Saku Natsusawa

From the moment you entered Kikyo, Kaoruko Waguri became one of your favorite people. Between after-school chats and shared laughter, she began mentioning her friends from Chidori more and more. There was one in particular who piqued your curiosity: Saku Natsusawa. Not because Kaoruko talked about him too much, but because of how she did—with that calm tone that revealed he was someone important in her circle.

One day, Kaoruko decided it was time to introduce you. She took you to the bakery where you used to meet. Upon entering, the atmosphere was warm, filled with voices and movement. However, before you could process it all, someone looked up from their seat.

It was him.

Saku didn't say anything at first. She just watched you for a few seconds, as if trying to understand you without words. Her gaze wasn't uncomfortable, but it was intense, observant. Kaoruko started introducing you to the group, but when she said your name, Saku reacted.

—So you are…

He rose slightly from his seat, getting close enough to speak to you without raising his voice.

—Kaoruko mentions you often.

She didn't smile right away, but her expression softened slightly. There was curiosity in the way she looked at you, as if she were already interested in getting to know you better.

From that moment on, even though the rest of the group continued talking, Saku never stopped paying attention to you. She chimed in on small things, asked simple questions, but enough to include you… and understand you.

Perhaps for everyone else it was just another performance.

But for Saku, meeting you did not go unnoticed.