Haruto leaned against the school gate, eyes scanning the stream of students leaving the building. His gaze lingered on the familiar wavy hair he hadn't seen yet.
After a few minutes, Ayaka finally appeared, walking alone. The moment her vibrant green eyes met his, she smiled softly and made her way toward him.
"Is it really okay for you to pick me up like this? Won't your girlfriend get jealous?" she teased as a greeting, her tone light but playful.
Haruto smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Don't worry about it. Let's go."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and started walking. Ayaka fell into step beside him, leading the way through the quiet streets.
Haruto followed her in silence, curious but saying nothing as they approached a staircase leading up to a temple hidden behind a small forest near the school.
"We're going to a temple?" Haruto asked, glancing up at the stone steps.