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 8

“Oh man, I forgot to pick up the cake… She really loves sweets,” Natsuki muttered, adjusting the stuffed shopping bag in his hand.

It was a busy afternoon at the department store as Natsuki ran errands. He needed to restock his stationery, buy groceries for dinner as requested by his mom, and pick up a cake for his younger sister. Half of the items were for him; the rest were for his family.

Natsuki’s family consisted of his parents, himself, and his younger sister, Natsuha. Although they often bickered, it was typical sibling rivalry, and their relationship wasn’t strained. They still hung out, played games together, and argued occasionally—but it was always short-lived and resolved quickly since Natsuha was usually the instigator.

(I’d love to buy from that fancy bakery, but it’s pricey. And after my midterm scores dropped, my allowance got cut…)

As he strolled through the shopping mall, lost in thought, Natsuki’s relaxed pace suddenly stopped as his heart skipped a beat.

(Is that… Yuka?)

There she was, Yuka Samura, his ex-girlfriend, standing in a store, looking at the merchandise.

Although they often passed each other at school, they both ignored the other. He would usually be chatting with Shizune, and she’d be surrounded by her friends. Running into her one-on-one, however, was different. The awkwardness was almost tangible. More than anything, Natsuki didn’t want to talk to her. She still didn’t know he was aware of her infidelity, which made his feelings of bitterness even more complicated.

Hoping to go unnoticed, Natsuki turned to take another route, but Yuka’s eyes met his before he could move.

“Oh, Natsuki?”

(…This couldn’t be worse.)

Realizing he couldn’t just ignore her, Natsuki approached, keeping his expression neutral.

“Wow, what a coincidence! Are you shopping alone?” Yuka asked with a small smile.

“Yeah, just picking up some stationery and other stuff,” he replied.

“Same here. My mom sent me to grab some groceries,” she said, gesturing to her basket.

Talking with an ex was awkward, but talking with Yuka was laced with a discomfort that stemmed from lingering hurt and betrayal. It left Natsuki feeling restless and irritable.

“Well, I should get going…” He turned to leave, knowing there was nothing more to say and that staying any longer would only drain him.

But Yuka reached out, stopping him. “Wait, Natsuki.”

“…What?”

“Look, I know it’s bold of me to say this, especially since I was the one who suggested we part ways. I thought we weren’t compatible… But I’d really like to go back to being friends. Can we try that?”

She avoided his eyes, her tone faltering.

Natsuki wasn’t the one who had ended things; Yuka was. The day after their breakup, he had seen her with an upperclassman, their interactions too familiar to mistake for friendship. Officially, she’d claimed they broke up because their personalities didn’t match.

“…Didn’t you break up with me because you liked someone else?” Natsuki said, his voice sharper than intended.

“Huh?”

“If that’s the case, maybe we shouldn’t talk at all.”
His bluntness hung in the air.

Natsuki wanted no part of Yuka in his life, but bringing up the truth of her cheating felt wrong, too.

“…What are you talking about? I still have feelings for you, in a way. But I thought this was better for both of us… What about you?”

“I don’t feel anything anymore. You said we weren’t a good match, so I moved on.”

“Ah… I see. I guess we’re just out of sync.”

“Let’s not ignore each other, but let’s keep it brief. Just a greeting if we cross paths.”

“Yeah, that sounds fair,” Yuka said, forcing a smile.

To Natsuki, her smile seemed hollow, as if masking something. He was sure her earlier words were lies, too.

Maybe she was trying to maintain their connection to avoid suspicion. Breaking up with Natsuki and suddenly being seen with someone else would look suspicious. By acting like she was still friendly with him, she could deflect any doubt or rumors.

(Whatever… It’s not like I’ll be seeing much of her.)

“Alright, take care,” he said, turning away.

“Thanks, and sorry for taking up your time. Bye.”

People always wore masks, Natsuki thought. It was why he avoided forming deep friendships and found it hard to trust. You could never really know what someone thought deep down.

Keito and Shizune were exceptions, but even now, a part of him felt wary around them. Shizune, whom he’d known for years, shouldn’t have been part of that doubt; they knew each other’s true selves. Yet, the feeling remained.

He hated this version of himself that couldn’t trust others. Sometimes, he wished he could go back to being carefree and optimistic, as he once was.

“…I need to get that cake and go home.”

He picked up his pace, wanting to retreat to the comfort of his room and shut out the world for a while.