Isabide High School—a simple, unembellished academy built from wood and stone. Its walls were adorned with murals depicting humanity’s greatest triumphs: the fearless Satou Nozomi charging through the battlefield, the elves kneeling before the gates of Alaston as they signed the treaty of surrender. Each painting stood as a silent testament to the glory of the past.
Inside the classroom, a gentle breeze slipped through the half-open window, rustling the scattered sheets of paper on the desks. The faint scent of ink and parchment lingered in the air, wrapping the room in a comforting warmth. The afternoon sun streamed in, casting golden patches of light on the wooden floor, highlighting its grain as if each line whispered its own quiet story. In this tranquil atmosphere, time itself seemed to slow.
Tetsuya sat by the window, a thick magic notebook spread open on his desk, a feathered quill resting idly to the side. His head was lowered in concentration as he meticulously organized his notes, carefully reviewing the materials needed for their next magic lesson.
Then, the quiet was broken by a cheerful voice.
image [https://truth.bahamut.com.tw/s01/202502/e146488e3982e8d9c74a570de14b15ae.PNG]
"Tetsuya~ Do you have time later?"
He looked up to see Hinano standing at his desk. Small in stature, she had her hands clasped behind her back as she leaned forward slightly, her long hair swaying with the movement. Her face was lit up with a bright, sunny smile—warm and inviting.
"I have to pick up my little sister from school today," Tetsuya replied calmly, his tone carrying a hint of apology. His gaze drifted back to his notes as he continued his work, seemingly unaware of the fleeting shadow that crossed Hinano's expression.
Her smile faltered for just a second before she mumbled, "Your sister’s school is in the opposite direction from my house… so I guess we won’t be walking home together today, huh?"
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Her eyes lowered to the quill beside his notebook, her brows knitting together slightly. The disappointment in her voice was barely concealed as her fingers twitched slightly at her sides.
Noticing the change in her tone, Tetsuya paused, looking up again. Hinano had her head lowered, her lips slightly pursed, a faint pout forming on her face. A small pang of guilt pricked at him.
With a sigh, he reached out and lightly ruffled her hair, his fingers brushing through the silky strands with the gentleness of petting a small animal.
Hinano froze. Her eyes widened as she stiffened at the unexpected touch. Slowly, she lifted her head, only to meet Tetsuya’s amused gaze.
"My mom’s picking her up tomorrow, so we can walk home together then." His voice was relaxed, carrying a subtle warmth as he playfully tousled her hair once more, as if to reassure her.
It took a few seconds for Hinano to process his words—along with the fact that his hand was still on her head. Then, as realization hit, her face turned a brilliant shade of red, almost like a ripe apple.
"W-What are you doing?! Stop messing with my hair!"
With a startled squeak, she jumped back, clutching her head with both hands as if to shield it from further assault. Her entire face, from cheeks to ears, was flushed pink.
Tetsuya chuckled at her reaction, his eyes glinting with playful amusement. "It’s just… your expression was too cute. I couldn’t help myself."
"C-Cute?! Who even says that so casually?!" Hinano stammered, flustered beyond words. She stomped her foot, frantically smoothing down her hair as she pouted, her voice filled with embarrassment. "You’re so mean! That was totally uncalled for!"
Tetsuya only laughed harder at her indignation but decided not to tease her any further. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he waved a hand in farewell. "Alright, I’m heading out. See you tomorrow."
Hinano quickly snapped out of her daze, reaching out. "Hey! I wasn’t done talking—!"
But Tetsuya had already turned away, casually waving as he walked out of the classroom without looking back.
Left behind, Hinano could only huff in frustration, stomping her foot once more. "Ugh, seriously! So unfair!"
Yet, as she stood there, still flustered, she absentmindedly touched her own cheek—feeling the lingering warmth.
And despite her grumbling… a small, shy smile crept onto her lips. "Honestly… what am I going to do with him?"