Saki took a deep breath and opened the classroom door.
For a brief moment, all eyes turned to her.
Time seemed to freeze, if only for an instant.
She stood tall, radiating determination in the center of the classroom.
But her gaze was searching for only one person: Hiroki.
Her heart began to race as her eyes swept across the rows, searching for that familiar figure in every corner.
But he wasn't there.
Neither Hiroki nor Miyuki.
A strange emptiness filled her chest.
Even the atmosphere of the classroom felt different — silent, but not peaceful.
Something was missing.
Saki slowly slid into her seat, folding her arms across her chest as she stared at the door.
"He'll come," she whispered to herself.
"He'll come, eventually."
But when the door opened, it wasn't Hiroki who stepped in… it was the teacher.
Something inside Saki cracked, quietly but painfully.
"Not again…"
Another small hope quietly flickered out.
Class began.
Saki opened her notebook, but the words danced chaotically before her eyes.
"Focus, Saki…" she told herself, picking up her pen.
"Be strong. No matter what happens."
But in her heart, a voice kept whispering:
Where's Hiroki…
When the bell rang, a flicker of hope surged through her.
Maybe this time…
But once again, disappointment.
No Hiroki. No Miyuki.
Just as she was about to gather herself and stand, a voice called her name:
"Saki."
She turned to see Yusuke.
The boy who usually left the classroom immediately during breaks.
But this time… he was standing there.
His expression was serious, yet his eyes held a gentle warmth.
"I wanted to apologize for the other day."
His voice was steady, but tinged with regret.
Saki looked at him, surprised.
She hadn't expected such a direct apology.
She tried to smile.
"Don't worry, Yusuke. I'm not upset with you."
Yusuke let out a deep breath, the tension on his shoulders easing.
"I was really embarrassed," he admitted softly.
"I even hesitated to stay in class during breaks."
A small smile tugged at Saki's lips.
Not losing a friendship… it felt good.
"And you?" she asked. "Did you finish the trip project?"
Yusuke shrugged.
"Not yet… I've been a bit busy."
He thought this was the perfect chance to make amends with Saki.
"If you want, we can work on it together today."
Saki was surprised by his offer.
But… maybe she really didn't want to be alone, and she had already promised Yusuke.
She didn't want to hurt him.
"Okay," she said.
Yusuke's face instantly lit up.
"Really? That's great! I promise, I'll make you the project leader!"
Saki giggled.
"I think you should focus on your own notes first," she replied.
Yusuke put his hands in his pockets, wearing a serious expression.
"I'm an important person. It's normal that I don't deal with such details."
"Yes, yes, Mr. Busy Businessman Yusuke," Saki teased.
In that moment, Saki felt the tight knot in her chest loosen slightly.
But deep inside, one question still echoed:
Hiroki… where are you?
A brief silence followed.
Saki cautiously asked,
"By the way… do you know where Miyuki is?"
"Yes," Yusuke said.
"She's at the music club. Apparently, she's preparing some new songs."
"I see…"
A small smile appeared on Saki's face.
At least Miyuki seemed fine.
"I'm curious to hear her songs," she said.
Yusuke shrugged.
"Hopefully, my ears survive this time."
Saki smiled softly.
Even this casual conversation warmed her heart.
The bell rang again, signaling the next class.
But Yusuke suddenly turned to her.
"By the way… will you come eat lunch with me?"
Saki was surprised.
"Of course… who else would I go with?"
Yusuke smiled, a faint hint of shyness in his eyes.
Saki felt lighter, at least for now.
The breaks passed in easy conversation.
Talking with Yusuke… it was comforting.
Like a tiny sun breaking through a gray day.
Saki could now focus on class — even smile.
Finally, lunchtime came.
As the classroom emptied, Saki gathered her notes.
Yusuke approached and leaned over.
"Need a hand?"
Without looking up, Saki said,
"No thanks, I've got it."
Then she stood up, her voice firm:
"Let's go."
Yusuke theatrically removed his hand from his pocket and bowed.
"After you, my lady."
Saki walked silently.
As they strolled down the corridor, the smell of food drifted around them.
Sunlight poured through the windows, illuminating Saki's hair, making the moment feel golden.
"Yusuke," Saki asked curiously, "what kind of project are you planning for the leadership role?"
Yusuke scratched his head.
"Hm… honestly, I haven't decided yet. I need to talk to the other clubs first."
When he mentioned "other clubs," Saki immediately thought of Miyuki.
"By the way… Miyuki was a bit quiet today, did you notice?"
Yusuke chuckled shyly.
"Yeah… probably because of me. But don't worry, I'll apologize to her too."
Saki took a deep breath.
"That's good…" she said softly.
Then, silence fell. Only their footsteps echoed in the corridor.
Suddenly, Yusuke changed the subject.
"By the way, I've got the perfect idea for the trip project!"
Saki raised her eyebrows.
"Really? That's unexpected from you."
"Hey! This time I'm serious," Yusuke said, laughing.
"Ready to hear it?"
Saki's eyes lit up.
"Go ahead, Yusuke. What are you thinking this time?"
For the moment, Saki felt a little relief thanks to Yusuke.
But in her heart, Hiroki was still there.
Quietly, she wondered…
How can I make Hiroki forgive me?