The lunchtime clamor had not yet completely faded from the corridors of Urami East Middle School.
Several girls passed the classroom door with textbooks in their arms, their shoes making quick, light taps against the tiled floor. Their laughter and chatter mingled like a flock of chirping sparrows.
Yuta Okkotsu stood at the end of the corridor, his back against the wall, his hands in his pockets and his head lowered. His hair fell over half his face. From the side, only his faintly pressed lips and lean jawline were visible.
At the other end of the corridor stood a girl. Her light brown hair was tied in a high ponytail, its ends curling slightly. She wore a white blouse with pale blue flowers embroidered around the collar and a dark blue pleated skirt, its hem swaying gently.
She wore light makeup and held a pink envelope. A small heart-shaped sticker sealed it, with a name written in silver at its center-"Okkotsu."
Her hands trembled slightly, and she breathed a little faster than usual. Her heart fluttered in her chest, and a faint blush colored her cheeks, as though a spring breeze had brushed them.
She took a deep breath, then stepped forward.
She stopped in front of him.
Her chest rose and fell slightly in that instant, then she raised her hands.
She held both arms straight out, her fingers gripping the sides of the envelope. Her nails were neatly trimmed and coated in clear, barely visible polish.
"Okkotsu-"
Her voice trembled a little.
"Please accept this letter-"
She raised her hands a little higher, bringing the letter a little closer to him.
"Please."
She bowed her head lower, until her chin nearly touched her chest and she could see the tips of her shoes. Her face was red,