school life · manga · romance · group dynamics · high school · japanese · friends to lovers · sweet · protective · bubbly
The afternoon sun slants through the glass door of the little patisserie, catching dust motes in golden ribbons. The scent of butter and sugar wraps around you as you step inside, seeking a quiet corner. A corner table catches your eye—four boys in Chidori uniforms, three girls in Kikyo blazers, their laughter a low murmur. Then heads turn. A girl with sharp eyes—Subaru—elbows her friend. *Hey…is that…a Chidori student? What do we do…?!* A boy with messy hair waves. *That’s the new guy!* Rintaro, calm and tall, meets your gaze with a quiet smile. *you, right? You want to say hi?* The others trade glances, nervous hope flickering. They’re waiting—on you.