Chapter 34: Quiet Changes

The bell cried in its sharp, eager voice.

"It's recess" it said, cutting through the teacher's class.

My classmates instantly dashed toward the door. Reluctantly, I join them in flooding the halls. My feet thudded eagerly as they neared the door. Once in the halls I turn to see Jishi.

He waited next to the classroom, earnestly humming to himself. Once our eyes met, he jumped to his feet.

"Gooood Morning!!" His voice thundered at me wildly, its echo blasting off the walls, creating what I would call a storming welcome.

"H-hello" Knocked back by the blast, my hands trembled into making that one miserable word. Regardless, his energetic smile didn't falter. Causing my own lips to smile back.

Walking across the lively hallway, Jishi struck with a machine gun filled with every topic he could think. The endless volley of words didn't stop. I felt imaginary tears slide down my cheeks as we reached the stairs.

Climbing the stairs, a single question out of his volley struck me to a stop.

"When will you confess to Ray?" His energetic, eager tone didn't change in the slightest as he spoke. It didn't make it any less embarrassing. My face flushed ablaze in the silence that followed.

" HAHA, aren't you embarrassed" As he laughed it off, I looked at him scornfully. Which prompted him to laugh again before resuming our walk.

***

Once we reached the rooftop, we met a clear blue sky. No clouds or even birds. An unsullied blue stretched above us.

"Wow, " Jishi muttered under his breath before laying face up on the floor.

"If I were you, I wouldn't overthink it." His words danced in a tired tone. The fleeting smile on his face was one of regret. It twitched as if struggling to hold.

Despite me knowing that, I said nothing. If I did, I would trample on his pushing me forward. So I sat next to him, and as I dozed off at the sky, I crookedly whispered:

"Y-yeah, I should t-tell Ray…" A gentle breeze blew amidst the silence that followed. Bringing with it a tranquil smell. My eyes grew heavy as I yawned away. As I did an equally tranquil voice caressed my ear.

"Tell me what" A familiarly eager tone ringed at me. The heart in my chest pounded rapidly, while sweat piled behind my neck.

Turning to my right, I see Jishi. As he gave me a thumbs up before suspiciously falling asleep. Making me begrudgingly accept I'm alone in this fight.

Frightfully turning left, I see Ray. Her smile was lively and eager, as opposed to my forced composure.

"So… tell me what?" Her eyes shined expectantly as she pushed for details.

"Uh… Eh…" My voice stuck to the knot in my throat. Her gaze grew ever brighter by the second. Making me feel more pressure.

Should I tell her I like her?

No, since Jishi is right next to me.

Grasping the thought, I glimpse toward Jishi, only to find he's gone. While confused about how he disappeared, I noticed something.

It was me and Ray alone. My face set itself ablaze to this realization. Sitting up, I reluctantly turn to face her. Her eyes were bright, too bright. But I had to face them to say anything. Taking a deep breath, I struggle the words up my throat.

"I… w-would… like to go… to your game," As my voice struggled to form words, I buckled to fear. To the fear that maybe I'll mess up by telling her. So I ran, just like I used to.

"Oh, it's at 9 tomorrow, but I thought you were going already," Her eyes lost glow as her disappointment stabbed at me. But I can't run, I've moved beyond that. Because I can't be a convict of silence anymore.

"Y-yeah, but I want to s-say it there," Struggling as they may, the words came out. My heart beating out of my chest as I looked her in the eye.

Her hair flowed as her golden eyes gaped at mine. A bright smile colored her face and rosy cheeks, as I could only sigh shakily.