NOTE: Sumire does not believe that she is Kasumi in this AU, and Futaba is going to school thanks to Bharu's constant persistent urging. This one's kinda long btw so good luck!
Blushing waves
Bharu's footsteps echoed loudly against the hallway tiles, his heart pounding in sync with his hurried breaths. The narrow corridors of Shujin Academy twisted and turned like a maze, but he barely paid attention, his focus entirely on getting to class. He was late again. A quick glance at the sunlight streaming through the windows confirmed just how late. He cursed under his breath, mentally kicking himself for hitting the snooze button one too many times. He had a habit of being punctual, of always staying one step ahead, but today felt off from the moment he woke up. Now, he was paying the price, racing against time.
Just as he rounded a sharp corner, everything happened at once. His foot slipped on the polished tiles, his balance wavering, and before he could regain his footing, he slammed into something—someone.
"Ah!" A startled cry filled the air, and Bharu's head snapped in the direction of the sound. Time slowed as his eyes landed on a girl in Shujin's uniform, her form stumbling backward from the force of the collision. Panic seized him for a split second. He couldn't let her fall.
His reflexes took over, and before either of them fully processed what had happened, his hand grasped her wrist while the other found its way to her waist. The impact halted her descent, her back just inches from the cold, hard ground. His heart raced, not just from running, but from the closeness. He stood there, frozen, his fingers gripping the soft fabric of her uniform, feeling the warmth of her body through it. The girl's wide, surprised eyes locked with his for what felt like an eternity.
For Bharu, the school around them faded into a blur. The muffled sounds of other students, the rustling of papers, the chatter that usually filled the hallways—it all disappeared. All that existed was this brief, fragile moment where they were tangled together, suspended in a delicate balance between chaos and tranquillity.
"Sorry!" Bharu blurted out, reality crashing back around him as he hastily pulled the girl back to her feet. His brain was still catching up with his body's reflexes, and without waiting for her response, he let go. He didn't notice her flushed cheeks, the way her chest rose and fell quickly as she tried to steady herself. His mind was solely focused on not being late. Muttering another apology, he turned and resumed his dash toward the classroom without looking back.
Sumire Yoshizawa stood there, motionless, her heart hammering in her chest. She blinked, trying to process what had just happened. Her legs still felt shaky beneath her, and the memory of Bharu's arms catching her burned brightly in her mind, refusing to fade. Her face grew hotter by the second, a blush creeping across her cheeks as she tried to calm herself down.
What just happened? she thought, smoothing down her skirt with trembling hands. It all occurred so quickly. One second she was walking peacefully, heading toward class, her mind preoccupied with the day's practice routines, and the next, she was swept off her feet—literally.
She could still feel the phantom touch of Bharu's hands on her waist, his grip firm yet gentle. It was as if the moment had imprinted itself onto her skin, her heart refusing to slow down. Her fingers hovered over the spot on her arm where he'd caught her, as though she could still feel the warmth of his hand.
Sumire's gaze drifted in the direction Bharu had run off in, disappearing into the sea of students. She pressed her lips together, biting back a small smile. Bharu Sakura wasn't someone she knew well, but she'd heard of him. He was somewhat of an enigma, quiet but sharp-witted, always carrying a certain air of mystery about him. She had never thought much of him before today, but now...
