The headmaster's office was far less intimidating than Haru had imagined.
Warm morning sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the spacious room in a golden glow. One wall was lined with towering bookshelves packed with volumes from countless fields of study, while another displayed polished trophies, medals, framed certificates, and photographs of former students who had gone on to accomplish extraordinary things.
Beyond the glass, the academy grounds stretched into the distance. Students hurried between buildings, clubs recruited new members, and the first real day of the new term buzzed with energy.
At the center of the room sat the headmaster.
Despite the commanding voice that echoed through the academy's intercom every morning, the man himself looked surprisingly relaxed. Leaning comfortably against his chair, he sipped from a steaming cup of coffee while lazily flipping through a stack of documents as though he had nowhere else to be.
Without looking up, he gestured toward the chair opposite him.
"Take a seat."
Haru did as instructed.
The headmaster closed the folder in front of him and folded his hands together.
"You probably have some idea why I asked you to come here."
"I have a rough guess, sir."
"I'm referring to your friend."
He opened another folder.
"Elara."
Haru nodded.
"Yes, sir."
Silence settled between them.
The headmaster studied Haru for several long moments before speaking again.
"She made quite the... enthusiastic entrance yesterday."
Haru scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"That's... one way to put it."
"You do realize she trespassed onto academy property?"
"Yes, sir."
Haru lowered his head apologetically.
"I sincerely apologize on her behalf."
"No need."
"...What?"
Haru blinked in disbelief.
The headmaster chuckled softly.
"Last night my niece barged into my office demanding that I create space for one more student."
He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I've learned through painful experience that it's much easier to simply agree with that girl than argue with her."
A smile tugged at Haru's lips.
That definitely sounds like Kia.
"And judging by what I've been told," the headmaster continued, "that request was made for Elara."
"That's right."
"Good."
The headmaster leaned forward slightly.
"I assume yesterday's... incident has you worried I've changed my mind?"
"A little."
"I was afraid she'd caused too much trouble."
"On the contrary."
The headmaster smiled.
"She impressed me."
Haru raised an eyebrow.
"Impressed you?"
"I've read every report."
He tapped the folder.
"She evaded security."
He flipped a page.
"Escaped the disciplinary committee."
Another page.
"And somehow managed to keep pace with our academy's fastest runner."
Haru's eyes widened.
"...Wait."
"You mean Celeste?"
"The very same."
"...Wow."
Even Haru couldn't hide his surprise.
Celeste wasn't simply fast.
She was the fastest athlete in the entire academy. She'd broken multiple regional sprint records and was practically untouchable during sports festivals.
The thought of Elara nearly outrunning someone like her was... honestly terrifying.
The headmaster couldn't help laughing at Haru's expression.
"Impressive, isn't it?"
"It really is..."
His smile slowly faded.
"Haru."
"Yes, sir?"
"Tell me."
The headmaster spread his arms toward the large windows overlooking the academy.
"Why do you think I built this school?"
Haru frowned thoughtfully.
"...To nurture talented students?"
"Why?"
"...So they can succeed?"
The headmaster slowly shook his head.
"No."
He stood and walked toward the window.
"The average person's life is painfully predictable."
His reflection stared back at him through the glass.
"They're born."
"They're sent to school."
"They're trained to become obedient workers."
"They spend decades making someone else rich."
"And before they know it..."
"They're old."
He sighed.
"Their talents."
"Their dreams."
"Their potential."
"All buried beneath routine."
He looked back at Haru.
"They call it the rat race."
Haru remained silent.
"I despise it."
The headmaster's voice carried an unusual weight.
"This world is overflowing with extraordinary people."
"Artists."
"Inventors."
"Athletes."
"Leaders."
"People capable of changing history."
"And yet society teaches them to settle."
He smiled faintly.
"I refuse to let that happen here."
His eyes drifted toward Elara's file.
"That girl possesses something extraordinary."
"I don't know exactly what."
"But I know talent when I see it."
He closed the folder.
"I want her enrolled as soon as possible."
Relief washed over Haru.
"Thank you, sir."
"No."
The headmaster smiled.
"Thank you."
"If not for you, we might never have met someone like her."
Haru scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"I was just trying to help."
"And that's exactly why you're one of my finest students."
The headmaster glanced at the clock.
"Now run along."
"Classes begin in a few minutes."
Haru stood.
"I appreciate your time, sir."
He reached the door.
"Oh..."
The headmaster called after him.
"Haru."
He turned.
"Keep up the good work."
"Your ascension will take place soon."
Haru frowned.
"...My what?"
The headmaster blinked.
"...Ah."
"I meant..."
He smiled.
"...Graduation."
For some reason...
That pause felt far too deliberate.
"You almost sounded like those were two different things."
The headmaster simply chuckled.
"Tell me, Haru."
"What do you believe is the limit of the human body?"
"I..."
"I guess... reaching your physical peak?"
"Correct."
The headmaster's smile deepened.
"And what if I told you..."
"There was a level beyond that?"
A chill crept down Haru's spine.
"...There is?"
The headmaster only smiled.
"You'll find out soon enough."
Before Haru could ask another question—
Click.
The office door gently swung shut in front of him.
"..."
"...Did..."
He stared blankly.
"...Did he just dismiss me with dramatic timing?"
Shaking his head, he looked up.
The clock above the hallway froze his blood.
"..."
"Oh no."
His eyes widened.
"I'M LATE!"
---
At almost the exact same moment...
Mr. Bernard entered Class A.
The stern mathematics teacher adjusted his glasses before reaching for the classroom door.
Just as he began sliding it shut—
"WAIT!"
A hand shot through the opening.
The door bounced back.
Haru stumbled inside, breathing heavily.
"I..."
"...Made it..."
Mr. Bernard stared.
"...You're late."
"I was meeting with the headmaster."
The teacher sighed.
"...Take your seat."
"Thank you, sir."
The moment Haru reached his desk, Mr. Bernard picked up a marker and turned toward the class.
"Good morning."
"Good morning, Mr. Bernard."
The teacher nodded.
"Since certain individuals decided yesterday should become an unofficial holiday..."
A bad feeling spread throughout the room.
"...We'll begin today with a pop quiz."
Silence.
Then—
"EEEEHHHHHH?!"
The entire classroom erupted.
"No way!"
"Come on, sir!"
"It's only the second day!"
Mr. Bernard remained unmoved.
"You are the elite of the elite."
"A simple quiz shouldn't trouble you."
A student raised his hand.
"Sir."
"Yes?"
"The difficulty isn't the issue."
"We simply hate surprise quizzes."
Several classmates nodded enthusiastically.
"Exactly!"
"Pop quizzes are evil!"
"They should be illegal!"
Mr. Bernard smiled.
"Unfortunately for you..."
He began writing on the board.
"...They're perfectly legal."
Collective groans echoed across the classroom.
Books opened.
Pens clicked.
Students reluctantly began copying the questions.
Haru did the same before noticing something strange beside him.
Mai...
Was asleep.
From a distance, nobody would ever notice. Her long bangs hid most of her face as she rested quietly against one hand, looking for all the world like she was simply reading.
It was...
Honestly a brilliant strategy.
Haru smiled.
He gently tapped her shoulder.
"Hey."
No response.
Another tap.
"Mai."
Her eyes slowly opened.
She looked at him.
Then—
"Hmph."
She looked away.
"..."
Haru blinked.
"...Did..."
"...Did you just 'hmph' me?"
"No."
"You absolutely did."
"I didn't."
"You even puffed your cheeks."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Haru stared at her.
Then suddenly froze.
"...Oh."
"...Oh no."
He smacked his forehead.
"The library."
Mai slowly looked back.
"...Now you remember."
"I'm so sorry!"
"I completely forgot!"
She folded her arms.
"I waited until five o'clock."
"..."
"...Five?"
She nodded.
"School ended at three-thirty."
"I know..."
"I had books to keep me company."
"...But it still hurt."
Haru lowered his head dramatically.
"I have committed an unforgivable crime."
"...You have."
"I'm guilty."
"...You are."
"I deserve punishment."
"...Probably."
For a few seconds...
Neither of them spoke.
Then Haru suddenly smiled.
Mai blinked.
"...What's so funny?"
"I've never seen you this expressive before."
"..."
"Usually you're so calm and collected."
"But today..."
He laughed softly.
"...You're actually pouting."
Mai's face immediately turned bright red.
She quickly buried herself in her answer sheet.
"D-Don't get used to it."
"I'm only angry."
"I think it's cute."
She gripped her pen so tightly it nearly snapped.
"...You're impossible."
Haru chuckled.
"Tell you what."
He leaned closer.
"You can ask one favor from me."
"Anything."
Mai's eyes sparkled.
She grabbed both his hands before she even realized what she was doing.
"Really?"
Haru blinked.
"...Y-Yeah."
Then he smiled awkwardly.
She really does remind me of Elara sometimes...
Mai hesitated.
Twisting a loose strand of hair around her finger, she spoke so quietly he almost missed it.
"...Then..."
"...Would you go on an after-school date with me?"
Haru froze.
"A... date?"
Mai nodded rapidly.
"B-But don't misunderstand!"
She hurriedly dug through her school bag before pulling out a notebook.
"It's only for research!"
"I'm writing a romance scene..."
"And..."
"I've never actually been on a date before."
She looked away.
"So I thought..."
"If someone experienced it with me..."
"It might help..."
Haru's expression softened.
"So you're writing a novel?"
Mai nodded.
"I..."
"I wanted to tell you eventually."
Haru's eyes lit up.
"Can I read it?"
Immediately—
Mai hugged the notebook tightly against her chest.
"No."
"...Why?"
"You'll laugh."
"I've never experienced romance."
"So I don't know if it's realistic."
Haru laughed.
"I seriously doubt that."
She peeked at him through her bangs.
"...Why?"
"Because..."
He smiled.
"You're gorgeous."
"..."
"So I can't imagine people not falling for you."
Mai's entire brain shut down.
Her cheeks turned scarlet beneath her bangs.
She opened her mouth...
Closed it...
Opened it again...
No words came out.
Unfortunately—
Click.
Someone behind them clicked their tongue.
Both of them looked up.
Mr. Bernard stood over their desks.
Arms crossed.
Expression unreadable.
"I assume the two of you are finished flirting."
"..."
"..."
Haru slowly held up his completed answer sheet.
"...As a matter of fact..."
"I finished a while ago."
Mai hurriedly offered hers as well.
"M-Me too."
Mr. Bernard inspected both papers.
His eyebrow twitched.
"...Perfect scores."
"...As usual."
Whispers spread throughout the classroom.
Haru straightened his tie proudly.
"What can I say?"
"As class representative..."
"I must lead by example."
Mr. Bernard walked away muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "Insufferable children..."
Mai covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Haru grinned.
"That was fu—"
He stopped.
His smile disappeared.
For a split second...
He instinctively turned around.
"...Sasha?"
Silence.
There was...
No one there.
Mai frowned.
She had turned around too.
As though...
She had expected someone to be standing there as well.
The strange feeling vanished almost immediately.
Haru forced a small laugh.
"...Weird."
Mai quietly looked down at her notebook.
Without saying a word...
She wrote a single name.
Sasha.
Then she stared at it...
Unable to remember why.
Meanwhile, chaos had already taken over Mika's classroom.
It all began with what should have been the simplest task imaginable.
Ms Georgia stood at the front of the room, arms folded neatly behind her back.
"Amanda."
The blonde girl looked up.
"Please continue reading the passage."
Amanda stood confidently, cleared her throat, and began reading from the history textbook with perfect posture.
"...The pandemic's worst effects occurred during the year twenny twenny—"
"Stop."
The interruption was immediate.
Amanda blinked.
"...Yes?"
Ms Georgia slowly lowered the pen she'd been holding.
"I'm terribly sorry..."
She removed her glasses.
"...would you mind repeating the year?"
Amanda looked confused.
"The pandemic's worst effects occurred during the year twenny twenny."
Silence.
Ms Georgia inhaled.
"No."
"...No?"
"It is pronounced twenty twenty."
Amanda frowned.
"...That's what I said."
"No..."
Ms Georgia pinched the bridge of her nose.
"...you said twenny twenny."
Amanda nodded confidently.
"Exactly."
The teacher stared.
"So..."
she said carefully,
"...say twenty."
"Twenny."
"No."
"Twenny."
"Twenty."
"Twenny."
Ms Georgia slowly looked toward the ceiling.
"Dear Lord..."
A few students snorted.
Someone failed to hold back a laugh.
Within seconds the entire class erupted.
Amanda looked around in genuine confusion.
"What?"
"You all heard me."
"I said twenny twenny."
"I don't understand what's funny."
Ms Georgia rubbed both temples.
"There is a T after the N."
Amanda blinked.
"...There is?"
"Yes."
"So pronounce it."
"I did."
"No..."
Ms Georgia sighed.
"...Try again."
Amanda took a deep breath.
"...Twenny."
A desk slammed.
Ms Georgia's forehead met the tabletop.
The classroom exploded into even louder laughter.
Just then—
The classroom door slid open.
A woman wearing a white lab coat peeked inside.
"Georgia?"
Mrs Olivia raised an eyebrow.
"I could hear laughing from two corridors away."
"Everything alright?"
Ms Georgia immediately pointed at Amanda.
"Olivia."
"I need another opinion."
"The year COVID reached its peak..."
Mrs Olivia answered without hesitation.
"Twenty twenty."
"There!"
Ms Georgia said triumphantly.
Amanda looked genuinely surprised.
"But..."
"...that's exactly what I said."
Mrs Olivia froze.
"...No..."
"...you said twenny twenny."
Amanda crossed her arms.
"That's literally the same thing."
The two teachers exchanged exhausted looks.
Mrs Olivia walked toward the board.
"Okay."
"Let's solve this scientifically."
She picked up a piece of chalk.
Writing carefully, she printed one word across the board.
TWENTY
Then she underlined the second T several times.
"There."
"Read this letter."
Amanda looked.
"...T."
"Excellent."
"Now..."
Mrs Olivia smiled encouragingly.
"...read the whole word."
Amanda took a breath.
"...Twenny."
Mrs Olivia's smile disappeared.
"...You're doing this deliberately."
"I'm not."
"That's literally how everyone says it."
Margaret, Amanda's best friend, leaned over from the next desk.
"Girl..."
"I think they're talking about your slang."
Amanda shrugged.
"My slang is perfect."
She pointed confidently at the teachers.
"It's these old-timers that can't keep up."
The classroom collectively inhaled.
Ms Georgia slowly turned.
"...Old-timers?"
Amanda nodded.
"Yeah."
Mrs Olivia smiled.
It wasn't a friendly smile.
"Oh?"
"So we're old now?"
Amanda suddenly seemed to realize she'd stepped onto thin ice.
"...I mean..."
"...experienced?"
Before she could finish—
A familiar deep voice came from the doorway.
"What exactly is going on here?"
Everyone turned.
Mr Benjamin—the academy's intimidating PE teacher—stood there with one hand resting against the frame.
His broad shoulders practically filled the entrance.
The moment Ms Georgia saw him...
Something incredible happened.
The stern English teacher instantly became flustered.
"Oh..."
"M-Mr Benjamin."
He smiled warmly.
"Morning, Georgia."
"I heard laughing."
"I figured someone finally snapped."
The students chuckled.
Mrs Olivia's eyes moved between the two teachers.
Then...
A slow grin spread across her face.
"Oh?"
"What impeccable timing."
Mr Benjamin looked confused.
"What?"
Mrs Olivia folded her arms.
"So..."
"...how are things after last night?"
Every student immediately stopped breathing.
Amanda slowly looked toward Margaret.
Margaret slowly looked back.
The classroom had gone so silent someone dropping a pencil would've sounded like thunder.
Ms Georgia's face turned bright red.
"M-Mrs Olivia!"
Mr Benjamin scratched the back of his head.
"Oh."
"Last night?"
He laughed.
"Georgia, I already told you not to worry about it."
"You did great."
The classroom collectively froze.
Mrs Olivia covered her mouth dramatically.
"Ohohoho..."
"So that's how it is."
Amanda whispered loudly,
"Teacher's got game."
Several boys nodded in agreement.
Ms Georgia waved both arms frantically.
"N-No!"
"Everyone has the wrong idea!"
Mr Benjamin looked puzzled.
"What?"
"I meant what I said."
"You handled yourself surprisingly well."
"I honestly didn't expect you to keep up with me."
Several students nearly fell out of their chairs.
Mrs Olivia leaned closer.
"So..."
"...should we expect a tiny Benjamin sometime soon?"
The entire classroom exploded.
Ms Georgia looked seconds away from fainting.
"NO!"
"THAT'S NOT WHAT HE MEANS!"
Mr Benjamin blinked.
"Huh?"
"What did you think I meant?"
Mrs Olivia pointed accusingly.
"You literally said she kept up with you!"
"Yeah."
"During the drinking contest."
"...Drinking contest?"
Everyone echoed.
Mr Benjamin nodded.
"Last night."
"The staff had a welcome-back party."
"Georgia challenged me."
"She got completely drunk."
"I've never seen someone so aggressively affectionate."
The room became silent.
Mrs Olivia's expression flattened.
"...Alcohol?"
"Yeah."
"What else?"
She stared at him.
Then slowly turned toward Ms Georgia.
"...I spent two whole minutes imagining your future children."
Mr Benjamin tilted his head.
"Our what?"
Mrs Olivia groaned so loudly several students jumped.
"You two are impossible."
She pointed between them.
"You're both grown adults."
"How have you not figured this out yet?"
"Figured what out?"
Both teachers asked simultaneously.
Mrs Olivia simply stared.
"...Hopeless."
Absolutely hopeless."
She threw her hands into the air before storming out.
"I refuse to help anymore!"
Mr Benjamin watched her leave.
"...Did I miss something?"
"No."
Ms Georgia answered immediately.
"You missed absolutely nothing."
"...Okay."
He shrugged.
"Anyway."
He smiled at Georgia.
"You really were adorable yesterday."
"I've never seen you laugh that much."
Georgia's brain officially stopped functioning.
"T-Thank you..."
Mr Benjamin waved casually.
"See you later."
Once he disappeared down the corridor—
The classroom remained completely silent.
Then—
Amanda slowly raised one hand.
"So..."
"...are you two dating?"
Ms Georgia slammed both hands onto the desk.
"BOOKS!"
"EVERYONE OPEN YOUR BOOKS!"
Nobody moved.
"NOW!"
The class scrambled so fast chairs nearly tipped over.
Only once absolute silence returned did Ms Georgia finally breathe again.
She straightened her glasses.
"As I was saying..."
She looked directly at Mika.
"You seemed to enjoy laughing far more than everyone else."
Mika immediately sat straighter.
"...Maybe?"
"Wonderful."
"You can continue reading where Amanda left off."
Mika stood with the biggest grin imaginable.
She deliberately exaggerated every syllable.
"...The pandemic's worst effects occurred during the year..."
She looked directly at Amanda.
"...Twenty."
A pause.
"...Twenty."
Several students buried their faces in their desks.
Amanda clicked her tongue and looked away.
"...Show-off."
Mika smirked.
"What was that?"
"...Nothing."
"Thought so."
She continued reading.
This time...
Without any unexpected pronunciation disasters.
Even so—
Every now and then someone would glance toward Ms Georgia...
Then toward the door Mr Benjamin had left through...
And quietly snicker.
Each tiny laugh caused the teacher's eye to twitch just a little more.
By the time the lesson finally ended...
She had developed the thousand-yard stare of someone questioning every life decision that had led her to becoming an English teacher.
The final bell echoed throughout the academy.
Almost instantly, the once orderly hallways transformed into a sea of students. Conversations overlapped, lockers slammed shut, chairs scraped against the floor, and footsteps filled every corridor.
Another school day had come to an end.
Mika stretched her arms above her head as she stepped out of her classroom.
"Freedom at last."
She glanced back through the doorway.
Amanda happened to be walking out as well.
The two girls locked eyes.
Amanda clicked her tongue.
"Tch."
Mika smiled sweetly.
"Try not to pronounce tomorrow as tomorrah, princess."
Amanda's eye twitched.
"At least I can spell."
"Really? Because your pronunciation had me worried."
"You wanna say that again?"
"I'd be happy to. Twen—"
Amanda lunged.
Mika burst into laughter and sprinted away before the blonde could reach her.
"GET BACK HERE!"
"Catch me first!"
Several students quickly stepped aside as the two tore down the hallway.
Amanda eventually gave up after realizing Mika was deliberately slowing down just enough to stay within teasing distance.
"...Coward!"
"You couldn't catch a cold!"
Mika shouted over her shoulder before disappearing around the corner.
She climbed a flight of stairs, humming happily to herself.
"I should probably go find Haru."
A few moments later she reached his classroom.
The door was already open.
Inside, students were busy packing their bags and chatting amongst themselves.
Her eyes immediately found Haru.
Without a second thought—
She quietly crept behind him.
A mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Perfect..."
She raised both hands.
"...SURPRISE!"
THWACK!
She smacked both palms squarely into his back.
The impact sent Haru stumbling forward.
He barely caught himself before falling face-first into his desk.
"Ow..."
He rubbed his shoulder.
"That one actually hurt."
Mika blinked.
"...Huh?"
She slowly looked beside Haru.
Standing there...
With one hand still resting on Haru's back...
Was Kia.
"...What are you doing here?"
Kia smiled sweetly.
"I was just about to ask you the same thing."
Electricity seemed to crackle between their gazes.
The air suddenly felt several degrees colder.
Neither girl blinked.
Neither looked away.
Around them, several classmates instinctively scooted their desks farther away.
One whispered,
"...Should we stop them?"
Another shook his head.
"I value my life."
Oblivious to the invisible battle taking place behind him, Haru finished dusting himself off.
"I'm fine, thanks for asking."
Mai, who had been standing beside him the entire time, gave him a worried look.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm alright."
He smiled reassuringly.
"I've survived much worse than Mika."
"Hey!"
Mika protested without taking her eyes off Kia.
"I heard that!"
"I intended for you to."
Mai nodded after seeing he really wasn't hurt.
"...Good."
She hesitated.
Then quietly reminded him,
"It's time."
Haru blinked.
"...Time?"
"Our date."
Silence.
The temperature in the room somehow dropped even further.
Mika slowly turned.
"...Your what?"
Kia also turned.
"...Excuse me?"
Mai innocently tilted her head.
"Our date."
The silence became deafening.
Both girls disappeared.
Or rather—
They moved so fast it looked like they disappeared.
The next instant—
They were standing directly behind Haru.
Each placed a hand on one of his shoulders.
Both smiles looked perfectly friendly.
Neither felt friendly.
"Haru."
Mika squeezed his shoulder.
"...Did my ears deceive me..."
"...or did she just say something about a date?"
Kia's grip tightened just as much.
"I was wondering the exact same thing."
"I'd recommend choosing your next words very carefully."
Haru immediately broke into a cold sweat.
"...This feels familiar."
His brain worked at full speed.
Then—
An idea struck.
"I've got it!"
He slipped out of both their grips before either could react.
Digging through his bag, he pulled out a small laminated card.
He quickly scribbled something on it before presenting it proudly.
"Mai earned this."
The two girls leaned closer.
Written across the card in bold letters were the words:
MAKE-ME-DO-ANYTHING CARD
Mika blinked.
"...That's legal?"
Kia frowned.
"...I want one."
"So do I."
Haru folded his arms.
"They're earned."
"How?"
Both girls asked simultaneously.
He smirked.
"I'll give one to whichever of you is smarter."
Silence.
Then—
"Tsk."
Mika folded her sleeves.
"You've already lost, Kia."
"Oh?"
Kia smiled.
"What makes you so confident?"
"I'm smarter."
"I know π to the tenth decimal place."
Mika shrugged.
"I know Avogadro's constant."
"I know Planck's constant."
"I know Hess's Law."
"I know Kepler's Laws."
"I know the periodic table backwards."
"I know tensor calculus."
"I know quantum field theory."
"I know—"
Haru raised both hands.
"STOP!"
The classroom fell silent.
He looked between them in disbelief.
"Since when did one little card turn you two into walking encyclopedias?"
Neither answered.
Instead—
Both looked at him with complete seriousness.
"It lets us make you do anything."
They spoke in perfect unison.
"It's worth fighting for."
Haru slowly took one step backwards.
"...Those are not the faces of sane people."
The competition only intensified.
Mika pointed proudly at herself.
"I know the cure to every disease."
Kia folded her arms.
"I know the complete formula for space-time travel."
Mai finally looked up from her book.
"...Okay."
She closed it.
"...Now you're obviously lying."
Both girls froze.
"...Huh?"
"The cure to every disease?"
"And space-time travel?"
"...Seriously?"
The two geniuses immediately realized what they'd just admitted.
Their faces lost all color.
Kia laughed awkwardly.
"Hahaha..."
"I meant... hypothetically."
Mika nodded so fast her ponytail whipped around.
"Yeah."
"Purely hypothetical."
"Obviously."
"Who would believe something that ridiculous?"
Both laughed with the most forced laughter imaginable.
Mai stared at them for several long seconds.
"...You're both weird."
"We get that a lot."
They answered together.
Haru sighed.
"You two are tied."
"So here's the tiebreaker."
"The higher homework score wins."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
"...That's it?"
"...Seriously?"
Both girls turned toward the door.
"I've got homework to finish!"
Mika shouted while running.
Kia wasn't far behind.
"May the smartest woman win!"
Within seconds—
They had vanished down the corridor.
Silence returned.
Mai looked toward the doorway.
"...That was strange."
Haru shrugged.
"That's just another Tuesday."
He suddenly straightened his posture.
Brushed back his hair.
Softened his expression.
Then gently offered her his arm.
"My lady."
Mai blinked.
"Hm?"
He bowed dramatically.
"Shall we commence today's date?"
She couldn't stop herself.
A small laugh escaped her lips.
"You're so silly."
"I prefer charming."
"Hmm..."
"I'll allow it."
She gently hooked her arm around his.
Several students passing the classroom collectively froze.
"...Is that Haru?"
"...With Mai?"
"...Holding arms?"
Kei nearly dropped his school bag.
Mark stared.
"...Boss man..."
"...actually did it."
Kuze wiped away an imaginary tear.
"Our boy..."
"...has grown up."
The three bumped fists against their chests in silent respect.
Haru noticed them.
Without saying a word—
He returned the gesture.
The three boys nodded solemnly.
It was a conversation only the four of them understood.
Mai tilted her head.
"...What was that?"
"Hmm?"
"Oh."
"Bro code."
"...I understood absolutely nothing."
"Exactly."
She laughed again.
As they stepped through the academy gates, Haru noticed people whispering as they passed.
Mai's grip loosened slightly.
"...Maybe..."
"...we shouldn't walk like this."
"They're staring."
Haru immediately released her arm.
Mai's heart sank.
"...Oh."
She hadn't realized how much she'd enjoyed walking beside him until that warmth disappeared.
Before she could hide the disappointment—
A gentle hand rested on her shoulder.
Then...
Haru pulled her closer.
Far closer than before.
Their shoulders touched.
She could even feel the warmth radiating from him.
"W-What are you doing?"
"I'm correcting the problem."
"But..."
"...people are still staring."
He smiled.
"Let them."
She looked up at him.
"They're probably jealous."
"...Jealous?"
"Of course."
"I get to go on a date with someone who's basically school goddess material."
Mai stopped walking.
"...School goddess?"
She pointed at herself.
"Me?"
"Yes."
She shook her head immediately.
"I'm nowhere near that pretty."
"Hmm..."
"I disagree."
"You're biased."
"I'm observant."
"No."
"You're teasing me."
Without warning—
Haru gently brushed aside the bangs covering her eyes.
Mai froze.
Her heartbeat skipped.
He looked directly into her eyes.
"...See?"
She immediately looked away.
"I-I don't see anything."
"I do."
"There are two beautiful emeralds looking back at me."
Mai's brain completely shut down.
"...W-What?"
He leaned in slightly.
"I was beginning to wonder why you hide them."
"They're gorgeous."
Mai's face turned scarlet.
She lightly punched his arm.
"...Jerk."
"I really thought something was on my face."
"There is."
"What?"
"A beautiful smile."
She covered her face.
"...Stop..."
"You'll kill me."
"I thought you said we were only doing research."
"We are..."
"...You're making the research very difficult."
He laughed.
"Mission accomplished."
Mai couldn't help smiling behind her hands.
"...You're impossible."
"I've been told that before."
They continued walking beneath the warm evening sky.
For a while...
Neither of them spoke.
Surprisingly—
The silence wasn't awkward.
It was comfortable.
The kind shared by two people who simply enjoyed being together.
Eventually, a row of colorful tents came into view.
Banners fluttered gently in the breeze.
Books lined dozens of display shelves.
A long queue stretched across the plaza.
Mai's eyes lit up.
"...We're here."
The plaza buzzed with excitement.
Rows of colorful tents stretched across the square, each one belonging to a different author or publisher. Books of every genre decorated neatly arranged shelves while readers wandered from booth to booth with bags full of newly purchased novels.
The line before the largest booth was easily the longest.
Mai smiled softly.
"Looks like we're just in time."
Haru looked toward the queue and whistled.
"...That's a lot of people."
"It usually is."
"She's one of my favorite authors."
"I can see why."
As they approached, Haru noticed something strange.
Instead of joining the back of the line...
Mai simply walked past everyone.
Several people looked at her in confusion before quickly returning their attention to the books.
Apparently this wasn't unusual.
The woman behind the booth immediately looked up.
The moment she spotted Mai...
Her entire face lit up.
"Mai!"
She hurried around the table and pulled the younger girl into a warm hug.
"It's been forever!"
Mai laughed quietly.
"It's only been a few weeks."
"That's forever."
Kana replied dramatically before finally letting her go.
She took a step back, looking Mai up and down.
"You've been eating properly?"
"Sleeping enough?"
"Still overworking yourself?"
"I'm doing fine."
Mai answered with an embarrassed smile.
"I've even made a new friend."
"Oh?"
Kana finally noticed Haru standing a few steps behind.
A playful smile spread across her face.
"So..."
She folded her arms.
"Are you going to introduce this handsome young man?"
Mai's cheeks turned pink.
"O-Oh..."
"Right."
"This is Haru."
"My friend."
Haru offered a polite bow.
"It's nice to finally meet you."
"I've heard quite a bit about you."
Kana raised an eyebrow.
"Hopefully only good things."
"Nothing but good things."
Haru answered with a grin.
"I've heard you're an incredible author."
Kana laughed.
"Flattery already?"
"I like this one."
Mai looked away.
"...He's like that with everyone."
"I disagree."
Kana leaned toward Mai and whispered loudly enough for Haru to hear.
"looks like someone's got a crush."
Mai's face instantly turned bright red.
"W-What?!"
"I wasn't talking about him."
Kana giggled.
"I know."
"I was talking about you."
"...K-Kana!"
Haru scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"I suddenly feel like I'm interrupting something."
"You absolutely are."
Kana replied without missing a beat.
"Now..."
She looked between them.
"...Where's Sasha?"
Silence.
Mai blinked.
"...Who?"
"Sasha."
Kana frowned.
"You know..."
"...Sasha."
Mai slowly shook her head.
"I... don't know anyone by that name."
Kana's smile faltered.
"...Really?"
For some reason...
She suddenly looked uncertain.
"...That's strange."
"I could've sworn..."
She stopped speaking.
Her eyes drifted into the distance.
For a brief second...
It looked like she was trying to remember something that refused to be remembered.
Haru felt a strange sensation.
Like something was tugging at the edge of his own memories.
A name.
A face.
Someone...
Standing beside Mai.
Someone who should have been there.
"..."
"..."
He frowned.
"...Why..."
"...does that name sound familiar?"
Mai looked at him.
"You've heard it before?"
"I..."
He hesitated.
"No."
"...At least..."
"...I don't think so."
Kana blinked several times before forcing a smile.
"Haha..."
"I must be getting old."
"Maybe I mixed someone up."
Mai laughed awkwardly.
"Maybe."
"Yeah..."
Kana nodded.
"...Maybe."
The strange feeling disappeared as quickly as it had arrived.
Yet none of them looked completely convinced.
Kana clapped her hands together.
"Well!"
"My break is almost over."
"I've still got a mountain of books to sign."
She suddenly looked at Mai.
"Oh!"
"I've been meaning to tell you."
"I read the newest chapters you sent me."
Mai immediately straightened.
"...You did?"
Kana nodded proudly.
"You've improved."
"A lot."
"The emotional scenes especially."
"They feel much more... genuine."
Mai's eyes sparkled.
"Really?"
"Mhm."
"You're finally letting your characters breathe instead of rushing them from one event to the next."
Haru smiled quietly.
"...Sounds familiar."
Kana continued.
"I especially liked the dialogue."
"It actually feels like people talking instead of characters explaining the plot."
Mai smiled shyly.
"...I've been trying."
"It shows."
Kana gently poked Mai's forehead.
"Keep writing."
"You've got talent."
"...Thank you."
"Oh!"
Kana suddenly snapped her fingers.
"Before I forget..."
"Our traditional picture."
She reached into Mai's hands.
"Phone."
Mai obediently handed it over.
Kana stood between the two students before wrapping an arm around each of them.
"Come closer."
Haru and Mai instinctively leaned in.
"Closer."
They obeyed.
"Closer."
"We're already shoulder to shoulder."
"Closer."
Mai laughed.
"There isn't any room left."
"There is now."
Kana said before physically shoving them together.
Mai stumbled slightly into Haru.
Their shoulders pressed firmly together.
Both immediately looked away.
Kana smiled mischievously.
"Perfect."
Click.
The picture was taken.
She looked at it proudly.
"...Adorable."
"Kana!"
Mai protested.
"What?"
"I didn't say anything."
"You were thinking it."
"I absolutely was."
She handed the phone back.
"Now run along."
"I've got readers waiting."
As the two walked away from the booth, Haru glanced back.
Kana was already happily greeting the next person in line.
"She seems nice."
Mai nodded.
"She's been helping me ever since I started writing."
"So she's your mentor."
"...Something like that."
They walked a little farther before Haru suddenly stopped.
Just a few meters away...
An ice cream truck stood parked beneath a tree.
The vendor smiled from the window.
"Ice cream?"
Mai followed his gaze.
A small smile appeared.
"...Yes."
"What flavor?"
"Hmm..."
She rested a finger against her chin.
"...Surprise me."
Haru grinned.
"Bold choice."
A few minutes later, he returned carrying two cones.
He handed one to her.
Mai's eyes widened.
"...Cookies and cream."
"You remembered."
"You mentioned it once."
Her expression softened.
"You actually remembered..."
"Of course."
"You remember details about the people you care about."
Mai stared at the ice cream for a few seconds before taking a small bite.
"...It's good."
"I know."
"...Thank you."
The evening breeze carried the scent of fresh grass as they continued walking through the park.
Neither hurried to speak.
Neither minded the silence.
Sometimes...
Quiet company said more than words ever could.
Far away...
Inside the academy...
The headmaster stood beside his office window.
A folder rested open on his desk.
At the top was a single name.
Elara.
He smiled.
"A fascinating girl..."
A knock echoed through the room.
"Enter."
The door opened.
One of the academy staff stepped inside.
"Sir."
"The entrance examination has been prepared."
"Excellent."
"And the paperwork?"
"Already finished."
The headmaster nodded.
"Good."
He looked out across the academy grounds one last time.
"...Let's see..."
"...just how extraordinary our newest student truly is."