During lunch break, in class 2-F.
Many sat sideways in others' seats for easier chat with friends behind.
"Yuigahama-san doesn't seem the type to take sick leave. At least in my memory, this is her first time absent due to illness, right?"
Totsuka said with slight emotion. With graceful posture, he took a side dish from his bento, eating bit by bit.
Yuu ate his bento absentmindedly, casually replying: "Anyway, fools never catch flu. I was shocked she took leave."
"I just meant Yuigahama-san usually full of energy, giving feeling viruses couldn't beat her... You're exaggerating."
Totsuka smiled bitterly. Suddenly recalling something, his eating paused. Two faint pink blushes appeared on his beautiful, white face. Whole self suddenly nervous without reason.
"Um, Yuu... Can I ask one thing?"
"Go... Cough, what question." Yuu nearly said classic like, 'I once loved, save my mom' (viral meme ref). He quickly gathered scattered thoughts, seriously facing his beautiful, slightly shy friend.
Totsuka glanced around secretly. Confirming no eavesdroppers, he leaned fragrant, soft hair before Yuu. His panting breath tickled ear.
"You're dating Yuigahama-san, right?"
"...Yeah." Yuu looked oddly. "I thought you knew."
Lately, he always went home with Yuigahama daily. Never hid their intimate public interactions. Class rumors of them dating circulated long. Some boldly teased. Yuigahama nodded blushing when girls asked. Rumors basically confirmed.
Yuu thought his relation with Yuigahama consensus among classmates.
Didn't expect Totsuka suddenly ask.
"Had to confirm with source, right? Awkward if misunderstanding." Scratching face, Totsuka's smile mixed relief and joy. Sighed softly, muttered: "Dating... Good."
Yuu raised eyebrow: "My relation with Yui makes you that happy?"
"Because Yuigahama-san likes you so much!" Softly, Totsuka smiled: "Though realized her feelings mid-September, before that, meeting Yuigahama-san on street, she always asked about you. Listened very seriously. Nearly pulled notebook to note."
"When someone badmouthed you, she'd show displeased expression. As if wanting fight but no courage. Could only defend you very softly behind."
"When praised, happier than others. Showed proud expression as if honored too. Nearly thought she fan club member."
"Oh, yes. Seeing you held by other girl talking, she'd stare intensely from afar. Feeling like wanting separate with gaze... When asked why staring, she angrily said 'nothing.' Relaxed only after girl left."
Unconsciously talked much, Totsuka took water bottle, drank to moisten throat, sighed emotionally.
"Recalling now, Yuigahama-san then really looked love-struck girl... So nice when hidden love bears fruit, couple together!"
Handsome silver-haired youth smiled, sincerely to friend: "Congrats! Be happy!"
Seeing bright, clear eyes, Yuu chewed slowly. Swallowed, then spoke.
"Of course. She is my girlfriend."
Said with heartfelt conviction, no doubt.
Yuu knew better than anyone how Yuigahama liked him—no matter memory changes, always fool girl loving him over two years. Feelings undiminished, even stronger.
Thus, love's pain more intense.
Yuu didn't want Yuigahama hurt, disappointed. Wanted accompany, see her usual silly smile. See shy expression hair ruffled, warm gaze only for him beside her.
Is this love? Still undecided.
Like facing past exes, Yuu didn't want hasty conclusion, admit falling for someone.
Anyway, such feelings maybe not summed one word, or 'love,' right?
Thus needs time. More time analyze with Yuigahama. Before deadline, wherever fleeing, won't easily let go.
Selfish? Fine. Girlfriend many? No matter—as long as Yuigahama only his girlfriend.
With thought, bento unconsciously empty.
Yuu decided, after school visit her...
With Yukino.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After school, Yuu grabbed bag, quickly left class.
Pre-arranged permission with Equipment Committee, no one stopped. Just watched back with slightly ambiguous, blessing smiles.
Standing usual crowded corridor, Yuu didn't go Class J for Yukino. Too troublesome, conspicuous.
Waited Cultural Festival Exec door open. Seeing crystal-clear girl from upstairs, approached, greeted.
"Yukinoshita, got time later?"
Cold expression, pure aura girl startled. Gaze unconsciously softened. Asked gently: "What's up?"
"Yui sick leave. Visit together later." Knowing she disliked nonsense, Yuu explained straight.
"Yuigahama-san?" Frowned worriedly, Yukino nodded quickly: "Okay, but finish Committee first."
"Then wait outside."
Yukino about agree, hesitated: "...Or back to class? Unsure latest busy time."
Yuu eyed meeting room with two-three people (kitten three big fish). Showed slightly hard-to-face expression: "You understaff... Always like this?"
"Sigh... Many mid-issues, but overall runs." Forehead-held, Yukino seemed unwilling elaborate. Soft white palm patted shoulder. Urged softly: "Back to class. Contact after done."
"No need stay help?"
Cutely rolled eyes, Yukino said nothing. Shiny black long hair spun with swaying skirt arc. Turned, left.
Yuu watched back. Until Committee door closed, didn't return class as said.
"Stay here first, see situation."
Thinking so, scratched non-itchy neck.
Then, sensing something, suddenly gritted. Muscles tensed like alert crouching tiger. Narrowed eyes, swept surroundings.
(Someone watching me!)