FAKE

A week had passed.

My assignments were handed out, and while I received decent scores for most, there was a gaping zero staring back at me for Maths. It was not because of my recent fight with Ryuto, but because I had forgotten to submit it, the assignment was still inside my bag.

For the first three days of the week, Ryuto was absent from school, and I couldn't help but wonder if my punch had something to do with it. However, he returned two days ago, but something had changed, he no longer seemed interested in bothering me.

I couldn't shake off the feeling that something big was coming my way.

In the midst of it all, I made it a point to check in on Akio daily, making sure she was holding up alright.

Due to our daily conversations, cruel rumors had started to spread about us, and my instincts told me that Ryuto was behind it.

The rumors were too scandalous to repeat, but I refused to let them affect me.

I was more worried about what Tsuki would think if she heard them. She is the only person I wish that these rumors won't reach.

I asked Akio about the rumors, and she brushed them off, saying she didn't care about them.

But after what I saw yesterday, I couldn't help but suspect that she was merely pretending not to be bothered.

"Kou-chan, you were the one who brought my bag to the club room yesterday right? I heard the door opening. So I believe it was you" She said this as she was trying to run away from any chance of an eye contact.

Did she just call me Kou-chan. That is a weird way to say my name. But ha- it's cute.

"Ahm! It was me. Sorry" I said calmly

"Don't apologize. It is not as you did something wrong. You just saw my pathetic side. Ah, do you feel like laughing? What do you think about me now? A fake girl?" She asked with a wavering voice.

I did not know how to respond to that.

All I could say was,

"No, I don't think you are fake. You are just a strong girl. I wish I could also hide my pain in front of others. I am kinda jealous."

Her eyes lit up, and she thanked me before walking away.

I don't know whether my words reached her heart or not.

I was unsure of how my words had affected her, but I wanted to discuss everything with Yozora.

However, he had been acting strange lately, disappearing after school and only chatting with me at night. I didn't mention the Ryuto rumors, as I wanted to talk to him in person.

I don't know what he is doing. I thought he was the type of character that we see in comics that stays with the main character in every scene. However, I was wrong.

Today, I decided to catch him and ask him what was going on. I waited for him at the school's front gate after club activities, but he didn't show up for half an hour. Just as I was about to give up, Yozora appeared.

"Finally, I caught you! I win!" I said, trying to lighten the mood.

Yozora looked puzzled. "What're you talking about?"

"You've been disappearing lately, so I wanted to catch you today," I explained.

"Thanks for worrying, but it's no big deal," Yozora shrugged. "Just some part-time jobs."

"Why? Are you in trouble?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Nah, it's for someone special," Yozora admitted, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "I'm confessing to someone who studied with me since junior high."

"Wait, you're in love?" Ah, the world will end today.

He chuckled. "Seriously, today's the confession day. Her name's Watanabe Yuki, lovely as freshly fallen snow," he shared, his eyes bright with anticipation.

"You've never talked about feelings for anyone before," I pointed out, taken aback.

"Huhu, I'm serious. Today's the day," Yozora affirmed. "Taking her to that fancy restaurant near the station. Incredible food but comes with a hefty price tag."

"And if she says no?" I asked, regretting the question as soon as it left my lips.

"If she says no, huhu, then I'll treat you and the guys to some food tomorrow," he replied with a nervous laugh.

"Give me the details," I pressed, eager to learn more about this mystery girl.

"I'm sorry, Kousei," he said apologetically, "I promised her that I would meet her on time. I don't want to be late."

"But hey, buddy, you're sweating like you're preparing for a triathlon. Nervous much?" I teased, noticing Yozora's anxious demeanor.

"Of course, I am! What else would you expect?" Yozora admitted, his nerves palpable.

"Should I tag along to the station? Can't have you fainting on the way," I quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

"Huhu, that might actually be a good idea. Besides, I can give you the lowdown on my soon-to-be girl friend," Yozora replied with a grin.

So, I decided to be his wingman, keeping the encouragement flowing. Honestly, any girl would fall for this guy. I had faith in him.

As we strolled, Yozora began to spill the beans about Yuki.

"Yuki? Oh, she's the hotshot of the model club. I mean, smoking hot! But hey, that's not why I fell in love with her," Yozora started, painting a vivid picture. "Back in junior high, she wasn't this glam. She had dreams of being a model, but she was kind of shy. Then, bam! She transformed! Not gonna lie, but I love both versions, though. The cute and the sizzling. She's like a top contender for the 'Best Model' title here."

As he painted the picture of Yuki, I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkled with a special gleam. It was a smile I'd never quite seen on him before—soft, genuine, and adorned with a shy twinkle.

It hit me—this guy was head over heels for her. He loves her so so much.

As we reached the station, he gently took hold of my hands, his eyes carrying an unspoken gratitude. "Kousei, thank you for walking with me. You've been a calming presence. I might have crumbled if you hadn't come along. Thank you. I'll take it from here. See you tomorrow."

I wished him all the best and he was off, leaving me at the train station, waiting for my ride.

Watching him leave, hope filled my heart for his love tale. Yozora had always dreamt of finding someone who would be by his side until the end, a companion to weather every storm, a love to last beyond eternity. I prayed this was the prologue to their blissful ever after.

Yet...