Hourglass [Quintessential Quintuplets]

Chapter 1 - White Memory

𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬

[ 𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 ]

Third Person POV:

The day had long since come to an end. The sun had set over the streets of Tokyo, and night had unveiled itself in all its beauty. Around this time, along the coastal edges of the city, three figures strolled down a bustling road, each holding a freshly bought cup of steaming coffee. The evening chill turned every breath they took into wisps of pale mist.

"I really love winter. Doesn't it make you feel alive? It's like everything is sharper—clearer."

| ??? |

Boy walking at the front murmured softly, his golden hair catching the glow of the city's neon signs with effortless grace. He took a sip of his coffee, the warmth spreading through his hand, then turned around and began walking backward, facing the others behind him with a playful glint in his eyes.

"Alive? More like frozen. I'm not even sure why I let you drag me out here, Asuka. Exams are around the corner, you know." Other boy behind glanced at his phone, the calendar app open and filled with reminders of upcoming deadlines. ''...''

''Come on, Fuutarou, loosen up! We don't get many chances to enjoy holidays like this. Even you need a break sometimes." Asuka took another sip from his coffee, with a grin as bright as the twinkle of holiday lights strung up along the street. ''Feel the magic, y'know.''

Asuka Shoji— a first-year student at Asahiyama High. Though, their school term now nearing its end, and second year is just days ahead. It was a bittersweet but undeniably pleasant, especially for someone like him, who stood at the very peak of popularity.

''Hey! Unlike some people!'' Fuutarou shot him a look, rolling his eyes. "I actually care about my grades. Although... I'll admit, I haven't seen you fail anything yet. At least you're not a completely hopeless case."

"Oh? Big words coming from the guy who copied me by dyeing his hair blonde. Teehee~!"

''Shut up! I-I thought it was cool... back then! But it never fit me in the same way it did you. Isn't your face the reason you're so popular at school? What was the term in that Otome games. Ikemen?''