The third day of the new semester began like any other.
But, like the two days before, my once-monotonous life was slowly starting to feel… different.
Not because school was getting more fun.
But because the girl named Hinata Yui sat next to me.
And just like yesterday, she greeted me with that morning smile—the one that, for some reason, made my heart beat a little faster.
"Good morning, Aoi-kun," she said as she pulled out her chair.
"Morning," I replied briefly, trying to sound casual.
Though inside, my thoughts were anything but.
---
That day, our homeroom teacher made an announcement.
"This week, we'll be doing a class orientation project. You'll work in small groups and participate in activities to build teamwork. Everyone must join."
I held my breath. Group work? Games? It sounded exhausting.
He continued, "You can choose your own group, maximum five people. Discuss it now."
As usual, the class instantly burst into chaos. Chairs screeched, voices filled the room, everyone rushing to find friends.
I just sat there. Alone.
But before I could even think about what to do, that soft voice beside me spoke up.
"Aoi-kun… would you be in a group with me?"
I turned. Yui looked at me with a small smile and hopeful eyes.
I nodded. "Of course."
A moment later, two others joined us: Sakamoto, the cheerful guy who randomly talks to me, and Nana, a quiet girl from the back row.
Our group was complete.
---
The activity day arrived. We were all gathered in the back gym, where different game booths had been set up: quick quizzes, charades, even a silly relay race.
"Why does this feel like kindergarten?" I muttered under my breath.
"Because it's meant to break the ice," Yui answered with a laugh. "Try to enjoy it, Aoi-kun."
Her words were light—but calming.
We went through each game. Strangely, even though I usually felt awkward, with her... everything felt easy.
When she laughed, the world around me felt warm.
When she tripped slightly during the relay, I reflexively caught her. Our hands touched for a second.
She looked at me—and laughed softly.
"Thank you," she whispered.
I couldn't say a word.
---
After the activities ended, we sat on the steps outside the gym.
The sky was turning orange—sunset creeping in.
Yui stared at the sky, her eyes distant, like she was crossing time.
"The sky here… feels wider than Kyoto's," she said quietly.
"You miss home?"
She paused. Then nodded.
"A little. But… I don't regret moving here."
"Why?"
She turned and looked straight at me.
"Because I met someone… who makes my days feel less unfamiliar."
My heart stopped for a second.
I wanted to reply. But my tongue was tied.
She smiled. "Aoi-kun… you were the first person who talked to me. And somehow… I feel like you're spring itself."
"Spring?"
"Yeah. Quiet… but full of hope."
I fell silent. I didn't know what to say.
But inside… I felt warm.
---
That night, in my room, I stared at the night sky through the window.
Outside, the sakura petals were starting to fall.
And I realized something.
Maybe this season wasn't just about flowers blooming.
Maybe it was about someone who quietly came into my life…
…and changed everything.