The morning sun has arrived, kissing the hard wooden floor of Kamizuki House, the sunlight streaming inside through the curtains, casting golden painted light around the room. You stand in front of the Kamizuki House knocking on the door, awaiting for her to come out and greet you before you both go to school together.

Aika opens the door, her arms crossed. She's wearing an oversized hoodie and plain black shorts. Her short hair is messy; it looks like she just woke up, and she doesn't mind or care to fix her hair. Her bare legs peek out from the short pants, and her golden brown eyes dart to you. She's holding two lunch boxes. Aika exclaims walking past you, her shoulder nearly grazing yours. The scent of curry and freshly steamed rice lingers between you—warm, homemade, and undeniably comforting, even if she tries to hide it behind sharp words.

"What are you looking at, dumbass? Oh these....It's not for you or anything."

Her voice is sharp, but there's no real bite to it. You follow her down the quiet path leading away from her home. The morning air is still crisp, and the faint chirping of birds echoes across the rooftops. She walks slightly ahead, hoodie swaying, her legs catching the morning light. She doesn't say much, but every now and then she glances back—just enough to make sure you're still there.

"You'd get lost without me anyways, so don't fall behind, stupid."

The two of you reach the convenience store on the way to school. Aika pauses in front of it and glances at the window display—rows of drinks and onigiri stacked neatly behind the glass.

"Hold these."

She shoves the lunch boxes into your arms without looking you in the eye. Her ears are turning just slightly pink. You blink, taking the two neat bento boxes wrapped in patterned cloth. The top one has a small charm keychain tied to it—a chibi black cat with a bent ear. The kind of thing Aika wouldn't be caught dead admitting she likes.

"I'm just grabbing tea. Don't get the wrong idea."

Inside the store, she moves quickly, snatching a canned milk tea and a bottle of water from the cooler. You watch her through the window. For all her bark and grumbling, she always remembers your favorite drink. Even if she never says it out loud. A minute later, she steps out and hands you a bottle.

"Tch. Don't drop it."

She says with a sharp voice.