-AURORA ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE, SAPPORO, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN-
-8:01 AM, DECEMBER 12, 2016-
Monday arrived quietly, wrapped in pale winter light.
The gates of Aurora Academy opened as usual, welcoming students into its orderly warmth. Chauffeured cars lined the driveway, engines humming softly before pulling away one by one.
Ichika Komori stepped out of the Komori family car, her breath fogging as she adjusted her scarf.
"Have a good day, Ichika-sama," the driver said.
"You too," she replied politely.
As she walked through the gates, familiar greetings followed her, but her attention drifted elsewhere—toward the main building, toward the hallway that led to Class 1-A.
She didn't realize she was looking for him until—
"…Komori."
Ichika turned.
Rikuu Arakawa stood a few steps away, uniform neat but worn in a way that felt lived-in. His hands were in his pockets, shoulders relaxed but eyes sharp.
"Good morning, Arakawa," she said, surprised—and quietly pleased.
"Morning."
They walked side by side into the building, neither rushing to break the silence.
"You look tired," Ichika said gently.
Rikuu glanced at her. "You always say that."
"Because it's always true."
He huffed. "You worry too much."
"Maybe," she admitted. "But someone has to."
He didn't argue.
-AURORA ACADEMY HALLWAY-
-12:02 PM-
Lunch break brought a shift in atmosphere—voices grew louder, footsteps quicker.
Ichika sat with Misuzu Kanzaki and Kiyomi Mizuhara near the window, a neatly packed lunch placed in front of her.
"You've been smiling more," Kiyomi said suddenly, poking her cheek. "Suspicious."
Ichika blinked. "I have?"
Misuzu observed quietly. "You seem… distracted. In a good way."
Ichika looked down at her food. "…I joined the theatre club."
Kiyomi nearly dropped her chopsticks. "YOU WHAT?"
Misuzu smiled softly. "That explains it."
Kiyomi leaned in, eyes sparkling. "Is it because of him?"
Ichika flushed. "It's because I like acting."
"Sure," Kiyomi sing-songed.
Ichika didn't deny it.
-THEATRE ARTS CLUB ROOM-
-3:26 PM-
Rehearsal began smoothly.
Ichika stood among the other members, script trembling slightly in her hands. She took a breath, recalling Rikuu's advice—Don't force it. Just stand there.
When she delivered her lines, the room stilled.
Her voice was calm, controlled—but beneath it, something trembled.
Rikuu watched from the side, arms crossed.
She's not pretending, he realized.
When she finished, the director nodded approvingly.
"Good. Very good."
Ichika exhaled in relief.
She glanced toward Rikuu.
He didn't smile—but his gaze lingered longer than necessary.
-HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE CLUB ROOM-
-4:08 PM-
They walked out together.
"You did fine," Rikuu said at last.
Ichika smiled softly. "That's all?"
"…You were honest," he added. "That matters."
Her smile widened.
"Thank you," she said. "That means a lot—coming from you."
He shrugged. "Just saying what I saw."
They stopped near the stairs.
"Arakawa," Ichika said, hesitating. "Can I ask you something?"
"…Depends."
"Do you ever notice when something… warms up around you?"
He frowned. "What does that even mean?"
She laughed quietly. "Never mind."
He watched her turn away, her steps light, unburdened.
And for the first time, Rikuu felt it—
The cold didn't cling as tightly anymore.
He is didn't know when it happened.
He didn't know why.
But somewhere between the stage lights, shared silences, and her quiet concern—
Warmth had found him.
And he hadn't noticed when he stopped resisting it.