A Shift in the Air

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the quiet neighborhood as Riku adjusted the strap of his school bag. He stood beside Ayaka outside Daiki's house, waiting for their friend to come out. It had become a routine for the three of them to walk to school together, just like they always had since middle school.

Ayaka brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, then glanced at Riku with a smile. "You look nice in our new uniform. It suits you."

Riku felt his face heat up slightly but kept his expression neutral. "Thanks… You look nice too."

Before Ayaka could respond, the door swung open, and Daiki stepped out, stretching his arms. "Morning, guys!"

"Finally!" Ayaka huffed playfully. "We've been waiting forever."

Daiki grinned. "Gotta make sure I leave the house looking my best." He looked them both up and down before giving an approving nod. "Damn, we really do look good in high school uniforms."

Riku rolled his eyes. "Don't get too full of yourself."

Ayaka giggled. "You do look good, Daiki. But we should hurry before we're late."

The three of them fell into step, walking down the familiar path to school. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh dew and blooming flowers. It felt just like any other day—laughing, teasing, enjoying each other's company. But for Riku, something was different. He stole a glance at Ayaka as she chatted animatedly with Daiki, her smile bright in the morning light.

When they arrived at the school gates, students bustled around, greeting friends and adjusting their new uniforms. They checked their class assignments on the posted list.

"Ayaka and Riku, Class A," Daiki read aloud, then groaned. "And I'm in Class B? Seriously?"

Ayaka laughed, patting his shoulder. "You'll survive, Daiki. It's not like we won't see each other during breaks."

"Yeah, yeah," Daiki muttered, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Betrayed on the first day."

Riku smirked. "We'll come rescue you at lunch."

They split up as the bell rang. Riku and Ayaka walked into Class A together, greeted by their new classmates. The atmosphere was lively—students were already chatting, comparing schedules, and settling into their new seats.

Ayaka was instantly popular, her friendly personality drawing people in. A few girls approached her, complimenting her hair and uniform. "You're really pretty! Have you thought about joining the student council?" one of them asked.

Ayaka laughed. "Ahh, I don't know about that. But thanks!"

Meanwhile, Riku found himself talking to a couple of guys about the soccer club. "Are you thinking of joining?" one of them asked.

"Maybe," Riku replied. "I used to play in middle school."

"Nice! The tryouts are next week."

As the classroom buzzed with energy, Riku stole a glance at Ayaka. She was chatting with a group of students, her bright laughter blending into the noise of the room. He couldn't help but smile. It felt natural—being here with her.

Meanwhile, in Class B, Daiki sat by the window, his chin resting on his hand as he stared out at the field. He exhaled loudly, feeling utterly betrayed by fate. "Of course, I'm the only one separated," he muttered under his breath.

He barely paid attention to the classroom around him, choosing instead to sulk in silence. That was until a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"You look miserable."

Daiki turned his head to see a girl standing beside his desk. She had a warm smile, her hands clasped behind her back as she tilted her head at him.

"And who are you?" Daiki asked, raising an eyebrow.

The girl chuckled. "Suzume. And you're Daiki, right? The one who sighed dramatically as soon as he entered the room."

Daiki narrowed his eyes. "Was it that obvious?"

Suzume nodded. "Painfully so."

For a moment, Daiki just stared at her. Then, to his own surprise, he laughed. "Great. Now my misery is public knowledge."

Suzume smiled, taking the empty seat beside him. "It's not so bad. Maybe being in a different class will help you make new friends."

Daiki scoffed. "I already have friends."

Suzume raised an eyebrow. "Then why do you look like a lost puppy staring out the window?"

Daiki opened his mouth to retort but found himself at a loss for words. He sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Fine. Maybe you have a point."

Suzume grinned. "Glad you admit it. Now, since we're classmates, let's get along."

As the morning classes began, Daiki found himself distracted—not just by the fact that Riku and Ayaka weren't in the same class, but by the girl who had so easily walked into his sulking and turned it into a conversation. He thought maybe he could become friends with her.

The sun hung low in the sky as Riku walked alongside Ayaka and Daiki after school, their laughter filling the streets. It was just like old times, yet Riku couldn't shake the feeling that something was changing. Maybe it was the way Ayaka's hair shimmered in the evening light, or the way her laughter seemed to echo in his chest longer than before.

"Riku, you're quiet today." Ayaka's voice snapped him from his thoughts. She leaned forward slightly, peering up at him with curious eyes.

"Huh? Oh… just tired," Riku muttered, forcing a small grin.

Daiki, walking a few steps ahead with his hands tucked in his pockets, didn't seem to notice anything off. "Probably stayed up reading again," he teased.

"Hey, I do other things too, you know," Riku shot back, nudging Daiki's shoulder.

Ayaka giggled. "That's a first."

They reached a small park, and as always, Ayaka insisted on stopping by the vending machines. "I need something sweet," she said, already digging into her bag for coins. "What about you guys?"

"I'll pass," Daiki said, stretching his arms. "I should head home soon. My parents wants me home before it gets late, and I still have homework."

Riku hesitated. Normally, he'd leave too. But today, for some reason, he lingered. "I'll stay a little longer."

Daiki waved lazily. "Alright, see you both tomorrow."

As soon as he was gone, an unfamiliar silence settled between Riku and Ayaka. She smiled, handing him a can of soda. "Here, my treat."

Riku took it hesitantly. "Thanks."

They sat on the park bench, sipping their drinks as the sky turned shades of orange and pink. Ayaka stretched her arms above her head, sighing. "High school feels so different, doesn't it?"

"Yeah…" Riku replied, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Had she always looked this… beautiful?

Just then, a group of students walked by, laughing loudly. Among them was Haruto, who waved at Ayaka. "Hey, Ayaka! We're going for ice cream. Wanna come?"

Ayaka smiled. "Ah, I'd love to, but I'm with Riku right now."

Haruto chuckled. "Ah, I see, I see. You two have fun, then."

Riku felt an unfamiliar knot in his stomach. It wasn't anger, nor sadness—it was something else. Something he didn't want to acknowledge.

As the wind carried the scent of Sakura blossoms through the air, he realized something unsettling—he was breaking the oath they had made all those years ago.