The day drags on longer than usual. The sound of chalk scraping against the board fades in and out as Jousuke stares blankly at his open notebook. The teacher's words barely register.
He hears Leah's voice again in his head. "I like you, Jousuke!"
Her face flashes in his memory—the trembling eyes, the way her fingers tightened around his collar. Then, the moment she ran away.
He exhales quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. The warmth of that moment hasn't left him, but neither has the weight.
When the final bell rings, everyone starts packing up. Asa stretches and grins, "Hey, Jousuke, you okay? You've been spaced out all day."
"Yeah... just tired." he says, forcing a smile.
Rika glances from her seat by the window, her pen tapping softly. "You're not a good liar, you know that?" Her voice is casual, but her gaze is sharp—like she knows something happened.
Jousuke chuckles weakly. "Guess not."
He grabs his bag and leaves before anyone else can say more. The corridor feels unusually long, his footsteps echoing down the polished floor. The winter air waiting beyond the glass doors looks cold, almost colorless.
Outside the school gates, Miyazaki stands quietly under the maple tree.
Her hands are clasped behind her back, scarf wrapped neatly around her neck. She looks calm—at least on the outside—but the way her foot shifts restlessly against the pavement betrays her nerves.
When she sees him, her breath catches for a moment before she waves, trying to look casual.
"Hey." she calls softly. "Coincidence seeing you here."
Jousuke blinks, surprised but somehow not. "You're... waiting for someone?"
"Ah—no! I mean, I was just... walking home too."
Her voice cracks just a bit. "Completely coincidental."
He gives a small laugh. "Sure it is."
Miyazaki huffs lightly, puffing her cheeks before falling in step beside him. "You could at least pretend to believe me."
"I would..." he says, smiling faintly, "...if you weren't always standing by that same tree every day."
She flinches, face reddening. "Y-you noticed?"
"Hard not to."
The air between them feels light but fragile. Their shoes crunch softly against the gravel as they walk down the hill.
For a few moments, neither speaks.
Miyazaki's eyes flicker to him. His usual relaxed smile looks strained, almost distant. She tugs her scarf tighter.
"...You look tired." she says finally.
"Rough day?"
Jousuke hesitates. "Something like that."
She tilts her head, her tone softening. "Did something happen?"
He doesn't answer right away. His breath clouds in the cold air, vanishing just as quickly.
Miyazaki slows her pace, waiting for him to speak.
"...Kaede." he says quietly, using her name for the first time since that day.
Her heart skips. "Y-yes?"
"I... I don't really know what I'm supposed to do right now."
He stops walking. The street is quiet except for the wind brushing through the trees.
Miyazaki turns to face him, her expression gentle but worried.
"Did someone... say something to you?"
He exhales, eyes downcast. "Someone confessed to me."
The words hang heavy in the air. Miyazaki's chest tightens, but she doesn't flinch.
She just looks at him—quietly, steadily.
"...Boutsuki-chan?" she asks softly.
Jousuke's silence is enough of an answer.
She forces a faint smile, eyes lowering. "I see."
"I didn't know what to say." he admits. "She just—she said it, and then ran off. I didn't even get the chance to respond."
Miyazaki's hands curl slightly at her sides. Her lips tremble, but she breathes through it. "That sounds... like her."
"I don't want to hurt anyone." Jousuke continues, his voice low. "But I feel like no matter what I do, I'll end up doing just that."
For a moment, she doesn't reply. Then, she takes a step closer.
"You're kind..." she whispers, "...but you're allowed to be selfish too."
He looks up at her, surprised.
Miyazaki meets his gaze, her eyes steady despite the blush coloring her cheeks. "It's not fair to you—to keep worrying about how everyone else feels. You have to think about what you want too."
"...What I want?" he repeats, almost to himself.
"Yes." Her voice softens. "Even if it's confusing. Even if it changes. You don't have to figure it out all at once."
The streetlight flickers on, casting a pale glow between them.
Jousuke watches her for a long moment, then smiles faintly. "You really know how to make someone feel lighter, Kaede."
Her name sounds different coming from him—warmer, closer. It makes her heart jump, though she hides it behind a small laugh. "Then I'm glad I said it."
They reach the crossing near the station. The light turns red, forcing them to stop.
Jousuke looks ahead quietly. Miyazaki watches the faint reflection of the signal in his eyes.
"You know..." she murmurs, "...I used to think feelings were something you could control—like turning a switch on or off."
He glances at her. "You don't think that anymore?"
"No." she admits, smiling faintly. "If that were true, I wouldn't be standing here with you."
Jousuke chuckles softly. "You've gotten bolder lately."
She shrugs, looking away. "Maybe I learned from someone."
"Who?"
She meets his eyes again. "You."
The words make his chest tighten. There's no teasing in her voice—only sincerity.
The light changes. They walk again, side by side.
The wind picks up, carrying a faint flurry of snow.
When they reach the corner where their paths usually split, Miyazaki stops.
Jousuke stops too, glancing at her curiously.
"This is where you turn..." she says quietly. "Right?"
He nods. "Yeah. You?"
"Straight ahead."
She hesitates, fingers brushing the strap of her bag. Then, without warning, she steps closer—close enough for him to feel her breath.
Her eyes glimmer faintly under the streetlight.
"Jousuke." she says softly.
He blinks. "...Yeah?"
"I don't expect an answer. I just want you to know... even if you don't choose me now, I'm still glad I met you."
Her voice shakes, but her smile doesn't falter. "That's enough for me."
For a moment, neither moves. The sound of passing cars fills the silence.
Then, she turns away, scarf fluttering slightly in the wind.
Jousuke stands still, heart pounding, watching her go.
She walks ahead, her figure growing smaller under the falling snow.
"Kaede." he calls out suddenly.
She freezes. Slowly, she looks back over her shoulder.
Jousuke's voice is steady but quiet. "Thank you... for staying honest."
Her eyes widen a little before softening. "Always."
She smiles—warm and fleeting—before turning again.
Her steps fade into the distance, swallowed by the soft winter air.
Jousuke watches her until she disappears from view.
Only when he's alone does he whisper her name once more, under his breath.
"Kaede..."
The snow continues to fall—silent, fragile, and painfully beautiful.