It was early morning.
The road to school was filled with a soft breeze carrying the coolness of autumn.
The sidewalks were covered with fallen leaves; every step echoed with a gentle rustle.
As Saki walked beside Yusuke, she realized something—
the world around them was too quiet.
Not a peaceful silence, but one that felt heavy, as if words had tangled in her throat.
But today, something inside her felt different.
She wanted to be strong.
She didn't want to feel sad or drained anymore.
Silently, she made a promise to herself:
"This time, I'll move forward. I won't waste my energy anymore."
With a determined look, she turned to Yusuke.
"Why didn't you come to school yesterday, Yusuke?"
Yusuke froze.
The relaxed look on his face disappeared instantly.
He hadn't expected that question—
it was as if someone had suddenly touched a fragile spot within him.
"Uh… well…" he began, his voice trembling slightly. "I had a doctor's appointment."
Saki frowned slightly.
Doctor?
A small ripple of worry stirred in her chest.
"What happened? Are you okay?" she asked quickly.
Yusuke's eyes widened a little in surprise, then he smiled.
"Oh? So you do worry about me, huh?" he teased lightly.
Saki felt warmth rush to her cheeks.
I was just curious… that's all.
In a small, flustered voice, she muttered, "I was just curious."
Yusuke couldn't help but smile as he watched her.
Saki crossed her arms, trying to look unimpressed.
"So what, people aren't even allowed to care about their friends anymore?" she shot back.
Yusuke laughed.
"Alright, alright! I was just joking."
Saki rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips curved slightly.
"Okay then… why really didn't you come?"
Yusuke scratched his head, avoiding her gaze.
"Uh… well… my stomach was acting up after that ramen."
Saki blinked—then burst out laughing.
"Wait, seriously?!"
Her laughter echoed through the quiet street.
Yusuke quickly went on the defensive.
"Hey, I suffered so you guys wouldn't have to pay the bill!" he said, pretending to sound serious.
Saki laughed even harder.
"At least finish your food next time! Thanks to you, we didn't pay at all!"
Yusuke shrugged, grinning.
"At least I wouldn't have ditched the date," he said teasingly.
Her laughter stopped.
The air grew colder.
Saki's expression hardened.
Yusuke realized his mistake, but the words were already hanging between them, too late to take back.
They walked in silence for a while.
Then Yusuke spoke softly.
"Hiroki… doesn't deserve you, Saki."
Time seemed to slow down.
Something inside Saki cracked.
Her heart tightened, her eyes fell to the ground.
Doesn't deserve me?
Maybe he was right… but hearing it from someone else still hurt.
The silence stretched on.
Only the wind moved, carrying a few leaves that danced around their feet.
When they finally reached the school, Yusuke lowered his head.
"Saki… if I was too harsh, I'm sorry," he said sincerely.
Saki said nothing.
She simply handed him her notebooks and walked past without a word.
As her footsteps faded, a heavy guilt settled in Yusuke's chest.
I should've just kept quiet… he thought.
That evening, Saki returned home as the sky began to darken.
The dim light coming through her window filled the room like a quiet loneliness.
She made herself a cup of tea and turned on the TV, but her mind was elsewhere.
One question kept echoing in her head:
Hiroki… did you ever really love me?
Her phone rang.
She looked at the screen — "Yusuke."
She hesitated.
Why is he calling now? she murmured, frowning.
Her finger hovered over the answer button… then stopped.
She hung up.
"Maybe this time, he should be the one to think," she whispered.
She lay down on her bed.
Mr. Teddy sat in the corner, untouched.
She didn't hug him anymore.
She wanted so badly to look strong—
so much that she could barely convince her own heart.
Staring up at the ceiling, she felt the soft wind stir her curtains.
Inside, a quiet voice spoke:
No more tears. From now on, I'll live for my own happiness.
---
The weekend passed quickly.
When a new morning came, Saki stood before the mirror, tying her hair.
Her face looked pale, but there was a faint determination in her eyes.
"Alright, Saki," she told her reflection. "This is who you are now. The Saki who stands on her own two feet."
As she walked to school, Hiroki's face flashed in her mind—
his smile, his voice, that familiar warmth…
But she shook her head firmly.
"No. Not this time."
When she reached the school gates, a gust of wind blew through her hair.
Laughter and chatter came from inside,
but her heart… was still a little quiet.
When she opened the classroom door, Miyuki and Yusuke were already there.
Hiroki wasn't.
Her heart tensed for a second—then she forced the feeling down.
"Good morning, Saki!" Miyuki said cheerfully.
"Morning…" Saki replied with a faint smile.
She placed her bag on her desk and sat down.
Yusuke approached her awkwardly.
"I'm sorry, Saki… I guess I said too much."
Saki didn't look up. She took a quiet breath.
"Maybe," she said calmly. "But it doesn't really matter anymore."
Miyuki jumped in, trying to lighten the mood.
"Whoa, is that progress I hear? Is your Hiroki obsession finally fading?" she teased playfully.
Saki fell silent.
She didn't want to answer.
Because no matter what she said, the turmoil inside wouldn't disappear.
No matter what I say… it won't make it easier.
Maybe staying quiet is best.
She only smiled faintly.
Her eyes drifted to the window.
The sky was cloudy—but somewhere beyond, the sun was shining.
Maybe this is a new beginning.
That day, Saki didn't say much.
But deep in her heart, she made a quiet decision:
From now on, she would learn to walk on her own—
even if it hurt.
She would write her own story.
And maybe someday…
the silence carried by the wind
would turn into a smile again.