Chapter 16: Back to School — Her Eyes Are Different Now
Chapter 16: Back to School — Her Eyes Are Different Now
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The morning after.
Aoi stood at the school gates, hand in pocket, a breeze ruffling his uniform.
Miyu had walked ahead of him when they arrived. No hand-holding. No obvious signs.
But her eyes?
They were different now.
Confident. Knowing. As if they shared something no one else could touch.
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Homeroom buzzed with energy.
The field trip had ended, but the memories still lingered.
Aoi took his seat near the window, barely catching Sakura glancing his way.
Not a smile — something softer. Sharper.
Sayaka, sitting behind him, poked his shoulder.
> "Well? Have fun on the last night?"
He stiffened slightly.
> "Nothing happened."
> "Oh?" She leaned in, voice lower. "Then why does Miyu look like she's glowing?"
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Break time.
Miyu walked by his desk. Just walked. No words. No pause.
But her hand grazed his as she passed — soft, casual, electric.
Sayaka noticed.
So did Sakura.
The air shifted.
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Lunch — rooftop.
Aoi was alone, enjoying the wind and the sound of rustling trees.
Until someone slid the door open behind him.
He turned.
> "...Sakura?"
She stood there with two juice boxes. Quiet. Barely blinking.
> "I thought maybe you'd be here."
She sat beside him. The silence between them felt full.
Then—
> "You picked her."
Aoi didn't answer.
> "She looked happy this morning," Sakura continued. "You did too."
He looked down.
> "Sakura…"
She shook her head.
> "I'm not mad. Just—jealous. I wanted that night."
> "I know."
> "Will I get a night?"
He turned to her.
Her eyes weren't accusing — they were hopeful. Tender.
He didn't answer.
She didn't ask again.
But when she stood to leave, she bent slightly, her lips brushing his cheek.
> "I'll be waiting."
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After class — Sayaka made her move.
She pulled Aoi aside into an empty music room, locked the door behind them.
> "I let Miyu have her little night. But I'm next, okay?"
She stepped close.
> "You know I'm not shy, Aoi."
His heart raced.
> "Sayaka, we can't—"
She placed a finger on his lips.
> "Not now. But soon."
She smiled.
Turned.
And left the scent of vanilla and adrenaline in the air.
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That evening.
Aoi sat at home, staring at his phone.
Miyu had texted:
> "Sleep tight tonight. You can hold me again in your dreams."
He smiled. But it faded quickly.
This wasn't just a game anymore.
Three girls.
Three hearts.
And a fourth… that hadn't even entered the scene yet.
Because tomorrow?
There was a transfer student arriving.
And she wasn't just any girl.
She was his childhood friend.
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