Later that day, Takumi sat alone in the literature club room. Articles and clippings were pinned to the wall with neat precision, the faint smell of ink and old paper filling the space.
The door creaked open.
"Ah… this smell," Takumi muttered without looking up. "Why are you following me?"
It was Noelle. She froze for a moment, then shut the door behind her. She didn't reply, but in her mind she recoiled. What does he mean by my smell? That's… creepy. And why is he alone here? Where are the other members?
Takumi finally tilted his head, his expression unreadable, confusion flickering across his eyes.
The bell rang soon after, cutting the silence. Back in class, Noelle chatted animatedly with Rhea, laughter spilling between them.
Takumi, sitting apart, watched briefly. His gaze lingered longer than it should have.
Dazai once said… a man lives for love and revolution.
His eyes softened. Was she always this pretty? What are you thinking, dumbass? You knew from the moment she walked in that this is another girl you shouldn't fall for. You're too ordinary for that.
He stood abruptly, slinging his bag over his shoulder, and walked out.
Noelle caught his movement and glanced his way. Wasn't he just looking at me? No… must've been someone else.