The golden afternoon sun filtered through the canopy of trees, casting a warm glow on the narrow path leading away from the school. Aki and Yuki walked side by side, their small hands brushing against each other but never fully clasping. The air was filled with the soft rustle of leaves and the distant chatter of other students heading home, but for Aki and Yuki, the world felt quieter, more intimate.
Aki adjusted the straps of his backpack, sneaking a glance at Yuki. Her long hair swayed gently with each step, and her serene expression was tinged with a faint blush, as if she were aware of his gaze but too shy to meet it.
"So," Aki began, his voice breaking the silence, "did you… uh… like the math test today?"
Yuki turned her head slightly, her lips curling into a small smile. "You're really going to talk about math right now?" she teased, her tone light.
