Two days later.
Outside, snow drifted softly, layering the streets in white.
Frost clung to the glass window. Inside the dimly lit hallway, Shion sat on the sofa, wire earbuds over his ears. Music played—a refuge between sound and silence.
I don't want to go to the school winter party, he thought.
The phone buzzed. Kasumi's name flashed on the screen:
> "I'll be at your place in 10 minutes!"
He set the phone aside. A draft slipped through the window frame. He stayed there, unmoving—caught between music and cold air.
The doorbell rang.
He slipped off his wire earbuds.
Kasumi stood outside—white puffy jacket, pink wool scarf, cheeks flushed red from the winter air.
"I'm here. And you're still not ready?" she teased gently.
Shion stood awkwardly, hands in his pockets.
"Your hair's… so messy. Come here."
"Kasumi, I—"
"Forget it. First, take a shower."
"…Fine."
---
A little later, he sat on the chair. Kasumi picked up a hairbrush and began fixing his hair. Their faces were close, their breaths brushing against each other. Shion's heartbeat quickened.
"You're perfect… you just need a little push," she whispered.
She lifted his blazer and draped it over his shoulders, guiding his arms into the sleeves—like dressing a partner.
"See? Now you look like a prince."
Shion lowered his eyes, faint blush rising on his face.
"Why… why are you doing all this for me?"
"Because I want you to be happy. And… I want to share that dance floor with you."
The distance between them shrank to almost nothing. Only snow's scent and their mingled breaths remained.
Kasumi whispered with a soft smile,
"Come on… let's go together."
Shion gave a small nod.
---
They locked the door and stepped onto the street. Snowflakes landed in their hair. Under the yellow glow of streetlamps, their silhouettes formed a perfect frame.
Kasumi slipped her hand into his. Shion noticed… but said nothing.
Sometimes, holding someone's hand takes the most courage. "Today… I held Shion's hand."Kasumi thought.
---
Fairy lights glittered outside the hall. Snowfall shimmered under the entrance lamps. Students walked in, laughter and music spilling out into the night.
Shion wore a neat black blazer. His hair, brushed by Kasumi, framed his tense expression. Kasumi's outfit was simple but elegant—snowflake earrings, a soft pink scarf completing her look.
"You're ready…" Shion said quietly.
"Ready for what?" Kasumi tilted her head.
"Everyone's going to think… we're dating."
Her cheeks flushed. But then her voice turned confident.
"So? Let them think. I don't care. As long as I'm with you, that's enough."
Shion didn't answer. For a moment, his gaze lingered on her.
They stepped inside. Fairy lights cascaded over them, music echoing softly in the background.
---
Kasumi and Shion arrived together. When they spotted Yeamori, they walked over to her.
"Kasumi, we didn't know you two were dating," Yeamori teased.
Kasumi quickly shook her head.
"It's nothing like that. We're just neighbors."
Ren grinned, barely holding back laughter.
"Neighbors, huh? You two look like lovebirds to me."
Even Souta chuckled.
"Why not just start dating already?"
Kasumi narrowed her eyes.
"Don't tell me you're joining Ren and Yeamori in teasing me now?"
"Sorry, sorry. Just a joke," Souta laughed. The three burst into laughter together.
---
A little later, Youri joined them. Yeamori tugged Kasumi over, leaving Shion in the corner with Souta and Ren.
Youri looked at Kasumi softly.
"You never showed interest in relationships before… but with Shion, you seem different."
Yeamori quickly added,
"Yeah, I've noticed that too."
Kasumi shook her head.
"No… it's not like that. We're just neighbors."
But her eyes… looked uncertain, as if even she was trying to convince herself.
---
Music shifted. The DJ lowered the lights, letting soft piano and violin echo across the hall. Couples stepped onto the floor. The atmosphere grew tender, warm.
From the corner, Shion stood alone, quietly watching. Yeamori and Youri were already on the dance floor. His expression was detached, like he didn't belong in this world.
Kasumi walked over. She didn't say anything at first—just stood in front of him. Shion looked back, puzzled.
"…Do you want to dance?" she asked softly.
For a moment, Shion froze. Then, after a pause, the faintest smile touched his lips.
"If you reach out your hand… I won't be able to say no."
Kasumi extended her hand. Slowly, he took it.
Light fell on them. Her hand rested on his shoulder; after a brief hesitation, his found its place at her waist. Their eyes met… then slipped away.
"I've never danced before. Never even imagined it. But with Shion… it feels like this was always meant to be." Kasumi thought.
The music swelled. Kasumi leaned closer, her forehead resting against his shoulder. Shion tensed… but didn't move away. He simply let her be.
"Lights, noise, crowds… they still feel strange. But with Kasumi, everything goes silent. Her touch… makes me feel alive."Shion thought.
---
---Chapter 23 end---