Fallen stepped into the school's entrance, rubbing his eyes and dragging his feet. The morning had been a rough one—his ribs still ached from yesterday's madness, and his mind hadn't stopped spinning since he left that dragon-infested battlefield. Still, here he was, back in the real world where no one knew that demons, curses, or ancient spells even existed.
His gaze dropped to the floor as he reached the shoe rack to change from outdoor sneakers to his school loafers.
Then he froze.
Someone was already waiting for him.
She stood leaning against the wall near his locker—arms folded, one foot tapping softly. Her skin was fair and smooth like porcelain, and her long, soft pink hair was tied loosely to one side. A gentle fragrance hung in the air around her, like sakura in early spring. Circular pink glasses rested perfectly on the bridge of her nose.
Misaki.
Her brows were drawn in, and her lips curved slightly downward in that annoyed-but-concerned expression she had perfected over the years.
"Why weren't you at school yesterday?" she asked sharply, pushing her glasses up with a single finger. "We had plans to hang out for your birthday. You turned eighteen, idiot."
Fallen blinked. Then scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Ah… yeah. Sorry. I had to, uh… take care of something urgent."
She narrowed her eyes but didn't press.
"Huh. Whatever," she muttered, turning away. "Next time, at least tell me. I waited."
He winced at the last part.
She'd waited?
Fallen (inner monologue):
> She's the definition of beauty. Not just in looks… but in how she's always been there.
Ever since my mom died, and my dad started drowning in his work, I felt like no one even saw me.
No one—except her.
From elementary to high school, we've walked this path together. Through the lonely days… and the rare laughs.
I love her. I've always loved her.
But I've never said it. What if she doesn't feel the same? What if I'm just… the side character in her story?
"Hey, dumbass," Misaki called, snapping him out of his thoughts. "The bell already rang. We're late."
"Ah! I'm coming, Misaki!" he yelled, jogging to catch up as she walked ahead with her usual annoyed expression that secretly hid a smile.
---
After School
The sun dipped low as students trickled out of the school gates. Fallen let out a long, exaggerated groan as he stretched his arms.
"Man… school's so tiring. And boring. I need like, twenty naps."
Beside him, Misaki hummed thoughtfully. "Then let's go somewhere fun."
She reached over and tugged at his sleeve like a child asking for candy.
"A game parlor? A café? Something. You still owe me for missing your own birthday."
He groaned again, dragging his feet. "Ughhh, I'm tired. Can't we do it another day...?"
"What are you, a panda in human skin?" she teased. "Let's go! Come on, just for a bit."
Fallen couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright. You win. Let's hit a café."
Misaki's eyes lit up. "Perfect! There's a new one that opened up near the station. It's supposed to be cozy and aesthetic."
---
At the Café
The moment they stepped in, a soft bell chimed overhead, and warm golden lights flickered above them. The air smelled of fresh coffee and cinnamon. Wooden booths lined the walls, and a cozy playlist hummed quietly through speakers. But even before they could order, all eyes in the room seemed to lock onto one person.
Misaki.
A few murmurs floated through the room, not very subtle.
> "She's so pretty…"
"Are they a couple?"
"They look so good together…"
Fallen rolled his eyes with a smirk. "You're attracting a crowd."
"Huh?" Misaki blinked.
Before she could respond, two girls walked over—clearly nervous but excited.
"Umm… sorry to bother you," one said shyly. "Can we take a selfie with you? You're just… really pretty."
Misaki blinked again, clearly flustered. "Uhh—sure…"
The photo was quick. A click. A smile. A few giggles. Then the girls walked off, whispering.
Fallen leaned in, teasing. "Pretty popular, huh?"
"Shut up, dummy," she muttered, tapping his shoulder with the back of her hand.
---
After They Left the Café
They strolled under the warm evening sky, streetlights beginning to flicker to life around them. Orange hues painted the clouds, and the air was crisp with the scent of fall.
Misaki let out a satisfied sigh. "Wasn't that nice?"
"Yeah," Fallen replied, eyes drifting toward the horizon. "The place was chill. And that caramel coffee? Magical."
They walked side by side in silence for a while. Every step felt heavier—not with exhaustion, but with something building. A pressure. A decision waiting to be made.
Fallen (inner monologue):
> Say it.
Just say it already.
Right here, right now. There's no better moment than this.
You've fought demons. Faced death. Survived dragons and dark spells.
But this—this is the one battle you've never had the courage to face.
He took a breath.
His hands clenched. His heart raced.
Then—
"Misaki!" he called suddenly.
She turned around, surprised. "Huh? What happened?"
Fallen looked down, took another deep breath… and then raised his eyes to meet hers.
"I… I… I…"
His voice trembled.
The words caught in his throat like barbed wire.
Misaki tilted her head slightly, blinking.
He could see the question in her eyes—gentle, confused, waiting.
But the words—
They wouldn't come.
His mouth hung open. His breath shook.
"…I…"
---
To be continued.