Six months earlier.
It was the first week of the new term.
Ren Takahashi sat alone in the corner of the classroom, eating a convenience store sandwich and trying not to make eye contact with anyone. His desk was next to the window—classic protagonist spot—and he hated it.
Because everyone noticed him, even when they didn't talk to him.
Everyone except…
"Your sandwich is upside down," a quiet voice said.
He turned.
Next to him sat Mei Kanzaki, her eyes focused on her bento as if she hadn't just spoken.
"…What?"
"The egg side is supposed to go on top."
He looked down. She was right.
"…Does it taste different if it's upside down?"
"No," she said. "But people will think you're emotionally damaged."
He blinked.
Then laughed.
She didn't.
It was hard to tell if she was joking.
After that, they started talking.
Little things.
She'd correct his notebook margins.
He'd quietly lend her extra pencils.
They didn't walk to school together.
They didn't text at night.
But every morning, without fail, she'd place a juice box on his desk and say:
"You looked tired."
And he'd say:
"Thanks. You look like you didn't sleep either."
She never denied it.
One day, it rained.
He forgot his umbrella.
So did she.
They stood at the school gate, silent.
"…Should we run for it?" he asked.
"I hate wet socks."
He paused. "Me too."
They waited under the overhang.
The other students left. Teachers too.
Then—
She sighed. "I have an idea."
She pulled out her notebook, tore out a few pages, and held one over her head.
"…That's not gonna help."
She handed him a sheet.
"Then at least we'll be wet together."
They ran into the rain with paper shields.
Both got soaked.
But Ren never forgot how Mei's laughter sounded that day—free, genuine, and just a little chaotic.
Back in the present...
Ren stood in the inn's hallway, staring at the same girl.
Mei walked past him on her way to her room. Their eyes met.
She didn't say anything.
Just paused.
Then, quietly:
"Your sandwich this morning was right-side up."
He blinked.
"…You noticed?"
She didn't answer. Just smiled faintly and disappeared into her room.
Ren stood there, a little colder than usual.
Because now…he knew just how much those quiet mornings used to mean.