The first bell of Hanamori High rang, echoing through the bright hallways. Aiko Tanaka clutched her books tightly, her backpack slipping from one shoulder to the other as she raced down the stairs.
"Okay, today's the day! I can make it to class on time!" she muttered to herself.
But fate, as usual, had other plans.
Her shoelace, rebelliously untied, caught on the edge of the step. Aiko stumbled forward, arms flailing, her books flying like startled birds.
"Ahhh—!"
Her crash landed her right in front of a boy she hadn't noticed before. He was tall, dark-haired, with calm eyes that seemed to notice everything yet gave nothing away. He bent down to help her gather the scattered papers.
"Are you okay?" His voice was soft, steady, and for some reason made her heart skip a beat.
Aiko's cheeks flamed red. "I-I'm fine! Just… clumsy as usual." She brushed hair from her face, trying to act nonchalant, but failing miserably.
He handed her the last notebook, and their fingers brushed—just briefly, but it sent an unexpected tingle up her arm.
"You'll get there," he said, faintly smiling. "Just… maybe tie your shoelaces next time?"
Aiko laughed nervously. "Right… I'll remember." Her heart felt a little lighter, even though she was still embarrassed.
As she walked to her classroom, she couldn't stop glancing back. The boy—Ren Nakamura—was now returning to his own class, eyes forward, calm and composed. And yet, something about him lingered in her mind, like a tiny spark she couldn't ignore.
By the time she reached her seat, her hands were shaking slightly. She pulled out her notebook, but the words on the page blurred. Not because she was tired—but because her thoughts were completely elsewhere.
"Focus, Aiko," she whispered to herself. "It's just a boy. Just a boy."
But deep down, she knew it wasn't "just a boy."