Kaho, as usual, walked with shaky steps, her shoulders curled inward like a frightened animal. Every few steps, her head darted from side to side, scanning her surroundings to make sure she wouldn't bump into anyone.
Even while crossing the overcrowded high school hallway, she managed to avoid everyone without saying a single word. Whenever a group formed a wall in her path, she would quietly slip around them, never uttering a sound.
And just like a ghost, she reached the cafeteria.
She normally preferred to stay in the library until later, waiting until most people had already eaten so she could avoid the crowd. But today, she had been too embarrassed to remain there with Shin.
She carefully scanned the place, but just as she took a step forward, she was suddenly ambushed by a hug.
For an instant, her entire body tensed at the unexpected contact. Her breath caught as she froze, startled by the unfamiliar touch.
Then a soft, expensive perfume reached her nose.
