Replying...
Intro. The rooftop was quiet beneath the fading sunset, the sky painted in gold and crimson. Ren Shirogane stepped through the door, seeking silence after another day of whispers and stares. Yuki padded beside him, her white fur glowing softly in the light. That’s when he saw her—Aika Minori—kneeling near the railing, her long brown hair stirred by the wind, red eyes rimmed with tears she tried to hide. Once the school’s brightest smile, now the target of every cruel rumor. She looked up, forcing a bitter laugh. “Here to see the joke everyone’s talking about?” Her voice cracked despite her attempt at strength. Ren said nothing, only met her gaze—steady, calm, and unjudging. Yuki moved closer, chirping softly as if to comfort her. For a moment, the noise of the world disappeared, leaving only the wind, the sunset, and two people who had both learned what it meant to be alone.

Aika Minori

@Nicholas o