A Tension That Can’t Be Ignored

The last bell of the day rang, signaling the end of classes. Students poured out of their classrooms, chatting about weekend plans and upcoming tests. Miyuki gathered her books, feeling the weight of the day pressing on her.

As promised, she had agreed to help Renji with math after school, but Haruto's earlier words still lingered in her mind.

"You shouldn't waste your time with someone who never takes things seriously."

Why did he say that? And why did he look… frustrated?

"Miyuki!"

Renji appeared beside her desk, grinning as he slung his bag over his shoulder. "Ready to go? I promise I'll actually try this time."

She gave him a tired but amused look. "You better. Otherwise, you'll fail the next test, and I'm not taking the blame."

"Relax, with you as my tutor, I can't fail," he said with a wink.

Before she could reply, a shadow fell over them.

"Asano, are you leaving now?"

She turned to see Haruto standing at the classroom door, his usual composed expression in place.

Renji groaned. "You again? Do you track her movements or something?"

Haruto ignored him, focusing solely on Miyuki. "The council still needs to finalize the schedule for next week's event. I'd prefer to do it today rather than rush later."

Miyuki hesitated. "Oh, right… I forgot about that."

"See? I knew he'd try to steal you away again," Renji muttered, crossing his arms.

"She has responsibilities," Haruto stated.

"So do I," Renji shot back. "Like passing my math test."

Miyuki sighed, rubbing her temples. "Okay, okay, both of you, stop. I'll help Renji with math first, and then I'll meet you at the student council room after, okay?"

Haruto glanced at Renji before nodding. "Fine. But don't take too long."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving behind an awkward silence.

Renji clicked his tongue. "Man, that guy really knows how to kill the mood."

Miyuki gave him a look. "He's just responsible."

"He's just annoying," Renji corrected, then smirked. "But whatever, I got you first, so that's a win for me."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling a little. "Come on, let's just start studying."

---

Later That Evening

By the time Miyuki finished tutoring Renji, the sun had begun to set, casting warm orange hues across the sky.

"See? That wasn't so bad," she said as they packed up.

Renji stretched lazily. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the help, princess."

She frowned. "Stop calling me that."

"Can't help it," he teased. "It suits you."

Miyuki sighed, standing up. "I have to go to the council room now. Try to actually study what we went over, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah," he waved her off before grinning. "But don't stay too long with Mr. Perfect, alright?"

Miyuki shook her head and left before he could say anything else.

---

Student Council Room

When she arrived, Haruto was already there, seated at the long table, neatly stacking documents.

"You're late," he said without looking up.

"I had to finish helping Renji," she replied, sitting down.

Haruto placed a folder in front of her. "We still need to assign roles for the event. I've listed the possible candidates."

Miyuki flipped through the papers. "You're really thorough."

"It's necessary," he said simply.

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Unlike with Renji, who always filled the space with jokes or teasing, being with Haruto was different. It was quieter, more serious… but not unpleasant.

She found herself studying his expression. He looked calm as always, but something about the way his fingers tapped lightly against the table made her think otherwise.

"Haruto," she said hesitantly.

He looked up, surprised at her using his first name. "What?"

She hesitated, then finally asked, "Do you… not like Renji?"

His expression barely changed, but his fingers stopped tapping.

"It's not about liking or disliking," he said carefully. "I just think he's careless."

Miyuki frowned. "That's not true. He cares about people, even if he doesn't show it the way you do."

Haruto was silent for a moment before exhaling. "Maybe."

Miyuki watched him, realizing something.

It wasn't that Haruto hated Renji.

He just didn't like how close she was to him.

And with that realization, she knew—this love triangle wasn't just forming.

It had already begun.