The third wheel

Watching from afar

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I sit across from them at our usual spot in the school library, books spread out in front of me, but none of the words are sinking in. Haruki and Jun are sitting side by side, as always, their heads bowed over the same textbook, close enough that their shoulders brush. It's like they forget I'm here sometimes. Or maybe they just don't care.

Honestly, I don't mind. They're not exactly subtle—never have been. Even before they officially started dating, it was obvious something was going on between them. The way Jun looks at Haruki, like he's the only person in the room. The way Haruki's hand always finds its way to Jun's back, his shoulder, or his hair, like he needs to be touching him all the time.

It's sweet, really. Sickeningly sweet, if I'm being honest. But still, it's... them.

I lean back in my chair, trying to focus on the notes I've scribbled down, but my eyes keep drifting back to the two of them. Jun is tapping his pen against the table in that nervous habit of his, his eyes flicking between the textbook and Haruki's face. He's barely reading the page. I know that look—he's too distracted.

Haruki, on the other hand, is fully absorbed in the material, or at least he's pretending to be. I watch as he absentmindedly reaches out, ruffling Jun's hair like he always does. Jun pretends to be annoyed, but he leans into the touch, a small, satisfied smile tugging at his lips.

I stifle a groan. This is what I have to deal with every time we study together.

They're so wrapped up in each other, so lost in their little world, and I'm just here, the third wheel. Again.

I shift in my seat, flipping a page in my notebook for the sake of pretending I'm actually getting something done. But honestly, it's hard to concentrate when they're like this. Every now and then, Jun whispers something in Haruki's ear, and Haruki will chuckle softly, that low, warm laugh of his that makes Jun blush. Then Jun will elbow him playfully, and they'll both try to stifle their laughter so the librarian doesn't catch them.

It's cute. Annoying, but cute.

I mean, I'm happy for them. Really, I am. Jun's like a brother to me, and seeing him so happy with Haruki... it's good. Haruki's one of the nicest guys I know, and if anyone deserves him, it's Jun. But that doesn't mean I don't feel a little out of place sometimes. Like right now, for example.

They're sharing a pair of earbuds, listening to music while they "study." Jun is leaning slightly against Haruki, his head resting on Haruki's shoulder as he scribbles something in the margins of his notebook. Haruki's arm is draped casually around Jun's back, his thumb tracing slow, lazy circles over the fabric of his shirt.

I try to ignore the flutter of envy in my chest. Not that I want to be in Jun's place or anything—it's just that they have this... ease with each other. This quiet intimacy that I sometimes feel like an outsider to.

But that's the thing about being the third wheel, isn't it? You're always on the outside, watching. And today, watching them is... weirdly bittersweet.

I clear my throat, tapping my pen against the table to get their attention. "Hey, are we actually going to study or are you two just going to flirt all day?"

Jun looks up at me, blinking as if he's just remembered I'm here. His cheeks flush slightly, and he pulls away from Haruki, mumbling something about needing to focus. Haruki just chuckles, not bothering to move his arm from where it rests around Jun's shoulders. He gives me a look, one of those quiet, knowing smiles, like he's fully aware of how much he and Jun distract each other.

"Sorry, Tatsuya," Haruki says, his voice gentle. "We're focusing. Promise."

Jun nods, but the way his eyes keep drifting to Haruki's face suggests otherwise.

I roll my eyes, pretending to be annoyed, but I can't help the small smile that tugs at the corners of my mouth. They're ridiculous, honestly. But they're my friends, and as much as I complain about it, I wouldn't change a thing.

Well, maybe one thing—I wouldn't mind not being the perpetual third wheel.

With a sigh, I lean forward and start writing in my notebook again. It's going to be a long study session. But at least, despite everything, I've got them. And as long as they're happy, I can deal with being the odd one out.

Besides, someone has to keep them from getting too distracted.