Last day,Last dare

The last day of school had finally arrived. Summer break loomed ahead like a wide-open sky, and most of the students were already checked out mentally, if not physically.

Jason wasn't in the mood to celebrate.

While everyone else swarmed the courtyard, chasing snacks, pictures, and memories, he slipped behind the gym and climbed the twisted tree he'd claimed as his personal sanctuary. Its thick branches were strong and high, perfect for someone who didn't like being seen unless he wanted to be.

He lay on his back, staring up at the sky through the leaves, one leg swinging lazily. His jacket rested beneath his head, and the muffled sounds of laughter drifted through the air like background noise.

Below, a familiar voice rang out—Momo's.

"…You're really dragging me into this game?" she groaned. "Fine. One round."

Jason peeked down through the branches, raising an eyebrow.

A blanket had been laid out. A small group of students—mostly girls from their class—had gathered around, playing Truth or Dare. He recognized a few of them. Harmless enough. He considered tuning them out again, but Momo's voice kept drifting upward.

Then it happened.

Someone dared her.

"I dare you to flirt with someone—genuinely. Not your usual awkward Momo-stuff. Full-on, shameless flirting."

Momo's face immediately flushed pink. "That's not fair."

"It's a dare."

She hesitated. "Who?"

"Well," said one girl, pointing up, "your adopted brother is watching from that tree."

The group giggled.

Jason blinked. "Oh no."

Momo looked up. Their eyes met.

For a second, she looked like she was about to chicken out. Then, in a rare show of confidence, she stood up, brushed off her skirt, and walked straight to the base of the tree.

"I'll do it," she called up, smirking. "But only because I know he won't take it seriously."

Jason leaned down. "Try me."

"Alright, tough guy." She crossed her arms, putting on the most exaggerated sultry voice she could muster—half teasing, half daring him to react. "You know, if you weren't so busy pretending you don't care about anything, you might actually be kind of charming. Those eyes? That lazy confidence? It's almost attractive."

Jason stared, expression unreadable.

"Almost," she added with a smirk.

Silence.

Then Jason chuckled. "Bold move, Yaoyorozu. Didn't think you had it in you."

"Neither did I," she muttered, face burning as she turned back toward the group.

Jason watched her go, amusement flickering in his eyes. But once she was out of sight, the smirk faded.

He leaned back again, alone with the rustling leaves.

"Almost," he repeated softly to himself, then closed his eyes.