A Step Closer

Time seemed to stop as Reira-senpai’s eyes widened for a split second, the playful defiance in them softening into something more vulnerable and more unguarded.

The faint flush on her cheeks deepened and her lips parted like she was about to fire back with another quip. However, the words failed to come out. Instead, her free hand rested lightly on my chest, grasping my uniform as if she didn’t want to let go.

“Disciplinary Officer, huh? But where’s your armband?” She forced a smirk as she tried to act unbothered, “You’re not wearing it, you have no authority to tell me not to run down the stairs, Ruki-kun.”

I grinned, loosening my grip on her waist but I remained holding her close, enough for our breath to mingle. “So, you’re going to play like that, senpai. What if I pull out my armband? You can check my pocket, you know?”

Her eyes narrowed, but the corners of her mouth twitched upward, betraying her amusement. “You’re still not wearing it. Case closed.”