Unspoken Words and Hidden Glances.

Miyuki wasn't sure how to respond to Haruto's words. His expression remained calm, but there was something in his tone—something unreadable.

"Renji might not be the most serious person, but that doesn't mean he isn't dependable," she said carefully.

Haruto exhaled, adjusting his glasses. "Dependable in what way?"

She hesitated. Renji had always been there for her, in his own way. Sure, he slacked off on schoolwork and never took things too seriously, but he had a way of making her laugh even on bad days. That had to count for something.

"Why do you care so much?" she asked instead, tilting her head.

For the first time, Haruto faltered. His gaze shifted away for a fraction of a second before he composed himself. "I care because I dislike seeing people waste their potential," he said, his voice controlled.

Miyuki frowned. "You mean me or him?"

Haruto paused. "...Both."

Before she could press him further, the sound of footsteps interrupted them.

"There you are, Miyuki!"

She turned to see Renji approaching, hands casually in his pockets but a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Man, what's with you two always having secret meetings? Should I be jealous?"

Haruto sighed in irritation. "This was a council matter, Kisaragi. Not that it concerns you."

Renji placed a hand over his chest in mock offense. "Ouch. And here I thought we were all good friends."

"Hardly," Haruto muttered.

Miyuki sighed, already sensing another argument coming. "Renji, I was just—"

"Never mind, never mind," Renji cut in, waving a hand. "Lunch is almost over. I was just coming to remind you that you still owe me a math session after school."

Miyuki blinked. "Oh, right…" She had nearly forgotten.

Haruto frowned slightly. "If you need help with studies, I could—"

"Nice try, Mr. Perfect, but she already agreed to help me," Renji interrupted, grinning. "Guess that means I win this round."

Haruto's jaw tightened. He didn't reply, but the look in his eyes spoke volumes.

Miyuki felt the weight of the situation settle on her. It wasn't just about math. It wasn't just about council meetings. The tension between the two wasn't just rivalry—it was something deeper, something neither of them was ready to admit.

And somehow, she was caught right in the middle of it.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, she sighed to herself.

This was going to get a lot more complicated.