𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓.

── .✦ 8

(A/N: Play the song once queued)

The next morning, Ayato and Y/n walked into school together again, their strides naturally falling in sync. The air between them was comfortable, even in its silence. Not long after, Taeko joined them, her usual bright energy slotting seamlessly into their small trio.

Their conversations were light—complaints about homework, small jokes about their teachers, and casual remarks about the weather. Normal things. Y/n found herself slipping into it easily, even as her phone buzzed every so often with updates from Akira.

"Almost at the bus stop! I'll send pics soon!"
"Saw a fat stray cat. I think we have the same soul."
"Tell me you miss me at least once, geez."

Y/n chuckled under her breath as she typed back short, playful replies. Stay safe, idiot.

When lunch rolled around, the three of them headed up to the rooftop like usual. The air was crisp, the sky a perfect shade of blue. As they settled into their usual spot, Ayato excused himself to go to the restroom, leaving Y/n and Taeko alone.

The quiet between them was peaceful at first—until Taeko spoke.

"Hey, Y/n..." she started, her voice thoughtful. "How have you been?"

Y/n blinked, caught a little off guard. "I'm fine? Why?"

Taeko poked at her food with her chopsticks, her expression soft yet introspective. "I guess I just feel like we haven't been hanging out as much lately."

Y/n's stomach twisted with guilt. She hadn't meant to drift from Taeko, but ever since Ayato... No, not just Ayato, she realized. There had been so much happening, it was easy to lose track.

Taeko, however, only smiled. "I get it, though. You and Ayato-kun have been spending more time together. Honestly? I never expected you to like a guy like him," she admitted with a small laugh. "But I think it's cool. He's pretty interesting in his own way."

Y/n didn't know why, but something about Taeko's words sent a strange jolt through her chest.

Not jealousy. No, it couldn't be. That would be ridiculous.

And yet—her grip on her chopsticks tightened for a split second before she forced herself to relax, shoving the feeling away before Taeko could notice.

"Yeah, he's... different," Y/n said, keeping her voice steady.

Taeko beamed. "Right? He's kinda cool in that mysterious way. I can see why you'd be drawn to him."

Drawn to him?

Y/n's heart gave a traitorous thud. But before she could unpack whatever that was, footsteps approached from behind them.

Taeko's gaze flickered past Y/n's shoulder, and in an instant, her face lit up.

"Ah! Ayato-kun!" she greeted warmly, a clear note of excitement in her voice.

Something inside Y/n twisted, sharp and unexpected.

And for the first time, she felt it—the ache.

It was small, almost imperceptible, but it was there.

Before Taeko could say anything else, Y/n shoved the feeling down, locking it away where it couldn't reach her.

She forced a smile just as Ayato reached them, his gaze shifting between the two girls with mild curiosity.

"What's going on?" he asked, his voice calm as ever.