Saki could no longer contain her excitement.
She had to get out to the garden.
The quiet corridors seemed unusually long as her footsteps echoed, racing against the rapid thump of her heart. Every corner felt like it hid a new surprise, and her breath caught in anticipation.
When she pushed the door open and stepped outside… she froze.
The garden had transformed into a magical festival.
A New Year's Party!
Strings of colorful lights hung between the trees, twinkling like stars. Soft music floated through the air, wrapping the night in a gentle rhythm.
The scent of youth, laughter, and joy hit her like a gentle breeze.
Saki's eyes widened.
Along the garden path, club booths were neatly arranged, each glowing with its own sign: Music, Drama, Travel, Photography…
It was as if the school itself had come alive for this one night.
She moved forward with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
And then she saw them—two familiar figures by the stage.
Hiroki.
And… Miyuki.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. Hiroki was about to perform—but why was Miyuki here?
Just then, Hiroki looked up.
Their eyes met.
His gaze seemed to see straight into her thoughts.
A faint, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
It was as if he was silently saying, "Everything I'm about to do… it's for you."
Saki's breath caught.
The "special song" he had promised still echoed in her mind, and now her curiosity burned even brighter.
But before she could react, another voice interrupted.
"Hi… you must be the new student, right?"
A boy had approached her, shy but friendly.
Saki turned toward him, momentarily breaking eye contact with Hiroki. Her brows furrowed in mild annoyance.
Seeing her reaction, the boy awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
"Uh… don't worry. I just wanted to say hi. I'm Yusuke Kato," he said, giving a small, hesitant smile.
He chuckled softly. "I guess I'm being a bit formal. Don't worry… I won't hurt you."
Saki's frown softened.
"Uh… it's fine."
A small, polite smile curved her lips.
"My name's Saki Aoki. Nice to meet you."
Yusuke returned a warm smile.
"I like your name… it feels familiar somehow."
Saki decided to let the conversation flow, though she felt a strange mix of excitement—and a tiny twinge of guilt toward Hiroki.
Her heart raced, emotions flickering between curiosity, guilt, and something she couldn't quite name.
The garden, alive with lights and music, now felt like a stage for this delicate triangle forming between them.
"If you want, we can sit. I don't want you to get tired standing," Yusuke said politely.
Saki thought to herself, If I don't sit, what else will I do?
"Yeah… sitting sounds better," she replied, smiling softly.
Yusuke led her to a nearby table. They sat down as the garden's activity grew louder—the main show was about to begin. Students laughed, mingled, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
Yusuke handed her one of the drinks on the table.
"Would you like to join me?"
It almost felt like fate—the drinks were perfectly placed.
Saki blinked, surprised.
"Wow… what a coincidence. There were two drinks here."
Yusuke laughed softly, realizing his plan had been foiled.
"They must have set them out for the event," he said with a playful grin.
Small gestures like this warmed Saki's heart.
She took a sip of the drink, her eyes drifting unconsciously toward Hiroki, who was lightly strumming his guitar on stage.
While talking to Yusuke, her gaze kept flicking to Hiroki, stirring feelings of jealousy she couldn't hide.
Saki's mind raced, torn between the bittersweet tangle of emotions swirling in her chest.
Yusuke leaned closer, resting his arm on the table.
His eyes sparkled, and Saki felt a helpless flutter in her chest.
Her heart pounded, and her cheeks warmed.
"Let's hear your beautiful voice too. Why did you transfer to this school?" he asked.
Saki looked down, unsure how to respond.
"I-I… I left my old school because…"
She swallowed, trying to steady her voice.
"At my old school… I was dating the popular boy."
Yusuke's eyes widened slightly, already guessing what came next.
"When I saw him cheating… I broke up with him. And then the whole school… hated me."
Saki lowered her head, hands resting on her knees, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Yusuke felt a surge of protective anger—but he also wanted to make her smile.
"How could they treat someone like you this way?" he asked softly, but firmly.
Saki lifted her head, a faint smile breaking through.
"That's why… I came here for a fresh start," she said.
Yusuke smiled, gathering his courage.
"Forget about them. You'll find better friends here… and maybe someone who'll truly care for you."
Saki's cheeks warmed, her heart fluttering.
Yusuke leaned in a little closer.
"If you let me… I can even help heal your heart," he said, voice gentle but earnest.
Saki stared at him in surprise. Her heart raced so fast, it felt like the music, the lights, and the laughter had all faded away.
"I… can… forever—" Yusuke began.
But at that exact moment, a voice rang out from the stage.
It was Principal Takashi.
Every eye in the garden turned toward him.
Yusuke's words were cut short, disappointment flashing across his face.
Saki also turned, unsure what he had been about to say.