Chapter 17
Lunch break. The sun was high, and the school courtyard buzzed with laughter, footsteps, and chatter. Naoki and Toki were sitting under the usual tree, munching on melon bread.
"Dude," Toki said with a mouthful, "this bread... it's like biting into happiness."
Naoki chuckled. "You're too easily impressed."
"Or maybe you're just emotionally constipated."
Naoki was about to retort when a soft voice called his name.
"Naoki... can I talk to you? Alone?"
Both boys turned. A girl stood a few feet away, holding her bag tightly. Her cheeks were red, and she refused to meet Naoki's eyes.
Toki whistled low. "Looks like someone's about to level up in the dating sim. Go get 'em, champ."
Naoki stood, heart pounding. "I'll be back... hopefully not traumatized."
Toki gave him a thumbs up. "If you faint, fall to the left—that spot has softer grass."
Naoki followed the girl around the corner of the building. She stopped, looked down, fidgeted, and then finally took a deep breath.
"I like you, Naoki. I've liked you since last year. You're funny, kind, and... being around you makes me smile. So... will you go out with me?"
Naoki's heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed. For a moment, everything was quiet.
Then he grinned.
"I... I like you too. A lot."
The girl blinked in surprise, then broke into a wide smile.
From the corner of the school rooftop, unseen by any of them, a figure stood watching.
Short-cropped hair.
Bandaged limbs.
Hospital gown.
He watched silently as Naoki laughed, as he returned to his friend Toki with bright eyes and a victorious grin.
"You survived," Toki teased.
"I did more than survive."
They both laughed. The world felt perfect.
And still, in the distance...
A shadow watched.
Motionless.
Alone.
CHAPTER END