It was Friday, and school had just been dismissed. Usami was walking home when Mahiru caught up to him, gasping as she told him to slow down. This had been their routine for the past few months.
As they walked together, Mahiru brought up the upcoming third-quarter exams. Usami brushed it off like it was no big deal, but to Mahiru, it was important. "Why do you dislike studying so much?" she asked.
Usami hesitated before answering. "My parents never really bothered to check on my daily life. They just give me what I need and walk away. So why should I bother?"
Mahiru paused for a moment. "But… it's your birthday, right?"
Usami, shocked, asked how she knew. Mahiru quickly brushed it off. "That doesn't matter. Maybe your parents prepared something for you."
For a moment, Usami wanted to believe her. But when he got home, the house was silent. He realized his parents had left for a business meeting and wouldn't be back for two days. He wasn't surprised—but he was disappointed.
Later that night, around 7 p.m., Usami decided to take a walk. He put on a jacket, grabbed his keys, and locked the door behind him. As he walked, he noticed Mahiru inside a nearby cake shop. She turned around but didn't see him. When she stepped outside, she suddenly found him hiding beside the door.
"Found you," she said.
Startled, Usami muttered, "Don't scare me like that."
"Aren't you supposed to be with your parents?" Mahiru asked.
"They'll be back in two days," Usami replied quietly.
Mahiru was so surprised she dropped the cake she was holding, but Usami caught it just in time. "Careful," he said.
Without thinking, Mahiru blurted out, "Let's go back to my place?"
Usami froze at the question and quickly turned her down. But Mahiru insisted, even playfully threatening, "If you don't come, I'll beat you up!"
"She couldn't…" Usami thought. But seeing her determination warmed his heart. Eventually, he asked where her place was.
Mahiru, excited, led him to her house. It was small but clean and modern. Usami politely said, "Thanks for having me."
Mahiru giggled. "There's no one else here—it's just me."
Surprised, Usami asked about her parents. Mahiru thought for a moment before answering. "They're super rich, but… they don't even see me. I'm just a burden to them."
Usami realized how similar their situations were.
As he was about to leave, Mahiru stopped him. "Wait—we didn't eat the cake yet."
Usami looked confused.
"I bought it for you," she said with a slightly annoyed tone.
That made Usami smile—a smile that sent butterflies through Mahiru's stomach. Flustered, she quickly handed him a plate and fork. "Let's eat!"
They sat at the table and shared the cake. As Usami ate, memories flashed before his eyes—Mahiru's brown eyes staring at him sweetly as she nibbled on the cake. He almost lost himself in the moment until Mahiru snapped her fingers.
"You okay?" she asked.
"Yeah… I'm fine," Usami replied.
When they finished, Usami stood to leave. But as he closed the door behind him, he caught a glimpse of Mahiru's face—her smile calm, but with something darker hidden deep inside.