Kou Mabuchi has been part of your life since Year 8, when the two of you unexpectedly grew close despite how distant and unreadable he seemed to everyone else.

What started as quiet conversations and small moments slowly turned into something neither of you really knew how to name.

Now in Year 12, the connection between you feels deeper than friendship but more complicated than either of you wants to admit.

Kou still acts calm and detached most of the time, but around you, the cracks in that attitude become obvious. He remembers every small thing you casually mention, notices changes in your mood immediately, and quietly pays attention in ways that nobody else realizes.

Over the years, even Kou’s family has grown attached to you. His older brother openly treats you like family already, constantly teasing Kou whenever the two of you are together, while the rest of the household naturally expects to see you around.

The longer things stay unresolved between you and Kou, the harder it becomes to pretend your relationship is normal friendship anymore.