THE BLOSSOMING CAMELLIA FLOWER (カメリア)

chapter 4

After their heartfelt confession, nothing particularly exciting happened between them. In hindsight, it seemed more like a stepping stone to friendship rather than romance. They texted each other, studied together, exchanged quiz answers, and read books side by side, but that was all. It felt like Alex had simply gained a new close friend. A few weeks later, they mutually decided to end things, realizing it wasn't working out—something that had become increasingly obvious over time. Despite that, they remained part of the same circle, now just as good friends.

Alex: "What do you think she's thinking about?"

Erica: "No idea. She's been staring at the ceiling for nearly a minute now."

Alex: "Maybe we should poke her with a pencil—see if she snaps out of it."

Erica: pokes Cami with a pencil "Hey."

Cami: "Huh?"

Alex: "You zoned out for an hour."

Cami: "What?! Class is over?"

Nao: "Yes, Cami. An hour ago."

Cami: "Ugh... I think I just got too exhausted doing the same practice routine over and over again."

Erica: "Same. Volleyball training is getting intense."

Nao: "Oh right, you're on the volleyball team."

Alex: "Yeah, same here."

Cami: "Wait, what are you talking about—"

Then it hit her.

Cami had completely forgotten that she had forced Alex to join their school's boxing team last week. Knowing he was a skilled athlete, she had insisted that he give it a shot. From what she heard from his teammates, he had been dominating every opponent—even the bigger guys.

Alex: "Did you say something, Cami?"

Cami: nervously "Uh—nothing! Nothing at all!"

Nao: "Shall we head to our separate sports practices now?"

Erica: "Alright then."

Cami: "Sure."

Alex: "Good luck, guys. See you later."

As they were about to part ways, Erica suddenly turned to Cami with a smirk.

Erica: "Hey, Cami?"

Cami: "Yeah?"

Erica: "Just curious... Since you and Alex live in the same apartment, haven't you ever developed feelings for him?"

Cami: "W-what?! Why are you asking that?"

Erica: "I mean, you share the same roof, go to the same school... And from what I heard from Nao, he's an amazing cook. I mean, who wouldn't fall for someone like that?"

Cami: flustered "Y-Yeah... I mean—No! Why would I?!"

Erica: chuckling "Alright, alright. I'll see you later then."

Cami: "Yeah... See you later."

As Erica walked away, Nao leaned in closer.

Nao: grinning "You totally have feelings for him, don't you?"