Haruki woke to the sharp trill of his alarm. He sat up slowly, the heaviness from yesterday still pressing on his chest. With little care, he threw on his uniform—collar half-unbuttoned, tie crooked, hair left uncombed. Strands fell naturally over his forehead, giving him an unintentionally sharp, effortless look.
On his way to campus, Kenta spotted him and nearly choked on air. His inner voice screamed:
Oh no. Why today of all days?! Why did *cool Haruki* appear on Valentine's Day?
He swallowed hard. This is a disaster. If the girls see him like this, campus will explode! The last time I saw this look was when his cat died in elementary school… nothing could cheer him up then either. Guess this storm is inevitable…
"Oi. Why are you standing there like an idiot?" Haruki asked flatly, noticing him.
Kenta coughed, snapping out of it. "M-my bad. Let's go."
---
The moment they stepped onto campus, heads turned. Whispers swirled immediately.
"Wait… is that Haruki?"
"No way. Since when was he this… good-looking?"
"That messy hair with those serious eyes—he looks… hot."
Haruki ignored the stares, but the atmosphere clung to him like static.
Then, cutting straight through the crowd, a girl walked toward him. His former project partner from last time . She clutched a neatly wrapped box of chocolates, her face flushed red.
"H-Haruki," she stammered. "Please… accept these. I made them myself."
The entire hallway froze.
"Ehh?!"
"She's giving him chocolates?!"
Even Haruki blinked, confused. "…Eh?"
Kenta leaned closer, whispering, "Don't tell me you forgot… It's Valentine's Day."
Haruki's eyes widened slightly. "…Ehh?!"
From a distance, Ayla watched. The box of chocolates she had made the night before felt heavy in her hands. She had stayed up carefully choosing the flavor, tying the ribbon just right, imagining the smile he might make when receiving them.
Now, seeing another girl standing before him with the same gift—her chest tightened painfully.
Her friend nudged her shoulder. "You're just gonna let *her* swoop in like that? What happened to Ayla Hanami, the school's top student?"
Ayla flinched.
Her friend smirked, teasing. "Well… I guess they *would* look good together."
The words stabbed deep. Ayla spun on her heel and ran before her tears could spill.
"W-wait, Ayla! I was joking!" her friend called after her. But she didn't stop.
Meanwhile, the girl in front of Haruki's desk lifted her chin slightly, her lips curling. So he looks this good when serious… And he's never dated anyone before. If I make the first move, I could really have him.
But Haruki simply pushed the box back into her hands.
"I'm sorry," he said calmly. "I don't like sweets."
The hallway exploded.
"EHHH?!"
"He rejected her?!"
"But she's one of the hottest girls in school—people even compare her to Ayla Hanami!"
The girl's face paled. "Are… are you rejecting me?"
Haruki tilted his head. "Wait—were you confessing to me?"
Her cheeks burned. "W-what do you *think* it means when I give you handmade chocolates?!"
Before the tension could break further, Kenta yanked Haruki by the arm. "He said he doesn't want it. Case closed." He dragged him towards the exit.
"You're welcome," Kenta muttered.
Haruki gave a small shrug. "…Thanks, I guess."
But the girl wasn't finished. She shouted after him, her voice echoing.
"Wait! Haruki! How dare you humiliate me like this in front of everyone?!"
Haruki stopped mid-step. Slowly, he glanced back, his voice calm but firm.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you. It's just… I already like someone else."
The hallway froze.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
The girl's eyes widened. "I-Is it… Ayla? Ayla Hanami?!"
Every student held their breath.
Haruki looked back over his shoulder. He didn't answer. He only smiled faintly—just enough to give away nothing, and yet say everything.
That expression—sharp jawline, unreadable eyes, effortless smirk—sent the hallway into chaos.
"He smiled… too cool!"
"Did he just admit it?!"
"Even the guys are blushing, what the hell!"
Kenta buried his face in his hands. "This… is going to be the longest Valentine's Day ever."
A hush fell over the crowd after Haruki's unexpected smile, each person jumping to their own conclusions.
But Ayla didn't see it. She had already run off, heart pounding, clutching her own chocolates so tightly the ribbon was digging into her palm. She slipped into the nearest comfort room, locked herself in a cubicle, and finally broke down.
"Why… why am I being like this?" she whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks.
There was a knock on the door.
"Ayla, open this. Let me in. I'm sorry—I didn't mean it like that. It was just a joke," her friend's voice came softly from the other side.
After a long pause, Ayla slowly unlocked the cubicle. Her friend's eyes widened. For the first time, she saw Ayla vulnerable—her eyes glassy, her flawless face trembling with sadness.
"…So even the top one can look like this sometimes," her friend murmured.
"What do I do?" Ayla's voice cracked as she clutched the box of chocolates. "I want to give him these, but I can't bring myself to do it… And now it gives others the chance instead. Do you think… do you think he likes her too?"
Her friend hesitated. "…We didn't hear his answer. But if he does, Ayla… what would you do?"
"I don't know…" Ayla looked down, her expression sinking further. Tears welled up again.
Her friend bit her lip. "I'm sorry. I don't know what to say. Just… text me if you need someone, okay? I'll be there." She gently squeezed Ayla's shoulder before leaving.
The door clicked shut. Silence lingered.
Then—*creak.*
Ayla's head shot up. From above the cubicle door, a pale hand gripped the edge. A familiar face peeked over, her voice laced with a robotic tone.
"Master… it's me."
"Yumi?!" Ayla gasped. "H-how—what are you doing here? More importantly, how did you even get in?!"
"I infiltrated the university using my spying skills," Yumi said matter-of-factly. "Monk taught me when I was two."
Ayla blinked at her in disbelief. "…That… doesn't even make sense."
Ignoring the confusion, Yumi's crimson eyes narrowed. "Master, what are you doing in here? Don't tell me you chickened out."
Ayla bit her lip. "I… I did. But someone already gave him chocolates before me. I didn't know what to do."
"So you locked yourself here, crying like a loser?" Yumi said sharply. "That's not my master. Ayla Hanami—the girl who never once faced defeat—would never hand over victory without a fight. Stand up. Go to him."
"But… what if he already accepted hers? What if they're—"
"Just do it," Yumi cut her off, firm. "Or you'll regret it forever. Don't let fear decide for you." Then she smiled faintly. "You can do this. Just hand it to him."
Ayla's eyes lit up, determination slowly returning. She rose to her feet, faced the mirror, and splashed her face with water. Her reflection stared back—red-eyed, but resolute.
"…Ayla Hanami, you've got this."
She clutched the box tightly, straightened her posture, and walked out of the comfort room.
But fate wasn't kind.
The moment she stepped into the hallway, a girl rushed up to her, holding out chocolates. "Ayla, please accept these!"
Ayla blinked in surprise. "Ah—I'm sor—"
Another girl shoved past, thrusting her own chocolates forward. "No! I was first!"
"What are you talking about?!"
Soon more students swarmed—boys and girls alike—each desperate to hand her their chocolates. The crowd grew rowdy, shoving and shouting.
In the chaos, Ayla's own box slipped from her hands. Her heart stopped.
"Wait—!" She reached for it—
*Crunch.*
A careless foot stomped down on it.
The ribbon tore. The box caved in. The chocolates she had carefully made for Haruki were crushed beneath the crowd's chaos.
"Stop it…" Ayla whispered, frozen.
The noise didn't stop. Desperation flared.
"I said STOP IT!" Ayla's voice roared through the hallway. Silence followed, everyone staring.
She bent down, carefully picking up the ruined box with trembling hands. A heavy sadness clouded her beautiful face. Without another word, she turned and walked away, clutching the broken gift to her chest.
Yumi, watching from afar, clenched her fists. But before she could move, security spotted her strange presence. With catlike reflexes, she slipped away into the shadows, unseen.
And Ayla… kept walking.
---
The rest of the day passed quickly, but Ayla remained in a bad mood. When she checked her schedule, she realized she had no more classes left. With a quiet sigh, she packed her things, ready to head home.
Just as she was about to call her driver, a message popped up on her phone.
> *I'm sorry, Miss Ayla. There's been an emergency. I won't be able to pick you up right away.*
She sighed again, heavier this time. "Figures."
With no other choice, she started walking home.
As she wandered through familiar streets, her eyes caught sight of the little bakery where she and Haruki once bought croissants together. The memory of him teasing her that day surfaced, and despite everything, her lips curled into a small smile.
But just as she was about to step closer to the bakery, a rough hand suddenly grabbed her hair.
She froze.
A man leaned in, inhaling with a disgusting grin. "Hmm… smells good. Hey, you got a date today?"
Another voice followed, mocking. "What's a hot chick like you doing walking alone?"
Ayla's entire body went rigid. Fear flooded her chest. She clutched her bag tightly, shut her eyes, and braced herself.
Then—her arm was pulled away, firmly but gently.
When she opened her eyes, her breath caught.
"Ha… Haruki?" she whispered, stunned.
He stood there, his expression calm but his eyes sharp, serious. For a moment, she was mesmerized.
The men behind them jeered. "Hey! You looking for a fight, punk?"
Haruki turned his head slightly, glaring. His silent intensity was enough to make the men falter.
Before they could react further, another voice cut in.
"Yeah. I am."
They spun around. Kenta stood there, cracking his knuckles with a cocky grin.
The two men blanched. "Tch—whatever, not worth it." They ran off, muttering curses.
Kenta stretched, pretending to check his phone. "Oh wow, look at that. My mom just texted me—she needs help with laundry. Gotta go, see ya!" Without waiting, he bolted in the opposite direction.
Ayla was left with Haruki, still stunned. Her heart raced at the thought: Did… did he just get mad because I was being harassed? Was he protecting me?
Her cheeks burned.
Haruki looked at her. "Are you okay?"
"Y-yes," she stammered.
Then she realized—he was still holding her hand. Flustered, she pulled it away.
Haruki blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. I guess… she still doesn't want me close, he thought.
Ayla noticed his expression and opened her mouth to say something, but the words tangled on her tongue.
From a distance, Kenta groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "These two are going to kill me…" He quickly texted Haruki:
> *Talk to herrrr!!!*
Haruki glanced at his phone, then at that moment he saw unread messages from someone. His eyes widened.
"Haruki—"
"Ayla—"
They spoke at the same time.
"…"
"…You first," Haruki said quietly.
"N-no, you first," Ayla replied, cheeks pink.
Neither moved. The awkward silence thickened until Ayla blurted, "Maybe… we can talk over coffee? And bread?"
Haruki gave a small smile. "…Sure."
Inside the bakery, they sat across from each other, drinks in hand, pastries untouched.
Ayla finally asked, her voice small, "Did you… accept the chocolates she gave you?"
Haruki shook his head quickly, a nervous chuckle slipping out. "N-no, I didn't. I don't even like sweets."
Relief softened Ayla's features. She whispered, almost to herself, "That's good. Because if you did… I think I'd be mad."
"…What was that?" Haruki asked.
"Nothing!" she blurted, face red.
She tried to change the subject. "What about you? You said you wanted to say something earlier."
"Ah… right. I saw your texts just before we came in—"
"You just saw them *now*?!" Ayla cut in, eyes wide. "If you checked yesterday, I wouldn't have gone through all this trouble just to give you a chocolate!"
She clamped her hands over her mouth, realizing too late what she had said.
"…Chocolate?" Haruki repeated, stunned. "Wait… you wanted to give me chocolate?"
His voice faltered, awkwardly trying to cover. "Ah—must've been tomo-choco, right? Just friendly." He laughed nervously. "What am I even thinking, there's no way you'd—"
"That's what I hate about you!" Ayla snapped suddenly. "You jump to conclusions without even asking me!"
Haruki froze, eyes widening.
She bit her lip, frustration bubbling over. "You think so lowly of yourself, like you're not worth it… when I—"
"When you what?" Haruki asked softly.
Her fists clenched, her face burning. Then, with a trembling breath, she shouted:
"Because I think I like you! No... maybe I like you, YESS I like you Haruki!"
The bakery went silent.
Ayla squeezed her eyes shut, too embarrassed to look at him. But when she finally opened them, Haruki was smiling—warmly, gently, genuinely.
It was the kind of smile that made her heart stop. For the first time, Ayla thought his face looked brighter than the sun itself.
"Are you two done with your drama?" the bakery owner called from the counter, annoyed. "Because I'm about to close."
Both of them shot up, flustered. "S-sorry!"
Outside, they walked together under the moonlight. Ayla hesitated before asking softly, "So… what about you, Haruki? Do you… like me too?"
He stopped in his tracks.
Then, slowly, he answered, "…Of course I do. Since the day I first saw you."
Ayla's face flared red. She smacked his arm. "D-don't just say it like that!"
"Oww! What was that for?!" Haruki laughed.
"That's for all the sadness you gave me!"
"…I didn't mean to," he said sheepishly. "But… you made me sad too, you know."
Ayla smiled softly, reaching into her bag. "Then… let me fix that."
She pulled out a small, slightly dented box. "It's… chocolate. Sorry it got a little ruined."
Haruki's eyes widened. "For me? Thank you, Ayla!"
Her lips curved as she teased, "I thought you didn't like sweets?"
He popped one into his mouth—and immediately choked. "E-ehm—!"
Ayla burst into giggles.
When he finally swallowed, Haruki grinned. "Well… in my defense, it's not that sweet. Actually, it's perfect. Must've been made with love."
Ayla flushed, smacking him again. Both of them laughed.
From across the street, Kenta sighed dramatically. "Finally. Seven whole chapters later. Took long enough."
Haruki scratched the back of his head, cheeks still warm.
"So… we're dating now?"
Ayla stopped walking. The moonlight spilled over her, making her soft features glow. She didn't say a word—just gave the tiniest nod, smiling.
"M-hm."
Haruki froze, his heart racing. . "W-well, it's my first time dating someone, so… I don't know what to do. Do we… tell others or something?"
Ayla tilted her head, lips curling into a shy smile. "It's my first time dating too."
Haruki blinked in shock. "Wait—what? But they said you already dated a guitarist or a pianist or—"
"Seriously?" Ayla sighed, pouting a little. "Do you believe that? Of all people, my *boyfriend* should be the last one to believe those rumors."
The word *boyfriend* hit Haruki like a lightning strike. His face went crimson, overheating from the thought. Ayla chuckled softly at his flustered expression.
"You actually look more handsome when you're like this. I like the *normal* Haruki better."
"Normal?" Haruki stammered, still blushing. "You make it sound like I'm not normal."
"If you say so, Mr. He-art-rob\~," Ayla teased, giggling.
Haruki's ears burned. "D-don't say it like that…"
"Come on, it's getting late," Ayla said gently.
"O-oh, sure."
As they walked, Haruki kept glancing at Ayla's hand swinging just beside his. After a long battle inside his chest, he finally mustered the courage to reach out. His fingers brushed hers, then intertwined.
Ayla's eyes widened, her face instantly red. Haruki panicked and started to let go—
—but Ayla squeezed tighter, refusing to release.
From a distance, hidden in the shadows, Kenta was crouched with his phone camera. "Yes! My boy Haruki finally making moves! Historical footage! For *documentary purposes*!"
Back with the couple, their walk ended at the 7-Eleven store.
"My driver texted me," Ayla said. "He's on his way to pick me up. He got caught up with something earlier."
Haruki shifted awkwardly. "Then I'll wait with you."
"There's no need. I can manage—"
"No way," Haruki interrupted firmly. "I won't let my girlfriend wait alone at this hour."
Ayla's cheeks burned again. Behind them, Kenta threw his fists up in silent celebration. *Smooth, bro. Real smooth.*
"Well…" Ayla murmured shyly. "I guess we can grab something while waiting."
They went inside, bought a couple of snacks, and waited together until her service finally arrived. As her car pulled up, they waved goodbye with warm smiles lingering on their faces.
The moment Ayla disappeared into the night, Kenta popped up beside Haruki, slapping his back.
"So what now, Mr. L-O-V-E-R boyyy? Let's gooo\~!"
"Y-you were spying?!" Haruki blurted out, his ears red.
"Documentary purposes," Kenta grinned smugly. "Gonna show this at your wedding."
Later that night, both Haruki and Ayla lay in their rooms, staring at their phones, unable to sleep.
Finally, Haruki typed a message: *Did you get home safe?*
Almost instantly, Ayla replied: *Yes. Thank you.*
On the other side, Ayla smiled at her phone, hugging her pillow. Yumi peeked from the doorway, saw her master's flushed and glowing face, and smiled softly before closing the door to give her privacy.
Their conversation stretched until Haruki, still holding his phone, drifted off to sleep.
"Hello? Haruki?" Ayla typed again after a few minutes.
When there was no reply, she puffed her cheeks, giggling softly.
"Did you just fall asleep on me…?"