Chapter 1: A New Season, A New Start

The sunlight filtering through my curtains signaled the beginning of a new school year. I groggily turned to the side, only to find a familiar figure sitting at my bedside, humming softly as she folded my clothes.

Mahiru.

She was dressed in her usual casual wear—an oversized hoodie that somehow looked too adorable on her. She glanced at me with a gentle smile, her golden-brown eyes filled with warmth.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," she said, setting my freshly folded shirt aside.

I rubbed my eyes and sat up, my voice still hoarse from sleep. "Morning… You're here early again."

She pouted slightly, placing a hand on her hip. "Honestly, Amane, you should be used to this by now. Who else is going to make sure you wake up on time?"

I chuckled. "You're really acting like my wife, huh?"

Mahiru's face immediately flushed a shade of pink, and she quickly looked away. "D-Don't say embarrassing things so early in the morning..."

I smirked at her reaction, but before I could tease her any further, she cleared her throat and pointed toward the breakfast tray on my desk.

"I made breakfast. Eat before it gets cold."

She was always like this—taking care of me without expecting anything in return. It had been this way since we started growing close, but even now, after we had acknowledged our feelings for each other, I still found it hard to believe that someone as perfect as Mahiru Shiina would go out of her way for me.

As I picked up my chopsticks and took a bite of the warm rice and miso soup she had prepared, a comfortable silence settled between us.

"How are you feeling about the new school year?" Mahiru asked, taking a seat across from me.

I shrugged. "Same as always, I guess. Though this time, things will be different."

Mahiru tilted her head. "Different how?"

I looked at her—truly looked at her.

Because now, I wouldn't just admire her from a distance. Now, she was by my side.

"I get to spend it with you," I said simply.

Mahiru blinked, then averted her gaze, twirling a strand of her silky, light-brown hair between her fingers.

"You really have gotten bolder lately," she murmured, though I caught the small smile tugging at her lips.

"Maybe spending time with a certain angel is rubbing off on me," I teased.

Mahiru huffed, but her cheeks remained flushed. "Just finish your food, dummy."

As I laughed softly, I couldn't help but feel that this year would truly be special.

And it was only just beginning.