Kenji spent the rest of history class pretending to take notes, but all he could think about was Aoi.
It replayed in his head like the chorus of his favorite anime opening.
When the bell rang, he nearly jumped out of his seat.
"Kenji," she called.
He froze. Round two already?
"Can I keep this pen till tomorrow? I kinda like how it writes."
"S-sure," he said. "It, uh… chose you anyway."
Aoi laughed. "Then I'll take good care of it."
Kenji knew he was doomed.
At lunch, Kenji hid behind a vending machine.
Seiji found him there, munching on a rice ball.
"Why are you hiding?" Seiji asked.
"Because I talked to Aoi Tanaka. Twice."
Seiji smirked. "So? That's good, right?"
"No! Now people might think—"
He didn't finish. He just groaned.
The next morning, Aoi returned the pen before class.
"You were right," she said. "The aura's totally blue. Feels calming."
Kenji blinked. "You tested the aura?"
She smiled. "Maybe I like your weird logic."
"They both burst out in laughter"
Her friends walked in, staring.
"Aoi, since when do you talk to him?" one asked.
Aoi just shrugged. "Since now I guess ."
By the end of the day, whispers spread fast.
"Aoi Tanaka was talking to that quiet guy."
"Maybe she likes him?"
"No way, she's totally more into his best friend Seiji."
Kenji froze. Seiji?
He turned and saw Aoi laughing at something his best friend said.
Seiji looked relaxed, unaware of everything.
Kenji watched from afar, the blue pen cold in his hand.
Aoi Tanaka had a crush.
And it wasn't on him.