The night air was sharp, laced with the scent of rain. Aika shouldn't have been out here. She shouldn't have answered the message.
But when Kaito had sent only two words — "Come here" — she'd gone anyway.
Now she stood beneath the old clocktower, pulse racing, as his figure emerged from the shadows.
"You came," he said simply, like he'd never doubted.
"I shouldn't be here," Aika whispered.
"You keep saying that," Kaito murmured, stepping close, "but you never leave."
Her breath hitched as his hand brushed hers, deliberate, testing. This time she didn't pull away. Instead, her fingers curled into his.
And then, like the night had been waiting for it, their lips crashed together again.
---
The kiss was deeper, hungrier than before. His arms encircled her, drawing her in until she was flush against him, the world shrinking to just heat and shadows. Aika melted and fought all at once, her body betraying every protest her mind screamed.
When his lips trailed lower, brushing her jaw, she gasped — equal parts fear and desire.
"Kaito…"
He stilled at her voice, eyes locking onto hers. Sharp, daring, searching. "Say no, and I'll stop."
Her silence was the answer.
And he smiled like he'd won a war.
---
They broke apart only when the distant chime of the clocktower bells echoed across campus. Reality crashed back in.
Aika staggered a step back, flushed and trembling. "This… this can't happen again."
Kaito tilted his head, smirking. "Then why are you already looking at me like it will?"
Her heart dropped — because he was right.
---
The next morning, Mina trailed behind Aika on the way to class, pretending to scroll her phone.
She'd noticed the late-night absences. The way Aika's cheeks flushed when certain names were mentioned. And the way her smile faltered when Kaito walked by.
Pieces of a puzzle were forming.
Mina narrowed her eyes, whispering under her breath. "I don't know what you're hiding, Aika… but I'll find out."
---