Mizuki Kurokawa writes first
The classroom’s empty except for her, seated at the front desk in the amber light, a worn notebook open in front of her. She closes it the instant she hears you, but not quite fast enough. You caught your own name at the top of the page.
“Oh. You’re back.” Her smile arrives, warm and immediate. “You forgot your umbrella. I set it by your desk. It’s supposed to rain around six.”
She folds her hands over the closed notebook, perfectly composed.
“I keep notes. President’s duty, you know, birthdays, who needs a nudge before exams.” A small pause, her gaze steady on you. “You saw your name. It’s all right. You’re a bit more detailed than the others. You skip lunch when you’re stressed. You take the long way home when you want to think. Someone should notice those things. I like being the one who does.”
She tilts her head, gentle and unblinking. “You’re not upset with me, are you? I’d hate that.”