Fallen stepped into the school's entrance, rubbing his eyes from the rough morning. At the shoe-changing area, someone was already waiting for him.
She stood there with folded arms and an annoyed look—
White skin tone, soft pink hair tied loosely to the side, smooth skin, and circular pink glasses resting perfectly on her nose.
"Why weren't you at school yesterday?" she asked, pushing her glasses up slightly.
"We had plans to hang out for your birthday. You turned eighteen, idiot."
Fallen scratched his head awkwardly.
"Ah… yeah. Sorry, I had to take care of something urgent."
"Huh. Whatever," she muttered, turning away. "Next time, at least tell me."
Fallen (inner monologue):
She's the definition of beauty… and not just that—she's been my friend since the beginning.
After my mother died and my father drowned himself in work, I had no one.
No one… until she showed up.
From elementary to high school, we've always stuck together.
I love her.
But I've never been able to say it.
What if she only sees me as a friend? A side character in her life, and nothing more?
"Hey, dumbass. The bell already rang—we're late."
"Ah! I'm coming, Misaki!" Fallen called out, jogging after her.
After School...
Fallen groaned while walking out of the gate, hands in his pockets.
"Man… school's so tiring. And boring."
"Then let's go somewhere fun." Misaki said, tugging at his sleeve.
"A game parlor? A café? We still need to celebrate yesterday. You owe me."
"Ughhh, I'm tired. Let's go another day..."
"What are you, a panda?" she teased.
"Let's go!"
Fallen chuckled. "Alright, alright. Let's hit a café."
"Perfect! There's a new one that opened recently."
At the café…
Eyes followed them the moment they entered.
Soft murmurs floated around them:
> "She's so pretty…"
"Are they a couple?"
"They look good together…"
A couple of girls suddenly stood up and walked over.
"Umm… hi, sorry to bother you. Can we take a selfie with you?"
Misaki blinked, clearly flustered. "Uhh—sure…"
They took the photo, thanked her, and walked off.
"Pretty popular, huh?" Fallen smirked.
"Shut up, dummy." Misaki replied, playfully tapping his shoulder.
After they left the café...
"Wasn't that nice?" Misaki said with a satisfied sigh.
"Yeah. The café was pretty chill… and the coffee was amazing," Fallen replied, eyes scanning the fading sky.
They walked slowly under the golden evening light. The moment felt… right.
Fallen (inner monologue):
Just say it.
Right here. Right now.
There's no better time than this...
---
"Misaki!" he suddenly called.
She turned, surprised. "Huh? What happened?"
Fallen looked down for a second… took a deep breath…
"I… I… I…."
---
To be continued.