Chapter 50: Chapter 10

Tadano Taro had already pushed the conversation with Taiya to the back of his mind. He even forgot about Rindou at this moment.

After all, he has more important things to worry about now.

At this moment, he lingered outside his classroom door, his fingers nervously gripping the edge of the frame as he peered through the small rectangular window.

Inside, the sunlight poured through the blinds and bathed the room in gold, his eyes looking for someone.

He didn’t have to look for long, as there she was—Tachibana Rei, his childhood friend, laughing softly as she spoke to Himejima Haruka.

Haruka, with her cold and expressionless face, sat quietly, listening, her red eyes occasionally blinking with faint curiosity as Rei continued to speak animatedly about something written on their shared notes.

The sight was... strange to him.

Rei rarely spoke that naturally to people she had just met, especially to someone as aloof as Haruka.

But now, they looked comfortable, even close. He couldn’t help but feel a little jealous, after all, that spot should’ve been his. Rei should only be talking and smiling at him, after all, they are childhood friends, what they have is special.

He wanted to step in and say something—maybe a simple "hey" or "good job on the presentation"—but his feet refused to move.

His tongue felt heavy, not knowing what to say to her now.

Ever since last night, Rei’s attitude toward him had changed.

He could tell, after all he is always looking at her.

The way she avoided his eyes this morning, how her smile seemed forced when she greeted him, and how she even go to school alone without waiting for him like she normally do.

Honestly, it stung, though he didn’t quite understand why she was mad.

Was it because he didn’t walk her home?

He exhaled quietly, scratching his cheek in guilt. Maybe... but it wasn’t like he did it on purpose.

He wanted to go with her, truly, but he was in the middle of climbing rank in Mobile Myths, and there was that limited-time anniversary reward event—he couldn’t just skip it.

Anyone who played seriously would understand that.

Besides, he had told her to be careful and to call the police if she really thought someone was stalking her.

He even sent a few reassuring texts afterward! What else could he do? He wasn’t her bodyguard.

She must understand, just because they are childhood friends, doesn’t mean he must always be with her.

"Honestly..." he muttered under his breath, pouting slightly. "It’s not like I can be with her all the time."

Still, even as he said it, a faint unease coiled in his chest.

Rei had always been clingy to him, and he had taken it for granted, but that was natural, wasn’t it?

He was the one who stayed by her side back in middle school when everyone mocked her for being overweight, when she ate lunch alone in the corner of the classroom, when she cried behind the gym after hearing the other girls’ cruel jokes.

He was the one who comforted her, who told her to believe in herself.

He was proud of her for changing, for becoming confident, beautiful, and admired.

In his mind, it is natural for her to hold deep affection to him, and it should be natural that she forgive him for what he did after everything he had done for her.

"...She’s overreacting," he murmured. "She just needs space."

He forced a small smile, trying to convince himself it was true, and finally stepped away from the door.

Rei didn’t even notice him leave; she was still talking to Haruka, her voice light and bright in a way that didn’t sound like the Rei he knew.

Taro shoved his hands into his pockets and sighed, walking down the hallway.

He would talk to her later, when she had cooled off.

There was no point trying now, she’d probably just glare at him or ignore him again.

For now, he’d stop by the chemistry club, as that bubbly senpai, Hanazono Mai, had been awfully nice to him lately, and she said she needed help preparing some experiment.

Talking to her might lighten his mood, maybe they can even chat and get to know each other better.

As his footsteps faded down the corridor, the classroom door opened slightly. Rei turned her head, her expression dimming as her gaze fell to the empty hallway where Taro had stood moments earlier.

So he really didn’t come in. She thought sadly. He saw her, she felt his presence, but he still chose to walk away.

Her smile slowly vanished.

She tried to focus on Haruka’s words, but her mind drifted back to the night before, to that scary, lonely walk home under the flickering streetlights, and the faint sound of footsteps that weren’t hers echoing behind her.

If it wasn’t for Suzune showing up, who knows what could’ve happened to her.

Rei bit her lip, lowering her eyes.

"I guess... I really can’t rely on you anymore, huh?" she whispered under her breath.

She had always relied to Taro, ever since he stayed by her side when she was bullied for being fat in middle school.

She had always think that he would be there to help her whenever she encountered trouble.

But it seems... Even someone you trusted can’t always be there for you.

That’s fine, she can take care of herself.

"Oh, right! I need to return the book I borrowed from the library!" she said cheerfully, standing up and gathering her things. "Sorry, Haruka-chan, I’ll be leaving first!"

"Mn." Haruka nodded.

As she left the room alone, Rei glanced once more at the now-empty hallway and forced a small, determined smile.

She decided then and there—she wouldn’t wait for Taro anymore.

Not after everything.

Just like how she went to school alone this morning, she would go home alone too.

*

*

*

Seijirou stood at the entrance of the cafeteria, scanning the crowd with practiced precision.

The usual lunchtime chaos filled the air, chatter, laughter, clinking trays, but his gaze cut through it, searching for his friends.

His eyes soon landed on his group in the far corner, occupying their usual table.

Without hesitation, he made his way over, his presence naturally parting the noise around him as always, with the students lowering their heads and shutting their mouths.

He dropped onto the bench beside Shuo, who was slumped over the table, already asleep with his arms folded under his head.

The moment Seijirou sat down, Suzune’s face lit up.

"Seiji! Where have you been? We’ve been waiting for you!" she greeted, her voice bright and sincere.

Her blonde hair was slightly messy, and faint shadows lingered under her eyes, signs of a sleepless night.

Her mother really didn’t pull any breaks scolding her, huh?

Across the table, Touka looked up briefly.

Unconsciously, she parted her long bangs that normally hid her eyes, trying to make eye contact with him.

"...Hey," she murmured softly before averting her eyes again, pretending to focus on the drink in her hand, while scolding herself.

Hey, my ass! What was that Fujiwara Touka!?

Suzune leaned forward, reaching into her bag.

"Have you eaten yet?" she asked with a cheerful tone, though her words carried a hint of worry. "I saved some for you."

She pulled out a neatly wrapped sandwich and a small juice box, sliding them toward him. "Sorry it’s not much. I was supposed to make a bento, but Mom wouldn’t stop scolding me last night. I barely slept."

What’s even worse, because she has been out late, her mom wanted her to go home with her! She can’t even go home with Seijirou anymore!

Seijirou was about to respond when his expression suddenly changed.

His eyes sharpened, his head tilting ever so slightly, then he glared, his eyes cold and unrestrained, toward a cluster of tables across the room.

The shift in atmosphere was immediate.

Suzune tensed, before calming down, immediately feeling all the stares that has been on her since earlier vanished without a trace

She could almost sense the retreat of their gaze, whoever it was now pretending to be busy with their food.

Seijirou’s glare lingered for a second longer before he turned back, his tone calm but edged. "You piss off someone lately?"

"That’s what I asked too," Shuo mumbled without lifting his head, his voice muffled by his sleeve.

Suzune smiled playfully, "I have pissed off a lot people."

But she immediately lost her smile seeing Seijirou so serious.

"No, I don’t think so...?" She answered truthfully, tilting her head, genuinely at a loss.

Seijirou didn’t reply.

He leaned back slightly, his brow furrowing in thought.

His gaze drifted toward the entrance again, scanning for any movement that seemed out of place.

The cafeteria noise returned to its normal volume, but around their table, an uneasy quiet lingered, subtle, but heavy enough that everyone felt it.