When I started High School, My Childhood Friend, who had suddenly become distant and cold, was harassed by a stranger. I stepped in to help, and as a result, from the following day, My Childhood Friend's behavior became unusual. - Chapter 14

“Man, I’m exhausted…”

Natsuki let out a sigh as he trudged down the hallway after school. The sky beyond the window was already painted a deep shade of crimson, signaling the sun’s descent and the end of another long day.

The seventh period had dragged on, and on top of that, he’d stayed back to get help with a problem that just wouldn’t click. It was later than usual, and now, with finals looming, he knew it was time to start studying in earnest. The upcoming test covered difficult material, and he couldn’t afford to cram at the last minute this time.

(Today’s been rough. I’ll start studying tomorrow morning…)
With that thought, he continued down the hallway, but the sound of voices made him pause.

“Hey, do you still like Shizune?”

Natsuki froze mid-step. The mention of Shizune’s name sent a jolt through him, and he hesitated, caught between continuing on and listening.

Eavesdropping wasn’t exactly noble, but curiosity rooted him to the spot.

“Yeah, I do. I still really like her,” one voice admitted.

“Seriously? You’re pretty close with her, right? Maybe you have a shot,” another replied.

“Man, she’s so cute. She’s totally my type,” the first boy said, a hint of excitement in his tone.

“So it’s all about looks, huh?”

“No, not just that. She’s got a great personality, too. That’s what makes her so amazing, right?”

Hearing that, Natsuki felt a tightness in his chest. He glanced into the classroom and, sure enough, one of the boys was Hojo. The pieces fell into place.

(So he really does like her…)

Natsuki had suspected it, especially after seeing the way Hojo had acted around Shizune outside the school one afternoon. The distance between them, the way Hojo’s eyes lit up—it all made sense now.

“But what about that guy she’s always with? Tall, dark hair. Aren’t they dating?”

“Oh, I talked to him today. Turns out they’re not together.”
“Really? I was sure they were.”

“Nah, they’ve just been friends since they were kids. Which means I’ve got a chance. I think I can pull it off.”

“Where does all this confidence come from?”

“Well, besides that guy, I’m probably the one she’s closest to. And if they haven’t dated all this time, they probably won’t start now. No competition left.”

Natsuki’s heart thudded hard in his chest, each beat echoing with an intensity that made him feel almost feverish. Why did hearing this make him feel so restless? Why did thinking about Shizune with someone else make his stomach twist?

(…No. I can’t dwell on this.)

A realization flickered in the back of his mind, but he pushed it down, locked it away where it couldn’t disturb the delicate balance of his friendship with Shizune. Admitting anything, even to himself, could threaten what they had now, and the timing couldn’t have been worse.

“Lately, I’m really not myself,” he muttered under his breath.

(It’s just that Shizune’s grown up so much, that’s all. It’s just surprising, nothing more.)

“When are you planning to confess?” came the voice from the classroom again.

“Next week, probably. I’ll let you know how it goes.”

“Good luck, man.”

Natsuki’s hand tightened into a fist at his side as a dull ache settled in his chest.

(And even if I did like her… there’s no way she’d see me that way.)

With that thought weighing on him, Natsuki decided to take the long way home, hoping the walk would clear his mind.