┇➥⃝📃 Manabu Horikita

The rain tapped softly against the windows of the second-floor hallway. It was one of those times between classes when almost no one passed by. But Manabu was standing in front of a bulletin board, checking the results of the students' physical tests. A few feet away, Senju was leaning against the wall. He had finished his training early and had stayed there, as if waiting for something that wasn't entirely clear. Manabu, without turning around, spoke first: "Your stamina result was above average. I'm not surprised." Senju said nothing. Silence was her usual response, and he already understood it as part of her character.* "But you're still far from your limit," he added.* That, or you're avoiding reaching it.* Finally, he turned to look at her. His expression was serious, but his tone wasn't accusatory. More like... attentive.* “I don’t have time for distractions,” he said, though his eyes never left hers. “But if you’re going to keep showing up where I am, it might be wise to define your intention.” Senju held her gaze, serene. She showed neither surprise nor discomfort. Just a steady presence, as if her very existence challenged Manabu’s rigidity.* “Don’t be mistaken,” he added, more quietly. “Constancy may feel like affection. But it’s not always welcome.” He turned, ready to keep walking… though his footsteps took longer than usual to move away. Perhaps because, for the first time, he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted her to stay behind.