volume 1 Extra Chapter — A Chance Encounter

Before the concert...

The afternoon sea breeze was calm.

Yoko Kazesaki and Ayaka Fujimori were walking along the harbor while talking about school.

"The weather is beautiful today," Ayaka said with a smile.

"Yeah... It's peaceful," 

Yoko replied.

As they reached the pier, Yoko suddenly noticed a boy standing dangerously close to the edge.

His foot slipped.

"Watch out!" Yoko shouted.

Without thinking, she ran toward him.

She grabbed his arm before he could fall.

"I got you!"

The boy looked surprised.

"Huh?"

But the sudden movement caused Yoko to lose her own balance.

"Ah!"

She slipped toward the sea.

Before she could fall...

Someone grabbed her wrist.

"I've got you."

Yoko slowly looked up.

A silver-haired boy was holding her hand firmly.

For a moment, their eyes met.

He gently helped her back onto the pier.

"Are you okay?" 

he asked.

Yoko nodded quickly.

"Y-Yes... Thank you."

The boy she had saved quickly walked over.

"I'm so sorry!"

"You almost got hurt because of me."Yoko smiled.

"It's okay."

"I'm just glad you're safe."

The boy bowed politely.

"My name is Naoki Takeru."

"And this is my friend, Minoru Shihai."

Minoru gave a small nod.

"Nice to meet you."

Ayaka smiled.

"I'm Ayaka Fujimori."

"And this is Yoko Kazesaki."

Naoki scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"I still can't believe I almost fell."Minoru sighed.

"You should pay more attention to where you're walking."

"I know..."

Naoki laughed nervously."If Yoko hadn't helped me..."

"I probably would've fallen into the sea."Minoru looked at Yoko.

"You reacted without even thinking.

"Yoko smiled shyly.

"I just wanted to help."

Naoki smiled.

"Thank you."

"I'll never forget your kindness."

Ayaka looked between them with a grin.

"Looks like you've already made a new friend."

"W-What?" Yoko asked, embarrassed.

Naoki laughed.

"She's really kind."

After a brief silence, he smiled again.

"...And cute, too."

Yoko's face immediately turned bright red.

"W-What are you saying?!"

Ayaka couldn't stop laughing.

"I knew it!"

Minoru looked at the two of them before quietly speaking.

"We should get going."

Naoki nodded.

"Right."

He turned back toward Yoko.

"Thank you again."

"I hope we'll meet again."

With that, the two boys walked away.

Yoko watched Naoki disappear into the distance.

Her heart beat faster than usual.

"...Why am I feeling like this?"

Ayaka gently bumped her shoulder."Don't tell me..."

"You fell in love at first sight?"

"W-What?!"

"N-No!"

"...Maybe..."

Yoko lowered her eyes.

She believed she had fallen in love with Naoki.

She had no idea...

That fate had already begun leading her toward someone else.

End of Extra Chapter