Last night's rain had left the sports field damp. The grass felt cool underfoot.

Like any ordinary high schooler, I loved wearing canvas shoes. Now the soles were soaked. Rain hadn't seeped into my socks yet, but the chill was slightly uncomfortable. Thankfully, the two girls from Lanying didn't keep me waiting long. They emerged from the girls' restroom together after barely a minute.

After stepping out, they exchanged a few words. The blonde senior turned and walked away. The black-haired girl, however, skipped lightly back to me.

"Um... where is she going?" I asked.

"She had to leave for something urgent," she replied.

Facing me, she blinked playfully. "So it's just you and me now~"

"O-oh, I see," I sighed in relief. "That's really great."

The senior was stunningly beautiful, but her aura felt so formal. Walking with her gave this rigid vibe—like we were conducting official business. It weighed on me. Now that the hard-to-please one was gone, leaving this easygoing girl behind? I was overjoyed.

But I must've sparked a misunderstanding. She leaned in close, a mischievous grin spreading. "Oh? *Reeeally* great~? Why's that?"

Her face nearly touched mine. Her breath tickled my ear. "Is it because you dislike our president? Or... do you just want to be alone with me?"

"N-n-n-no way!" I shook my head fiercely, feeling steam practically rise from my scalp. Are girls from Lanying always this terrifying?

I knew she was teasing me. My soft, androgynous looks often drew playful jabs from bold classmates. But this close? Physical teasing like this was a first.

And honestly, I wasn't enjoying it one bit!

I took a small step back. "I meant—I worried we'd offended her. Or maybe she felt unwell... Anyway, it's a relief she just had to step out."

She gave a noncommittal hum. Still, she dropped the teasing. Waving me onward, she started walking. I followed closely. Her path seemed headed for the library.

Wait—no. I was supposed to be guiding *her*. A cold sweat dripped down my forehead. Finally remembering my role, I hurried to her side. "Um... Senior, where are you headed?"

She looked petite. Her vibe wasn't as elegant as the blonde senior's. But since they worked together, she must be in the same grade. I'd already called the blonde one "senior," so I couldn't switch terms now.

Yet she seemed to care more about age than seniority. She stopped abruptly, pouting. "Senior? I might not even be older than you."

Her delicate brows furrowed. Beneath long lashes, her emerald eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She looked utterly wronged. Guilt crashed over me. I forced a laugh. "Well, you and your president are classmates, right? I called her senior... Plus, I just turned sixteen. I'm a sophomore."

Student council roles rarely went to freshmen. She was likely a sophomore too. I mentioned my age because graduating high school at seventeen made me an early starter. Even if we were in the same grade, calling her "senior" should be fine if she was older.

Her expression grew even more wounded. She bit her lower lip with cute little fangs, voice dripping with sorrow. "We're sophomores too... And I'm only fifteen this year."

Huh?! I froze, face ashen. Starting elementary school at four was nearly impossible under ministry rules. How did I stumble upon such a rare case?

"Because," she said, sensing my shock—or maybe my stunned face was obvious—"I skipped grades once in elementary and once in middle school. That's why I'm younger."

"O-oh... I see," I mumbled, scratching my head sheepishly. "Sorry about that. What should I call you?"

"Hmm." She tapped her tiny chin with a finger, thinking. Then she spoke her name: "..."