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 21

It was morning, and Natsuki stood alone on the train platform, waiting.

Rush hour meant the platform was crowded with commuters and students alike. Groups of students chattered excitedly, a salaryman sipped his coffee with practiced ease, and Natsuki, phone in hand, waited in silence.

Lately, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the crowds had become louder, more oppressive. Maybe it was just in his head, or maybe it was because he no longer walked to school with Shizune. The conversations they used to have made mornings feel warmer, less lonely.

He had decided to put distance between them to grow on his own, yet without trying, that distance had happened naturally. It was the perfect situation to focus on himself, and yet, he still found himself wanting to talk to her.

Just thinking about Shizune made his heart beat a little faster.
His thoughts were interrupted as two students passed behind him, their voices carrying in the morning air. A glance showed a boy and a girl in school uniforms, walking hand in hand.

“A couple, huh,” Natsuki murmured.

After breaking up with his ex, haunted by her betrayal, he’d spent too long focusing on that pain. But now, he wondered if he hadn’t played a part in that outcome, too. Maybe he had been selfish, more focused on his own satisfaction than on truly understanding his partner.

Realizing that, he admitted to himself that relationships were difficult. But even so, he couldn’t deny what he felt.

(There’s no doubt… I’m in love with Shizune.)

“Natsuki! Good morning!”

“Ow…”

His musings were cut short as someone thumped him on the back, and he turned to see Shizune, beaming up at him.

The sudden appearance and her bright smile made his pulse jump.
“Shizune, morning… And don’t hit me with your bag like that.”
“Ahaha, sorry, sorry,” she giggled.

“You’re here early today,” he said, regaining his composure.
“Yeah, I finished my assignments and actually got a decent night’s sleep for once. Let’s walk to school together.”

They hadn’t walked to school together in weeks, ever since she’d started staying up late for assignments and sleeping through her alarms. It had become a new normal for them to go separately.
If she was busy, it was only fair for her to manage her time in her own way.

“It feels like it’s been ages since we talked like this, doesn’t it?” she said after a pause.

“Yeah, it does feel that way,” he agreed.

“So… did I do something? I mean, did I upset you?” Shizune’s voice wavered slightly as she asked, her eyes searching his face.

For a moment, Natsuki didn’t know what to say. His actions had certainly looked like avoidance.

(Well… it’s only natural she’d think that.)

“There’s no reason I’d avoid you. But I’m sorry for not being able to hang out lately.”

“It’s okay… I was just worried I did something wrong. But if that’s not it, then I’m relieved,” she said, her expression softening into a smile.

Natsuki found himself thinking that maybe spending time with Shizune wasn’t such a bad idea. He hesitated for only a moment before speaking.

“Are you free next week?”

“Yeah, I’m free,” she said, her eyes lighting up.

“Then… do you want to go out? Just the two of us?”

“Sure, I don’t have plans, but even if I did, I’d move them,” she said, agreeing with an ease that caught him off guard.
He hadn’t expected her answer to come so readily, and he’d been bracing for a refusal.

Would they still be able to stay like this if he confessed and she turned him down? The thought brought a flash of anxiety.
“Natsuki? You’re staring… It’s a little embarrassing,” she said, shifting under his gaze.

“Ah, sorry. I thought you might say no.”

“Why would I say no? We’ve known each other for over a decade,” she said with a playful grin.

“Good point.”

Her smile seemed to wash away his worries.

Whether things grew awkward afterward or not would depend on how he handled it. He could still be himself with her, even if he decided to lay his feelings bare.

“Do you have anywhere in mind?” she asked.

“Not really. I just wanted to spend time together,” he admitted.

“Then… can I come over to your place? It’s been a while since I saw your room.”

“My room? I guess that’s fine. But there’s not much to do there.”

“That’s okay. I just want to visit,” she said with a small laugh.

They continued their conversation, shifting from today’s classes to casual topics and small worries, until they reached the school. The silences that came were comfortable, not awkward.
“See you later,” Shizune said, waving as they parted ways.
“Yeah, see you,” Natsuki replied as he walked into his classroom. Almost immediately, Kato and some other friends greeted him.

(Have I… changed?)

Natsuki’s smile, once rare, now seemed to come naturally, without him even noticing.