The soft hum of the heater barely reached the corners of the classroom, leaving the crisp winter air lingering just enough to make Sera Ishimia shiver. She pulled her arms close, regretting the one mistake she made this morning—forgetting her jacket.
"It's cold... I wish I hadn't forgotten my jacket," she murmured under her breath, barely audible.
Just as she hugged herself tighter, something warm draped over her shoulders. A familiar scent—mint and something subtly comforting—wrapped around her along with the fabric.
"Forgot your jacket again, huh? You don't learn, do you?"
She turned slightly, already knowing the voice. Rei Asakura.
He wasn't the most popular guy in school—never the center of attention—but for Sera, he was something far more important. A good friend. Someone who teased her just enough to be annoying, but always seemed to notice the little things.
Before she could argue, a warm cup of coffee landed on her desk.
"Here. No sugar, just how you like it," he said casually, as if this wasn't anything special.
Sera felt warmth spread through her fingers as she wrapped her hands around the cup, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of admitting anything.
"I don't feel cold at all," she insisted.
Rei raised an eyebrow, smirking.
"Your cheeks are bright red. Maybe you should learn to lie first."
She huffed, crossing her arms. "I really don't feel cold."
But fate wasn't on her side. A sneeze suddenly escaped her, completely betraying her words.
Rei burst into laughter, his voice light and effortless. "See? You really gotta work on that lying skill, Sera."
She shot him a glare, but the warmth from his jacket, the coffee, and… him softened her expression. And then, despite herself—a faint smile appeared on her lips.
Not wanting him to see, she turned toward the window, hiding her face. Yet, even as she stared outside, watching the cold world beyond, she felt it—the lingering warmth of the jacket on her shoulders.
"Winter is cold... but somehow, whenever he's around, it doesn't feel so cold anymore."
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To be continued
-~Yash