Something Feels Different

Ren Nakamura didn't believe in perfect moments.

Life wasn't a movie. Things didn't magically fall into place.

But lately, when he was with her—

It felt close.

And that scared the hell out of him.

The Next Morning – Classroom

Ren rested his chin on his hand, staring out the window.

He barely heard the chatter of the class. His mind was somewhere else.

Or rather—on someone else.

Last night. The empty streets. The way Yuki had looked at him.The way she had whispered, "Say my name, Ren."The way his heart almost stopped when he did.

Tch. Annoying.

He shouldn't be thinking about it.

But then—

A familiar voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Morning, Ren."

His shoulders tensed.

Because for the first time—just hearing her voice did something to him.

He forced himself to turn. Yuki slid into her seat, looking as bright as ever.

But…

Something was off.

She was smiling, yeah. But her eyes weren't the same.

Less light. A little distant.

Ren narrowed his eyes.

"...You okay?"

Yuki blinked, surprised. "Huh?"

"You look weird," he muttered.

She laughed. "Geez, thanks. What a compliment."

Ren scowled. "I'm serious."

Yuki's smile didn't fade, but she looked away. "I'm fine."

Liar.

Ren hated that smile.

The kind that hid things.

The kind he used to wear.

But before he could push further—

The bell rang.

And Yuki immediately turned away, pretending to focus on class.

Ren clenched his jaw.

Something was wrong.

And for the first time, he felt a slow, creeping fear that he might not be able to stop it.

Lunch Break – Rooftop

Yuki was nowhere to be found.

Ren leaned against the railing, clicking his tongue.

Where the hell did she go?

She always followed him up here. Always.

Why was today different?

He pulled out his phone and typed:

Ren: Where are you?

No response.

He stared at the screen, gripping it a little too tight.

Then—

The rooftop door creaked open.

Ren immediately turned—only to see someone else.

A classmate, a girl whose name he didn't know, hesitated before stepping forward.

"Um… are you looking for Yuki Hoshino?"

Ren's chest tightened.

He straightened. "Yeah. Why?"

The girl hesitated. "...I saw her leave school just now."

Ren froze.

"She left?"

The girl nodded. "Yeah. She looked kinda… pale? I asked if she was okay, but she just smiled and said she had something to do."

Ren's stomach sank.

Something's wrong.

And without another word—he bolted.

Afternoon – Searching for Yuki

Ren ran through the streets, his pulse pounding.

Yuki wasn't answering her phone.

She wasn't at home.

She wasn't at any of the places she usually liked.

Where the hell did she go?

He clenched his fists. Why didn't she tell him anything?

Then—

He stopped.

The old train tracks.

The place where they spent that late night together.

His gut told him to go.

So he did.

The Train Tracks – A Truth He Didn't Want

Ren's breath came fast as he stepped onto the old wooden planks.

And then—

He saw her.

Sitting alone on the edge of the tracks, staring at the sky.

Her hair swayed in the wind. Her hands rested on her lap, small and fragile.

Ren's chest felt tight.

"...Hoshino."

Yuki flinched.

Slowly, she turned—and her eyes widened.

"Ren…?"

His heart pounded.

Because she looked different.

Not just tired. Weaker.

Paler.

Like someone trying too hard to seem okay.

And suddenly, everything clicked.

Why she smiled like nothing was wrong.Why she never told him where she went.Why today—she felt distant.

Ren took a slow step forward.

"How long?" he asked quietly.

Yuki's fingers curled around the hem of her skirt. "...What do you mean?"

Ren's jaw clenched.

"How long have you been hiding something from me?"

Yuki inhaled sharply.

She looked away.

Ren felt cold.

"...Tch." He scoffed, rubbing his face. "Of course. Of course you'd do this. Pretend everything's fine. Smile like nothing's wrong."

Yuki flinched.

"Ren—"

"Why didn't you tell me?" His voice was shaking.

Yuki's hands trembled. "I didn't want you to worry."

Ren let out a dry laugh. It wasn't funny.

"You're unbelievable," he muttered.

Yuki bit her lip. "I just… I wanted things to stay the same."

Ren's stomach twisted.

"Same as what?" he asked, voice dangerously low.

Yuki hesitated.

Then—she smiled.

And that was the moment Ren felt something break.

Because that smile wasn't real.

It was the same one he used to wear.

The same one he hated.

And he realized—

She had been protecting him.

All this time.

She had never planned to tell him.

Ren's hands tightened into fists.

Slowly, he stepped closer—until he was right in front of her.

Yuki blinked up at him.

Ren exhaled sharply.

Then—he crouched down.

Close enough to see the tired look in her eyes.

Close enough that if she lied again—he would know.

And softly—so, so softly—

He whispered:

"Yuki."

Her breath hitched.

Ren swallowed, his heart hammering.

"Please…" His voice cracked. "Just tell me the truth."

Yuki stared at him.

And for the first time—

She looked like she might break.