The warm morning sunlight streamed into the classroom as Yuki sat beside Aoi, her chin resting on her hands. The usual chatter of the students around them felt distant, muffled by her own thoughts. Her cheeks carried a faint pink hue as she thought about Aki. He hadn't arrived yet, and the idea of what they might say to each other was enough to make her heart flutter.
"Will he sit next to me like always? What will he say? Should I bring it up first?" Yuki wondered, her fingers brushing against the stuffed rabbit Aki had won for her during the festival, now carefully hidden in her bag. The memory of his voice during the fireworks echoed in her mind, making her cheeks glow warmer.
Aoi, noticing Yuki's faraway look, smirked mischievously. "Good morning, Aki-kun!" she chirped loudly.
Startled, Yuki jolted upright, looking toward the door with wide eyes. But Aki wasn't there.
"Aoi!" Yuki pouted, her cheeks glowing red. "That wasn't funny!"
