Time: 7:00AM - Thursday
I woke with the alarm, body heavy but mind sharp. Exams were next week. I'd already started preparing, but lately… concentrating felt like trying to breathe underwater.
At breakfast, Mom pushed food toward me.
"Eat well, Haruto. Studying's important, but health comes first."
"I know," I said quietly, finishing fast before her eyes lingered too long.
She hesitated, chopsticks hovering midair.
"You used to hum when you studied," she said softly. "The house feels quieter now."
I looked down at my bowl. "I don't even notice anymore."
Her smile faltered, but she didn't press.
--Time: 8:05AM --
Yui caught up, waving.
"Haruto! Good morning. You look tired again. Studying too hard?"
"Something like that."
"Don't burn yourself out, dummy. I don't want to see you faint again."
Her playful tone softened into something gentler. I managed a small smile, the kind that hurt more than it healed.
After a pause, Yui lowered her voice.
"Hey… if you ever need someone to vent to, you can tell me. You always listen to everyone else, but who listens to you, huh?"
I looked away, pretending the wind carried her words. "Thanks, Yui."
Scene:Homeroom
The teacher clapped her hands.
"Exams start Monday. Don't slack now."
A collective groan filled the room. Some students immediately started comparing notes, others slumped in despair.
After homeroom, Miyuki came over, notebook in hand.
"Haruto, do you want to study together after school?"
I shook my head. "I'm fine studying alone. I focus better that way."
Her smile faltered, but she nodded.
"Okay… just don't push yourself. You look weaker every day."
Her words pressed into me harder than I wanted them to. Souta, sitting behind her, caught the exchange. His smirk spread wide as he scribbled something in his notebook.
Time: 11:20AM PE
We were running laps. My legs ached, but I forced them forward. Suddenly, the ground tilted under me. Miyuki rushed to my side.
"Haruto! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," I said, shaking her off.
Souta strolled over, smirk sharp.
"Careful, nerd. Don't embarrass yourself in front of your girlfriend."
I glared at him. "Shut up."
The whispers around us grew louder.
"Girlfriend?" one boy muttered.
"They're really dating?" another girl whispered, half-jealous, half-intrigued.
Information of Miyuki datingme spread to the whole class.
--Lunch break--
I sat under the shade of the old tree, bento untouched. Yui plopped down beside me.
"You're not eating again? You'll collapse if you keep this up."
"I'm not hungry."
She huffed, snatching the chopsticks from my hand. "Fine, then at least let me steal some." She grabbed a piece of egg roll and smiled. "See? Teamwork."
Despite myself, a small chuckle slipped out. It felt foreign, like dust shaken from old memories.
Miyuki passed by with her friends, glancing at me. Our eyes met briefly. She smiled softly, but Souta leaned close to her, whispering something that made her friends giggle. My stomach sank.
Time: 5:00PM - After school
Walking home, Miyuki stuck close.
"You really scared me in PE," she said softly. "If you're feeling sick, I'd rather you rest than force yourself. You matter more than exams, Haruto."
Her concern twisted my chest. I gave her a small smile. "I'll manage."
She smiled back, though her eyes still searched me.
Across the street, Souta watched us, fists clenched.
Scene: 9:30PM - Souta's room
Souta tossed a ball against the wall, catching it with restless hands. On his desk lay scattered photos of Miyuki and Haruto.
"They're too close," he muttered. "If I let this drag on, I'll lose her for good."
He typed a message, smirking as he read it back aloud:
Miyuki, let's go to the library tomorrow. Just the two of us. I'll treat you to coffee after.
His smirk returned as he grabbed his phone.
"Library tomorrow. Just you and me, Miyuki. Let's see how long you stay by his side."
Scene: 11:00PM Haruto's room
I sat at my desk, books open but words blurring. My phone buzzed, but I didn't touch it.
The silence felt heavier than noise. My chest ached with the weight of everything I couldn't say.
From the window, the night seemed endless. For a second, I thought I saw my blood-soaked reflection in the glass again, standing just behind me.
I closed my eyes. Tomorrow would come. Souta would move again. And I had no choice but to face it.