The 2nd Year B classroom was nearly empty.
The bell for the final class had already rung, and the sounds of the school day's end echoed through the hallways. Sunlight slanted through the windows, painting the room in soft golden hues.
At the back of the classroom, Utaha Kasumigaoka packed her materials with slow movements. Her posture was impeccable, but her eyes… carried a trace of exhaustion.
In the next row, Aika Kiriyuu closed her pencil case with a gentle touch. A small smile played on her lips. She was in no rush—and seemed content just to be there.
Yuta Okkotsu adjusted his backpack on his shoulder, his eyes discreetly fixed on Utaha. A clear goal in mind: to talk to her.
"Aika, I'm going to talk to Utaha and ask to take a picture."
Aika paused. She turned slowly, her brows furrowing.
"…You're a fan of hers?"
She seemed genuinely surprised.
"You never mentioned anything."
"There's a lot you don't know about me. Now, excuse me—I need to catch her while she's alone."
Aika nodded, a bit confused but respectful.
"Alright… go ahead."
Yuta walked over to Utaha, who raised her eyes with mild curiosity.
"…Can I help you with something?"
Her voice was low, calm. But there was a shadow there—of someone who'd waited for something (or someone) that never came.
"Sorry to bother you, but… could I take a picture with you?"
Utaha blinked.
Then smiled.
"You want a picture with me?"
She stood slowly, approaching with grace.
"Of course. I don't refuse polite requests."
She raised her phone, already in selfie position.
"Three, two…"
Click.
The captured image: Yuta serious but present. Utaha with a soft, almost professional smile.
"It turned out well."
She turned the phone toward him.
"Want me to send it to you?"
In the back of Yuta's mind, the JJK System activated silently.
[Mission Activated.]
—
"That's the goal, right? But why'd you take it on your phone? If you want to add me on Toknet, just ask. No need for games."
Utaha narrowed her eyes, maintaining her composure.
"…Games?"
She crossed her arms.
"I just took it because my phone was in my hand. Simple. I didn't overthink it."
Her gaze was cool but fair.
"And, by the way… you're pretty direct for someone who was surrounded by two girls at lunch."
No names were mentioned. But it was clear: Megumi. Aika.
"One feeding you, the other smiling like she owned your attention."
Aika, still seated, lowered her gaze.
"But if you want, you can give me your Toknet."
She held out her phone.
"Sure. Let's walk. Come on, Aika—we're heading out."
Yuta shared his contact. Utaha typed without hesitation.
Notification received. Connection made.
"Done. No games."
Aika stood silently. Her smile was smaller now, but still genuine.
The three left together.
The sun hung low, casting long shadows across the school grounds.
Aika walked with them to the gate in silence.
The sound of footsteps on concrete, the distant chirping of birds, and the soft breeze brushing against their uniforms formed the soundtrack of the late afternoon.
When they neared the entrance, Aika stopped.
"I'm going this way…"
She looked at Yuta, then at Utaha. Her smile was more reserved now—kind, but slightly withdrawn.
"It was nice hanging out with you today."
Her eyes lingered on Yuta a bit longer.
"See you tomorrow."
She turned without waiting for a reply, her backpack lightly bouncing against her back as she walked down the opposite path.
There was no resentment in her steps. Just something calmer. More reserved.
Utaha watched for a moment. Then gave a faint smile, turning to Yuta.
"She likes you."
It wasn't a question.
"But that's not my business."
She tucked her phone into her pocket. Her hair swayed gently in the breeze, her gaze still tinged with melancholy. But something felt different now.
"Anyway… it was nice meeting a new fan."
She turned slightly, squinting at the sky.
"Even if it took too long."
Before any reply came, light footsteps echoed on the sidewalk near the gate.
Megumi Katō.
Her hair tied back more tightly than usual, her expression carrying a hint of urgency. Her eyes went straight to Yuta.
She slowed her pace. Then stopped two meters away.
Utaha raised an eyebrow, glancing sideways. She said nothing—just observed. The analytical look of someone already weaving ideas.
Internally, something clicked.
The quiet girl.
The boy at the center.
The friend who left.
Three figures… a story taking shape.
Utaha crossed her arms, still standing beside Yuta.
Waiting.
"Hey, Megumi. Why'd you run? I was going to wait for you. Well… I guess you already know Utaha."
Megumi stopped, adjusting her backpack strap with a restrained gesture. Her face was slightly flushed.
She looked at Yuta first. Then at Utaha.
"Yeah. I know her."
Her reply was simple. Devoid of apparent emotion.
Utaha smiled delicately, tilting her head slightly.
"Kasumigaoka. Utaha. A pleasure—if we still need formalities."
"Katō. Megumi."
Utaha looked at her for another second. Then, like someone closing a well-written paragraph, she gave a slight smirk.
"Well… I'm off. My writing materials are waiting."
She took two steps back, then glanced briefly at Yuta.
And winked.
A quick, almost subtle gesture. But full of intent.
She turned gracefully and walked away, her shoes making little noise on the concrete.
---
Across the street, behind a traffic signpost, Tomoya Aki watched the scene.
The distance was safe.
But the sight of Utaha smiling—and winking at Yuta—wasn't something that went unnoticed.
His stomach churned.
His eyes narrowed harder than necessary.
But he didn't move.
Not yet.
---
Yuta looked at Megumi, who stood beside him.
She said nothing.
And he respected that.
"Let's go… but slowly. No rush."
Megumi nodded.
They began walking side by side, their steps unhurried, almost synchronized.
They didn't say a word during the walk—and they didn't need to. One's presence anchored the other's silence.
They crossed the main sidewalk, rounded the side of the school where the city's noise grew fainter.
Soon, they passed the old storage shed, followed the dirt path…
And then they arrived.
There, at the end of that stretch, under the blushing sky of dusk, a cherry blossom tree swayed gently.
The petals didn't fall. But the shadow it cast on the ground was perfect.
A calm place. Familiar. Private.
Yuta stopped first. Looked up for a moment.
Then at Megumi.
She stopped beside him.
Still saying nothing.
But her eyes… were now fixed on him.
Not on the ground. Not far away.
On him.
"I think you want to tell me something. I can guess what it is… but you need to know: doing what I do, being with me, comes with certain obligations. If you're still okay with that… I'm in."
Megumi didn't hesitate.
Her gaze softened, as if relief washed over her physically, dissolving all the tension built up in her chest.
"I'm in too."
Her voice was quiet but firm.
"Honestly, I'm glad you said it like that… you're smart. And… it saved me from saying everything I wanted to, because… I was nervous."
She laughed softly. A short, genuine sound.
Yuta held her gaze. Said nothing more.
He took a step forward.
Megumi did too.
Their eyes closed at the same time.
A gentle kiss. Quick. Natural.
Effortless. Silent.
Under the cherry blossom tree, the breeze lightly stirred the branches, casting moving shadows on the ground.
In that moment, nothing else needed to happen.
The feeling had taken root.
And, unlike so many other things in that world…
This was real.
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