A quiet exchange held a surprising weight. Aoki borrowed Hashimoto’s eraser, unaware of the inscription hidden beneath the rubber: “Ito-san <3.” For Ito, the sight of Aoki with this small token sparked an immediate and hopeful assumption –…

The school play was nearing, and the cast began rehearsals for Cinderella. But when the two leading actors fell ill, Aoki and Ita stepped forward to fill the roles, tasked with navigating a daunting set of glass slippers.

His heart stirred with a warmth he couldn’t quite name, a feeling inextricably linked to Ita. It was a nascent emotion, a tender bloom of affection that blossomed within him. He confided in Hasimoto, sharing the confusing flutter of his fee…

The truth of the eraser incident settled upon Ida, yet left Aoki with a deeper unease. As their teacher inquired about the improvement in Aoki’s exam scores, a shadow of conflict crossed their face.

He carried the words like a precious stone, determined to share them with Ida during their school camping trip. Yet, the relentless orienteering exercises offered scant moments for such a confession. Each task, each map, pulled him further …

He heard a whisper that the striking manager of another school’s volleyball team might harbor feelings for Ida as well.

A decision hung in the air, a catalyst for change. To truly connect, to forge something new, Aoki resolved on a significant shift. And so, a lunch date was arranged, a rooftop rendezvous under the school's eaves.

The weight of college acceptance pressed down on him, a looming deadline fueled by uncertain grades. It was clear: mathematics needed attention if his aspirations were to be realized. A glimmer of hope arrived in the form of a new student t…

After a delightful date, Ida invited Aoki to her home.

A shadow fell over Hashimoto as the news reached him – Ida had shared their connection with his volleyball teammates. A wave of regret washed over him, particularly for the cupcake he'd baked for Aida. The simple act now felt laden with uni…