The sun had already mellowed by the time Saki and Airi found each other again, away from the curious stares and factional noise. This particular courtyard corner, under the old gingko tree, had become theirs.
Airi giggled lightly, brushing her hair behind one ear as she leaned forward on the bench. "You know," she started, voice playful and wistful, "I bet we would be inseparable if you were also in the Primrose House."
Saki almost choked on the sip of juice she just took. "Me? In Primrose?" she blinked at Airi, wide-eyed. "I'd rather die accidentally from one of our Faction's ridiculous dares than die slowly in an 'Elegance and Manners' class."
Airi laughed, trying to look offended but failing. "That's a little harsh!"
"It's not personal," Saki grinned, nudging her knee gently against Airi's. "It's just… your house is all frills and order. Mine's chaos and snack breaks."
"Hmph," Airi tilted her chin in mock pride. "How about this: I give you a proper tour of our side. So you can see how we live."
Saki gave her a dry look. "I'll die the moment I step into your halls. The whispering… the judgment… the Queens live there."
Airi hummed, tapping her lip. "Then…" She glanced sideways at Saki, a light shining in her eyes. "I wonder how it feels to live there."
Saki blinked. "There?"
"With you. At Iris House."
"…you're not serious," Saki said cautiously.
But Airi was still staring at her like this was the best idea in the world. "I want to try."
Saki looked at her, then at the faint sunset sky. "Do you have a death wish?"
"Just a curious one," Airi whispered.
---
The idea shouldn't have worked. But it did.
Wearing a slightly oversized Iris House jacket over her Primrose uniform, Airi slipped into the Iris side of the campus, trailing behind Saki with her heart pounding.
"It's always like this?" Airi asked, dodging a girl sliding across the hallway on a rolling chair.
"This is tame," Saki said proudly.
They walked past a classroom where three students were arguing whether ramen counted as a soup or a lifestyle. A stack of notebooks spontaneously caught fire—thanks to some weird dare involving a magnifying glass—and nobody seemed too alarmed. Someone was riding a bike indoors. Another was sleeping on top of a locker with headphones blasting anime soundtracks.
"Wow," Airi whispered, half-horrified, half-in awe. "It's like a wildlife documentary."
"Iris House: where no one remembers who's in charge, but everyone's in each other's business," Saki muttered. "You sure you're okay?"
Airi smiled, not answering right away. Instead, she tugged lightly on Saki's sleeve. "You remembered to show me your favorite spot?"
Saki nodded, leading her through a side hallway and out to the back of the dorm building, where a patch of grass framed by wildflowers became visible. It wasn't fancy. In fact, it was overgrown and clearly under-maintained. But the shade, the quiet, and the sound of rustling leaves gave it charm.
Airi sat on the patch of grass, smoothing down her skirt. "This is perfect."
They sat in silence for a moment, both watching a squirrel dart between two flower pots.
From a distance, two Iris House students had spotted them.
"Is that—?" Riku started.
Chihiro calmly placed a hand on Riku's shoulder. "Not now."
Riku blinked. "But—"
Chihiro turned and walked the other way. After a pause, Riku followed. "Ugh. Fine. But we're definitely bringing this up later."
Back under the tree, Saki leaned back on her elbows, looking at the sky. "This is the longest time we've ever had like this."
Airi rested her chin on her knees, her eyes on Saki. "Mm. I'm glad."
Their conversation slowed. Saki turned her head slightly. Airi was already watching her.
It was soft. Familiar. New.
They didn't speak. Just watched each other. And somewhere in that silence, hearts started to race.
Maybe it was the hush of the Iris garden. Maybe it was the way the light hit Airi's lashes. Maybe it was because, for the first time, neither of them had to pretend.
Saki's thoughts were a blur.
Oh no. I'm really in love with her.
Airi looked down quickly, cheeks pink. This isn't just curiosity anymore.
They both looked away.
But neither moved to leave.
---
Click.
From the rooftop across the courtyard, Saeko Yuzuki lowered her camera, lips curled into a knowing smile.
"So the quiet Iris has a secret."
She leaned her chin on her palm, Mika beside her, confused.
"You think it's love?" Mika asked softly.
"I think," Saeko said, almost purring, "we've just found our next headline."
The wind picked up slightly, rustling her notes as she wrote something down in perfect script.
"When roses meet wildflowers… the garden blooms with scandal."
---