Episode:1

The first snow of the season drifted gently across the courtyard of Yukimura High School. White flakes danced in the early morning air, settling lightly on coats, hair, and the tops of packed luggage. Students buzzed with quiet excitement — only the top 100 had qualified for the prestigious winter camp, and today was the departure.

Yuki stood near the edge of the crowd, scarf wrapped tightly around his neck, gloved fingers clutching the strap of his bag. He looked around, eyes scanning for a familiar face.

“Yuuuuuukiiii~!”

A voice rang out behind him, too loud, too playful for the cold silence around them.

Haru.

He appeared from behind the bus, dragging a suitcase twice his size, bundled in layers of mismatched winter clothes. He wore a huge grin as he approached, ignoring the looks from the other students.

Yuki blinked in surprise. “You… you're coming too?”

“Obviously.” Haru shrugged. “What kind of best friend would I be if I let you go on a freezing school trip without adult supervision?”

“You didn’t even make the top 100…”

“True.” Haru tugged his beanie lower over his ears. “But the library upgrade my dad donated got me a free pass. Let’s call it… heartfelt academic support.”

Yuki sighed. “You didn’t have to come just for me.”

“I didn’t come just for you.” Haru grinned, stepping closer. “But you get lonely. And mopey. And I couldn’t trust you not to sit next to your little crush and melt into a puddle of nerves.”

Yuki flushed, looking away. “I’m not that obvious.”

“You so are,” Haru said with a laugh. “You still like him, don’t you? Ren?”

Yuki’s eyes softened. “Yeah… I think I do.”

Haru tilted his head, his voice quieter now. “You know he’s not the same anymore, right? Ever since—”

“I know,” Yuki interrupted gently. “But I remember how he used to be. I can’t forget that.”

Haru looked at him for a long moment, then gave a crooked smile. “You’ve always been like this. Remembering things no one else does.”

“Because they matter to me.”

Before Haru could reply, another voice cut through the quiet.

“Wow, did you seriously get in through your dad?” a boy called out. “That’s gotta be the most Haru thing I’ve ever heard.”

Minami laughed beside him. “Hope your dad packed your pride, too.”

Haru just grinned and threw up two fingers. “Pride, snacks, and a thermos full of sarcasm. I'm ready.”

Yuki stepped back as the teasing continued. He didn’t mind it—Haru could handle himself—but a quiet part of him wondered if he was just a burden. Haru had come all this way, probably just to babysit him again. Just like always.

The sound of footsteps drew Yuki’s eyes. A tall figure walked past them without a word, bag slung over one shoulder, white earbuds in his ears.

Ren.

He didn’t look at anyone. Not even Yuki. But something about his presence made the air feel colder.

Yuki stared after him.

“You really are stuck on him, huh?” Haru said, not unkindly.

Yuki didn’t answer. His heart already had.

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