Unspoken Words
Getting home from school, Riku lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts in turmoil. He tried to shake off the overwhelming emotions stirring within him, but the realization was unavoidable—he was falling in love with Ayaka.
*"We made an oath never to fall in love with each other… I thought it was impossible, but why? Why did I have to fall for her? Unbelievable. I need to snap out of this soon."* He muttered to himself before shutting his eyes, hoping sleep would drown out his thoughts.
---
### **Morning Tension**
The next morning, as always, Riku and Ayaka stood outside Daiki's house, waiting for him to come out. When Daiki finally emerged, his expression was weary, his eyes heavy with exhaustion and that of someone who didn't want to go to school. He looked as if he hadn't slept at all.
**"Daiki, what happened? You look terrible today,"** Ayaka said, her voice filled with concern.
Riku, ever the tease, smirked. **"What happened? Your period?"**
Ayaka's eyes twitched, and without a second thought, she delivered a firm knock to his head. **"Don't say stuff like that."**
Riku groaned, rubbing his forehead. **"Jeez, it was just a joke."**
Ignoring Riku, Ayaka turned back to Daiki. **"Seriously though, are you okay?"**
Daiki stared at them for a few seconds before exhaling softly. **"It's nothing,"** he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Although skeptical, Ayaka decided not to push further. With that, the three of them headed to school.
---
### **A Growing Distance**
Once inside the classroom, Riku found himself distracted. His eyes unconsciously followed Ayaka as she interacted with their classmates, her laughter ringing through the air. One of the boys, Haruto, cracked a joke, earning a bright, genuine laugh from her.
A strange feeling twisted inside Riku's chest—**jealousy.**
He scolded himself. *"This is normal. We've always been like this. So why does it feel different now?"* His fingers curled into a fist beneath his desk.
The class began and Riku was still lost in thoughts
**"Riku?"**
The teacher's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He blinked, realizing the entire class was staring at him, waiting for an answer.
**"Huh?"**
Ayaka chuckled beside him. **"Daydreaming?"** she whispered, playfully nudging him.
Riku forced a grin, but inside, he was struggling more than ever.
---
### **Daiki and Suzume – An Unexpected Bond**
Meanwhile, in Class B, Daiki rested his head on his desk. Though the teacher noticed, they chose to ignore it, sensing something was off. Across the room, Suzume watched him, her sharp eyes picking up on his somber aura.
As the lunch break started, Daiki made his way toward his usual quiet spot to eat his lunch alone. Before he could settle down, Suzume appeared, standing before him with a determined look.
**"You're coming with me,"** she declared.
Daiki frowned. **"Do you always force people to socialize with you?"**
Suzume smirked. **"Only the ones who look like they're about to write a tragic poem in their heads."**
Daiki let out a short chuckle. **"And what if I was?"**
Suzume shrugged. **"Then I'd have to read it first."**
Before he could protest, she dragged him to the courtyard. They ate together, exchanging light banter. Suzume then challenged him to a quick game of rock-paper-scissors, the loser buying drinks.
Daiki found himself laughing more than he had in a while. He studied her for a moment before asking, **"Why don't I see you with other students? I'm the only one you always talk to."**
Suzume didn't hesitate. **"Is that bothering you?"**
Daiki hesitated before answering. **"No."**
Somehow, talking to Suzume felt easy. Natural.
---
### **After School – A Shift in Dynamics**
The final bell rang, and students began packing up to leave. As they walked outside, Ayaka clapped her hands together, smiling brightly.
**"Hey, let's go to the café we always go to! It's been a while."**
**"I'm in,"** Daiki immediately responded, eager to spend time with them.
Riku, however, hesitated for a moment too long. **"I… don't know. I might head home early today."**
Ayaka tilted her head. **"Really? That's rare."**
Daiki nudged Riku, sensing something off. **"Come on, don't be boring."**
Riku forced a weak smile. **"Next time, maybe."**
A heavy silence lingered. Even Daiki sensed it—something had changed.
Daiki and Ayaka decided to go together. As they walked off, Ayaka grinned mischievously at him.
**"You're paying."**
Daiki scoffed. **"Wow, you really know how to take advantage of your friends."**
**"Damn right."**
They burst into laughter, momentarily easing the tension of the day.
---
### **Riku's Solitude**
That evening, Riku found himself at the park. It was the same park where they used to play as kids, where they first met.
He sat on the swings, staring at the empty spot beside him where Ayaka once sat as a child, giggling without a care in the world.
His hands clenched into fists. **"If I tell her… will everything fall apart?"**
The setting sun bathed the park in a golden glow, but despite its warmth, all Riku could feel was the cold weight of uncertainty settling in his chest.