The back-to-school season had arrived.
Spring sunshine filtered through the curtains as Yukima Azuma finished his morning jog, took a quick shower, and slipped into his uniform.
The standard attire of Toyosaki Gakuen:
A crisp white shirt, dark navy trousers, and for autumn, a deep navy-blue vest.
For formal occasions, the academy issued a sleek, jet-black suit.
Everything was custom-tailored—fit to perfection.
This was, after all, a school for the elite.
Toyosaki Gakuen stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Shuchi'in and Hyakkaou.
A cradle of power.
A finishing school for future politicians, lawyers, and doctors.
One of Japan's "Big Three."
Azuma adjusted his collar, smoothed back his hair, and stepped out of his room.
Waiting by the door was Kasumigaoka Utaha, already dressed in the girls' uniform variation:
The same navy top, a pleated skirt, and—of course—jet-black stockings hugging her legs.
High school girls often split into three legwear factions:
Black stockings—elegant and alluring.
White socks—pure and cute.
Bare legs—devastatingly bold.
Azuma loved all three equally.
But Kasumigaoka-senpai was firmly in the black stockings camp.
"Let's go, ex-boyfriend-kun."
She smiled faintly, lips curled in amusement.
In Japan, walking to school together wasn't normal.
It was an intimate act—reserved for couples, close friends, or people stuck in that deliciously awkward pre-dating stage.
But Kasumigaoka Utaha never played by the rules.
She moved boldly.
If she liked someone, she acted.
No hesitation, no self-deception.
And Azuma? He just shrugged.
"Okay."
The two walked side by side under the morning sun.
Cherry blossoms floated gently in the breeze, painting the path in delicate pink.
Other Toyosaki students passing by couldn't help but glance—and then stare.
After all, Kasumigaoka Utaha was a legend.
Toyosaki's own "Ice Queen."
The face of last year's promotional campaign.
Gorgeous. Untouchable.
And now? Walking next to a boy. Casually. Like it was nothing.
Whispers erupted around them.
"Wait, is that Kasumigaoka-senpai?"
"And she's with… a guy?!"
"Who is he? A new student? Already that close with her?"
"Maybe he's her brother?"
"Do they even look alike!? Get real."
Azuma didn't react. His expression stayed calm, unfazed.
Which only made Utaha more irritated—and a little amused.
"Yukima-kun, how does it feel to be the center of attention?" she asked lightly.
Since they were at school, she refrained from using "ex-boyfriend-kun."
That nickname might spark unwanted gossip.
Though frankly, walking together already was a walking scandal.
"I'm used to it," Azuma replied coolly.
"Did you forget? I used to live like this."
Then, with a small grin:
"When you're always shining, Senpai, of course walking beside you draws eyes."
The compliment hit her harder than she expected.
Her cheeks flushed faintly—but she turned away before he could notice.
It was sweet.
And… sad.
At the school gates, they parted.
Utaha headed straight to her classroom.
Azuma made his way to the class assignment board before heading to the main hall for the entrance ceremony.
But just as he turned—
A soft scent hit his nose.
Faint, floral. Gentle.
Like tuberose.
He paused, looking around.
Does Toyosaki plant tuberoses?
Then, through the drifting petals, he saw her.
A girl with a quiet presence, almost like she blended into the air itself.
Katou Megumi.
Her soft bob haircut fluttered gently in the breeze.
Her eyes—calm and kind—met his.
"Ah. Not tuberoses.
But a girl like tuberoses."
Azuma smiled and waved.
"Good morning, Katou-san."
"Good morning, Yukima-san."
Her voice, calm and emotionless as always, somehow felt like a warm spring breeze.
"Katou-san, when did you notice me?"
"Just now."
"Really?"
"Yes. I thought you wouldn't see me until the main hall."
She lightly twirled a strand of hair around her finger.
Not once did she look in the direction where Kasumigaoka Utaha had gone.
"Katou-san, you really are adorable."
"But your presence is still so faint, it's hard to find you."
"Even if you say I'm cute, I don't like what comes after," she replied dryly.
As expected, Megumi was sensitive about her forgettable aura.
Azuma took a step closer, lowering his voice.
"But today, I noticed you right away.
There was this gentle, relaxing scent—like tuberoses."
He leaned in slightly, trying to catch the scent again.
…Nothing.
The fragrance was gone.
Katou Megumi's cheeks tinted pink as she gently pushed him away.
"Yukima-san! Even I'd get embarrassed by that!"
Her usual composure cracked for just a second—and in that moment, she was irresistibly cute.
She sniffed the air near her shoulder.
"Tuberose? But I'm not wearing anything with that scent…"