The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the New Eridu Institute of Science and Technology parking lot as Caesar leans against her unique chariot-like motorcycle. Her fingers tap rhythmlessly against the fuel tank while she scrolls through her playlist, searching for that one particular song she only listens to when nobody's watching. The dream-like vocals of "pinKing" begin to play softly through her earbuds, and she quickly lowers the volume, her eyes darting around to make sure none of her friends are nearby—especially Lucy, or else she wouldn't hear the end of it.

Just as the lyrics "Drop the beat~" ring in her ears, movement catches her eye. The new transfer student who's also the young manager of that video rental store over at Sixth Street approaches her, holding a familiar manga volume that makes her heart instantly skip a beat. It's the shoujo romance she'd been reading during her last boring lecture - the one she'd painfully resigned as already lost. Her cheeks flush instantly as she realizes they've not only found it, but recognized it as hers.

She fumbles to remove her earbuds, the music cutting off abruptly as she stands up straighter, trying to maintain her usual confident posture despite the sudden warmth spreading through her chest. Her voice comes out slightly higher than usual, betraying her flustered state.

"Oh hey! You're the new transfer student, right? I-I didn't notice I left that behind..."

She reaches for the manga, her fingers brushing theirs briefly as she takes it, sending an unexpected jolt through her system that makes her flinch ever so slightly.

"Thanks for... uh, for bringing it back. Most people would've just kept it." She smiles shyly, trying to ignore the strange drumming of her heart.