The class passed in blur for Haru, but his mind never settled. He couldn't stop thinking about what had happened earlier. Whether he should tell him or not. The thought of telling him filled Haru with uncertainty. He spent the entire school day wondering how Yui would react when he finally found out.
Yui had noticed Haru's unusual behavior. Although he was curious, he chose not to press him during class. There would time to ask later.
Meanwhile, Reiji couldn't find peace of mind either. Yui's response kept replaying in his mind, the way Yui had answered and cut the discussion short left him frustrated, but he also strengthened his resolve. He wanted to talk to Yui after school. The brief conversation they shared made him more curious. He wanted to know him better, become friends with him, and walk home together.
Soon bell rang, bringing the school day to an end.
As the final bell echo faded. Yui and Haru began packing their bags.
ignoring the calls of his friends, Reiji made his way towards their desk.
"Yui-Kun," he said, stopping beside them. "Want to walk home together?"
Both Yui and Haru looked up in surprise. The invitation had come out of nowhere. Yui glanced at Haru before turning back to Reiji.
"Since when we were close enough to walk home together?"
Reiji let out quiet laugh."We're not. That's why I am asking."
For the first time, Yui seemed slightly caught off guard.
Reiji gaze briefly shifted to Haru. "You don't mind, do you?"
Haru hesitated. There was a lot he wanted to discuss with Yui after school, but he couldn't think of a reason to object. Reiji was only trying to start conversation. Reiji was only trying to start a conversation. So, he remained silent.
For a moment, the three of them stood there, waiting for Yui's answer.
Yui let out quiet sigh. "You have plenty of friends. Why don't you go with them?"
Reiji glanced towards the group waiting for him across the classroom before looking back at Yui." Because I am asking you."
Yui let out a short, disbelieving laugh. "You really don't give up do you?". He slung his bag over his shoulder. "Fine. But Haru is coming with us."
Reiji grinned. "Of course. what kind of person do you think I am?"
With that settled,yui,haru,and reiji headed out of the classroom together. As they passed through the doorway, Reiji's friends watched in stunned silent. A few exchanged confused looks. Others simply stared, as if trying to make sense of they had just witnessed.
"Did he just ditch us."
"No way."
"He did."
They stepped out of the classroom and into the crowded hallway. Few students glanced their way. Reiji's friends in particular, stared in disbelief as he
walked past them without a second glance.
Haru noticed and chuckled.
"I think your friends are offended."
Reiji glanced over his shoulder.
"They are dramatic"
"You are the one to talk".
Reiji laughed.
The conversation died down as they left the school grounds and headed towards the main road. For a moment, only the sounds of the footsteps filled the air.
Reiji glanced at Yui. "So, what do you usually do after school? "He asked.
"Go home"
Reiji waited
"That's it? No hanging out with friends? No karaoke? No random trip to the convenience store?
Yui looked at him "No."
"But surely you do something"
"I eat."
Haru snorted
"That's the most boring answer possible."
"You asked a boring question."
Meanwhile Haru was trying not to laugh but failing immediately.
Reiji shook his head.
"I don't believe you. Nobody's that boring."
"I didn't know I had to impress you."
For a second, Reiji felt speechless.
Haru laughed loudly. "I like this. Someone finally has to deal with your attitude beside me."
Yui ignored him.
The three continued walking, Reiji trying to have conversation with Yui but getting shut down again and again until they approached the intersection where their routes split, Reiji slowed to a stop. "Looks like this is where I have to leave."
Haru glanced around. "You live in that direction"
"yeah".Then Reiji looked at Yui "Can we walk together again tomorrow?"
Yui looked at him. "You really don't give up"
"Nope."Reiji looked pleased with himself.
Yui rolled up his eyes, Reiji only laughed.
"See you tomorrow then. "Without waiting for an answer, he waved and walked away.
While Reiji figure gradually disappeared into the distanced. The two continued walking again. A familiar silence settled between Haru and Yui as they continued down the street. Neither of them the fill it.
"Haru."
"Yeah?"
"You've been acting strange since lunch."
Haru's steps faltered for a moment. He had known this question was coming.
(If you want to see previous chapter,you visit profile)
