The rain had stopped the next morning . But a fog hung low over the school ground. Haruki stood at the vending machine outside the literature building. His fingers hovering over the buttons, lost in thoughts.
He would still feel the weight of Daiki's jacket over his shoulder from yesterday . It wasn't the first time someone had been kind to him .....but it was the first time he has felt something from it .
"Good morning , Haruki " .
This voice wasn't Daiki's.
Haruki turned to find a girl with short brown hair and bright eyes standing behind him. She wore a track jacket and had a confident yet elegant air . Her tone was chipper , too familiar .
"I'm Rika Aoyama . From the volleyball team !" She said sticking her hand out .
Haruki hesitated at first but shook it lightly
"Haruki Fernandes. Literature "
"I kn ow ." She said with a playful smile " Daiki talks about you."
Haruki's heart tensed.
"He does ?"
"Always. And All the time " She said with a laugh "Daiki says you're cold but kinda funny . You've got a cool vibe."
Haruki's brows twitched, unsure how to answer. He looked away , pressed the coffee button.
Just then a familiar voice echoed from behind the gym building.
"Rikaaaaaa! . You done stalking first years again ?"
Daiki.
Haruki's heart jump despite himself.
"Coming, Dai-chan " Rika called sweetly , then looked back at haruki " I'll see you around"
She winked- then fogged off , the bounce in her steps annoyingly cheerful.
Haruki stared at her , the coffee in his hand suddenly cold.
Later that day , in the class ...
Daiki plopped into the empty seat beside him, grinning.
"Yo ! You didn't replied to my texts last night "
"I fell asleep " Haruki lied .
"Liar " Daiki smirked . "you've read all three messages "
Haruki opened his mouth to reply - but paused when Rika entered the room. She went straight towards them and leaned against Daiki's desk.
"Dai-chan , can you help me with our club's volunteer list ?"
She didn't even glance at Haruki .
Daiki scratched the back of his neck .
"Yeah sure , I'm free "
Rika smiled sweetly , patted the back of his shoulder before walking off .
Haruki's eyes turned back to the front of the room. Hiding the way his jaw clenched .
"You ... okay?" Daiki asked .
"Perfectly fine " Haruki replied flatly, with looking back at him .
Daiki frowned , confused.
[ What's with the sudden change of atmosphere? ] Daiki thought to