Experiment

Haru's eyes fixed on Sakura across the courtyard, her gaze distant as she sat alone on a bench. She appeared deep in thought, her eyes unfocused, as if she were a million miles away. Unbeknownst to Haru, Sakura's mind was preoccupied with a gnawing worry—Mia hadn't been in class for the past two days. The absence loomed over her thoughts, filling her with an unease she couldn't shake.

"Alright, Kei," Haru muttered, turning to his friend. "When I approach Sakura, I want you to record the whole thing. I'm testing something."

Kei rolled his eyes. "Just don't get too carried away with your experiment."

Haru smirked. "Relax. It's harmless."

Taking a deep breath, Haru began walking toward Sakura. Each step felt heavier than the last, his nerves building. As he approached, the faint rustling of leaves and the sound of his own footsteps filled the air.

"Hey, 'Sweet Sakura,'" Haru said, a teasing edge in his voice as he stood behind her. He couldn't help but mock the nickname, feeling a strange satisfaction in calling her something he suspected she didn't quite like.

Sakura, still lost in thought, turned at the sound of her name. She blinked up at him, as if coming out of a fog. For a moment, her expression remained distant, but then her lips softened into a delicate smile.

"Oh, Haru," she said, her voice warm yet slightly distracted. "What brings you here?"

Haru found himself momentarily speechless, captivated by how her hair shimmered in the sunlight, each strand dancing with the breeze. It wasn't the makeup that drew him in, but something else he couldn't quite place. Yesterday, Sakura had been attractive, but today, despite the worry clouding her expression, she was stunning.

"I—uh—" Haru stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. "You seemed… busy. Should I come back later?"

Sakura tilted her head, studying him. The way he hesitated, how his usual confident demeanor seemed to falter, made her curious. "No, it's fine. What's on your mind?"

"Actually," Haru began, his voice softening, "I was wondering if you could help me with the lecture."

Sakura blinked in surprise. "You need help?" Her voice was skeptical but not unkind. It didn't make sense—Haru was always the top student, the one who never needed anyone's help.

"Yeah," Haru said, trying to sound casual. "Didn't you say I could always come to you if I needed help, 'Sweet Sakura?'"

Sakura's lips quirked slightly at the nickname, though her brows furrowed. "I did say that," she replied, her tone thoughtful. "But I never thought you'd actually take me up on it."

"Why not?" Haru asked, his curiosity piqued.

Sakura hesitated, glancing away for a moment. Then she met his gaze, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face. "Because I've always thought you were better at the Law course than I am. You don't seem like the type to need help."

Her words hung between them, and for a moment, Haru felt a strange rush of warmth—something that had nothing to do with the sunlight or the day itself. He couldn't help but drink in the sight of her, noticing how her soft, smooth skin seemed to glow even in the quiet moments, how her pink lips parted slightly as she spoke. His thoughts veered suddenly to how it would feel to pull her closer, to touch her in ways he hadn't dared to before.

He tried to shake the thought away, but it persisted—raw, almost desperate. There was something about her that pulled at him in a way he didn't expect. Something deeper than admiration. His heart beat faster, and for a brief second, the air felt thick, charged with tension.

He blinked, trying to focus, but all he could think about was the way her eyes held his, how close she was, how easily he could reach out and—

"I don't think you give yourself enough credit," he blurted out, his voice quieter now, tinged with an emotion he wasn't sure how to name.

Sakura blinked, her cheeks warming at the unexpected sincerity. She opened her mouth to respond, but Haru suddenly stood.

"It was a joke," he blurted out, his voice louder than he intended. "I just wanted to see how you'd react. Sorry for bothering you. Bye!"

Before Sakura could process what he said, Haru turned and walked off, his pace quick and his face crimson, his mind a blur of thoughts—about her smile, the way she laughed, the way her lips looked so inviting. His thoughts raced, conflicting, tugging at him in ways that made him question himself.

"Haru!" Kei called after him, but he didn't stop.

Sakura sat there, staring after him, her thoughts swirling. Haru had acted so strangely—nervous, almost bashful. And that look in his eyes… She shook her head, her worry about Mia creeping back in as the moment passed.