Time: 8:00AM School gates
The whispers had already started before I even reached class.
"Did you hear? Haruto collapsed in PE yesterday"
"And Miyuki rushed straight to him… they're definitely dating."
"No way, Miyuki wouldn't go for someone like him."
"Then why did she defend him from Souta?"
Each voice felt like a needle, stabbing into my ears. I kept walking, eyes fixed on the ground, my grip tightening around my bag strap.
Inside the classroom, the tension grew heavier. Some boys glanced at me with mocking smiles, some girls whispered behind their hands.
Then Miyuki walked in. Her presence silenced the room for just a moment before the crowd swarmed her.
"Miyuki, is it true?"
"Are you and Haruto really together?"
"Why him of all people?"
Her cheeks turned pink. She hesitated, eyes flicking toward me. I froze, heart hammering, waiting half-terrified, half-hoping.
This was the moment Souta jumped in, his smirk sharp.
"Rumors spread fast, huh? Don't believe everything you hear."
Laughter rippled through the crowd. Relief spread across some faces; others looked disappointed that the gossip might have been nothing.
For a second, I thought it would fade away again, like always.
But then Miyuki straightened her back, her voice clear.
"They're not just rumors. Haruto and I… we're together."
The classroom fell into stunned silence.
Souta's smile twitched, his voice sharp.
"Miyuki, you!"
She cut him off, still looking straight at me.
"So if anyone wants to gossip, at least get it right."
Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire. Some students looked surprised, others jealous, a few even impressed.
I couldn't move. My chest tightened so hard it hurt. She had said it out loud, in front of everyone.
I managed a nod, my throat too tight for words.
Behind her, Souta's clenched fist trembled against his desk. His glare burned holes into me, but for once, I didn't look away.
Time: 12:30PM -- Lunch break
I sat under the old tree again, my bento untouched. Yui joined me, dropping down onto the grass with her usual energy.
"So… it's true then? You and Miyuki?" she asked, her grin wide.
I hesitated, then nodded slightly.
Her smile softened, less playful now. "Good. You deserve someone who actually sees you, Haruto. Someone who doesn't just take you for granted."
I wanted to believe her. But Souta's burning stare from across the schoolyard told me peace wouldn't last long.
Yui nudged my arm. "Hey, don't look so gloomy. If you don't protect what's yours, someone else will."
I met her eyes, startled. There was a seriousness there I rarely saw. She popped a piece of rice into her mouth to cover it up, pretending it was nothing.
Time: 4:30PM -- End of classes
As we packed our things, Souta "accidentally" dropped his notebook near Miyuki's desk. He crouched down beside her, close enough for others to notice, his voice low but not quiet enough.
"You sure about choosing him? You could do better, Miyuki."
She stiffened, but didn't meet his eyes. "I don't need to do better."
Then she turned toward me, smile warm. "Ready to go, Haruto?"
The words hit me like sunlight breaking through clouds. Souta's face darkened as she walked past him to stand at my side.
Time: 5:10PM -- After school
"Miyuki, you don't have to" I started as we walked.
She shook her head firmly. "You're always studying alone. Not this time. Let's go to your place."
I blinked. "My… house?"
"Why not?" she teased with a smile. "It's not like I'll bite."
For some reason, my chest tightened. I wasn't used to this someone insisting to step into my world.
We walked together in silence, our footsteps falling into rhythm. For the first time in a while, it almost felt normal.
Time: 5:40PM -- Haruto's house
The door opened. Mom's eyes widened in surprise. "Haruto… you brought a guest?"
I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly. "Yeah. Mom, this is Miyuki. She's… my girlfriend."
Miyuki bowed politely. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Kaori."
For a heartbeat, silence hung heavy. Then Mom's lips curved into a trembling smile. "So… you do smile for someone. Welcome, Miyuki. Please, make yourself at home."
Her voice was warm, but when she turned toward me, I caught the glisten of tears in her eyes.
We headed upstairs to my room. Miyuki's gaze lingered on the neatly stacked textbooks, the organized shelves, the scattered notes across my desk.
"You weren't kidding about studying hard," she teased gently.
I sat down, opening my books. "I have to. It's the only thing I can control."
She watched me quietly, then whispered, "You don't have to control everything, Haruto. Not with me."
The words sank deep, both comforting and terrifying.
Time: 6:30PM -- Kitchen
Miyuki had gone downstairs to grab some tea. Mom stood by the counter, watching her with soft eyes.
"So… you're Haruto's girlfriend?"
"Yes," Miyuki said, smiling gently. "I really like him."
Mom's hands trembled slightly as she held the tray. "He doesn't say much… but he's a good boy. Too good. Sometimes I worry he's carrying too much on his own."
Miyuki lowered her voice. "I know. That's why I want to stay by his side."
Mom blinked, taken aback. Then her eyes softened, filling with both relief and sadness. "Thank you. Truly… thank you."
Time: 9:20PM -- Haruto's room
We had studied for hours, but my focus was slipping. Miyuki stretched, closing her notebook.
"You need to rest. Studying like this when you're exhausted won't help."
I looked at her, wanting to argue, but her steady gaze silenced me. Slowly, I closed my books.
For a moment, the room was quiet, only the sound of rain beginning to fall outside. Miyuki leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Haruto… don't ever think you're alone. Even if the whole world turns against you, I won't."
My breath caught. I wanted to believe it so badly.
Time: 10:00PM -- Souta's room
Souta slammed his fist against the desk, the stack of photos shaking.
"She admitted it… in front of everyone. Haruto won this round."
But instead of despair, his lips twisted into a grin.
"Let's see how long she stays by his side. Tomorrow, Miyuki… you'll see what kind of 'boyfriend' he really is."
He leaned back, eyes glinting with cruel satisfaction as he scrolled through his phone.
One message was already typed out, waiting to be sent.
"Miyuki, meet me tomorrow after class. There's something important I want to tell you. Don't tell Haruto."
His thumb hovered over the send button. He licked his lips.
"Round two begins now."