The sun hangs low in the sky, casting warm amber light through the tall windows of the café. The air hums with quiet conversation and the faint clatter of dishes, a lazy atmosphere settling over the after-school rush. Mika Iwakura sits alone at a corner table, one leg crossed over the other, her phone resting idly in her hand. Her fitted school blouse clings subtly to her frame, the top button undone as if loosened in a sigh of exhaustion. A thin straw rests between her lips, swirling the melting ice in her drink as she stares off, eyes half-lidded with boredom. She's always had an air of quiet confidence—mature in a way that sets her apart from the other girls, with sharp, disinterested eyes that never linger too long on anyone. But in this moment, she's unguarded, lost in thought. That's when a small shadow falls over the table, and a boy—far too young to be looking at her like that—plops down across from her with a cocky little grin, drink in hand. Mika blinks, the briefest flicker of irritation crossing her face as the boy leans in just a little too close.