1981:ch–12

Take Me Back

To The Year

1981

Chapter 12:

"Playful banter"

The soft chatter of students filled the gakkō hallways as Haruto and Souta made their way toward the cafeteria. Their conversation remained light and playful, with Souta occasionally bumping her shoulder against his, a teasing grin never leaving her face.

Haruto couldn't help but smile, though he tried to keep it subtle. She always had this way of making things feel easy—like no matter how heavy his thoughts got, she could always pull him back without even realizing it.

As they entered the cafeteria, Souta hummed in thought. "What should we eat?"

Haruto shrugged. "You were the one who asked me to come, weren't you supposed to have a plan?"

She gasped, placing a hand over her chest dramatically. "I was hoping you'd have suggestions! You know I'm terrible at making decisions."

Haruto rolled his eyes, but there was amusement in his gaze. "Fine. Let's just get our usual."

Souta grinned. "See? I knew you'd decide for me."

They got their food and found a spot near the window, where the sunlight streamed in, making the atmosphere feel warm and serene. Souta took a bite of her food before glancing at Haruto.

"So," she started, swallowing her food. "What were you writing earlier?"

Haruto nearly choked on his drink.

He quickly cleared his throat, avoiding her gaze. "I told you, it was nothing."

Souta narrowed her eyes at him, setting her chopsticks down. "You were totally focused on it, though. Come on, you can tell me."

"It's just… random thoughts," he muttered, stirring his food with his chopsticks.

Souta rested her chin on her palm, watching him closely. "Random thoughts, huh? You sure it wasn't a love letter?"

Haruto nearly dropped his chopsticks.

Souta burst into laughter at his reaction, leaning back in her chair. "Oh my god, your face! That was too good!"

Haruto let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're ridiculous."

"I take that as a no, then?" she teased, poking at her food. "Not a love letter?"

Haruto hesitated for a split second before answering, but it was enough for Souta to catch.

Her eyes widened slightly. "Wait… was it?"

Haruto groaned, covering his face with one hand. "Souta, drop it."

Souta blinked, then leaned in closer, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Who's it for?"

"No one."

"Liar."

Haruto huffed, trying to remain composed. "It's just something I do. Writing. You know that."

Souta tilted her head, studying him for a moment before smiling softly. "Yeah, I know."

There was a pause, a beat of silence between them.

Then, as if sensing his slight discomfort, she changed the subject. "Anyway, I still can't believe you threatened to steal my lunch earlier."

Haruto smirked, relieved by the shift in conversation. "Still thinking about that?"

"Yes! It was a serious crime against our friendship," she said dramatically. "I think you should make it up to me."

"And how exactly do I do that?"

Souta grinned mischievously. "Buy me taiyaki after school."

Haruto scoffed. "So that was your plan all along."

"Maybe."

He shook his head, but the fondness in his eyes was unmistakable. "Fine. But only if you don't pester me about my notebook again."

Souta put a hand over her heart. "Deal. I promise."

Haruto didn't believe her for a second.

But he knew, deep down, that he didn't really mind.

—

After finishing their lunch, they walked side by side through the courtyard, enjoying the fresh air before their next class. The breeze played with Souta's hair, causing a few strands to fall across her face.

Haruto, without thinking, reached out and tucked them behind her ear.

Souta froze slightly, her eyes widening at the sudden gesture.

Haruto, realizing what he'd just done, quickly pulled his hand back, looking away as if nothing happened. "Your hair was messy."

Souta blinked, then smiled, a little softer this time. "Thanks."

And just like that, the moment passed, but something in the air between them felt different.

Haruto didn't know what it was.

All he knew was that his heart was beating just a little faster than before.

...

The warmth of the afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the courtyard as Haruto and Souta walked side by side, the sounds of the gakkō fading into a comfortable hum around them.

Neither of them spoke about what had just happened—about how Haruto had tucked a loose strand of hair behind Souta's ear, or how her breath had hitched for just a second too long.

It was easier that way.

Instead, Souta stretched her arms above her head, letting out a dramatic sigh. "Ugh, I don't wanna go back to class."

Haruto glanced at her, amused. "You say that every day."

"And yet, I keep showing up," she muttered, kicking a small rock on the pavement. "It's tragic, really."

Haruto shook his head. "You're ridiculous."

She grinned. "You love it."

He scoffed. "I tolerate it."

Souta gasped, placing a hand over her chest. "You tolerate me? After all these years of friendship?"

Haruto smirked. "Barely."

Souta pouted, crossing her arms. "Wow. I feel so unappreciated."

Haruto rolled his eyes, but there was no real bite to it. "If it makes you feel better, I'll still buy you taiyaki later."

Souta immediately brightened. "Now that's appreciation. You're forgiven."

They continued walking, their pace unhurried, as if they had all the time in the world.

And maybe, in this moment, they did.

—

Back in the classroom, the atmosphere had shifted into the usual quiet lull that came after lunch. The students were either half-asleep, chatting in hushed tones, or pretending to pay attention.

Haruto, for once, was actually focused—at least, he was trying to be.

But then, from the corner of his eye, he saw Souta doodling on the corner of her notebook instead of taking notes.

She looked completely absorbed, her brow slightly furrowed as she worked, occasionally tilting her head in thought.

Haruto found himself watching her for longer than necessary.

Souta must've felt his stare because she suddenly turned around, catching him in the act.

Haruto immediately looked away, pretending to be deep in his notes.

But it was too late.

She grinned. "Were you staring at me just now?"

Haruto sighed, rubbing his temple. "You wish."

"Oh? So it was just my imagination?" Souta leaned in slightly, her voice teasing.

Haruto gave her a deadpan look. "Clearly."

Souta hummed, unconvinced. "Mhm. Sure."

Before he could reply, she suddenly tore a small piece of paper from her notebook and scribbled something on it. Then, without warning, she flicked it onto his desk.

Haruto glanced at her, unimpressed, before unfolding the note.

Inside was a quick sketch of a stick figure labeled me, next to another stick figure labeled you, with an arrow pointing from him to her, followed by the words: caught staring.

Haruto exhaled through his nose, fighting back a chuckle as he grabbed his pen and scribbled a response underneath.

Maybe I was just checking to see if you were actually working for once.

He flicked the note back.

Souta opened it, read it, and then turned to him with an exaggerated look of betrayal. "Wow. That's how you see me?"

Haruto smirked. "Just stating facts."

Souta huffed, dramatically turning back to face the front. "You're the worst best friend ever."

Haruto chuckled under his breath. "You'll live."

And just like that, the moment passed, slipping back into the usual rhythm of their banter.

Oblivious.

Because neither of them was willing to read between the lines just yet.