Classmates Find Out (105)

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the quiet streets near the school, filtering through the cherry blossom trees that lined the path. Haruto and Aiko walked side by side, their fingers hesitantly brushing against each other as they strolled toward the train station. It had become their little routine—walking together after school, away from prying eyes, away from the questions that neither of them was ready to answer.

Keeping their relationship a secret had been a mutual decision. They weren't ashamed, but the idea of everyone knowing, teasing, or prying into their personal moments made them nervous. For now, their love existed in stolen glances, whispered words, and the quiet warmth of their intertwined hands when no one was watching.

At least, that's what they thought.

Aiko sighed, stealing a glance at Haruto. "I feel like we've been sneaking around forever."

Haruto chuckled. "It's only been a few weeks."

She pouted. "Still. It's hard pretending we're just friends when…" She hesitated, her cheeks flushing pink.

"When?" Haruto asked, tilting his head.

She looked away, squeezing his hand. "When I just want to be with you. Without hiding."

Haruto stopped walking for a moment, pulling her gently to a halt. He looked at her, his usual playful expression softening. "Me too."

Aiko smiled shyly, and for a brief moment, everything else faded. Just them, just this moment—perfect and untouched by the world outside their bubble.

Then, a voice shattered the quiet.

"Wait… Are they holding hands?!"

Aiko's heart nearly stopped. She spun around, her eyes widening as she saw two classmates standing a few feet away. One of them, Kenji, had his mouth hanging open in shock, while the other, Yui, gasped as she clutched her phone.

Aiko quickly pulled her hand away from Haruto's, but it was too late.

Kenji smirked. "So this is why you two have been acting weird lately."

Haruto sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Kenji—"

"Oh my gosh!" Yui squealed. "I knew something was going on! You two have been spending so much time together, but I thought it was just best-friend stuff. But this—this is so cute!"

Aiko felt heat rising to her face. "It's not— I mean, we weren't—"

Kenji raised an eyebrow. "You weren't what? Holding hands?"

Haruto shot him a flat look. "What are you, a detective?"

Kenji grinned. "Hey, don't blame me. If you wanted to keep it a secret, maybe don't be this obvious."

Aiko groaned, covering her face. This wasn't how she wanted people to find out.

Yui, on the other hand, was practically bouncing with excitement. "This is so romantic! How long has this been going on? Who confessed first? Wait—does Mei know?"

Aiko and Haruto exchanged glances. They had told no one, not even Mei, Aiko's closest friend.

Kenji crossed his arms. "Well, if Mei doesn't know, she's gonna find out soon."

Aiko panicked. "You're not going to tell people, are you?"

Yui gasped dramatically. "Of course not! But, I mean, people are going to find out. You two are, like, the most popular pair in class. And now you're a couple?" She clasped her hands together. "It's like a romance manga happening in real life!"

Haruto sighed. "Great."

Aiko tugged at his sleeve. "What do we do?" she whispered.

Haruto glanced at their classmates. "Nothing, I guess. We can't make them unsee what they saw."

Kenji chuckled. "Exactly. But don't worry, I won't be that guy who spreads rumors."

Aiko eyed him suspiciously. "Really?"

He shrugged. "Hey, I might be nosy, but I'm not a jerk. It's your relationship, not mine."

Yui, on the other hand, was vibrating with excitement. "But can I at least ask questions? Pleeease?"

Haruto groaned. "Fine. One question."

Yui beamed. "Who confessed first?"

Aiko bit her lip. "I did."

Yui gasped, grabbing Kenji's arm. "I knew it!"

Kenji laughed. "Alright, this is fun, but we should probably head home. Don't worry, we won't make a big deal out of it."

As they left, Yui gave them one last excited wave. "You guys are so cute together!"

When they were finally alone again, Aiko sighed. "Well. That happened."

Haruto chuckled, slipping his hand back into hers. "Guess the secret's out."

She looked up at him, nervous. "Are you okay with that?"

He squeezed her hand. "Yeah. It's not like I was planning to hide forever. Besides…" He smiled. "I like holding your hand too much to care who sees."

Aiko giggled, her heart swelling. Maybe this wasn't such a bad thing after all.