Chapter 20: "A Change in the Air"

The morning held a stillness that was almost quiet. Haruto Kirigami sat at his desk, elbow on the desk, eyes drifting out the window. The sky was a dull gray, reflecting the uneventful mood within the classroom. And yet, today was different somehow—something subtly off.

He could sense it.

His eyes shifted ever so slightly to the side, where Nasaki Kitta sat, acting as though she was interested in her notebook.

She hadn't even looked at him once.

Haruto smirked ever so slightly. Still embarrassed, huh?

He reclined back in his seat, his mind wandering back to yesterday—when he had questioned her about what she had whispered to him while he was ill.

Her face had turned bright red. She had stuttered, totally flustered, before dashing away without offering him a direct answer.

It had been amusing.

And yet, now that she was avoiding him, a strange feeling settled in his chest.

"Hey, Haruto," one of his classmates nudged him, snapping him out of his thoughts. "The teacher's about to assign partners for the project."

Haruto barely reacted, but he listened as the teacher began reading out names.

"Haruto Kirigami and…" There was a pause.

"Nasaki Kitta."

A couple of their classmates exchanged glances, clearly intrigued.

Nasaki's head snapped up. Of course.

Haruto smiled to himself, leaning his chin on his hand. Well, this should be fun.

The school day flew by, and before he knew it, the final bell was ringing, and Haruto was making his way to the rooftop.

The cool wind welcomed him as he stepped out. The sky had lightened a bit, bits of blue peeking through the gray clouds.

Nasaki was already there, resting against the railing. She turned when she heard the door creak open, her face unreadable.

"You're late," she grumbled.

Haruto shrugged. "Didn't know we had a set time."

She huffed, turning away. "Let's just get this over with."

Haruto observed her for a moment before approaching her, resting beside her against the railing.

"So, about the project," Nasaki began, flipping through her notebook. "We need to split the work."

Haruto smirked. "You're still weirding out on me."

Nasaki stiffened. "W-What's wrong with you?"

He inclined his head ever so slightly. "You know what I mean."

She snapped her tongue out, not looking at him. "Just pay attention to the project."

Haruto laughed, but dropped it—for the moment.

They chatted about the assignment for the next half an hour, their normal cadence gradually returning. The tension between them dissipated as Nasaki concentrated, and Haruto did listen.

Somewhere in between, their chat veered—meandering between school and whatever crossed their minds, as if it were the most ordinary thing to do.

At the other time, Nasaki rested her chin on her hand and grumbled, "You've changed."

Haruto blinked. "Oh?"

She nodded. "Previously, you were always aloof. You still are, but now… I don't know. It seems like you're actually listening."

He didn't respond immediately. He looked out over the schoolyard, watching the students leaving for the day.

Maybe she was right.

After finishing their discussion, they walked home together.

The streets were quieter than usual, the sky now darkening into shades of orange.

Nasaki walked beside him, her hands in her pockets. She seemed deep in thought.

Haruto glanced at her. "You've been acting differently, too."

Nasaki blinked. "Huh?"

"You're not as annoying as you used to be," he joked.

She snorted. "Thanks."

He grinned.

But then, silence.

They continued walking, the tension between them thick with unspoken understanding.

And then—

"Haruto."

He turned his head.

Nasaki paused. Then, softly, she asked, "Do you really not remember what I said that day?"

Haruto blinked.

For a moment, he thought about teasing her.

But then—

He wanted to know.

"…I don't," he confessed.

Nasaki clenched her lip. She turned away, her fists curling.

"I-I just… I just said something stupid, that's all," she mumbled.

Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Was it really that stupid?"

She faltered—before abruptly stopping dead in her tracks.

"…Forget it."

And with that, she spun on her heel and strode away.

Haruto followed her with his eyes, a peculiar sensation settling in his chest.

For some reason, he couldn't tear his gaze away.

What had she said that day, anyway?

And why did it seem so urgent?

End of Chapter 20