Early in the morning.
When Hozuki Nozomi opened his eyes, the aroma of breakfast already filled the air. The sound of light footsteps and the occasional clinking of kitchen utensils hinted that someone was busy at work. As he got up and stretched, he made his way to the kitchen, only to find Ogihara Sayu and Shiina Mahiru working in perfect harmony.
Sayu was carefully frying eggs, her expression focused, while Mahiru stirred a simmering pot, the steam rising gently as she prepared the soup base. Their movements were smooth and efficient, as if they had been doing this together for years. A glance at the counter revealed neatly arranged ingredients—fresh vegetables, slices of meat, and a few condiments. Nozomi immediately recognized them as the items he had bought the previous day. It seemed they had already planned lunch as well.
"Nozomi-kun, ohayou!" Mahiru greeted him with a bright smile, her golden hair shimmering in the morning sunlight filtering through the window.
"Ohayou, Mahiru," Nozomi replied, his voice still carrying traces of sleep. He took a deep breath, savoring the rich aroma filling the kitchen. "Smells amazing. What kind of noodles are we having today?"
"Tonkotsu ramen!" Sayu beamed at him, her eyes filled with excitement.
After a night of warmth and comfort, Sayu seemed to have regained her usual cheerfulness. Seeing her like this, Nozomi couldn't help but think how absurd it was that her own family failed to cherish her. Their loss was his gain.
And then there was Mahiru.
Despite her reputation as the ever-perfect Angel-sama—skilled in sports, housework, and socializing—she too carried the weight of family troubles. Like Sayu, she was another girl left neglected by those who should have cared for her most.
Nozomi smirked as he leaned against the counter. "If the guys at school knew I was having breakfast made by two beautiful girls, they'd probably try to kill me with their eyes."
Mahiru giggled softly. "Mou, you're exaggerating. I told you before, since we live close, there's no reason for strange rumors."
Nozomi merely shook his head. Mahiru was too optimistic.
Sobu High was filled with students who thrived on gossip and slander. Even now, aside from Hikigaya Hachiman and, surprisingly, Hayama Hayato, no one at school really bothered acknowledging him. Not that he minded—being ignored had its advantages. But he knew how these things worked. The moment a guy like him got too close to Mahiru, jealousy would start brewing.
On the way, they ran into Sanshokuin Sumireko, the ever-elusive library committee member. She gave them a brief nod before continuing on her way, preferring to keep interactions minimal. Nozomi didn't mind—some people just weren't the talkative type.
Arriving at school, Mahiru naturally stayed by his side. Since they were in the same class, sat next to each other, and both served as class representatives, it was only natural that people assumed they were dating. Some even speculated that they were living together.
If those rumors ever got confirmed, at least half the boys in class would probably be devastated.
After all, Mahiru was dazzling. Always carrying a flawless smile, treating everyone kindly, and never making anyone feel uncomfortable. She excelled in academics, and during cooking class, her dishes always turned out perfect. The boys practically lined up for a taste, each one hoping for a bit of special treatment.
If someone like Mahiru became their girlfriend, they'd probably wake up laughing in their sleep.
—
Lunchtime arrived, and as usual, Nozomi found himself in the library with Sumireko.
Sumireko was the quiet type, but he knew better than to take that at face value. Beneath her composed exterior, she was cunning. Winning her over wouldn't be as simple as making grand gestures—it required patience and consistency.
Today, however, there was no sight of Sakurajima Mai in her signature bunny girl outfit.
He had looked into it—Mai was indeed a student at Soubu High, but she was a year above him, making her a proper senpai.
Nozomi had no intention of actively seeking her out unless something triggered a necessary encounter.
Nozomi had a hunch. Sakurajima Mai would come to him sooner or later. Unconsciously, inevitably.
With the last class of the day over, the school grounds were buzzing with students heading home or toward their club activities. Since he wasn't in any club, Nozomi casually packed up his things, ready to leave. He noticed Mahiru hesitating near her desk, her usual bright expression dimmed by something weighing on her mind.
"Mahiru, you heading home?" he asked, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
She shook her head slightly. "I have something to do... You go ahead."
Nozomi raised an eyebrow but didn't press. He simply nodded and left.
It was worth mentioning, though—Yuigahama Yui was still acting strangely.
She kept sneaking glances at him, her fidgety movements betraying the internal struggle she was having. He could tell she wanted to approach him, to thank him properly for what had happened before. And yet, every time she seemed ready to step forward, she hesitated, pulling back at the last moment.
Nozomi smirked inwardly. He wanted to see just how long she could keep this up.
Sometimes, emotions were simple.
If you kept noticing someone, if your gaze was drawn to them again and again, they'd start leaving an imprint on your heart. Yui was already at that stage. She just didn't realize it yet. Given enough time and the right opportunity, the vague sense of gratitude she felt toward him would evolve into something more.
It was only a matter of time.
=========================
By the time evening rolled around, the sky had darkened, and heavy rain began to pour. Nozomi had made a quick detour to Sakurasou, dropping off an anime episode for Ueigusa Misaki. Just as he was about to head back, he realized something.
Mahiru still hadn't come home.
A strange feeling settled in his chest. Frowning, he went to find Chihiro Sengoku, hoping she'd know what was up.
"Mahiru? She hasn't come back yet?" Chihiro asked, glancing at the clock. "Her phone's off, too."
That was all Nozomi needed to hear.
Grabbing an umbrella, he rushed out into the rain without a second thought.
Behind him, Chihiro watched him go with an exasperated sigh before turning to Sayu, who had been watching the whole exchange in silence.
"Oi, Sayu. Aren't you jealous? That kid just bolted out into a storm for another girl."
Sayu smiled softly, shaking her head. "It'd be a lie to say I'm not jealous at all... but I trust Nozomi."
She clasped her hands together, as if reaffirming her own words. "He said he'd find a way to make everyone he cares about happy. I believe him."
Chihiro rolled her eyes. "Hah, what a classic scumbag line. That idiot's been spending too much time around Mitaka Jin."
Still, she found herself hoping Nozomi would find Mahiru soon.
Because she knew.
Mahiru was someone who had never been truly loved. Her parents never cared for her. No matter how perfect she was, no matter how hard she tried to be the ideal daughter, she remained unseen.
===================
Nozomi didn't stop running.
He didn't have a tracker or some fancy ability, but he had instincts honed by experience. He followed them, weaving through the rain-drenched streets until he reached a small park.
And there, on the swing set, sat Mahiru—completely drenched, her golden hair plastered to her pale skin. She looked like a lost kitten, abandoned in the storm.
Nozomi didn't hesitate. He ran up to her, holding his umbrella over her head.
"Oi, Mahiru! What the hell are you doing out here?! You're soaked! And why was your phone off?!"
She lifted her head at the sound of his voice. Her eyes—usually so warm and bright—were empty. Hollow.
Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
She just sat there, unmoving, like a fragile porcelain doll that had been left out in the rain.