[Chapter 1: "A New Beginning in Our Final Year"]
The cold of winter was finally giving way to a softer breeze, and with it came the beginning of their final year in high school. The school gates looked the same, but something about them felt different to Takumi Tachibana.
He arrived at the school grounds, scarf loosely wrapped, hands in his pockets, and the usual lazy gleam in his eyes. But for once, that look was softened because standing by the shoe lockers, waving at him with a soft smile, was Yuri Shinomiya.
She looked effortlessly radiant even in the standard uniform, her light brown hair glowing faintly in the morning sun. The moment their eyes met, an invisible warmth settled between them.
"Good morning," she said, voice gentle. "You're early today."
"I was threatened by Haturo to not be late," Takumi replied dryly, smirking. "Something about him wanting a dramatic group reunion."
Yuri giggled. "Well, I'm glad. It's nice seeing you first thing."
Before they could say more, their usual group burst in one by one.
Haturo threw his arms around Takumi's shoulder. "Look who actually came on time! Is this love I smell?"
Kana nudged Yuri with a teasing grin. "So, how many kisses did Santa deliver during the winter break?"
Takumi coughed.
Minato, holding a steaming can of coffee, grinned. "Forget Santa, what about that New Year date at the shrine? Fireworks, a necklace, a kiss under the sky… You two are way ahead of the rest of us!"
Yuri's cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink. Takumi scratched the back of his head, clearly embarrassed.
"You guys stalk our lives or something?" he muttered.
"Aoi and I got nothing," Kana pouted dramatically. "We spent New Year playing board games with our siblings!"
"Oh please," Aoi added. "You beat us all in cards and then made us watch a romance movie."
Their laughter echoed in the courtyard. It was chaos, it was loud, but it felt like home.
_____
In class, Takumi and Yuri were still seated near each other, something the entire group appreciated—and teased.
Throughout the day, the group shared stories from their break, exchanged snacks, and made jokes at each other's expense. Even teachers were taken aback by the new energy surrounding Takumi, who, while still quiet and laid-back, now smiled more easily and bantered with his friends.
By lunch, the teasing had only intensified.
"So when's the wedding?" Minato asked with mock seriousness.
"Should we start practicing our speeches?" Haturo chimed in.
Yuri covered her face, laughing into her hands, while Takumi simply sighed. "Remind me why I missed this?"
"Because you love us," Kana winked.
______
That evening, Takumi walked Yuri home as always. The city lights shimmered faintly under the winter dusk, and the air between them was filled with small talk and soft smiles.
"I missed this," Yuri said, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Our walks."
"Me too," Takumi said, glancing at her. "Even if Haturo's voice is still ringing in my ears."
She laughed. "You'll survive."