way. I don't want to miss the opportunity to come home with you."

I speed up my pace. “… You're really stubborn."

He equalized the pace, walking by my side. "If that means I can walk with you, I'll continue to be stubborn."

I didn't answer. We just walked side by side, our shoes making an orderly noise on the asphalt.

After a few minutes, Sakura spoke again, this time more quietly. "Akari, I want to be honest."

I glanced briefly. “… What is it about?"

"Since the sports festival, I feel like we're not just rivals." She paused for a moment, looking at me with her calm violet eyes. "I feel... I want to get closer. Not just as a rival, but as someone who is really by your side."

I stopped stepping, my heart beating too fast. His words were too clear, too hard to ignore.

“… You like to play with words."

Sakura smiled smallly. "I'm not messing around."

I hurriedly continued my steps, lowering my head so that my face was not visible. The afternoon wind tried to cover the heat on my cheeks, but it felt in vain.

That day, I chose to spend some rest time in the library. It has always been my escape from junior high school—quiet, full of books, and away from the gossip of students who are too noisy.

Tall shelves stand in rows, the smell of old paper fills the air. I walked slowly, my fingers tracing the back of the thick books that were neatly arranged. There's something soothing about being in the middle of a sea of books, as if the world outside can't touch me.

I pulled out a classic novel, then sat down in a chair by the window. From there, the sunlight came in softly, highlighting the pages I had opened. At least, that's how it was planned.

"See you again."

I looked up. My heart instantly tightened. Of course, who else if not him.

Sakura Airi stood casually before me, her silver hair sparkling in the same light. In his hand was a thin book, as if he had come here indeed to read.

“… Why are you here too?" I asked coldly.

She just smiled, sitting right in the chair next to me without permission. "Because I know you like coming here. I want to know what books you usually read."

I closed the novel in my hand hard. “… Just following me on the way home isn't enough?"

"It's never enough," he replied lightly, as if it were a natural thing.

I let out a long sigh. In this quiet room, her voice sounded clearer, making it hard for me to ignore her. I tried to reopen my novel, hoping he got bored and left. But of course, Sakura Airi is not the type of person who knows when to stop.

"You always choose to sit by the window," he said, leaning over. "Is it because of the light, or because you like to see the scenery?"

I turned my head for a moment. “… Why should you know?"

"Because I want to get to know you better. Isn't that natural for a rival?"

The word "rival" is piercing. The way he said it sounded more like a forced excuse, not just a competition.

I closed the novel again, staring straight at him. "Sakura, if you keep sticking to this, I'll never take you seriously."

She smiled smallly. "In that case, let me stick around until you finally take me seriously."

I was choked. His words were too bold, too honest. The library suddenly felt cramped. I got up quickly, brought a novel, and walked to the shelf as if looking for another book.

But of course, the sound of those light steps followed.

“… You really don't know the meaning of the word surrender, huh."

"No, I know," he replied. "But for you, I don't want to give up."

I stopped in front of the shelf, taking a deep breath. The sound of my heart was beating loudly, louder than the voices of the students who were reading on the other side of the room.

I turned around, looking straight into his eyes. "Why do you keep doing this?"

He didn't blink. Her violet eyes glittered softly. "Because I want to be by your side, Akari. Not just as a rival."

I was silent. Again, his words left me speechless.

The rest of the day I spent avoiding it as much as possible. But as it turns out, avoiding Sakura is like trying to run from your own shadow. The more I tried to move away, the more obvious he was around me.

In the afternoon, I sat on a bench in the schoolyard, under a cherry blossom tree whose leaves were beginning to fall. The afternoon wind blew slowly, bringing the smell of moist soil. I opened the small lunch I had brought, intending to eat while enjoying the tranquility. But, of course, that calm was again undermined.

"Alone here? That's rare for you."

I turned my head. He stood up with a light smile, carrying a drinking bottle in hand.

“… Sakura."

He immediately sat down on the bench next to me, as if the place had indeed been reserved for him. "May I accompany you?"

I looked straight ahead. “… If I say no, will you leave?"

"No," he replied quickly.

I sighed. “… I expected it."

The atmosphere was silent for a while. Only the sound of birds and the rustling of leaves accompany. Surprisingly, even though I was upset, I couldn't actually drive him away either.

"I love this place," he said suddenly. "Quiet, but not quiet. The wind is also mild."

I glanced at my head. “… I came here precisely because I was lonely."

He smiled. "In that case, I'm sorry for ruining it."

I sighed, then looked straight again. “… Why do you keep doing this? Sticking, talking sweetly, makes gossip worse."

Sakura turned her head, her eyes serious this time. "Because I don't want to just be someone you see at a glance. I want to be a part of your world, Akari. No matter how small it is."

My chest tightened. The words were too direct, piercing mercilessly.

“… You know, everyone at school thinks we're a golden couple, a perfect duet, whatever the term is. But I never asked for any of that. I just want to live a quiet life."

He nodded softly. "I know. But are you really calm? Every time I see you, I feel like you're trying hard to look strong, look graceful. It's as if you're carrying a burden that you don't want to show to anyone."

I froze. His words felt too precise, as if he could read my heart.

“… Don't be pretentious."

"I don't know." His smile was thin, his eyes were clear. "I just saw you. And the more I look, the more convinced I am that I don't want to just be your rival."

I lowered my head, staring at the lunch box that had been untouched. The afternoon wind blew my blonde hair to my face, covering an expression that even I myself couldn't understand.

“… Sakura, you're really annoying."

He chuckled, his tone light again. "If that means I can stay by your side, I don't mind being the most annoying person in the world."

I glanced at my head, and for a moment, our eyes met. There's something there—sincerity, conviction, and... a feeling that is difficult for me to digest. I hurriedly averted my eyes, closing my provisions.

“… I'll go first."

I stood up, stepping quickly away from the bench. However, I could feel his gaze on my back. A gaze that is too warm, too close.

The sound of the school bell echoed softly, marking the end of the last lesson of the day. Usually, moments like this are the most anticipated moments: the time to clear out the book, put all the notes away, and then take a light walk home to the station. But this time, I just sat quietly in my chair.

The books were neatly arranged in the bag, but I didn't stand up right away. My fingers traced the surface of the table, drawing an obscure pattern. My gaze was fixed out of the window, towards the afternoon sky that was starting to change color.

Today... Just like yesterday. Just like the last few weeks since the sports festival. Or maybe, not. Because I know one thing: the quiet days that I used to find boring, now really can't come back.

"Scarf."

The sound sounded soft, but it was enough to make me reflexively turn my head. Sakura stood beside the table, her bag already slung over her shoulder. Her silver hair glistened in the afternoon light, her violet eyes stared at me with a serenity that contrasted too much with my restless heart.

“… What else?" I asked coldly.

"Going home together?" he asked briefly, as if it were a natural thing.

I took a deep breath. “… You're never bored, huh."

He chuckled a little. "I told you, didn't I? I won't stop."

I stood up, picked up my bag, and walked out of the classroom without waiting. Still, those light footsteps were still heard behind me, following at just the right distance—not too close, not too far.

The afternoon corridor always has a different atmosphere. An orange light illuminated the tiles, the shadow of a passing pupil stretched across the floor. The sound of laughter and conversation mixed with the creaking of the classroom doors that were closed one by one. And in the midst of the crowd, I remained aware of one thing: Sakura Airi was walking beside me.

I speed up my pace. He adjusted the speed without saying much. I paused on the shoe rack. He also stopped. I changed my shoes, sighing. He did the same, while glancing at me with a faint smile.

"Why do you always follow me?" I asked finally, unable to hold back any longer.

Sakura turned her head, her smile not fading. "Because I want to be by your side."

That simple sentence sounded too heavy in my ears. I hurriedly lowered my head, tidying up my shoelaces. “… I don't need anyone else by my side."

"Really?" he asked quietly, as if he was testing. "Then why don't you actually expel them?"

I was silent. Those words pierced more than I expected. Because... He wasn't wrong.

We walked side by side to the station. The street this afternoon was crowded, filled with students from various schools. Some laughed loudly, some walked while dragging tired steps, and some were busy with their phones.

I stared straight ahead, trying not to care. However, every time we walked in unison, I felt a tense chest.

"Akari," Sakura opened her voice after a few minutes of silence.
“… What else?"
"If I have the chance, I'd like to know your favorite place around here."

I glanced quickly. "What is it for?"

"No special reason," he replied casually. "I just want to know the parts of your world that you don't usually show others."

I paused for a moment, then took another step. “… I don't have a favorite place."

"You're lying." He smiled. "Everyone has a place like that. It's just that you don't want to tell me."

I bit my lip, holding back the answer. He was too good at reading the gaps in my words.

On the train, we stood next to each other because the seats were full. The metal handle felt cold in my hand, while the carriage shook slowly. I could feel his presence on the left side, too close to ignore. He didn't say much, just turned his head every now and then. But even in silence, I still felt surrounded by his aura.

Why should it always be me?
Why didn't he choose someone else to be bullied?
Those questions swirled in my head, but they were never spoken.

That night, in my room, I stared at my study desk full of books. The pen in my hand doesn't move. The notes for next week's exam are wide open, but my mind drifts elsewhere.

Sakura Airi.
Her silver hair.
Her violet smile.
His simple sentences are always piercing.

I closed the book hard, laying my head on the table.

“… Why should I think about it this far?" I muttered softly.

There are no answers, of course. Just the sound of the seconds of the wall clock felt too loud in the ears.

I reminisced about the days before the festival. When I was only known as "Sumire Akari"—a cold figure who was untouchable, with a stern gaze to keep my distance from others. When I can walk down the corridor without having to hear whispers about "golden couple" or "sweet rivalry."

But now? My every step felt heavy, as if Sakura's shadow was always attached to my back. And the most annoying thing is—even though I'm upset, I don't really hate it.

The following days went on the same pattern. In the morning, as soon as I entered class, he was already in his chair. During recess, he appeared out of nowhere, always finding a way to sit next to me.
After school, his footsteps always equate with mine.

People around us are getting more and more used to seeing "Sumire Akari and Sakura Airi" as complete packages.
"Look, they're coming home together again!"
"The two queens of the school are inseparable."
"If it's a manga, there must be a special arc between the two of them."

I never answered those gossip. I just lowered my head, stared at the ends of my shoes, pretending not to hear. But deep down, I knew something was changing.

In the afternoon, I tried to run away. Instead of going straight home, I turned towards a small park near the station. The place was not visited by many students, there were only a few wooden benches and cherry trees whose leaves were almost gone.

I sat down, opening the book I had deliberately brought. The afternoon breeze blew softly, calming down for the first time in a long time.

“… Finally calmed down," I muttered.

But of course, that peace didn't last long.

"Scarf."

I closed my eyes, holding back a long sigh. “… You again."

Sakura stood in front of me, carrying two cans of drinks. He sat down without permission, handing me a can. "I'm passing by here and seeing you. So I thought, why don't you all accompany me?"

I received the can without staring. “… You don't have to bother."

"No hassle at all." He smiled, taking a sip of his drink. "After all, I'd rather sit here with you than go home alone."

I looked down, staring at the can in my hand. The sound of my heartbeat sounded too clear.

“… Why do you keep doing this?" I asked finally.

"Because I want to get to know you better," he replied without hesitation. "Because I want to be by your side, not just as a rival."

I was silent. Those words echoed, crashing into the defensive wall that I had worked so hard to build. I want to deny it. I want to say he was wrong. But my tongue finds it hard to pronounce it.

That day, when I finally came home alone —because Sakura was called by the teacher for the student council meeting—I found my footsteps felt strange. The road to the house that I usually thought was dull... Now it feels quieter than usual. I stopped at the intersection, staring at the twilight sky.

“… Stupid," I whispered.

I'm used to his presence. Too fast, too deep. My days have changed. I can't go back to the time before all this started. And the scariest part is... A part of me didn't really want to go back.

That night, before going to bed, I looked at my reflection in the window. My blonde hair fell on my shoulders, my cold eyes reflected the light of the room light.

"I just want to live a quiet life..." I said quietly.

But the reality is different. Sakura Airi is always on my mind. And although I wanted to think of him as a rival, something more complicated began to grow. Something that even I myself didn't dare to name.