"You still haven't written down your homework," Miyako muttered, bending over her notebook.
"I know it by heart."
- of course. Just like yesterday. And the day before yesterday. And more…
— Okay, okay, I'm writing it down, don't hit me.
I snatched the pen from her and started scribbling while she watched mockingly.
Miyako stopped being shy a long time ago.
And so am I.
We stayed late after class, as usual.
Miyako decided to finish some nonsense in her notebook, and I waited.
Sometimes I looked at her, just like that. For no reason.
She noticed. But she didn't say anything.
It's become a habit.
It's a habit to be around.
On the way out of school
— Do you want to go home together today? - I asked.
"I'm sorry,— she nodded towards the schoolyard. — I need to go to the store, Mom asked. I'm fast.
"Then I'll wait."
— Don't worry, seriously. Long.
She smiled and added a little more quietly.:
"Together tomorrow." I promise.
I stayed at school and forgot my notebook. I returned to the classroom and packed my backpack.
When I was leaving, I almost bumped into her in the doorway.
Sayo.
—Oh... I'm sorry," she said, taking a step back. The voice is quiet, like the wind.
His eyes are downcast, but his smile is polite. Very polite.
"It's okay," I replied, moving to the side.
But she suddenly spoke again.:
— Do you often stay after school?
I turned around. She was looking straight ahead.
And at that moment, there was something... subtle in her gaze.
Something subtle. The inexplicable.
—Sometimes,— I replied.
She nodded.
— I see. Then... see you tomorrow.
And she went deeper into the corridor.
I left school feeling like everything was as usual.
And at the same time, it was as if something had shifted. Just a little bit.