After calming down, Hikari returned to the classroom just as lunchtime was nearly over. The familiar hum of voices filled the room, though they seemed to dull in comparison to the thoughts racing through his mind. Just before he sat down, Mitsumi's words echoed once more.
"Hikari, you know you have me, right?"
Those simple words settled into his chest, reverberating like an echo trapped within a vast, empty cave. The irritation that had clawed at him all morning receded, replaced by an unfamiliar warmth.
For so long, he had been consumed by the relentless pursuit of academic perfection, chasing after flawless test scores and untarnished records. And he had succeeded—his dedication yielding results time and time again. (Not that there was anything wrong with striving for the top. Who wouldn't want perfect scores?) Yet, for the first time, his thoughts wavered.
That wasn't the only thing he had.
Realization struck him like a wave crashing against the shore.
(Still, there's no way I'll let Sekai take my position that easily!)
The tension in his shoulders dissipated, his pulse no longer hammering in his ears. A slow breath escaped his lips, the release of pressure making him feel lighter.
All this time, he had been so absorbed in his own world that he'd nearly forgotten—Mitsumi had always been there. She never mocked his name, never made him feel unwelcome. She simply accepted him for who he was.
Wait a second. That's all I could think about? That she never laughed at my name?
But it mattered. It mattered more than he realized.
And it was all because of those words.
Hold on—what did she mean by that? Was it just meant to reassure him, or was it supposed to send his heart into a frenzied rhythm, making it impossible to breathe? Either way, he couldn't deny the effect it had on him. It did make him feel better.
"Thanks, Mitsumi." It was the only thing he could manage, words escaping before he could find something more fitting.
Without hesitation, Mitsumi gathered his bento box, wrapping it together with hers in a blue scarf. He watched her in disbelief, still processing everything that had just transpired.
Surprised. Confused.
But also... grateful.
"Thanks for the food, Hikari." She spoke cheerfully, her voice light and warm.
"My mom was worried since she didn't pack you lunch," Hikari admitted. "So she made me bring two bento boxes… I guess I didn't even realize it at the time."
Only now did it occur to him—his mother had her own motives for this. But even so, he felt thankful. Mitsumi's company made the meal taste even better. Perhaps it was the best lunch he'd ever had.
Afternoon classes passed in a blur, the weight of the day lifting as the final bell rang. Hikari barely noticed the passing hours, his thoughts lingering elsewhere. The moment class ended, he was already gathering his things, eager to leave.
Stepping outside the school building, the golden hues of the setting sun bathed everything in warm light. The sky stretched wide above, tinged with reds and oranges, painting a breathtaking scene. The windows of the school reflected the sky's glow, giving the campus a surreal beauty, like something out of a carefully crafted painting. A soft breeze stirred, carrying the scent of autumn.
"Hikari, are you okay?" Mitsumi's voice broke through his thoughts. "That was the second time I saw you get angry at someone. What happened between you two?"
Hikari hesitated before answering. "Has anyone talked to you, Mitsumi?"
She tilted her head slightly. "Uhn. No one. Why do you ask?"
He exhaled slowly. His hunch had been right.
"I'm sorry," he admitted. "It's partly my fault. Since I transferred here, everyone's hated me." The words tasted bitter, but he continued. "The fact that you're my only friend and no one else talks to you… that explains a lot, doesn't it?"
"Is that why we were attacked by our seniors?"
"No," Hikari shook his head. "I think they did that to show you how much of a loser I am. Maybe they wanted to talk you into joining their 'famous' group." His lips curled into a humorless smirk. "Good thing I managed to fight back, one way or another. If such wasn't the case, it would've turned out a lot worse."
Mitsumi lowered her gaze, her voice small. "Sorry for asking."
"No, it's fine." Hikari sighed. "If anything, I should be the one apologizing. You lost the chance to be friends with anyone… because of me."
His voice trailed off, guilt creeping into his chest. No matter how much he tried to ignore it, the reality of Mitsumi's situation gnawed at him.
But then, she moved in front of him, lifting his chin gently so their eyes met. The warmth in her expression was enough to disarm him. She smiled—soft, radiant, the kind of smile that could quiet storms.
"You don't have to apologize, Hikari," she said, her tone playful. "I was the one who approached you, remember?"
Hikari swallowed. (Don't smile at me like that.)
Shaking off his distraction, he changed the subject. "Do you know why they hate me so much?"
Mitsumi's curiosity piqued. "Why?"
"I got a perfect score on the entrance exam," he admitted. "That replaced Sekai's position since he scored 99.8. And since he's basically 'everyone's friend,' me taking his spot made me public enemy number one."
Mitsumi's eyes widened. "Really?! I mean, I always knew you were smart, but getting a perfect score on the entrance exam is insane! I only got 80.9, teehee~" She winked. "But I still don't think that's a good reason to hate you."
"Well, I only did it because my dad promised to double my allowance if I did."
Laughter bubbled from Mitsumi's lips, a melodic sound that made the tension dissolve. "So, did he actually do it? I wonder how your dad reacted when he found out!"
Hikari chuckled, the memory amusing in hindsight. "He was completely shocked. No one's ever done it before in this school's history, so he probably thought it was impossible."
The mood had lightened. Somehow, Mitsumi always had a way of making things feel okay again.
The two of them continued their walk home, the twilight deepening as they reached the love bridge. The once-vibrant sky had dimmed, fading into soft purples and grays. The air had turned crisp, carrying the scent of the river below.
It was a quiet, peaceful place. A place where the world seemed to slow down.
Suddenly, a sound cut through the stillness.
… seijaku wa kiri…
Mitsumi jolted, her hand flying to her pocket. Her phone was ringing.
Hikari's eyes flicked to the screen as she pulled it out.
They had the same ringtone.