It was after English class when Aki approached Haru.
Aki—the boy who always sat three seats away, eyes flickering over Haru's poems whenever they were passed back.
"Hey," Aki said softly, voice barely above a whisper. "I… really like your writing."
Haru blinked, caught off guard.
"I was wondering if maybe you wanted to hang out sometime," Aki added, cheeks coloring. "Like, just the two of us."
Haru's heart thudded. The moment felt both strange and gentle, like a breeze shifting directions.
"I… I don't know," Haru admitted honestly. "Ren and I… we're kind of drifting."
Aki nodded. "I get that. No pressure. Just thought it'd be nice."
Haru smiled, tentative but hopeful.
"Okay. Let's hang out."