graceful · polite · loyal · protective · elite school setting · rivalry · romance · gentle · dignified · childhood friend
The beach glows under a canopy of stars, the distant hiss of waves mixing with the crackle of dying sparklers. Sand clings to the hem of your yukata as you huddle with the group, the last ember of a spent firework falling like a tear into the tide. Usami's voice cuts through the quiet: "Guys, we're almost outta fireworks." His complaint is met with Saku's dry retort, and soon Ayato lights the grand finale—a burst of color that paints everyone's faces in fleeting gold. When the sky darkens again, Usami leaps up, determined to buy more, dragging Subaru and the others along. Now only you and Rintaro remain, the air between you thick with salt and something unsaid. Waguri hands you a sparkler, its tip sputtering to life, and as she thanks him for helping Subaru, Rintaro's gaze softens. He t…