1981:ch-3

Take Me Back

To The Year

1981

Chapter Three:

"A Mind That Wanders"

Haruto continued staring out of the window, his mind preoccupied with thoughts. He wasn't even sure what exactly he was thinking about—maybe about the weekend, maybe about Souta, or maybe just random musings that drifted into his head.

Whatever it was, it completely distracted him from his surroundings.

He was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice the professor had already arrived.

That was, until—

"Shiranami Haruto."

The sharp voice of the professor cut through the room, startling Haruto.

His body jolted slightly before he turned his head toward the front of the classroom. The teacher was standing there, arms crossed, giving him a strict and unimpressed stare.

Haruto immediately stood up, clearing his throat as he offered a small, sheepish smile.

"G-Good morning," he greeted, bowing his head slightly in apology.

A few suppressed giggles echoed from his classmates, making him realize just how ridiculous he must have looked—completely zoning out while the teacher walked in.

The professor simply sighed and shook his head.

"Don't let yourself get too distracted. Pay attention," he warned before turning to place his book on the desk, preparing to start the lesson.

"Take your seat, Haruto."

Haruto nodded and quickly sat down, exhaling quietly in relief.

Even though he felt a bit embarrassed, he figured it wasn't a big deal. The professor had only given him a warning, and his classmates would forget about it soon enough.

As he settled back into his seat, he suddenly felt a pair of eyes on him.

Turning his head slightly, he met Souta's gaze.

She was looking at him with a concerned expression. Then, without making a sound, she mouthed, "You okay? Don't mind the others. They're just… forget it. Just pay attention to the lecture."

After that, she gave him a small, warm smile before turning back to face the teacher.

Haruto felt his face grow warm.

It wasn't good to lose your cool in front of your crush.

Letting out a quiet sigh, he simply shrugged it off and reached for his notebook.

'It's not my fault he came in so suddenly,' he thought to himself as he flipped open the pages.

Determined to avoid further embarrassment, he finally focused on the lesson, jotting down notes as the professor began explaining today's topic.

But despite his efforts, there was still one thing that continued to distract him.

Or rather—someone.

Because no matter what, when it came to Souta, he never minded getting distracted.

---

After Class End

The sound of the school bell ringing filled the room, signaling the end of yet another class.

As soon as the lesson was officially over, the students began moving around, stretching and chatting with one another. Some hurriedly packed up their things, eager for the break, while others lazily slumped over their desks.

Haruto let out a deep breath and leaned back in his chair, rolling his shoulders slightly.

Another class down.

"Well, at least you didn't get in trouble again," Souta teased, turning in her seat to face him.

Haruto scoffed, giving her a sideways glance. "That's because I actually paid attention this time."

Souta giggled. "Good job, Shiranami. I'm proud of you."

Haruto rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the small smile playing at his lips.

As they packed up their books, Souta stretched her arms above her head.

"Ugh, I'm so hungry," she groaned. "What's next? Lunch break?"

Haruto checked the time. "Yeah, lunch break's starting now."

"Great!" Souta grinned, standing up and turning toward him expectantly.

Haruto blinked, realizing what she was waiting for.

He sighed but stood up as well, picking up his bag.

"Alright, alright. Let's go," he muttered, already knowing she wanted to eat together.

Souta beamed.

The two of them walked toward the cafeteria together, blending into the usual crowd of students.

It was another ordinary day—

And yet, for Haruto, it was moments like this that made everything feel special.

————

Lunchtime And Unspoken Feelings

As Haruto and Souta walked through the crowded hallways toward the cafeteria, the lively chatter of students filled the air. Groups of friends gathered near their lockers, laughing and discussing their plans for the weekend. Some hurried ahead, eager to secure their favorite spots in the cafeteria before it became too crowded.

Haruto walked with his hands tucked into his pockets, while Souta strolled beside him, her usual bright smile never fading.

"I heard today's lunch special is curry rice," Souta chirped, glancing at him. "I hope they still have some left by the time we get there."

Haruto raised an eyebrow. "You're that excited over cafeteria food?"

She pouted at him. "Hey, don't underestimate school curry! Sometimes, it's actually good!"

Haruto chuckled. "Right, right. If you say so."

Souta huffed but didn't argue further. Instead, she quickened her pace, dragging him along.

When they reached the cafeteria, they found it already bustling with students, the smell of various meals wafting through the air. The two of them joined the line, waiting for their turn to order.

As they stood in line, Haruto glanced at the side and noticed a familiar group of students sitting by the window—Souta's friends. They were already waving at her, calling her over.

"You should go sit with them," Haruto said, nodding toward them.

Souta turned to look, then shrugged. "Nah, I'll sit with you today."

Haruto blinked, caught off guard. "Huh? Why?"

She grinned. "Because I feel like it."

Haruto felt his heartbeat quicken. She said it so casually, but to him, it meant something else entirely.

Before he could say anything, it was finally their turn to order. Souta happily got her curry rice, while Haruto opted for a simple bento. With their trays in hand, they walked to their usual spot—a quieter corner near the windows.

Souta wasted no time digging into her food. "Mmm! See? Told you it'd be good," she said between bites.

Haruto chuckled, opening his own lunch. "Yeah, yeah. Enjoy your curry, early bird."

Souta shot him a playful glare but didn't stop eating.

As they ate, the conversation drifted from schoolwork to weekend plans.

"So," Souta began, twirling her spoon, "you'll help me at the bakery again this Saturday, right?"

Haruto sighed but nodded. "Yeah, I already said I would."

Souta smiled in satisfaction. "Good. You're the best, Haruto."

Haruto almost choked on his rice. He quickly looked away, hoping she wouldn't notice the slight pink tinge on his face.

"You say that now, but I bet you'll make me do all the heavy lifting again," he muttered.

Souta laughed. "Of course! That's why I invited you!"

Haruto shook his head, but deep down, he didn't mind at all.

He'd do anything if it meant spending more time with her.

---

An Unexpected Interruption

Just as they were finishing their meals, a voice suddenly called out—

"Souta!"

Haruto turned his head, only to see one of their classmates, Ryuji Takeda, approaching their table.

Ryuji was tall, athletic, and well-liked among their peers. He was a friendly guy, but for some reason, Haruto always found himself irritated whenever he saw him talking to Souta.

"Hey, Souta," Ryuji greeted with a grin. "Are you free after school? A few of us are going to a café, and I thought you might want to join."

Souta blinked in surprise. "Oh, um..." She hesitated and glanced at Haruto.

Haruto kept his expression neutral, though his grip on his chopsticks tightened slightly.

"You should go if you want," he said casually.

Souta pursed her lips before shaking her head. "I think I'll pass today. I already have plans."

Haruto's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly masked his surprise.

Ryuji seemed a little disappointed but nodded in understanding. "Alright, maybe next time then."

With that, he gave a small wave before walking away.

Haruto glanced at Souta, who simply continued eating as if nothing had happened.

"You… had plans?" he asked slowly.

Souta hummed. "Yep. Walking home with you."

Haruto stared at her. She said it so nonchalantly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

His chest tightened, a mix of emotions swirling inside him.

But in the end, he simply smiled to himself and returned to his food.

He didn't need to say anything.

Because sometimes, the unspoken words between them were enough.

---

After Lunch

As the bell rang, signaling the end of the break, the students began clearing out of the cafeteria and heading back to their classrooms.

Haruto and Souta walked side by side through the hallway, their pace slow and unhurried.

"Afternoon classes are going to be boring," Haruto muttered.

Souta giggled. "Well, if you pay attention instead of staring out the window, maybe they won't be."

Haruto rolled his eyes but smirked. "No promises."

Souta shook her head fondly as they continued walking.

Though the day was far from over, one thing was certain—

As long as they were together, everything felt just a little bit brighter.

As they walked back to class, Souta suddenly slowed her pace, causing Haruto to glance at her in question.

"Hey," she said softly, her voice losing its usual teasing tone. "Are you okay?"

Haruto blinked. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Souta pouted slightly. "You looked kind of… off earlier. Like, when Ryuji invited me to the café."

Haruto stiffened slightly but quickly shrugged. "It's nothing. I just—" He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess I just didn't expect you to say no."

Souta tilted her head. "Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know," Haruto mumbled, looking away. "You like hanging out with people. You could've gone if you wanted to."

Souta suddenly stopped walking.

Haruto, realizing she wasn't beside him anymore, turned around—only to find her staring at him with a soft expression.

"Haruto," she started, stepping closer. "I didn't say no because I didn't want to go. I said no because I already had plans with you."

Haruto's breath hitched slightly.

Souta sighed, crossing her arms. "Do you really think I'd ditch you for something like that?"

He opened his mouth, then closed it. He honestly wasn't sure how to answer.

Souta shook her head before reaching out and grabbing his sleeve, tugging it lightly.

"Dummy," she murmured. "I like spending time with you, you know."

Haruto's heart skipped a beat.

The way she said it—so effortlessly, without hesitation—made his chest tighten.

"You…" He swallowed, trying to keep his voice steady. "You do?"

Souta let out a small laugh. "Obviously. I mean, who else is going to carry all the heavy stuff at the bakery?"

Haruto rolled his eyes. "Right. So that's the only reason."

She grinned playfully, but then her expression softened again.

"Haruto," she said seriously, "you're my best friend. But more than that… you're someone important to me."

Haruto felt his whole world tilt slightly at her words.

His fingers curled into fists, trying to control the sudden rush of emotions inside him.

Souta must have noticed, because she suddenly stepped even closer, lightly nudging his arm.

"So stop acting like you're second place to anyone, okay?" she said quietly. "Because you're not."

Haruto inhaled sharply, his chest feeling strangely warm.

He didn't know what to say—what could he say?

In the end, he just exhaled and gave her a small smile.

"...Got it," he murmured.

Souta beamed at him before looping her arm through his and tugging him forward.

"Good! Now, come on. We're going to be late for class."

Haruto allowed her to pull him along, his mind still processing everything that had just happened.

Maybe—just maybe—she wasn't as oblivious as he thought.