The next day, Sayo was acting... too right.
Too nice.
Too polite.
She said hello to everyone. She smiled.
She answered the teacher's questions like she'd been preparing for them for a year.
She even approached Miyako at recess.
- Hi! You're Miyako, right?
I just... well, I wanted to tell you that you're really smart. It's cool to be like that.
Miyako frowned.
- Thanks.
- And... have you and Kurume known each other for long?
- Long enough. Why do you ask?
Sayo laughed.
- He's just interesting. So... quiet, but with a personality. That's always appealing. You know what I mean, right?
Miyako didn't answer anything. She just looked at me. There was no friendliness in her gaze.
After class
- Kurume," Sayo caught up with me at the gate. - Do you always go alone?
- Yes.
- Then today, not always. Let's go.
- I'm waiting for Miyako.
- Oh, how cute. You two are like a couple.
I wanted to say something, but she went on:
- But even couples need a change. You don't mind if I join you, do you?
- This time I do. I do.
She hummed, but she didn't leave.
- You're interesting. Did I say that?
- You did.
- I'll say it again. I like interesting.
Miyako comes out later
She notices them. Sayo smiles as if everything is innocent. Kurume stands with his gaze lowered.
He's already turned her down, but from the outside it looks... different.
Miyako doesn't say anything. She just walks past him.
And, for the first time, doesn't look him in the eye.