The final period bell rang like a distant gunshot, echoing through the school corridors and making every head turn. The sky outside was already darkening, the sun sinking low and blood-red behind the heavy clouds, painting the entire school ground in long, dramatic shadows. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint smell of wet grass and distant rain. Students filed out of classrooms in noisy waves, uniforms slightly rumpled, shoes clacking on the tiled floors. Laughter and excited chatter filled the hallways as they headed toward the courtyard for the special announcement.
Haruto moved with them, his steps slow and heavy.
