The venue was packed with people, each looking radiant and elegant in their own way. Most of the men wore classic black suits, while the women dazzled in colourful dresses that complemented their figures.

That included my family and me. My mom wore a white ball gown, off-shoulder and backless, her hair styled up beautifully with a delicate veil pinned in place. Her makeup wasn’t as heavy as I’d expected — it was soft and natural, enhancing her beauty rather than masking it.

My dad looked just as handsome as always. His hair was slicked back neatly, and he wore his suit perfectly. He had the biggest smile on his face as he wrapped his arm around my mom’s hand.

They walked slowly down the aisle, bowing to the eldest guests along the way. I’d never seen my mom look this happy before. She was giggling and smiling at everyone, her joy filling the whole room. They paused to kiss before whispering something to each other that I couldn’t catch.

Everyone burst into loud applause — mostly my dad’s friends and clients from his business connections. Many were already drunk, cheering and toasting noisily.

I clapped too. Was I happy watching this? Of course I was. I’d never seen my mom so truly happy — not since she gave birth to me. It wasn’t that she didn’t love me; she adored me. She’d always said she was glad I accepted the man she chose to marry as my father.

He’d always been kind to me. I’d known him as my dad for as long as I could remember. He’d been there for every scraped knee, every birthday, every tear.

I smiled to myself, watching them together like this. I sat at a round table with the rest of my dad’s family. Sadly, none of my mom’s side had come — some family feud or old wounds, I wasn’t sure. Only her closest friends and cousins were here to support her.

It felt a bit awkward. I caught my grandparents’ eyes — my grandpa looked so grateful he was tearing up, while my grandma sat stiffly, a sour expression carved into her face. To her, this wedding was still a disgrace. She’d never given her blessing; she still clung to my dad’s ex-wife like a ghost haunting the family.

My grandpa noticed me staring and gave me a gentle look.

“What’s wrong, son? Too noisy for you?”

I shook my head. “No... It’s fine. As long as Mom’s happy, I’m happy.”

He grinned, patting my head before I felt an arm wrap around mine. My stepsister, older than me, beamed at me.

“We’re officially siblings now, Miyu! Happy?” She squeezed my arm and giggled, bragging about how she’d always wished my mom could be hers too. Now she had her, and she wasn’t shy about showing it.

Much to my grandma’s obvious annoyance — she pouted and sulked like a teenager denied her favourite candy.

I turned my eyes back to my parents.

Oh yes. I had parents now. A real family. A dad who loved my mom, and a sister who welcomed us with open arms.

They were full of joy — hugging, dancing, people blessing them with laughter and prayers.

They had that look in their eyes. My dad looked at my mom like she was the only thing that existed, eyes brimming with pure affection. My mom looked back at him with gratitude and quiet love. He never took his eyes off her for a second, always finding her gaze when she got shy.

It was like a scene straight out of a romance manga.

I wondered... would I ever have someone look at me like that? Or would I look at someone the way my dad looked at my mom?

I was only eight, but I was already curious. What did it feel like to love someone with your whole heart? Would it be this beautiful?

▻✦◅

I woke up to my alarm blaring in my ear. Groaning, I smacked it off and squinted as sunlight cut through my curtains.

Just as I sat up, my mom slammed my bedroom door open with zero hesitation.

“MIYUKI! YOU’RE STILL IN BED?!” she shrieked, practically steaming at the ears. “It’s your first day of high school! Move it! You’re gonna be late!”

She paused when she realised I was already on my feet, heading for the bathroom.

“Mm. I’ll be quick,” I muttered, closing the door behind me and leaving her frozen in place.

...

A few minutes later, Mom fussed over my tie and blazer, trying to make me look as mature and studious as possible — a good first impression for my prestigious school.

The entrance exam nearly broke me; I still remember crying over my textbooks at midnight.

But it had been worth it.

Dad stood proudly next to us, my little sister Himiko (4) perched on his arm, babbling happily. He ruffled my hair. “I’m really proud of you, son,” he said, flashing his perfect smile.

We snapped a family photo at the school gate before they shooed me inside. I waved goodbye, ignoring how badly my knees were shaking. My new high school life was about to begin — and my nerves were on the edge of a meltdown.

My stepsister Airi (19) had graduated from this same school at the top of her class and was now a rising model. Her social media was blowing up, and paparazzi trailed her everywhere.

Which, unfortunately, meant people knew about me too. Junior high had been a nightmare. Some kids kissed up to me just because my dad was rich and my sister was famous. It sucked.

▻✦◅

The principal and the student council gave the usual welcome speech: school rules, what to do, what not to do, the school’s proud history. After that, everything blurred. The next thing I knew, I was already in my classroom, following a senior around on a tour I barely remembered.

I ended up sitting next to my best friend, Hayami, thank god. She waved at me excitedly.

“We’re in the same class, Miyuki!” she squealed. “Let’s make this year better than the last one!”

I grinned. “Yeah. I just hope nobody cares who I am this time.”

She laughed, rolling her eyes. She’d been my shield all through middle school — she’d even saved me from some nasty bullying back in elementary school. We’d been best friends ever since.

“You look buffer than last year. Or am I seeing things?” she teased, eyeing me up and down.

I laughed. “I’ve been hitting the gym. It paid off, huh?”

She nodded approvingly. “Well, look at you. Planning to try out for the sports teams?”

“You know me too well.”

She sighed dramatically. “Tall and built... you’ve seriously had a glow up. Meanwhile, I—”

“Hey, you’re gorgeous. Your hair’s gotten so long too.”

She blushed and smacked my arm lightly. “Flirt. Keep that up and you’ll be a heartbreaker before graduation.”

I just giggled. Heartbreaker? Me? I could barely hold a conversation with a girl who wasn’t Hayami, Mom, or Airi.

We talked about study plans and agreed to match our self-study days so we could study together.

Our homeroom teacher finally arrived — way cuter than I expected. He was round and tiny; standing next to him made me feel like Tokyo Tower.

Our class rep turned out to be a nerd but surprisingly charming, glasses and all. The vice-rep was quiet but took offence at the slightest joke — strict as hell, so the rep always had to smooth things over.

This school already had enough strict rules; thankfully they didn’t ban phones. I’d die without mine.

▻✦◅

Two weeks in, and I was already dead inside. I’d skipped the cafeteria to study in the library while Hayami hung out with her new girlfriend.

When I finally checked the clock, I realised recess was about to end. I stretched, cracked my knuckles, and yawned as I gathered my books.

As I stepped out of the library door, a guy running full speed slammed into me. He fell hard, scattering papers everywhere.

I barely budged — he definitely got the worst of it. Around us, some students snickered at his clumsiness while he kept his head down, scrambling for his things.

I crouched down and helped gather his scattered papers and books.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to hit you,” I said, handing him a stack.

He took it, and I couldn’t help noticing his long, elegant fingers. My eyes lingered embarrassingly long. He wasn’t tiny, just lean — his light brown hair fell messily over his eyes. Something about him sparkled, because everyone around kept sneaking glances like he was a walking daydream.

“Umm...” I was sure he was older — a senpai. “Sen—” But my breath caught. My heart thundered in my chest.

He looked at me then. His eyes — deep brown, a little tired with faint bags beneath them — locked with mine. A soft, shy smile curved his lips, and I felt like he’d just shot an arrow straight through my chest.

“-pai...” My face burned. I stammered helplessly.

He chuckled, brushing his bangs aside. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have been running. My teacher asked me to collect all these books from my classmates — so I panicked. I’m already late.”

Even his voice was cute. God help me.

“Oh. Want me to help carry them to your teacher?” I offered my hand. He took it. His skin was warm and smooth. I swallowed hard as I pulled him up.

“It’s fine, really. But thank you for offering.” He gave me that soft smile again before waving goodbye and disappearing down the hall.

I stood there staring like an idiot, wanting to see him again already.

Through the fading crowd, Hayami appeared beside me, dragging her new girlfriend along. She waved a hand in front of my face.

“Miyuki? Earth to Miyuki. Done studying?”

But I barely heard her. I was too busy replaying that smile in my head.

She raised an eyebrow. “Miyuki?”

“Hayami...”

She perked up. “Yeah?”

I touched my chest and could feel my heart pounding fast. "I... I think... I'm falling in love."

Oh no.

He got up from his seat as soon as the class ended. The chatter of his classmates filled the room, but he didn’t linger—now that it was recess, he wanted some peace and quiet. The library was calling him again.

“Library again?” Hayami asked, raising an eyebrow as she gathered her lunchbox from her desk.

He gave her a small nod, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Yeah. I’m guessing you and Hoshino are heading up to the rooftop, huh? Have fun, you two.” He waved casually before slipping out the door, leaving a faint breeze in his wake.

Hayami stood frozen for a moment, her eyes on the spot where he had just been. Emi, who had been watching from her desk, sidled up next to her, curiosity practically glowing on her face.

“So, I wonder who this mystery person is,” Emi teased, poking Hayami lightly on the arm. She’d been trying to dig up the secret behind Miyuki’s year-long crush, but so far, Hayami hadn’t cracked.

Hayami smiled faintly, her lips pressing together to hide her amusement. She knew exactly who it was, but it wasn’t her story to tell. Instead of answering, she reached out and grabbed Emi’s hand.

“Come on, Emi. Let’s go to the rooftop!"

Emi pouted at the deflection but let herself be pulled along. “Hmm. One day, you’ll tell me, Hayami. One day.”

Hayami just laughed softly as they stepped into the hallway, the lingering question left behind with the empty desks.

...▻✦◅...

He stepped into the library, the familiar hush wrapping around him like a comforting blanket. His eyes swept the rows of desks until they landed on the one person he’d been hoping to find. A grin spread across his face, wide enough to make his cheeks ache, and he made his way over.

That person—Matsumoto Yukito—was hunched over his notebook, scribbling intently. Miyuki knew from experience that if you snuck up behind him, he’d never notice. Careful not to disturb him, Miyuki slipped into the seat across from him and rested his chin on his hand, watching quietly.

It took a moment before Yukito finally looked up—and when he did, he was met with Miyuki’s shameless smile.

“Oh, you’re here already,” Yukito said, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

“And you’re early, as usual,” Miyuki shot back, voice low but teasing. He tilted his head, eyes glinting mischievously. “Senpai, any big plans after graduate”

Yukito raised an eyebrow, a soft chuckle escaping him. “Pursue medicine, maybe. I’m not sure yet. Still deciding.”

Miyuki hummed in understanding and pulled out his own book, opening it to the marked page. He tried to focus, he really did—but every few minutes his eyes flicked up, stealing glances at Yukito’s face. Is it bad that the more I like him, the more beautiful he gets?

His eyes dropped to the name tag pinned neatly to Yukito’s uniform: Matsumoto Yukito. A third-year now—while Miyuki was still stuck in his second year.

He couldn’t help but remember how it all started. Back when he was a freshman, Miyuki had shamelessly bribed anyone who could help him track down Yukito’s whereabouts—without Yukito catching on, of course. He’d approached close classmates, upperclassmen, even the occasional teacher, gathering any scrap of information he could get.

Eventually, rumors had spread like wildfire. People joked he’d pay for even the tiniest updates—where Yukito sat at lunch, what snacks he liked, if he’d borrowed a book from the library that day. Some called Miyuki Yukito’s dog. And to be fair, he really did trail after him like a stray puppy back then.

Yukito had hated it at first. Who wouldn’t? He’d done everything he could to avoid the strange, persistent boy who always popped up where he least expected. But little by little, Miyuki had forced his way into Yukito’s days—and somehow, impossibly, they’d ended up here. A junior and senior, side by side like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Now, people were more annoyed than amused. No more easy pocket money for updates—Miyuki didn’t need spies anymore. He had Yukito all to himself.

Sometimes it still felt like a dream. The closer they got, the more Miyuki wanted to know everything about him—his favorite color, the songs stuck in his head, the things that made him laugh until he wheezed.

Yukito was popular for obvious reasons: a perfect face and an even better mind. He wasn’t much for sports, but when it came to academics, no one could touch him. And once you cracked that polite, reserved shell, he was warm and talkative—smiling so easily it made Miyuki’s chest ache.

Miyuki had fallen for his beauty first, sure. But now? Now he was in too deep.

“Are you planning to stare at me the whole time, Tanaka?”

Miyuki snapped out of his thoughts, feeling his face burn as Yukito watched him with an amused expression.

“S-sorry,” Miyuki mumbled, ears turning pink.

“Are you, though?” Yukito teased, the corners of his mouth twitching.

“Can’t help it. You’re too pretty, senpai.” Miyuki smirked, leaning back in his chair with shameless delight.

Yukito shook his head, half-exasperated, half-fond. It still amazed him how easily this junior of his threw out compliments—like it cost him nothing at all. He’d never seen Miyuki act this way with anyone else.

Maybe he’s just comfortable with me, Yukito thought, a tiny smile tugging at his lips.

“I heard you got confessed to. Again.” He changed the topic before his thoughts could spiral.

Miyuki arched an eyebrow. Ah, so he heard about that. He tapped his pencil against the table. “Yeah... a couple days ago. Who told you?” He could already guess—Hayami, probably. Or maybe the girl herself had spread some half-baked story.

Yukito sighed, looking genuinely annoyed. “Apparently someone started a rumor that you rejected her really harshly. I knew you wouldn’t do that, so I asked around—but no one knows who started it.”

Miyuki pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh too loudly in the library’s hush. “Ignore it, senpai. I’ve gotten used to it. There’s always something new.”

Yukito frowned but didn’t argue. It still bothered him. Miyuki was his junior—his—and he hated how people spun silly rumors about him just because he wasn’t the type to talk much. And what if someone took it too far one day?

He was still mulling it over when he felt a soft touch on his hair. Startled, he turned to find Miyuki leaning forward, plucking something gently from his bangs.

“Look at this—how did a leaf get stuck in your hair?” Miyuki chuckled, flicking the leaf away with exaggerated care.

Yukito blinked, scratching the back of his head. “Ah... I had the window open. Maybe the wind carried it in?”

Miyuki narrowed his eyes playfully. “Mm-hm. I thought maybe you got called behind the school building again.”

“What? Why?” Yukito tilted his head, genuinely confused.

“For a confession,” Miyuki said bluntly, shaking his head with a grin. “But nah... they wouldn’t dare.” He flipped back to his notebook, pencil gliding across the page as if the conversation hadn’t flustered him at all.

Yukito stared at him for a second longer, a warmth blooming in his chest he didn’t know what to do with. Confession? Me? He shook his head and bent back over his notes, pretending he hadn’t just forgotten how to read a sentence.

...▻✦◅...

"I'm home!"

His mom appeared from the kitchen and smiled warmly. "Welcome home, Miyu. Take a shower and come down, okay? I bought your favorite cake."

"Oh, thank you, Mom," he said, bending down to pick up his little sister, who was tugging at his pants and chanting, “Up! Up!”

He lifted Himiko into his arms, spinning her gently until she squealed with laughter. After a few minutes, his mom came over and took her back with a soft chuckle.

Miyuki headed upstairs to his bedroom. He dropped his bag by the desk and reached for a small blue notebook hidden on his shelf. He sat down, flipped it open, and carefully pulled something out of his pocket.

It was the leaf he had taken from Yukito’s hair.

With quiet focus, Miyuki cut a piece of clear tape and gently pressed the leaf onto an empty page, making sure not to tear it. He smoothed it down with his palm, then scribbled the date next to it.

Satisfied, he closed the notebook and tucked it safely back on the top shelf—where no one would ever find it.

Then he stretched, grabbed his towel, and headed to the bathroom as if he hadn’t just done something undeniably weird about his crush. Totally normal. Not creepy at all!

It's summer, mid-June. All students begin wearing a light, short-sleeved, white uniform. That includes Miyuki and Hayami too.

And Miyuki found something about Yukito with that uniform, which made him blush. It follows his body shape and it looks cute to him. Gosh, let me hug him just once.

Miyuki pushed his existence into Yukito's life so that he's getting used to his junior presence around him. They're hanging out when they can and mostly spend their day studying together. Yukito will tutor Miyuki on what he doesn't understand, and he likes that part of his favourite junior. He never saw someone actually put effort into studying and asking questions to a senior.

Without him knowing, Miyuki just did all that so he could hear his voice even though the words that came out from his lips were a math question and answer. He stared at his finger that was moving the pen to show him how to answer them.

He nodded along and smiled when Yukito did. He understood the subject well, yet he always asks about it. Something about Yukito's gentle words and movement makes him fall in love even more.

"1st term..." Miyuki murmured. Yes, and that means it will be summer break too.

Yukito looked up to see him. "Why, you're nervous about the exam?" He smiled, tilted his head a little to the left. "I'm sure the reason you look like this is because of studying, then?"

Miyuki chuckled. "I guess. I'm actually studying until late at night for the past couple of days."

Yukito feels sorry, but he did the same thing too, now he has reached his third year. "No wonder you look tired."

Miyuki scratch the back of his neck, awkwardly laughing. Yeah, busy studying about 'something'. Of course, he can't say it boldly even with him.

He's been imagining and dreaming some stuff. He's a late bloomer... It's embarrassing too on how he's literally sixteen yet can't control it normally like others. And he can't express this to his mom because he's embarrassed.

"What's wrong, Tanaka?"

"Oh, nothing. I- I think... I need a toilet right now. I'll be right back, I'm promised!" He got up and ran away as if he were in a rush.

Yukito was confused with him, but he thinks he's such a silly, funny junior.

▻✦◅

He's panting heavily, with his shirt on his mouth. Doing something embarrassing at school. And it was as if everyone decided not to go to the toilet. It's been empty for a while, and no one can hear his moaning voice. He was completely alone inside the small stall.

His face was red after realising what he had done. If he knew this, he would probably be disgusted to even see my face.

He sighed and slid slowly to the floor. He looked up to see the roof.

It's bad. It's really bad. I can't contain myself no more.

The more he looks at him, the more he wants him. Touch him to be exact. Just being with him by his side is not enough, he needs more than just being beside him.

He got up to clean himself and looked outside to see if there was anyone inside the toilet, but there was no one. He goes to the sink and washes his hands with soap. He collects the water onto his palms and splashes it on his face.

His red face faded after he calmed himself down. He cursed himself for being too careless about something like this. At school, too, on top of that.

His shirt got wet.

...

Recess was almost finished, yet he didn't see Miyuki here. Where is he?

He's tidying up his things first and Miyuki too. He waited for him until he finally saw him walking toward him with an innocent smile.

Yukito is eyeing him from head to toe. "Something's happened to you?" He got up and gave his things.

Miyuki laughed sheepishly and took his things from him. His fingers brushed his skin and that alone got him excited. No, no! What are you doing?!

Yukito found his state was odd. Miyuki cursed something under his breath and he frowned. Is he mad about something? He didn't seem to be in good condition either.

"Are you okay?" He touched his shoulder, making Miyuki flinch. Yukito was startled to see him take a step back away from him. He laughed. "What are you doing?"

"Safe distance."

"For what? We're not in that era of social distancing anymore." He shook his head.

"We should bring them again!" Miyuki said, which made Yukito laugh at him again. "You're so silly."

He made his way toward the door with other students. Miyuki sighed in relief and walked behind him.

▻✦◅

"Is it bad that he never notices how obvious you are?"

Miyuki looked up to see Hayami. She tilted her head. "Everyone knew how you head over heels for him. Well, not everyone, but it's pretty obvious how you're walking around, literally following him like a dog."

"Did you just compare me to a dog?" That made Hayami laugh wholeheartedly. He's pouted. "I mean, maybe I am."

"Oh my God, Miyu, you're such a stupid guy," Hayami added with a laugh.

Miyuki can't help but smile a little at that part. Maybe he is a fool. A fool for Yukito.

Hayami and Miyuki decided to spend their evening at the public library after returning from school. It was a sunny Saturday.

Hayami is going on and on about how Miyuki should confess rather than hide his feelings. Miyuki said no every time. It's not like he doesn't want to but he's scared of his answer.

What if he's disgusted? I'm a boy.

They continued their study without talking about Miyuki's crush and now focused on their 1st term talks. They both tried to find which question would obviously be in the exam and make notes afterwards. That's how they spend their day off from school.

Just as when they were discussing their answers (that led to some arguments in small matters), Miyuki's phone was buzzing. He told Hayami to shush for a second. She pursed her lips and leaned toward her chair, crossing her arms.

He saw a text. He received a text from an unknown number. He frowned. I never saw this number before. It must be a spam number.

But the text says something that he immediately opens the Messages app.

Y -Hello, it's me. Remember you gave me your number in my notepad before?

Y -If you don't remember, this is me, Matsumoto-senpai?

Y -:D

"Oh, he texted me."

Hayami raised her eyebrow. "Is it him?"

He nodded and replied to his text. Yukito read them and texted him back fast. Now, Hayami got curious and came closer to Miyuki.

Miyuki leaned closer to Hayami so she could see the text. She gasped. "Oh, first step! Miyu, take this chance to know him better!"

"Ah, but I'm too shy." His voice is low. He bites his nail out of anxiety. "What if he felt uncomfortable by my question?"

"It depends on what kind of question you ask. If you ask about his favourite food, show or maybe what he did mostly on the weekend, I'm sure he won't notice much!" Hayami hyped him up. Then she remembered how Miyuki shamelessly said something to Yukito when they all three met before.

She glared at him. 'Shy, huh?'

M -Hello, senpai.

M -I've been waiting for your text.

Y -Sorry for not texting you much earlier. I kept forgetting to save your number before:(

Y -But now I did and feel free to text me if you have any questions regardless of the subject you don't understand:D

Hayami giggles. "Rather than fuck buddy, you guys are becoming a study buddy instead. The real friends with benefits."

"At least we got the talk. And he's not awkward much if I did that. He's too tense when it comes to normal conversation." Miyuki explained.

"Ah, that's why you have to bring a book. Without them, you might not even have conversations, huh?" Hayami smirked. "How can the relationship progress in that way?"

Miyuki is pondering for a second. That's right, in the end, Yukito just thought of him as a junior instead of a friend he could talk to. However much he tried to make him comfortable, they didn't make any progress with each other. They don't act like they were friend, they act like most junior-senior pairs will be instead.

They always study and never have small talk about each other's lives either.

Does that look like progress to you?

He looked at his screen. With a shaking hand, he typed something. All was seen by Hayami.

M- Do you go anywhere this break?