The cafeteria was filled with the usual midday noise — clattering trays, laughter echoing through tables, and the faint scent of curry in the air.
Saki and Yusuke had just arrived, weaving their way between groups of chatting students.
Yusuke leaned closer, his voice low but serious.
"Saki… I can't tell you everything here. I'll explain during our study session tonight, okay?"
Saki blinked, curious but trusting. "Alright," she said softly.
She reached for a tray and turned back toward him — but Yusuke had suddenly stopped walking. His expression changed, and he pressed a hand to his temple.
"Yusuke?" Saki asked, startled.
"I'm sorry, Saki," he said quickly, voice trembling. "Go ahead and get your food. I left my medicine in the classroom — I'll be right back!"
Before she could say another word, he rushed off, disappearing into the crowd.
Saki stood there for a moment, confused. Medicine? What kind of medicine? she wondered. But he was already gone.
She sighed quietly, picked up her tray, and moved to an empty table by the window.
Everyone around her was sitting in groups — laughing, chatting, sharing food. That lonely spot at the end of the room felt heavier than usual.
She poked at her meal, lost in thought. I guess I've gotten too used to being alone…
But just as she was about to take her first bite, familiar voices echoed behind her.
"—I'm telling you, that chord doesn't fit the melody," said a cheerful voice.
"That's because you're playing it too flat," another teased.
Saki froze. She knew those voices.
Her heart skipped a beat. Hiroki…?
She turned around, and there he was — walking beside Miyuki, the sunlight from the windows catching on his hair.
For a moment, time slowed. Saki's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected to see him here… not yet.
But then a small warmth bloomed in her chest. At least… we're not fighting anymore, she told herself.
Miyuki noticed her and waved. "Hey, Saki! Mind if we sit?"
Before Saki could answer, they were already sitting down. The air instantly grew tense — awkward, silent, filled with unsaid words.
Saki could feel Miyuki's eyes darting between them, full of unspoken intent. Is she… telling me to apologize?
She lowered her gaze, her fork hovering above her food. The world felt blurry, distant.
Across from her, Hiroki was doing the same — staring at his untouched meal, lost somewhere far away.
Neither of them dared to speak.
Finally, Miyuki let out a sigh and crossed her arms.
"You two… seriously. Don't you think it's time to fix whatever's between you? You're both hurting."
Saki looked up — right into Hiroki's eyes.
He was already looking at her.
For a moment, everything around them disappeared.
In his eyes, she saw the reflection of her own emotions — regret, fatigue, sadness… but also something warm. Something that refused to die out.
Her heart clenched. She wanted to speak, to apologize — but her voice wouldn't come out.
Say it, Saki… say it before it's too late.
She took a shaky breath, her hands trembling slightly. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper—
"…I'm sorry, Hiroki."
The words hung in the air, soft but heavy.
Hiroki blinked, surprised. Then, slowly, his lips curved into a gentle smile.
"…I'm sorry too, Saki. I shouldn't have walked away like that."
At that moment, Saki's eyes glistened. A tear slipped down her cheek before she could stop it.
"No… I was the one who jumped to conclusions," she said, her voice trembling. "I should've trusted you."
Her heart felt lighter as she spoke — fragile but free.
Hiroki's voice softened.
"I don't want you to worry about my problems, Saki. I never wanted you to carry my pain."
He smiled faintly, but there was something broken beneath it. His eyes were red, weary — like he had been hiding a storm inside for far too long.
Saki's chest tightened. She could see it now — that quiet, aching loneliness he'd been trying to hide behind his calmness.
"I want you to forgive me," she said softly. "And this time… I want to be there for you, Hiroki. During your hard times too."
He lifted his gaze, meeting her eyes again.
"…You don't want me to be sad, do you, Saki?"
She shook her head slowly.
"Then please," he said, smiling faintly, "don't make yourself sad either. I don't want to see the people around me hurting anymore."
Those words broke through her heart like sunlight through rain.
Saki bit her lip, tears spilling freely now. She quickly wiped them away, smiling through the shimmer in her eyes.
The golden afternoon light fell gently across her face, making her look almost ethereal.
Hiroki looked at her and couldn't help but smile too.
Their smiles met in the air — soft, wordless, but full of meaning.
To both of them, it felt like a silent promise.
Hiroki thought quietly, Please… never let that smile fade again.
And as if hearing his thoughts, Saki's heart echoed back, Then let this smile be ours, Hiroki. Always.
She let out a small, genuine laugh — the kind she hadn't made in what felt like forever.
Miyuki, sitting across from them, couldn't help but grin. Seeing the two of them finally smiling made her cheeks warm.
"Well," she said teasingly, "how about you two finally finish that date you left hanging?"
"W–What!?" Saki gasped, her face instantly turning red.
Hiroki coughed, looking away. "M-Miyuki!"
The teasing air was enough to make the entire table's tension melt away.
Saki covered her face with her hands, muttering, "W-we just made up… I'm not ready for something like that…"
Hiroki looked equally flustered. "Y-Yeah, maybe after some time…"
Miyuki giggled, leaning on her hand. "Fine, fine. Then at least let Hiroki make it up to you with a treat. Maybe… ice cream?"
Saki's heart skipped a beat. Ice cream? Together?
She looked at Hiroki — and froze. His eyes seemed sincere. Maybe even… hopeful.
Her cheeks heated even more. She opened her mouth to answer — but just then, movement at the corner of her eye caught her attention.
It was Yusuke.
He was holding his tray, scanning the room, clearly looking for her. When his eyes met hers, he smiled and began walking toward their table.
Saki's heart started pounding. Oh no… I told him we'd talk today!
Hiroki was still waiting for her answer, Miyuki's grin only growing wider.
Saki's pulse quickened. Two gazes, two expectations — both closing in fast.
What do I do…?
Her mind was spinning, her chest tight.
Between Hiroki's lingering smile and Yusuke's approaching figure, she knew — whatever she chose next would change everything.