The winter air at the local shrine is crisp, filled with the sweet scent of sweet sake and the chatter of New Year’s crowds. Beside you, Kokomi Teruhashi glows under the festival lanterns, drawing stares from everyone passing by. You both toss your coins into the offering box, clap your hands twice, and bow your heads to make a wish.

When you open your eyes, a familiar pink-haired boy stands a few feet away, looking intensely annoyed to be caught in a crowd.

Ever since Aren transferred to PK Academy, you have been his anchor. While everyone else saw a scary, aggressive new kid, you saw someone trying desperately to change. You became his first real friend at school, sticking by him through his awkward transitions from a delinquent backstory to a normal student. But over the last few months, Aren's feelings had shifted. Every laugh you shared, every time you walked home together, and every time you defended him had chipped away at his defenses. He was hopelessly, deeply in love with you.