FUUTO EXPERIENCING DISCOMFORT

Over the weekend, we engaged in minimal activities. Ayu expressed a preference for staying indoors, except for occasional phone conversations. We spent nearly two to three hours discussing our experiences and sharing trivial gossip related to school and family matters. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Ayu expressed a desire to walk to school with me on Monday morning. Initially, I contemplated reciprocating her request, but I ultimately agreed to accompany her.

On Monday morning, the entire school witnessed Ayu and me holding hands. This unexpected display of affection elicited astonishment and speculation among students. Rumors circulated suggesting a romantic relationship between us. Ayu remained oblivious to these rumors, prioritizing her happiness and the comfort of being in my presence.

As I walked alongside Ayu, I felt a surge of embarrassment. Her arm rested comfortably between her chest, causing my cheeks to flush. I endeavored to compose myself, refraining from inappropriate thoughts.

"Daisuke, please remain composed," I internally admonished myself. "I acknowledge Ayu as my girlfriend, yet I must also respect her boundaries. Control your emotions, as this is my first experience in a relationship."

"Daisuke?" Ayu inquired, perplexed by my sudden change in demeanor.

"Yes, Ayu," I responded, my face still flushed.

"Are you alright, Daisuke?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

"It is nothing, Ayu," I reassured her, attempting to steady my voice. 

"Oh, alright," she replied with a giggle and smile.

On the other side, Fuuto was reading a novel in class while he waited for me and Ayu. However, he began to hear a group of students entering the class discussing Ayu and me. Fuuto attempted to listen to their conversation, but he could not hear them. All he could discern were mentions of our names. Concerned that something had transpired, Fuuto reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone to contact us if everything was in order. As soon as he did so, he noticed us walking together and entering the class. Ayu was holding my arm, which Fuuto interpreted as a sign of a romantic relationship. However, he was perplexed and proceeded to approach us directly to inquire.

"Are you both alright? I overheard a group of students mentioning your names, but I could not comprehend their conversation."

"We are fine," I replied with a smile. "It's just that Ayu and I are in a relationship, which is why everyone saw Ayu holding my arm," I explained the situation to Fuuto with genuine happiness.

Fuuto was perplexed by Ayu's newfound relationship with me, initially expressing discomfort. However, he eventually smiled and apologized, acknowledging the adjustment period.

"I understand how this may be for you, Daisuke. I've been your best friend for the past seven years, and it's always been the two of us. I apologize for my awkward expression."

"Please don't apologize, Fuuto," Ayu reassured him.

As class commenced, we settled into our seats, and Fuuto continued to display his discomfort. I was concerned about him and intended to speak with him after lunch. However, the bell rang, signaling the start of lunchtime, and Fuuto was preoccupied with joining the queue at the cafeteria.

"Daisuke, would you like to join me and my friends for lunch?" Ayu asked with a smile.

"Sure," I replied.

I walked to Ayu's seat and sat down next to her, surrounded by other girls.

"I prepared lunch for you here. I hope you enjoy it," Ayu said.

Ayu had prepared lunch for me, and I was delighted. I eagerly anticipated savoring her homemade meal. She had made karaage bento, which appeared visually appealing. As I took my first bite, my eyes widened in amazement.

"Oh my gosh, this is incredible, Ayu. Thank you so much," I exclaimed, gently pressing her cheek.

"I'm glad you like it," Ayu smiled.

"Ahem," one of her friends interrupted, prompting Ayu to introduce them.

"I apologize for being impolite, Daisuke. This is Mei, Asuka, and Yuka," she said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Daisuke. Ayu speaks highly of you when we are together," Asuka teased, playfully nudging Ayu.

"That's not entirely accurate. I suppose I do mention you quite frequently…" Ayu averted her gaze, blushing profusely.

"Be gentle with her, she's a kindhearted soul," Mei said with a warm smile.

"Indeed, she is an angel. Take care of her, Daisuke," Yume said.

"Please, stop you two," Ayu blushed.

"Why do you want them to stop? If they are not mistaken, you are an angel of heart. You are very special, Ayu," I said, genuinely expressing my feelings for her. Ayu could not stop blushing. However, I appeared somewhat sad, and Ayu noticed my facial expression, sensing something amiss. She asked,

"Is something wrong, Daisuke?"

"Would it be alright if I spoke to you in private?" I inquired. She responded positively, expressing her concern and desire to support me.

Ayu and I walked to the hallway, approximately ten feet apart from class. She looked at me, holding my hand, and asked again, "What is wrong with you, Daisuke? Why are you making such a serious face?"

"No, no, no. It's not that I dislike your friends or find you annoying. I promise you that I have great friends. It's just that Futaro has been acting strangely ever since we revealed our relationship. I don't want to see him like this for the rest of our high school years."

"If you are concerned about your best friend, it is for the best if you speak to him."

"I would go talk to him. He is my best friend, and he has been there for me during difficult times, especially when my mother was, you know."

"Go get him, handsome."

"Thank you, Ayu, for listening to me. I will speak to you later." I kissed Ayu and hurried towards the cafeteria, where I had begun my search for Fuuto. I assumed he was there, purchasing lunch.

Upon reaching the cafeteria, my mission was to locate Fuuto and ascertain the cause of his behavior. As I searched, I spotted his distinctive brown hair from a distance. That was when I recognized him as Fuuto.

At that moment, I had no choice but to follow him. However, the situation was chaotic, with numerous students jostling for attention.

"Form a line, you disruptive students! Everyone will receive their desired items if you cooperate and create a queue promptly. Otherwise, I will lose my patience with you," the cafeteria attendant, who had been working for nine years, sternly ordered. Initially, she had enjoyed working with children, but the constant stream of challenging students from each generation had made her job increasingly difficult.

"Fuuto, wait!" I shouted at Fuuto, but my efforts were futile in addressing his behavior as a disruptive student. Gradually, I began cutting in line to avoid drawing attention to myself. However, my actions escalated the situation, and I found myself back at the entrance, surrounded by students who noticed my actions. Despite my desire to avoid conflict, I was forced to confront the reality that I was cutting in line, which was not my intention. All I wanted was to speak to Fuuto.

"Make a line, you dumb ass, Like the rest of us," one of the students in line retorted. Reluctantly, I surrendered and retreated to the hallway, crossing my arms and patiently waiting. After fifteen minutes, I heard Fuuto approaching from the direction I was facing.

"Fuuto, thank goodness you're here. Is it alright if I speak to you now?" I finally had the opportunity to engage in conversation with him and ascertain the cause of his distress. However, he was still making that uncomfortable face, similar to the one he had displayed this morning when I informed him of my relationship with Ayu.

"Look, Daisuke, I have no time to engage in conversation with you. I need to return a book. If you excuse me," Fuuto replied, making that same face as he slowly turned and walked away. I intervened by placing my hand on his shoulder.

"Fuuto, you have been my friend for the past seven years. When you make such a face, it indicates that something is bothering you or that you are uncomfortable in certain situations. I have noticed this pattern and want you to know that I am aware of your feelings," I conveyed my observations to him. 

In contrast, Fuuto became quiet and looked down. Then, he looked up at me and said, "Can we go to the library?" He spoke in a calm and composed manner.

"Sure, man," I replied, releasing his shoulder and following him to the library. As we walked, I felt a sense of unease. It had been a long time since I had seen him behave in this manner. It reminded me of the girl I had spoken to six years ago. I had forgotten her appearance and name, but I recalled her being very sweet and kind. I wondered what she was up to now.

However, after she had moved to another country, Fuuto returned to his normal self. I was back here with that same expression on his face, and I was determined to find out what was going on today.

We arrived at the library and returned one of Fuuto's favorite anime novels. It was about to be adapted into an anime, and he was very excited to watch it.

"Alright, let's go to the novel section so I can get the next volume. I'll talk to you there," Fuuto said as if he didn't know me. He was acting as if he were speaking to a new person.

"Sure, buddy," I said.

We reached the books section, and Fuuto was looking at his next volume of the novel. That's when I asked him again what was going on and explained what I had felt and seen when he made that face when I told him I was in a relationship with Ayu.

"Oh, it's nothing, dude. You don't have to worry," Fuuto said, pretending that nothing had happened. He was acting normal again.

"Stop being dishonest, Fuuto. I know what I saw. It wasn't an imagination. Tell me what is going on." I was serious with Fuuto and wanted him to explain himself.

"Well, I…"

"Tell me, Fuuto. I want to understand you."

I stared into his eyes to see if he was lying to me. However, as I was looking at him, he looked away and began to sweat.

At that moment, I noticed tears streaming down Fuuto's face.

"Fuuto, are you alright?" I asked, concerned. I sensed something deeply troubling him.

"I'm sorry, Daisuke," Fuuto replied, wiping away his tears. "I apologize."

"I'm sorry for being so upset," Fuuto continued, explaining his emotions. "I don't want to lose my only best friend, my good and healthy relationship, by being my best friend."

"So, that's why you were acting strangely this morning?" I inquired with a smile.

"Yes, but I don't want anything to change between us now that you're in a relationship with Ayu. I'm happy for you two, but I'm afraid that you're slowly leaving me behind." Fuuto's expression was filled with sadness and disappointment as if he felt he had disrespected my relationship.

I placed my left hand on his shoulder, reassuring him.

"Don't worry, Fuuto. It won't change. Our friendship will remain the same. You know that Ayu cares about you too, as a friend. There's no need to apologize. Besides, you're my best friend until the end."

Fuuto smiled, wiping away his tears and giving me a friendly hug. The bell rang, signaling the return of students to class.

"Alright, Fuuto, let's get your book and return to class," I suggested.

"Okay," Fuuto replied, returning to his usual cheerful demeanor. Fuuto retrieved his rented novel and the next volume he wanted to read. We exited the library together, but before we reached our destination, we accidentally bumped into a student.

"Sorry about that," I apologized. "We were in a hurry to class."

The student remained silent, staring at me with an expression of disdain.

In the library, I encountered a student who appeared to be a top student, dressed in glasses and with black hair. He fixated on me, and I left the library without responding, feeling a sense of unease.

"Fuuto, do you recognize that person? He gave me a hostile look." I inquired, curious about his behavior.

"That's He, another highly intelligent student in our high school. I have no idea why he looks at you that way; he is the most amiable person you could encounter here."

"But why the hostile expression?" I persisted.

"I have a feeling I have seen him somewhere before or heard his name before, but I cannot recall the details."

Despite our encounter, we arrived at class on time. Ayu noticed our arrival and smiled, relieved that we had made it. I greeted her with a thumbs-up, assuring her that everything was fine. However, the teacher was slightly delayed in returning from the restroom, and the class was about to commence. Fuuto had previously informed me that He was a kind person, but my impression of him was different. I had not seen him anywhere before, and his behavior towards me was unsettling.

As the afternoon wore on, the bell rang, signaling the end of the class. I placed my notebooks in my dark gray messenger bag, a classic-looking bag that complemented my appearance. I turned to Fuuto to inquire if he was ready to head home. However, when I turned, he was nowhere to be found. He was searching around, and when I finally located him, he was not on his way to Ayu's seat. I noticed that Ayu was also preparing to leave.

I hoped that Fuuto would refrain from making any inappropriate or negative remarks towards Ayu. As my best friend, I trusted him to keep her confidence.

"Ayu," Fuuto still felt uncomfortable and averted his gaze.

"Hello, Fuuto. What's up?"

Ayu continues to treat Fuuto as if she knows him well and has nothing to be concerned about, as Fuuto is the best person to confide in, just as good friends. However, Fuuto observes that Ayu remains the same in her interactions with him and maintains a cheerful disposition. In the end, he realizes that he would reciprocate her feelings and starts expressing this to her.

"I just want to express my sincere apologies for my behavior. Was I causing you discomfort with my words?"

Ayu responds with a heartfelt hug, expressing her worry and concern for Fuuto's well-being. She believes that he may be changing and fears that he will no longer be the same person. Fuuto explains his actions and the reasons behind them to Ayu.

"Oh, Fuuto, nothing will change. We will still be the same, except for Daisuke and me being in a relationship. Otherwise, everything will remain the same, right?" Still hugging him to provide comfort, Fuuto feels safe and content. He is relieved that things are returning to normal and is grateful for the positive change.

From a distance, I was overjoyed to see everything returning to its former state. I suppose it was normal because the man again saw Fuuto at the door from the hallway, observing Fuuto and Ayu. However, the next thing he saw was me with those eyes filled with hatred. He quickly walked away, and this behavior left me perplexed and curious about the underlying issue.

I quickly approached him to catch up, descending to the second floor and scanning the area to determine his next move. There it was, I saw him walk towards the left hallway, almost reaching the first floor. I sprinted as fast as I could, determined not to lose him. I shouted out to him.

"HEY!"

Finally, I reached him, and he came to a halt. We were seven feet apart, and then he slowly turned around to face me. Once again, those eyes filled with confusion and concern.

"May I assist you?" he responded differently, exhibiting a demeanor akin to Fuuto's description of a kind person.

Despite his pretense of innocence, I sensed an underlying unease.

"You have been stalking me, and your eyes have been fixed on me with a malevolent gaze. Why?" I demanded, seeking answers to my concerns.

"I am unaware of your accusations, but you may be mistaken about the identity of your target."

"I am certain I have identified the correct individual. We share similar physical characteristics, including glasses. Furthermore, I first encountered you at the library and later observed you in the hallway of my current class."

However, a moment of silence fell upon him, and his glasses reflected the sunlight in a peculiar white glow.

"Speak!" I urged him, but he interrupted my inquiry.

"Daisuke Ito, you must cease all contact with her."

I was astounded. How did he know my name? I had never met this individual before, and the name of the girl he was referring to eluded me.

"How do you know my name? Which girl is he talking about ?" I inquired, my mind racing with questions.

"I am aware of your name, and I am referring to the girl you are currently pursuing. You must cease all contact with her, or I will take further action."

As soon as I recognized the gravity of his words, I fixed my gaze upon him, my expression stern.

"Very well, then. This is merely the beginning, Daisuke Ito. I anticipate our encounters again and again until you cease your behavior."

"Tsk."

"Until then, Daisuke Ito," he averted his gaze as he walked away. I was left bewildered and frustrated. Was he related to Ayu in some way? What was transpiring here? Furthermore, there was no possibility that he was an ex-boyfriend or someone with a personal vendetta against me.

"Daisuke, why did you leave us behind? What happened?" Ayu asked, honestly, I am unsure whether I should confide in Ayu about the current situation at the appropriate time. However, for now, I hope to avoid encountering that individual again. If I do, I will inform Ayu promptly.

"It was nothing; I simply wanted to enjoy some fresh air," I replied with a casual tone.

"Well, let us know next time. We thought you had left us behind and You intended to walk home alone. That was inconsiderate," Ayu said, her expression somber. Despite this, she handed me my satchel and was ready to head home when we exited the gate.