The courtyard was decorated like something out of a café.
Tablecloths.
Flower vases.
Folded paper menus.
And in the middle of it all Aizawa Rei, looking like he belonged in a softboy-themed romance drama.
I walked in with Hinata, who instantly gasped, "He actually brought real cake."
"I thought he was kidding."
"He never kids. He broods and flirts. You're doomed."
"Thanks for the emotional support."
---
Rei spotted us and waved, eyes lighting up like he'd just seen his favorite person.
Well… me.
"Kuroyuki," he said smoothly, gesturing to the seat next to him. "Saved you a spot."
I hesitated.
Then sat.
The table filled up fast, mostly with people eager to be close to Rei. And somewhere in the back, I saw Shinbou, standing near a tree.
Not moving.
Not sitting.
Just… staring.
---
Rei passed me a slice of strawberry cake like it was a love letter.
"You like sweet things, right?"
Before I could answer, Hinata leaned in from across the table.
"Oh, she loves sweet things. Especially when they come with compliments and emotionally confusing undertones."
I kicked her under the table.
Rei chuckled. "Emotionally confusing, huh? Sounds like me."
I blinked. "That's not a compliment."
"Still taking it as one."
---
Meanwhile, Shinbou hadn't moved from his spot.
Still leaning against that tree.
Still watching.
---
After lunch, while everyone was laughing over Rei's travel stories, I excused myself and walked toward the vending machines.
A shadow followed me. I didn't have to turn to know who it was.
"You didn't sit with us," I said.
"I wasn't invited."
"You didn't need to be. I saved you a seat."
A pause.
Then Shinbou muttered, "He talks to you like he's known you forever."
I turned. "And you look at me like you're trying not to."
His expression faltered.
"Kuroyuki…"
He stopped.
I waited.
Then he sighed and looked away. "It's annoying. That's all."
"What is?"
"The way he smiles at you."
---
We both stood in silence as the vending machine clunked out a juice can.
I handed it to him.
He took it, barely meeting my eyes.
And then, quietly
> "I don't know why it bothers me. It just does."
---
I wanted to say something. Ask him what it meant. Push for more.
But Rei's voice called from the distance, "Kuroyuki! You're missing dessert round two!"
Shinbou flinched at the sound.
"I should go," I said.
"Right," he replied.
But before I turned away, I looked at him one last time and asked:
"Do you wish he hadn't come?"
He looked directly at me for once.
And said:
> "Yeah. I do."