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 20

Lately, I’ve been troubled.

The reason is that the distance between Natsuki and me seems to be growing.

I’m in love with Natsuki. Up until middle school, I saw him as my closest friend among the boys. But once we entered high school, that feeling evolved into something more.

I fell for the subtle things he does. His quiet nature and the rare smiles he shows only to me are what I love most.

My first love should have ended when he got a girlfriend. I decided to bury my feelings and keep my distance.

But when Natsuki came to my rescue that day, the space between us shrank again, and those emotions I thought I had locked away spilled out uncontrollably. I found myself falling for him all over again.

This time, I wanted to stand beside him as more than just a friend—I wanted to be his girlfriend.

But now, the distance is growing once more. No matter how many times I invite him out, he always turns me down, saying he already has plans. Even when I ask him to walk home together, he politely refuses. It feels like he’s avoiding me.

And lately, he’s been acting strange. The Natsuki who used to shy away from social interactions is now frequently surrounded by a group of friends. It’s been a while since that shift started, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s found someone else he likes.

“Did I… do something wrong to Natsuki?”

During the break, Shizune sighed and rested her head on her desk, eyes staring out at the blue sky through the window but seeing something else entirely.

She hadn’t been able to concentrate in class, her thoughts consumed by her worries about Natsuki.

As she sat lost in her thoughts, her friend, Haruka Tsumugi, approached with a curious look.

“Hey, Shizune. You look a bit down today.”

“Hey, Haruka… yeah, just tired.”

“You’ve been like this for a while. Want to talk about it?”
“No, it’s fine. It’s just a personal issue.”

Shizune hadn’t told anyone about her feelings for Natsuki. She had dropped hints only for him, though he seemed too oblivious to notice.

But Haruka, sharp as always, smirked knowingly.

“Oh, is this a love problem, perhaps?”

“H-Huh? No way,” Shizune said, flustered.

“Come on, Shizune, you’re so easy to read. Who do you like?”

“I told you, it’s personal.”

“I promise I won’t tell anyone… You know, I’ve been curious since Hojo confessed to you, and you turned him down. My brilliant plan to get you two together totally failed,” Haruka said, her grin widening.

“You were helping Hojo? I had no idea.”

“Of course! He came to me for advice… So, what’s the problem?”
Realizing Haruka wouldn’t let it go, Shizune sighed. They’d been friends since their first year of high school, and she decided to share.

“Yeah, it’s a love problem. I’ve been in love with my childhood friend for about a year now. But lately, he’s been acting like he’s avoiding me.”

“Your childhood friend? Right, you did mention once that he’s at this school.”

“Yeah. We’re in different classes, but he’s my best friend… and the one I love.”

“Hmm.”

“That’s all there is to it. Not that interesting, really,” Shizune said, turning her gaze back to the window.

There was little Haruka could do to help, given she didn’t know Natsuki. But still, she pressed on.

“So, what do you like about him?”

“‘What’ isn’t really something I can put into words… but I guess his kindness? I just love him for who he is.”

“Sounds like you’re really in deep. And now that he’s avoiding you, you’re scared you might have done something wrong?”

“Pretty much.”

Maybe confessing and getting it over with would be better. Even if it ended in rejection, at least she would know where she stood.

“I have so many questions, but you look really down right now. I’ll spare you,” Haruka said, her tone softening.
“I wouldn’t answer anyway,” Shizune muttered, resting her head on her desk again.

She knew that the real reason for her anxiety was her own inability to express her feelings.

The chime signaling the end of the break rang out, cutting through the silence.

“Hang in there, Shizune. I’m here if you need to talk,” Haruka said before heading back to her seat.

“Thanks.”

Trying to push aside her thoughts, Shizune sat up and faced forward, determined to pay attention. But her eyes stayed fixed on her desk, lost in the tangle of her emotions.