The late afternoon sun dipped low, painting the sky in slow-burn orange as Renji and Mayumi walked side-by-side toward the quiet riverside path. It was supposed to be just a light hangout after school… but the air between them was too thick, too warm, too loaded to stay innocent.
Mayumi wore a casual black tank top and a tight pair of jeans that clung to her hips like they never wanted to let go. Her hair was tied up, exposing the elegant curve of her neck. She didn't usually dress like this, this was deliberate.
And Renji noticed.
Renji: "You're dressed pretty cute today, Takahara-sensei."
Her cheeks puffed slightly, flustered.
Mayumi: "I.....It's just warm outside. Don't tease me."
But she kept glancing toward him.
And every time her eyes lingered, it was for a second too long.
They reached the riverside railing. The breeze tangled her hair, and she tucked a strand behind her ear… but her hand trembled.
Renji stepped closer.
So close she sucked in a breath.
