( when silence screams arc )
It was early morning. Hina and Haruki were heading to college together. Hina was in her wheelchair, and Haruki was walking behind her, pushing it. Suddenly, the sound of fast-approaching footsteps echoed from behind.
A girl, Miko (18), came running toward them. The moment she saw Hina, she suddenly stopped, catching her breath.
"Hi, Hina! You're going to college too?"
Hina smiled faintly. "Yes."
Miko looked her up and down, then spoke in a slightly shocked tone.
"But in your condition… you should've stayed home."
Hina's face turned a little sad.
"I know… but I still want to study."
Miko replied in a more understanding voice,
"As you wish."
Trying to lighten the mood, Hina asked,
"So… you're late again today?"
Miko chuckled. "Yeah, well… nothing new there. It's an everyday thing for me."
When they reached college, Haruki wheeled Hina straight to her classroom and helped her sit at her bench.
"Happy now?" he asked with a warm smile.
Hina nodded. "Yes… thanks."
Haruki chuckled. "I'm not doing all this just to hear you say thanks."
"Alright then… go on, you'll be late for the café," Hina teased.
Haruki glanced at the time. "Ah, right! Thanks for reminding me."
As he left, he turned back and said, "I'll come to pick you up after college."
He hurried down the stairs but was stopped midway by Tsubaki (19), who stood with a group of friends blocking his way.
"Hey!"
Haruki looked at him.
"Come here," Tsubaki ordered.
Haruki walked closer.
"Who is Hina to you?"
"She's my friend," Haruki replied directly.
"Then why is she here in college with you…?" Tsubaki left his question hanging.
Haruki, looking a little uneasy, explained,
"A few days ago, Hina had an accident… she can't walk on her own now. So, I'm helping her."
Suspicion glimmered in Tsubaki's eyes.
"Are you sure you two are just friends?"
"Yes, just friends," Haruki said firmly.
Tsubaki nodded. "Good."
But then, without warning, he grabbed Haruki by the collar.
"Stay away from her… if you try to get close, it won't be good for you."
At that moment, a calm yet confident voice cut in.
"I don't mean to disturb, but can I know what's going on here?"
It was Isame, leaning casually against the wall. His presence made Tsubaki's friends shift uncomfortably.
Tsubaki glanced at him. "This isn't your matter. Stay out of it."
Isame replied coolly,
"Sorry, but the guy whose collar you're holding… he's my best friend."
Tsubaki released Haruki's collar and said,
"Fine… then you explain to him. Whatever I like, he better stay away from it."
With that, Tsubaki left, deliberately brushing shoulders with Isame as he passed.
Isame walked over to Haruki. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Haruki said quietly, though sweat glistened on his forehead. Isame pulled out his handkerchief and wiped it away.
"What were you doing here?"
"I came to drop off Hina," Haruki replied.
Isame looked a bit surprised. "That stubborn girl?"
Haruki frowned. "She's not stubborn."
"Alright… then what exactly was Tsubaki telling you?"
"He told me to stay away from Hina."
Isame thought for a moment. "Don't worry… I'm here. Now go to the café."
"But what are you doing here?" Haruki asked suspiciously.
Isame showed his uniform and badge. "I study in this college too."
Haruki checked the time. "Alright then… I'll get going."
Haruki nodded, said goodbye, and left.
After he was gone, Isame walked into the classroom and went straight to Hina.
"Haruki came here with you?"
Hina looked at him. "Yes… is there a problem?"
Isame replied in a straightforward tone,
"No… but you've put Haruki in trouble."
Hina looked shocked. "I… did?"
Isame simply nodded in response.
To be continued…