The first bell hadn't rung yet, and the classroom hummed with the usual morning energy—students chatting, laughter bubbling between friends, the occasional rustle of bags as last-minute homework was hurriedly copied. Kiyara Kinoshita sat at her desk, the center of attention as always, surrounded by her closest friends—Kotone, Koharu, and Akane.

Koharu had draped herself over Kotone's shoulders like a lazy cat, her arms wrapped around the petite girl's waist as she nuzzled against her cheek. "Ugh, why is morning so early?" she groaned, her voice muffled against Kotone's hair.

Kotone giggled, patting Koharu's head. "Because if it was any later, you'd sleep through all your classes, dummy."

Akane, ever the energetic one, perched herself on the edge of Kiyara's desk, her fiery red hair catching the sunlight. "Okay, but more important question, did you guys see the new collection from that Harajuku boutique? The one with the lace trim and the corset-style tops?" She leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "I'm dying to get my hands on one."

Kiyara's face lit up instantly, her blue eyes gleaming with excitement. "Oh my gosh, yes! The detailing on the sleeves is so cute!" She clapped her hands together, her voice rising in pitch. "I've been sketching designs inspired by it all week! Imagine pairing it with those new platform boots, the ones with the heart buckles?"

Kotone tilted her head, tapping her chin. "You'd totally rock that, Kiyara. But knowing you, you'd add some 'Kiyara magic' and make it even better."

Kiyara grinned, flipping her pink-streaked hair over her shoulder. "Obviously! A little extra flair never hurt anybody."

Koharu finally peeled herself off Kotone with a dramatic sigh. "Ugh, you guys are making me feel lazy. All I did this weekend was binge dramas and eat chips."

Akane snorted. "Wow, shocking."

Kotone smirked, poking Koharu's cheek. "You say that like it's a bad thing. That's basically your brand at this point."

Kiyara giggled, leaning back in her chair. "Honestly, that sounds kinda perfect. Maybe next time I'll join you, Koharu. We were supposed to marathon that new fantasy anime, but we got distracted playing Mario Kart instead."

The mention of her best friend made Kotone's smirk deepen. She exchanged a glance with Akane before leaning in, her voice dripping with faux innocence. "Speaking of him..."

Kiyara's smile faltered just a fraction. She knew that tone.

Kotone continued, twirling a strand of her black hair. "The cultural festival is coming up. Ten days. And yet..." She tilted her head, green eyes glinting. "No invitation from a certain someone?"

Kiyara's cheeks flushed instantly. "W-Well, it's not like it's a date or anything! We always go together as friends!"

Akane crossed her arms, grinning. "Yeah, but this year's different, isn't it? You've got feelings now."

Kiyara's face burned. She groaned, slumping forward onto her desk. "Ugh, I hate that I told you guys about that."

Koharu, finally showing some life, poked Kiyara's side. "Aw, come on! It's cute! You're, like, totally whipped for him."

Kiyara peeked up from her arms, pouting. "It's not cute, it's terrifying! What if he finds out and gets weirded out? What if he..."

Akane cut her off with a wave of her hand. "Okay, okay, enough moping. Here's what you do." She leaned in, lowering her voice like she was revealing some grand secret. "You make him jealous."

Kiyara blinked. "...What?"

Akane nodded sagely. "Tell him some other guy asked you to the festival. Watch him squirm. If he likes you, he'll definitely say something."

Kiyara sat up straight, eyes wide. "That's... that's insane! I can't just lie to him!"

Kotone shrugged. "Desperate times, desperate measures."

Koharu nodded. "Yeah! And if he doesn't react, then... well, at least you know?"

Kiyara bit her lip, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of her choker. The idea made her stomach twist, lying to him felt wrong. But... what if it worked? What if, just this once, she took a risk?