The afternoon sun poured down over the rooftop, warm and golden. A breeze danced between the rails, brushing the hem of Yui's skirt as she sat beside Mika on the bench they'd unofficially claimed as their spot.
Yui stole a glance at Mika.
Mika's uniform was its usual slightly undone self—her tie loosened, top button undone, and sleeves rolled up just enough to show the light definition in her arms. The sunlight hit her short, dark brown hair just right, bringing out a soft auburn hue. She looked like she belonged on a magazine cover, effortlessly cool and just a little dangerous.
Yui, on the other hand, felt like she was glowing red.
She tucked a strand of her long chestnut hair behind her ear and looked away quickly. Her uniform was perfectly pressed, collar neat, ribbon tied with the precision of someone who practiced in front of a mirror. The contrast between them was almost laughable.
And yet... here they were, sitting close enough for their knees to touch.
"I heard there's a karaoke place opening near the station," Mika said, glancing up at the sky, one arm lazily draped along the back of the bench.
"Oh?" Yui responded softly, fiddling with the edge of her skirt. "I've never been to one before…"
"You're joking." Mika turned to her with an exaggerated expression of disbelief. "You? Never?"
Yui giggled. "It's true. I've only sung in the bath."
"That's criminal." Mika grinned. "Guess I'll have to take you. You can serenade me with a love song."
Yui's face turned a deeper shade of pink. "I-I don't know about that…"
Mika leaned in a little. "You'd sound cute. I can already tell."
Their eyes met for a second too long. Yui's heart thudded in her chest. She glanced down, her hands tightening in her lap. Her lips parted slightly, like she wanted to say something—but didn't.
The silence between them wasn't awkward. It was heavy. Charged.
Then—
"Ah! There you two are!"
A bubbly voice rang out across the rooftop, shattering the moment like glass. Mika sat up straighter, and Yui nearly jumped.
Keiko skipped toward them, her short black bob bouncing with every step. Her oversized cardigan swayed around her hips, her schoolbag barely hanging on her shoulder.
"I've been looking all over!" she whined dramatically, plopping down beside Yui and sandwiching her between them. "Rumor patrol is back, and I have juicy updates!"
Mika smirked, rubbing the back of her neck. "Oh boy. What now?"
Keiko leaned in like she was about to spill state secrets. "Apparently, Saki-chan's been asking around about you two."
Yui stiffened. "Saki…?"
"She's been asking people if you're… you know…" Keiko wiggled her eyebrows. "Together."
Mika blinked, surprised. "Already?"
Keiko shrugged. "People talk, Mika. Especially when you two keep sneaking off to romantic rooftops and staring at each other like you're in a drama."
Yui's ears were practically steaming.
Mika, however, just chuckled. "Well, I guess we're popular."
Keiko leaned back with a grin. "I ship it. You guys would make a great couple."
Yui looked down at her lap again, her voice a tiny whisper. "W-We're not…"
But Mika didn't deny it.
Keiko waved a hand. "Relax. I'm not judging. Just... keep your eyes open. Saki doesn't like sharing the spotlight. She might try something dumb."
Yui swallowed hard.
Mika's tone turned serious. "If she tries anything, I'll handle it."
There was something firm in her voice, something that made Yui feel oddly… safe.
Keiko stood up, brushing her skirt. "Anyway, duty calls. Club meeting. You two lovebirds enjoy the view."
"Bye, Keiko," Mika called, raising a hand.
Yui stayed quiet.
After Keiko disappeared through the rooftop door, Mika let out a sigh and leaned back again. "She's a handful."
Yui nodded. "She means well, though."
Another breeze rolled over them. The rustling leaves below, the far-off sounds of students leaving school, and the faint scent of flowers drifting on the air all made the moment feel too perfect.
Mika turned her head to look at Yui again. "You okay?"
Yui nodded.
Mika's eyes softened. "If people start talking… if it makes you uncomfortable, we can stop coming up here. I don't want you to feel pressured."
Yui's heart twisted.
She turned to face her, fingers clenching at her skirt. "I like… being here. With you."
Mika blinked.
Yui's voice was so quiet, the wind almost stole it away. "Even if people talk, I don't care. I… like being around you."
There was a pause.
Then Mika smiled. A real, honest, breathtaking smile.
"Yui."
Yui's breath caught.
Mika leaned closer—just a little. "You're really cute, you know that?"
Yui's face turned scarlet, and she nearly fell off the bench.
"I-I'm not—!"
Mika laughed. "You are."
Yui hid her face behind her hands. "Stoppp…"
The bell rang below, signaling the end of after-school hours. They both looked toward the sound.
Mika stretched, standing. "Guess we should head down."
Yui stood too, brushing imaginary dust from her skirt. As they turned toward the door, Mika reached out—hesitated—and then gently took Yui's hand.
Yui froze.
Their fingers tangled together, warm and soft.
Mika didn't say anything.
She just looked at her with those warm brown eyes, and Yui—after a moment—squeezed back.
They walked down the stairs side by side, hearts pounding in quiet rhythm.