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“Ah, Akiyama, you’ve finally arrived—” Rui smiled, then paused.
Mizuki looked… different. Not in a bad way, of course. They were as aloof as ever. Yet, there was something about their appearance that made Rui recalculate.
Their hair was just a sliver longer. They held themselves slightly lighter, more careful. And the most prominent change was the red bow that sat on their head.
Rui smirked. “Oh, have I underdressed for the occasion?”
“What?” Mizuki huffed, turning away to hide a blush. “I’m just… trying something a little different. Get a feel for it.”
He mused, patting the spot next to him. “Well? Aren’t you sitting?”
“No compliment or anything?” Huh. They were getting more comfortable making those kinds of jokes too. It wasn’t too unusual for them to make a jab, but this felt like it had a… distinct connotation to it.
“You’re absolutely lovely. Now sit.”
A strange fluttering sensation churned in Mizuki’s stomach. Maybe they should’ve had more breakfast. No other reason. Surely. Certainly not the way Rui looked at them— saw through them, unlike how others did. In his gaze, there was no judgment. Only a softness that contrasted with his sharp, bright eyes.
Mizuki glanced at the grey sky, then back at Rui. “Is it weird for me to start… experimenting like this? I’ve been getting strange looks, and—”
Rui interjected, his tone cold. “Frankly, Mizuki. Nobody should care about how you want to present yourself. It’s… It’s frustrating you have to pretend to be someone you’re not.”
“How am I supposed to be myself, then?”
“You’re doing it right now. You’re searching, experimenting. You’re finding yourself.”
Mizuki sighed and then sat beside him. “I guess I am.”
“Who knows?” Rui shrugged. “Maybe you’ll grow into something—or someone, in this case—beautiful.”
“As if.”
“Hehe. I guess time will tell.”
⋆. 𐙚˚࿔ SOME YEARS LATER 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
“Heeyy!!” A chirpy voice called as she barged through the doors, entering the rooftop of Kamiyama.
Rui smiled adoringly. “Took you long enough.” He patted the spot next to him. “I saved you a spot.”
She giggled and plopped down beside him, overlooking the campus and city. The sky softened into a warm, orange glow.
“You know, I could hardly get my makeup in today. I didn’t even have time between classes!” Mizuki huffed. “But, hey! At least my hair’s really cute today.” She chuckled as she played around with her fluffy ponytail.
Yeah, Rui thought. You are quite cute, huh?
“Mhm. As stunning as always,” Rui said, staring off into the clouds. If he looked at Mizuki now, he wouldn’t know how his heart, let alone he , would act.
Mizuki stood and did a little spin, with Rui giving her a smattering of applause—despite the pang in his heart.
As she got settled again, Rui said, “I’m glad we could do this sometimes. Makes me rather nostalgic.”
“Ha, I guess it does, doesn’t it?” Mizuki grinned, then sighed. “Back when we only had each other.”
“And looks at us now. We changed a lot, haven’t we?”
Mizuki made a sound of agreement. “A lot of big leaps.”
“And you’re…” Amazing. Wonderful. Beautiful. “Y-You’ve improved. So much.”
Mizuki blushed, smile shrinking yet genuine. “How flattering.” She giggled as she nudged him with his elbow. “But… thanks. So have you.”
She wouldn’t fully admit it, but she’s missed this. Missed him. Though the two have drifted into two different circles, there’s still some thread, some bind that keeps them close enough, but not far away. There remains parts of themselves they see in the other. Almost like looking into a distorted mirror, but understanding how it’s still some version of you staring back.
And she’s glad. Glad that they were able to reconnect, even as completely new people compared to when they met, they’ve both changed for the better.
In this light, Mizuki could admire Rui. His perseverance, his growth, his… damn that smirk of his too.
Rui too held much adoration for Mizuki. These days, she seems genuinely happier. Though the prejudice follows the pair wherever either goes, he has high respect for her resolve, her cheerfulness, her beauty both outer and inner, and everything else about her.
A sudden warmth swept across his shoulder. Mizuki leaned into him, head resting on him. He smiled and scooted slightly closer. As they watched the sun descend, the two remained—different rooftop, same yet changed people.