The Flicker of a Candle Flame

From the open window came a refreshing flow of air, accompanied by a couple of fallen leaves from the nearby maple trees. Yuuji was bent over, his elbows up on the window ledge. There she was. Minding her own business. The only one he would turn around for every time she passed by.

- “Ka-chan? Why don’t you take a break?” – he smiled.

- “A break? I got no time for that.”

The girl paused for a moment. Her then short hair waved with the wind. In her mouth a chocolate lollipop, the usual flavor.

- “You ranked first, again. You deserve it.”

- “Ah yes. And I wonder how you didn’t end up last.” – with the tongue, she moved the treat to the side, so she could speak with ease. “I don’t know why they haven’t kicked you out yet.”

- “Oh, come on. I’m not that bad.”

- “Well, you are too busy with other stuff. I heard Nana-senpai confessed to you the other day.”

- “Oh, and that is bothering you?”

- “I just feel sorry for the girl.”