The days following the start of third year passed in a blur of introductions, new class routines, and gentle spring breezes. Yet for Leo, it felt like time had become heavy—like something unsaid clung to his chest, begging to be released.
He couldn't stop thinking about Yuki.
Her laugh. The way her voice went soft when she was nervous. The ridiculous things she said just to make people smile. That moment in the hallway, when she hugged him after the exam results…
It wasn't just gratitude anymore.
It wasn't just friendship.
And he knew it.
---
Leo stood outside the school rooftop door, gripping his phone tightly. He had texted her just five minutes ago:
> "Can we talk? Just us. Rooftop."
He didn't expect her to reply.
But she came.
Yuki stepped through the door a minute later, slightly out of breath, her eyes a little wide. Her ponytail swung gently as she looked around the open space, the breeze catching loose strands of her hair.
"You okay?" she asked, brushing hair from her face. "You're not in trouble, are you?"
Leo chuckled softly. "No. I just… needed to say something."
The rooftop was quiet, the sun starting to dip into golden hour. Cherry blossoms below scattered in the breeze, their petals catching the light like confetti.
Yuki crossed her arms, though not defensively—more like trying to brace herself. "I'm listening," she said, tilting her head slightly.
Leo inhaled.
Then exhaled.
"I like you."
Yuki blinked.
He went on, voice low but steady. "I mean—I really like you. Not just because we hang out. Not just because you make everything less heavy. I… started liking you for real, somewhere along the way. And I didn't know how to deal with that."
Yuki was still staring at him.
Then—she looked away.
She laughed.
Not the teasing kind. Not sarcastic.
But soft. Disbelieving. And maybe a little relieved.
"I thought you'd never say it," she whispered.
Leo's heart stopped. "Wait—you—?"
Yuki stepped forward, eyes shining, and poked his forehead. "Idiot. I've been waiting."
He blinked.
Then—
She hugged him.
Again.
But this time, no one was watching.
This time, it wasn't uncertain.
This time, it meant something.
They stood there like that for a while. The wind tousled their uniforms. Distant voices echoed faintly from the field below, but here—on this rooftop—it was like the world had slowed just for them.
Yuki pulled back first, but her arms lingered around his waist. She looked up at him, her expression half-playful, half-serious.
"So… what now?" she asked.
Leo hesitated. "We take it one step at a time?"
She smirked. "You're lucky I like slow burns."
They sat down near the edge, watching the sun fall lower in the sky. Their shoulders touched. Yuki hummed softly as she sipped a juice box she'd stuffed in her pocket. Leo glanced sideways, memorizing the way the light caught in her eyes.
"I never expected this," he said quietly.
Yuki grinned. "I did. From the moment you spilled water on my shoes that first week."
"Hey, you stepped in front of me."
"I was being dramatic."
He laughed. "Still are."
They sat together until the last sliver of sun disappeared. When they stood to leave, Leo reached for her hand. She didn't hesitate.
---
Meanwhile, from the hallway window two floors down, Sora happened to look up.
She saw two silhouettes framed against the fading sunset. A boy and a girl, standing close, fingers intertwined.
She didn't say anything.
Just closed her book.
And turned away.
Her footsteps echoed softly down the empty hall.