Hidden Sparks

Chapter V Shifting Tides

The days seemed to pass by faster than Monoma realized. Class exercises, training, and everything else in between were beginning to blend together, but there was one constant: Shinsou.

Since that night, when they had shared an understanding without needing words, something had shifted between them. It wasn't like the other times Monoma had gotten close to people—this was different. More real.

But it wasn't easy. Not by a long shot.

Monoma couldn't help but notice how much Shinsou kept to himself. Despite their growing connection, Shinsou still held a lot back. The walls around him were still there—stronger than ever. Every time Monoma tried to break them down, Shinsou would retreat into that calm, distant persona he had perfected.

And it frustrated Monoma. It frustrated him in ways he didn't fully understand.

That Friday, their class had a rare day off. No training, no simulations—just free time. Monoma had spent most of the morning with his usual classmates, but as the afternoon wore on, he found himself walking down the path near the dorms. His feet led him to a familiar spot—the stone wall where he and Shinsou had spent a quiet moment together a few days ago.

Sure enough, when he rounded the corner, he found Shinsou sitting there, staring off into the distance with that same contemplative look he had worn the night they had talked. The space between them felt larger now, like something unsaid hung in the air.

Shinsou didn't acknowledge him at first, but Monoma wasn't about to back down.

He approached slowly, his voice low. "You've been avoiding me, haven't you?"

Shinsou's eyes flickered toward him, but he didn't respond immediately. It was like he was measuring Monoma's words, deciding if he was ready to let down the walls just a little more.

Monoma sat next to him, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I'm not going to bite, you know," he said with a slight grin. "What's really going on, Shinsou? You don't have to hide it from me."

Shinsou shifted, clearly uncomfortable with the directness, but he didn't pull away. After a long pause, he sighed and leaned back against the stone.

"I'm not great at this... connection stuff," he admitted, his voice quieter than usual. "I've been used to keeping people at a distance. It's safer that way. People don't... disappoint you if you never let them get too close."

Monoma didn't know how to respond at first. He had known Shinsou wasn't exactly the most open person, but hearing him admit it out loud made it feel... heavier.

"I get it," Monoma said finally, his voice soft. "I know what it's like to feel like you can't trust anyone. I've been there too."

Shinsou glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "And you still... keep pushing, even when it's not easy?"

Monoma paused, his gaze turning toward Shinsou. "Yeah. I do. Because I don't want to be that guy who just watches life pass by. If you wait too long, you might miss the chance to really connect with someone."

Shinsou's eyes softened at the words, though he still looked unsure. "I don't know if I'm ready to let people in. Not fully, anyway."

Monoma didn't push. Instead, he let the silence settle between them, letting Shinsou take his time. It wasn't about forcing him to open up—it was about being there, standing beside him while he figured it out.

After a while, Shinsou shifted again, looking more relaxed than he had before.

"Maybe it's not about being ready," Shinsou said, almost to himself. "Maybe it's about not needing to be ready at all."

Monoma raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Shinsou looked at him, the faintest of smiles tugging at his lips. "Maybe... maybe sometimes, you just have to take a step forward. Even if you don't know where you're going."

Monoma felt his heart skip a beat. It wasn't a declaration, but the words felt like a promise. And for the first time, he didn't feel like he was fighting to break down walls—he felt like they were starting to come down on their own, piece by piece.

"Maybe you're right," Monoma said, his voice steady, but his mind racing. "I guess we'll find out, huh?"

Shinsou didn't answer right away. Instead, he stood up, offering Monoma a hand. There was something unspoken in his eyes, something that told Monoma that things were changing—whether either of them were ready or not.

"Come on," Shinsou said, a light challenge in his voice. "Let's see if we can actually get through a day without you annoying me for once."

Monoma laughed, taking his hand. "I'll try. But no promises."

As they walked back toward the dorms, side by side, Monoma realized that maybe it didn't matter if they were fully ready. Maybe it was just about being there, together, even when it was messy.

And for the first time in a long time, Monoma didn't feel alone.

TO BE CONTINUED