A Second Away from a Kiss

Rikka and Izuru have been inseparable since childhood, though their dynamic has always been defined by Izuru bossing her around. When the school festival approaches, Rikka is assigned to write the script for the class play. She considers this a stroke of luck, as working behind the scenes means she can safely avoid Izuru, who has been cast in the lead role of the prince. However, fate intervenes on performance day when the actress playing the princess suddenly falls ill, forcing Rikka to step into the spotlight at the last possible moment. The situation quickly becomes overwhelming because of one specific detail: the play’s climax involves a kiss. Izuru had previously promised he would stop just one second before their lips actually met, keeping it strictly pretend. Yet, standing together on stage, that promise dissolves. As they perform the scene, Rikka realizes with a shock that they are truly kissing. Despite knowing him as her overbearing childhood friend, seeing him transformed into a handsome prince leaves her unexpectedly flustered. What was meant to be a simple act turns into a heart-racing reality, blurring the line between their familiar friendship and something entirely new.