Chapter 33 – Growing Closer Through Small Moments

It was hardly dawn when Haruto Kirigami departed his residence. He readjusted his bag and headed to the customary meeting point where Nasaki Kitta always remained. It had become a silent habit between them, something neither of them had ever discussed but instinctively fell into.

"Haruto!" Nasaki's cheerful voice pulled him out of his thoughts. She stood near the gate, a bright smile lighting up her face.

"Morning," Haruto mumbled, his voice still a little hesitant despite how often they had been walking together.

"Still not used to this, huh?" Nasaki teased, falling into step beside him.

Haruto glanced sideways at her, his expression unreadable. "I guess… I'm not really used to being around someone like this."

Nasaki's smile softened. "Well, get used to it. I'm not going anywhere."

Her words lingered in Haruto's mind longer than he expected.

The morning classes went by smoothly. Haruto focused on his notes, but every so often, he caught Nasaki's glances. When their eyes met, she would flash a teasing grin, making Haruto look away in embarrassment.

"Haruto," Nasaki whispered during a quiet moment, leaning slightly toward him.

"Hm?"

"Relax, you're too serious." She laughed softly. "Loosen up a bit, okay?"

Haruto's cheeks flushed. "I… I am relaxed."

"Yeah sure," Nasaki said with a grin. "Your stiff shoulders tell another story."

Haruto let out a sigh, trying to conceal his flushed face from behind his notebook. His classmates were beginning to notice how much they interacted, but instead of taunting, most of them simply offered knowing smiles.

During lunch, Nasaki brought Haruto to their favorite quiet area on the rooftop. They had been visiting frequently, savoring the serenity away from the din of the other students.

"Haruto," Nasaki began after a few minutes of easeful silence.

"Hm?"

"What… do you plan to do in the future?" Her voice was softer, more serious than her normal tone.

Haruto stopped, taken aback by the question. He hadn't actually considered that far forward. "I don't know… I haven't made up my mind yet."

Nasaki leaned to one side, her eyes contemplative. "That's alright. There's still time."

"Why not you, then?" Haruto found himself asking.

Nasaki's face lit up. "I… I want to do something that I enjoy. Perhaps something creative."

Haruto nodded, his face relaxing as he listened. He enjoyed listening to her dream. It made her so. real.

"Let's study after school," Nasaki proposed nonchalantly as they cleaned up.

"Study?" Haruto blinked.

"Yeah. I figured we could. you know, study for the next exams coming up." Nasaki's voice was carefree, but there was a hint of hope in her eyes.

Haruto, even though unsure, nodded. "Okay."

They ended up at a quiet corner of the library, books spread between them. Haruto tried to focus on the equations in front of him, but Nasaki's presence was… distracting. Her quiet humming, the way her hair fell over her shoulder as she leaned closer to her notes—it was all too much.

"Haruto." Nasaki's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Huh?"

"You've been staring at the same page for five minutes." She smirked, clearly amused.

Haruto cleared his throat, looking away. "I was just… thinking."

Nasaki laughed softly. "Thinking about math? Sure."

Her teasing was lighthearted, but she shifted a little closer, her shoulder brushing against his. "Come on. Focus. I'm here to help, remember?"

Haruto nodded, but the warmth where their arms touched lingered longer than it should have.

When they packed their belongings and left the library, already the sun had started setting and was spreading warm light all around the school property.

"Today was pleasant," Nasaki uttered quietly while she walked alongside Haruto.

"Y-Yeah," Haruto answered quietly.

Nasaki ceased walking in an instant and took a step away from him to face him with sparkling eyes. "Let's do it often."

Haruto blinked and caught her in bewilderment at her remark. "Huh?

Spend time together," Nasaki supplemented, her cheeks flushing. "I mean. if you don't mind."

Haruto's heart skipped a beat. He didn't mind. Not even a little. But the words refused to come out. All he could manage was a little nod, his face softer than normal.

As they kept walking, Haruto couldn't help but feel the heat in his chest. Something between them was shifting—and he wasn't certain if he was prepared for it or not.

But for the moment… he didn't mind walking one step at a time.