The afternoon bell rang, echoing through Northern Heights Academy. Luna shuffled her books, still caught up in the lingering warmth of Peryn's teasing from the last class.
Peryn, of course, was there like clockwork — leaning casually against the edge of her desk, smirking. "You're too focused," he whispered, brushing her shoulder "accidentally."
Luna flinched slightly, a blush creeping across her cheeks. "Peryn!" she hissed softly, half annoyed, half thrilled.
"Oops," he said with a cheeky grin. "Did I scare you?"
Across the room, Akio's jaw clenched. He had been watching quietly, but Peryn's casual closeness made him tighten his fists under the desk. His frustration wasn't hidden — subtle, but visible to anyone paying attention.
Sayuri, sitting beside him, couldn't help but notice. She liked Akio, and seeing him so worked up over Luna made her stomach twist. She tried to keep calm, but her eyes flicked toward him, worried and curious. "He's… tense. He clearly cares," she thought.
During lab work, Peryn leaned just a little closer to Luna, whispering instructions and humming his off-key tune. Luna stifled a giggle. "Stop singing like a broken radio," she whispered.
"Only for you," Peryn muttered, eyes glinting mischievously.
Akio's fists tightened further. He muttered under his breath, a low hiss that only Sayuri could hear. Her own pulse quickened — a mix of jealousy, protectiveness, and the urge to comfort him.
Lunchtime arrived, and Hina had maneuvered the seating perfectly. Luna ended up beside Peryn again. He naturally took a slightly bigger portion of snacks, grinning as Luna tried to protest. Akio, sitting across the table, muttered under his breath, scowling. Sayuri noticed every flicker of frustration and couldn't help but feel a pang herself — not from jealousy toward Luna, but toward the situation.
"Careful," Hina whispered to Sayuri with a grin. "Akio's jealousy is peak today. And Luna? Oblivious as ever."
Sayuri rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "I'm just… observing," she whispered back.
After class, walking toward the school gate, Peryn nudged Luna's shoulder gently. "Race you to the bus?" he teased.
Luna laughed, heart fluttering. She dashed a few steps, Peryn close behind, grinning, whispering jokes only she could hear.
Akio, a few steps behind, clenched his fists, muttering under his breath as he kept pace. Sayuri fell in step beside him, gently nudging his arm. "Relax," she whispered. "Don't let her or anyone else push you around."