Music begins to play—a cold sonata where two instruments carry their own melodies. Individually beautiful, but slightly out of sync with each other.

  The room is completely dark. Not a single light anywhere in sight.

  I stand alone, half freezing even with my jacket zipped up. Yet somehow I don’t feel completely by myself. The darkness feels crowded, like I’m surrounded by others who are just as lost as I am.

  Then, suddenly—

  A single light appears in the distance.

  A bright emerald glow pierces the abyss. A flash of silver follows close behind it.

  The colors swirl together as the shapes slowly sharpen into two figures.

  One girl’s green eyes shine brightly, the same color reflected in the highlights woven through her hair. The glow travels down her sleeve until it reaches a pair of interlocked hands. From the other hand, soft violet light runs in silky veins up an arm, curling around small shining jewels before ending in a pair of silver eyes.

  Ari and Maika.

  The music swells. The instruments fall into alignment, forming a warm, unified melody as more sounds join the growing symphony.

  My heart warms at the sight.

  They stretch their arms as far apart as they can, like they’re drifting away from each other—but stubbornly refusing to let go.

  Then, slowly, they step closer again.

  The crowd around them fades back, leaving them in their own quiet little world. Just the two of them.

  Of course they’d be the first to find each other.

  As they begin to dance, more pairs start to form. One by one, LuminWeave lights spark to life across the room. Each new glow brings another instrument into the song until the music swells with layered harmony.

  The darkness slowly fades away.

  But… I’m still alone.

  “This song’s still going?”

  A quiet murmur drifts past my ear, then another.

  “Surely everyone’s found each other already.”

  I freeze. Tama hasn’t found me yet?

  No… I haven’t been looking for her.

  I turn one way but see nothing but a sea of shifting lights. And in the other—more of the same. Couples spinning, stepping, and twirling through the dance floor, their LuminWeave glowing at full brightness.

  What was once a dark room impossible to see through has turned into a blinding storm of color.

  I messed up.

  The first song of the Heartbeat Dance is supposed to be a test of connection. I was so focused on watching Ari and Maika that I missed my chance to find Tama while I still could.

  If I shout for her, I’ll interrupt the dance.

  And if I stay in the crowd, the song won’t end until I find her.

  Maybe I should just sit this one out.

  I take a step away from the dance floor—

  When suddenly, something grabs my hand.

  “There you are!”

  I turn and see her.

  Tama.

  At that exact moment the music swells into its crescendo, and both of our LuminWeave outfits burst into light. She grabs my hand and pulls me toward the dance floor.

  Before I can even react, she spins me into step with the music.

  I pause for a second, trying to catch up. Seeing her here, moving in perfect rhythm with the song. It makes my heart pound so loudly it drowns out whatever she’s trying to say to me.

  All I can do is nod along while staring at her bright, carefree smile.

  Soon the first song comes to an end. A lighter, upbeat track replaces it, and the entire crowd shifts with it. The dances become faster, livelier—partners bouncing through each step with growing energy.

  These songs are meant to make our hearts race before the final slowdown.

  Tama and I fall easily into the rhythm.

  We spin, step, and laugh together, forgetting about the crowd around us and moving like no one else exists.

  Time blurs and before I realize it, the music softens and the announcer’s voice echoes across the room.

  “Alright everyone! We’re about to begin the final song of the night, so switch your LuminWeave to reactive mode and let your partner see your heartbeat!”

  I huff once… then again, catching my breath.

  Following the instructions, I switch my LuminWeave to reactive mode. Bright yellow light bursts through my clothes, pulsing rapidly with my heartbeat.

  Across from me, Tama’s lights flash the same brilliant yellow as she grins, breathing just as hard as I am.

  “Aw, the night’s—huff—almost over?” Tama pants.

  I laugh, still a little breathless. “I guess it is…”

  A new song begins. This one soft, twinkling, and slow.

  I extend my hand toward her. “We’re supposed to slow down now, right?”

  Tama takes it with a small giggle. “I think that’s the point.”

  We settle into the dance. Our fingers interlock while my free hand rests on her shoulder and hers slides gently to my waist.

  One step at a time, we follow the rhythm.

  We spin slowly around each other, leaving just enough space between us as the music carries us across the floor.

  Gradually, my heartbeat begins to calm. The yellow glow fades, shifting into soft blue.

  Around us the same transformation happens across the entire dance floor. What was once a glowing sea of gold slowly settles into a quiet constellation of blue lights.

  The room looks like a starry night.

  Suddenly Tama laughs. “Look at them.”

  She tilts her head toward the side and follow her gaze.

  Its Ari and Maika.

  My breath catches They’re standing much closer than we are—pressed chest to chest. Heat rushes to my face and instinctively I want to look away.

  But… my eyes stay fixed on them.

  Maika rests her head in the crook of Ari’s neck while Ari leans softly against hers. Their fingers curl tightly together, holding onto each other like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

  And their LuminWeave reflects it.

  Pale blue light pulses through their clothes in perfect sync—like they’re sharing a single heartbeat.

  I shake my head quietly.

  If I were standing that close to Tama, I’d completely lose it. My heart would be racing so fast it would never sync with hers.

  Even now, our lights pulse at slightly different rhythms.

  Tama’s calm. Her heartbeat is slow and steady compared to mine.

  But every time I look at her, something strange twists inside my chest.

  And her outfit isn’t helping. The skintight bodysuit hugs every line of her figure. The way it moves with her body makes my heart jump all over again.

  It’s overwhelming. Like I—

  “They’re so cute~.”

  Tama’s voice cuts through my thoughts, pulling me back into the moment.

  She’s still smiling, watching Ari and Maika with open admiration.

  Her hand gives mine a gentle squeeze before she turns back to me.

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  “Hey,” she says brightly, “you wanna try that?”

  My heart skips.

  For a split second, my LuminWeave flickers out completely.

  When the lights return, heat floods my face.

  “W-w-what?!” I sputter.

  Tama laughs. “It’ll be fun, won’t it?”

  “N—no!” I hiss under my breath, trying not to raise my voice.

  “Why not? Come on, it’ll be easy!”

  Before I can react, she pulls me closer. Her arm wraps around my back and suddenly our bodies press together.

  My heartbeat spikes—far too fast to feel normal. My mind goes blank as every sensation crashes into me at once.

  Her warmth. The rhythm of her breathing. The closeness—

  And then I feel it.

  The soft pressure of her chest pressing against mine.

  “I SAID NO!”

  The shout tears out of my throat before I even realize I’m yelling.

  I shove her away. Tama stumbles back a step but quickly catches her balance. She just stands there, staring at me in confusion.

  My chest heaves. Then I notice the red light spilling across her face.

  I look down. My LuminWeave has erupted into a violent red, pulsing wildly with every beat of my heart.

  Murmurs ripple through the dancers around us.

  A few people glance over. A couple nearby slow their steps, whispering to each other. Even Ari and Maika have paused, watching us with worried expressions.

  Why are they all looking at me like that? What did I do wrong? Why did I—

  My vision blurs.

  Run.

  I don’t want to be here anymore.

  What’s wrong with me?

  Why did I…

  push her away?

  I turn and slip out of the crowd.

  The music continues behind me as if nothing happened.

  Eventually I find a bench near the edge of the lobby and collapse onto it.

  My hands clutch at my chest while I unzip my jacket, struggling to breathe.

  In then out.

  In then—

  “Bunny-chan?” Tama’s voice reaches me from behind.

  I look back. She’s standing there, my red light still reflecting across her face. Her expression is tight with worry.

  “Are you okay?” she asks quietly, reaching out a hand. “I thought we were having fu—”

  “That’s enough, Tama.” Maika appears beside her, resting a hand on Tama’s shoulder.

  “H-huh?” Tama blinks.

  “You’re not in trouble,” Maika says gently. “But we need to talk.”

  She glances toward Ari.

  “Can you… stay with Rika for a moment?”

  Ari nods without hesitation.

  Maika guides Tama away through the crowd, leaving Ari behind with me. Ari walks over and gently places a hand on my back.

  “Hey,” she says softly. “Are you okay?”

  I swallow and manage a small nod.

  “You wanna sit?” she asks.

  She guides me down gently and crouches beside me, and helps steady my breathing.

  Gradually, the angry red glow fades from my clothes, settling into a softer pink.

  Ari reaches over and takes my hand. Her eyes search mine carefully.

  “Did Tama do something?” she asks.

  I shake my head immediately. “N-no!”

  “That’s good,” Ari says with a small sigh of relief. But then she tilts her head. “…Then what happened?”

  I place a hand over my chest.

  “I don’t know…” My voice comes out barely louder than a whisper. “I’m just so confused.”

  My throat tightens.

  “I like Tama but… for some reason every time she gets close, my heart starts racing. My chest feels tight and I can’t think straight. It’s… it’s…”

  The words catch in my throat and a loud sniffle cuts them off.

  Ari squeezes my hand gently.

  When I look up at her, her eyes have widened slightly.

  “You said you and Tama were just friends,” she says carefully. “Are you sure there isn’t more to it than that?”

  I hesitate, sniffling again as my gaze drifts away.

  “I… might not have been completely honest about that.”

  Ari leans forward a little. “Mhm?”

  “The thing is… she’s also…”

  My voice almost disappears.

  “My Idol.”

  Ari’s breath hitches. “Eh?”

  I shake my head quickly, heat rushing to my face.

  “I know it sounds weird!” I blurt, slapping my cheeks in embarrassment. “She’s my classmate, and I’m an Idol too but… I can’t help looking at her with admiration. And every time she gets close I just… freak out.”

  When I look back up, Ari is staring at me, stunned.

  “Is there something wrong with me?” I ask quietly.

  Ari blinks, then quickly shakes her head.

  “Ah—no! I understand!” she says, her own cheeks turning pink. “I—I’m not going to define anything for you, but what you’re feeling is totally natural.”

  “It is?”

  She nods and gently reaches forward, wiping a tear from the corner of my eye.

  “I guess you could say Maika is kind of like my Idol too,” she says softly. “I look up to her. I trust her and… love her. Y’know?”

  Love her?

  The words echo in my mind.

  I don’t respond. My gaze drifts away, but Ari gently guides it back to her. Her expression is warm and patient, the same kind of gentle look my mom used to give whenever she caught me crying.

  “You don’t have to take my word for it,” she continues. “Everyone has confusing feelings they don’t fully understand. But I want to help you come to your own realization.”

  Her calm voice slowly settles the storm inside my chest.

  The frantic colors on my LuminWeave fade, returning to a calm blue pulse that matches the rhythm of my breathing.

  I press a hand against my chest and feel my heartbeat steady. Not completely calm… but no longer spiraling.

  “I… still don’t get it…” I mumble.

  “That’s okay,” Ari replies.

  She glances over my shoulder toward for a moment, then looks back at me, her voice softening even more.

  “Just watch us for a bit. Maybe if we show you something, it’ll help.”

  She stands and walks back toward Maika.

  Taking Maika’s hands, the two of them glance back at me.

  “Is Rika okay?” Maika asks.

  “Yep, she’s doing fine,” Ari says with a small nod. Then she blushes slightly. “But uh… can we go back to the dance floor?”

  “What? Now?” Maika raises an eyebrow.

  “Just trust me,” Ari says, squeezing her hands. “I want to show Rika something.”

  Maika studies her for a moment before sighing. “…Alright. Fine.”

  “Great!” Ari giggles, pulling her back into the crowd.

  From the bench, I watch carefully.

  They slip back into the rhythm of the music as if they had never left. Ari pulls Maika close again, their bodies moving naturally together with the song.

  I feel the urge to look away again but I force myself to keep watching.

  They move in perfect tandem, stepping and turning through the slow melody. Their dance continues until the music softens even further.

  They look into each other’s eyes. So closely. So gently.

  I don’t even notice their faces drifting nearer until—

  They kiss.

  Ari leans forward and presses her lips to Maika’s.

  My heart jolts, but they don’t even hesitate.

  Like every other time I’ve seen them kiss, it looks completely natural. Their lips linger, parting only long enough for soft breaths before finding each other again.

  The lights ripple outward from where their lips meet—not the calm blue of the slow dance, but a gentle purple. Relaxed… yet tinged with nervous excitement.

  It’s hard to explain, but the words still form in my head.

  They’re… beautiful.

  So effortless. So perfectly in sync.

  The two of them can relax around each other. They show affection without needing to think about it.

  Why can’t Tama and I be like that?

  I know Tama is trying her best, but every time she reaches for me… I’m the one who pulls away.

  I want to apologize. I want to try again.

  But… I’m not sure my heart could handle it.

  Soft footsteps approach and I look up.

  Tama is standing in front of me, rubbing the back of her arm and avoiding my gaze.

  “Hey, Bunny-chan…” she says quietly, her voice barely rising above the fading music. “I… I’m sorry.”

  My eyes widen. “N-no, it’s my fault!”

  “But it isn’t…” She shakes her head. “I pushed too far, even when you told me not to.”

  She sits down beside me on the bench.

  “I kept saying we should just focus on having fun,” she continues softly. “But I guess I’ve only been doing the things I thought would be fun…”

  “But that’s not true!” I blurt, turning toward her. “We did plenty of things I liked. And during karaoke—even though I don’t like singing—I still had tons of fun listening to you guys!”

  My voice falters and my gaze drops toward the floor.

  “The thing is… I haven’t been able to sync with you,” I admit quietly. “I’ve been trying so hard, but I can’t match your calm, cool attitude. It’s something I’m not used to.”

  “Bunny-chan…” Tama sighs.

  She gently cups my cheeks and lifts my head so I’m forced to meet her eyes.

  “We’re both supposed to try and sync with our partner,” she says. “And I couldn’t match you either. So I thought… if we acted more like Maika and Ari, maybe we could be as perfect as they are.”

  Her hands slowly fall away.

  “That’s why I…” She turns slightly, leaving one hand resting beside her on the bench. “I… I’m sorry.”

  I turn away too. But my hand shifts as I move—and brushes against hers.

  I flinch at first and for a moment I think about pulling away. But I don’t.

  Instead, my fingers slowly curl around her hand. It’s warm. Warmer than I expected.

  Through our palms I can faintly feel the rhythm of her heartbeat. It’s quick—nervous—and gradually getting faster the longer we sit there.

  Yet at the same time… mine is slowing down.

  The tight pressure in my chest eases. The frantic pounding that had filled my ears moments ago begins to settle into something steadier.

  I glance back toward her and Tama notices it too.

  Her eyes are fixed on our hands.

  Soft pulses of light ripple outward from where our fingers touch.

  But the color isn’t blue. It isn’t purple or pink or yellow either.

  It’s white.

  Pure, bright white.

  Tama and I slowly lift our eyes to each other, both of us equally confused.

  And then, little by little—

  The lights across our clothes begin to pulse together.

  Perfectly in sync.

  “Woah, way to go you two!”

  Ari’s voice cuts in as she jogs over, clapping her hands together. Maika follows just behind her, smiling.

  “You two are in perfect sync!” Maika laughs.

  Tama and I both freeze.

  Our hands separate at the same time, and warmth rushes to my cheeks. Tama stares at her palm like she’s trying to understand what just happened.

  “W-what happened?” I mutter.

  Tama shakes her head, still looking down at her hand. “I… don’t know.”

  We both glance up at Ari and Maika.

  “Well, the white color comes from a pretty wild mix of emotions,” Ari explains with a giggle. “But the important part is that you two managed to match heartbeats.”

  “Congratulations,” Maika adds warmly. “That means it’s a successful first Heartbeat Festival for both of you.”

  I sit there quietly, still trying to process everything.

  Perfect sync…?

  Bing bong!

  A small delivery drone floats down in front of us, gently lowering the two tiny boxes in its grasping arms.

  “Ah! It’s time for the exchange~!” Ari squeals with excitement.

  She immediately digs into her pocket and pulls out a small, wrapped box, shoving it toward Maika.

  “Here! Open it quickly!”

  Maika laughs. “Alright, alright—but you have to open yours too.”

  They swap boxes and pop them open.

  Ari gasps the moment she sees what’s inside.

  She pulls out a charm shaped like a tough-looking spider wearing a leather jacket. On the back of the jacket is a tiny printed image of a hover cycle.

  “Aaaaaah~ it’s so cool!” Ari squeals.

  Maika pulls out hers next and bursts out laughing.

  Her charm is a sleek spider-themed hover cycle, but with decorative exhaust pipes that branch out like thin spider legs.

  “Not as cool as this!” Maika says, turning it in the light. “How did you even come up with this?”

  “Eeee~ it just came naturally when I thought of you!” Ari says proudly. Then she pauses, her face heating up. “I mean… when I thought of us.”

  Tama and I watch them quietly, both of us smiling.

  Then my gaze drops. The small box in my hands suddenly feels heavier.

  This… is the charm Tama made for me.

  My eyes shift toward the one Tama is holding.

  When I made mine, I didn’t think about us. I only thought about her.

  Did I… mess up again?

  “Alright! Your turn now!” Ari announces.

  I stiffen slightly. “Ah… I…”

  Tama and I glance at each other.

  I expected her to be excited but instead, she’s giving me the same uncertain look I know is probably on my own face.

  Slowly… I open the box.

  “A bunny?”

  “A shark?”

  Dangling from a short chain, I lift the charm from my box. It’s a little bunny’s head, smiling brightly with one eye winking.

  Across from me, Tama pulls hers out at the same time. The charm I made swings from her fingers—a cute shark with a big toothy grin.

  “We made…”

  “…two completely different things.”

  I lower the bunny charm slightly, staring at the shark in Tama’s hand.

  “Does this mean… we’re not in perfect sync after all?”

  Ari bursts out laughing so hard she nearly doubles over.

  “Are you kidding?!” she gasps between breaths. “You two are totally in sync!”

  Maika nods beside her, giggling.

  “You both made charms that represent your partner,” she explains. “That’s exactly what you’re supposed to do. Ari and I didn’t even get that right during our first Heartbeat Festival.”

  “It took us a while before we really figured out who we were to each other,” Ari adds with a sheepish grin.

  Tama tilts her head, glancing down at the charms Ari and Maika are holding.

  “Wait… you like hover cycles, sniper-chan?”

  “Yeah!” Maika laughs, nudging Ari with her elbow. “I’m just not as obvious about it as Ari is with her spider obsession.”

  “Hey!” Ari protests. “Spiders are awesome!”

  “Hahahahaha!”

  The sound catches them off by surprise.

  Then they all turn toward me as I laugh, my LuminWeave flashing bright yellow with each breath.

  “I’m sorry,” I say, wiping the corner of my eye as the laughter settles. “I’m just… really happy.”

  My gaze shifts back to Tama and I smile.

  “Thank you for inviting me.”

  Tama’s grin widens instantly. “You bet!”

  She jumps up from the bench and thrusts a hand toward me.

  “Maybe next year we’ll be even better than perfect!”

  Her smile is so bright it warms my chest.

  Today had a few hiccups, but even so…

  Spending the day with Tama, matching steps with her, trying our best to sync our heartbeats—

  It’s been one of the best days of my life.

  I nod with certainly and take her hand.

  “Yeah!”