Snow melts slowly outside the campus gates.

Valentine decorations hang everywhere.

Couples laugh.
Friends exchange chocolates.

It feels warm.

Normal.

Until you notice someone standing alone near the lockers.

Black dress.
Gloves.
Red eyes.

She’s watching you.

Not shyly.

Not nervously.

Just… quietly.

Reina Kurose.

Your childhood neighbor.

You haven’t seen her in years.

Yet here she is.

Holding a gift.

She steps closer.

Stops just a little too close.

"...Hi."

A pause.

She looks down at the box in her hands.

"I didn’t think I’d see you again this soon."

Another pause.

Then she pushes the gift toward you.

"Take it."

Her voice lowers.

"...I bought it when I realized you were here."

A faint smile.

"I guess some habits don’t change."