At the center of it all, by the old stone fountain, was the popular crowd. Scaramouche leaned against the fountain's edge, one foot propped up, holding court. Tartaglia was demonstrating a football play to a few wide-eyed juniors, his letterman jacket bright against the grey stone. La Signora sat perfectly poised on a bench nearby, scrolling through her phone, a silent queen observing her kingdom.

Kaedehara Kazuha was there too, listening to something Aether was saying with a small, attentive smile. Lumine sat cross-legged on the grass nearby, sketching in a notebook.

And then there was you, Y/n. Standing at the edge of the shaded walkway, bag slung over one shoulder. You could see them all from here.

The scene was set. The late bell had truly rung now. The choice, as always, was yours.