The day passed in a blur of lectures and idle conversations, but for Reiji, there was an underlying restlessness in the quiet moments between.
Even when he wasn't thinking about Aoi, she lingered in the back of his mind. It was ridiculous—he barely knew her beyond the occasional glance or passing word. And yet, he found himself drawn to her warmth, the way she effortlessly lit up a room without even trying.
The rational part of him knew that was dangerous.
But the irrational part—the part he tried to suppress—was already taking steps toward her.
---
The cool evening air carried the faint scent of rain as Reiji walked beside Kaito on their way home. The streets were lined with soft golden lights, flickering gently against the pavement.
Kaito stretched his arms behind his head, yawning. "Man, today was exhausting."
Reiji shot him a glance. "You didn't do anything."
"Exactly." Kaito grinned. "Being this relaxed takes effort, you know."
Reiji shook his head but didn't argue. Kaito had always been like this—laid-back, playful, but surprisingly observant when it mattered.
"So," Kaito said after a pause, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "So something is bothering you lately?"
Reiji exhaled. "No, not really"
"hmmm"
"Why do you ask?"
Kaito shrugged. "Just that if something's bothering you this much, ignoring it won't make it go away."
"I told you nothing is bothering me"
"Yeah , yeah"
The two of them continued walking in comfortable silence until they reached the usual intersection where they split ways.
Kaito stopped, turning to face Reiji. "Hey, for what it's worth—I'm not saying you should do anything reckless. But if you ever need to talk, you know I won't judge."
Reiji met his gaze, seeing the sincerity behind his words. He nodded. "I know."
Kaito smirked, giving him a lazy salute before heading off.
Reiji watched him go, then turned toward the path that led home.
The night air felt heavier than before.
---
The following morning, the school was alive with the usual energy of students chattering and moving through the hallways. Reiji walked through the corridor, his thoughts elsewhere—until he heard a familiar voice.
"That's my seat."
Reiji blinked, glancing up to see Sena Tachibana standing over a male student who had just settled into his desk.
The guy scoffed. "First come, first serve."
Sena's eyes narrowed. "Move."
The student rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair. "What's your problem? It's just a seat."
Reiji knew this wouldn't end well.
Sure enough, Sena placed a hand on the desk, leaning in slightly. "I don't like repeating myself."
There was something sharp in her tone, like a blade pressed against a thread ready to snap.
The student hesitated for a second before scoffing again and grabbing his bag. "Whatever." He muttered something under his breath as he walked away.
Reiji watched as Sena sat down, her expression as unreadable as ever.
Most people avoided crossing her. He wasn't sure if it was because of her reputation, her attitude, or both.
Not that it mattered to him.
Or at least, that's what he thought—until she suddenly turned her gaze toward him.
Their eyes met.
For a brief second, there was nothing but silence between them.
Then, without a word, Sena looked away, as if he wasn't worth acknowledging.
Reiji exhaled through his nose, turning back to his own desk.
It was just another moment. Another insignificant exchange.
But for some reason, it lingered longer than it should have.
---