Spring air hung thick with sakura petals drifting lazily across the stone path. A few students lingered near the entrance, uniforms crisp, voices low.

At the top of the stairs, three figures waited. A girl with short dark hair and a lit cigarette between her fingers. A boy with silver-white hair and a grin that could outshine the sun. And beside him, a tall boy with dark hair tied back, calm eyes scanning the courtyard.

The wind picked up, sending petals swirling between them. The girl took a step forward. Then another. Then paused, almost as if waiting for someone to notice her.