The Space Between Us

The next day, Miyuki found herself caught between two very different worlds.

On one side, there was Renji—playful, carefree, and always teasing her with a grin that could make anyone forget their worries.

On the other, there was Haruto—serious, reliable, and someone who always seemed to have everything under control.

And then there was her, stuck right in the middle.

The awkward tension from last night's conversation with Haruto still lingered in her mind. Was he really bothered by Renji? And if so… why?

She didn't get much time to dwell on it before Renji's voice snapped her back to reality.

"Yo, Miyuki!"

She turned to see him jogging toward her, his usual relaxed expression in place.

"You look deep in thought," he said, smirking. "Thinking about me?"

Miyuki sighed. "In your dreams."

"Ouch. Brutal as always."

She rolled her eyes but smiled a little. "What do you want?"

"Walk to school together?" He tilted his head. "Unless, of course, Mr. Perfect already asked you."

Miyuki frowned. "Haruto doesn't—"

"Good, then let's go!" He grabbed her wrist and pulled her along before she could protest.

---

Meanwhile, at School

When Miyuki arrived at class, Haruto was already seated at his desk, flipping through a textbook. As if sensing her presence, he looked up immediately.

Their eyes met, and for a split second, she felt like she should say something—anything—to break the lingering awkwardness from yesterday.

But before she could, Renji leaned in beside her, whispering, "He's staring. Told you he's watching you."

Miyuki sighed and elbowed him lightly. "Stop it."

She turned back to Haruto, who had already gone back to his book, as if their brief interaction never happened.

It was frustrating.

Renji was easy—what you saw was what you got. But Haruto? He was impossible to read.

And somehow, that only made her more curious.

---

Lunch Break: Confrontation

Miyuki sat under a tree in the courtyard, enjoying the brief moment of peace. That peace, however, was short-lived.

Haruto appeared, standing in front of her. "We need to talk."

Miyuki blinked, caught off guard. "Uh… okay?"

He sat beside her, arms crossed. "Why are you always around Renji?"

She stared at him. "Excuse me?"

"It's a simple question," he said, looking straight ahead. "You spend a lot of time with him. More than necessary."

Miyuki frowned. "Why does it matter?"

Haruto was silent for a moment before he spoke.

"Because I don't trust him."

Miyuki felt irritation bubble up. "Renji isn't a bad person, Haruto."

"I never said he was," Haruto replied smoothly. "I just don't think he takes things seriously. Including you."

She narrowed her eyes. "And you do?"

This time, Haruto turned to face her fully.

"Yes."

Miyuki's breath hitched. He didn't hesitate. He didn't even blink.

She looked away, suddenly feeling flustered. "That's… ridiculous."

Haruto leaned in slightly, his voice calm but firm. "Is it?"

Before she could respond, a voice interrupted them.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Renji stood a few feet away, arms crossed, watching them with an unreadable expression.

For the first time, Miyuki could feel the weight of the distance growing between them all.

And she wasn't sure what to do about it.