Rei was walking toward school, earbuds in, head down, thinking about the argument he had with Yuzuki.
"I really thought I could talk things out with her today. But no… she just had to turn it into a mess again."
Rei sighed, clearly frustrated. When his best friend, Haruki Yamano, spotted him from across the street, Haruki waved his hand and said.
"Yo! What's up with that gloomy face?"
"Yuzuki and I had another fight."
Rei sighing, sounding obvious and cracked. And Haruki, unbothered, placed his hand over Rei's shoulders. Walking side by side, Rei laughed.
"Her again? Man, at this point, why do you even care? Besides… didn't you have a crush on Miharu?"
Rei breathes out, mentally drained. Said calmly.
"That's… a different story."
Haruki thought shift, eyes wide, curious. Slowly lowering his voice.
"Any progress there?"
"I tried to learn more about her. Turns out, she only comes to school two or three days a week."
Sudden awareness crossed Haruki's mind. Crossing his arms and really giving it a thought.
"No wonder I barely see her around..."
Rei turned to him and nodded, agreeing with his statement. Rei continued with more details.
"Yeah… She doesn't hang out much either. Just a couple of quiet friends who are as mysterious as her."
Haruki groaned, buffering and thinking out of his mind, staring up at the sky.
"And you can't even talk to other students about her, or else Yuzuki will find out and make your life hell. Dude, your situation is hopeless."
Rei grinning slightly, still a spark in his mide.
"Not completely."
Haruki, exasperated, tried, but it wasn't convincing for him. He had had enough of all these romance narratives.
"How?! You won't talk to her directly. What's left? Sending letter?!"
Instently neglecting the statement, deep in thoughts.
"She doesn't seem like the kind of girl who'd say yes to some random boy she's never spoken to. If I'm going to approach her, it can't be out of nowhere."
Haruki threw his hands in the air, scratching his head out of frustration. He stopped walking.
"It's been four years! You haven't said a single word! Just confess, get rejected, and let's move on with our lives!"
Rei, dead serious, turned to him, hands crossed. He took a long pause before asking.
"Let me just ask you one thing."
Haruki turned toward him. Rei looked him straight in the eye… then smirked like a mischievous kid. Rei wore a childish grin.
"She's cute as hell, right?"
Haruki suddenly imagined Miharu in her school uniform, short in height, with her eyes almost glowing under the morning sun. Sleek short hair danced in the wind. Her curves flowed like a running river.
Haruki and I just couldn't help but let our imagination run wild.
"Yeah~ she is."
Rei snapping, flustered, a fait blush on his face.
"Shut up, both of you! I don't go into the details."
Haruki blinked, having no clue what he meant, speechless after Rei's words.
"There's only me and you, idiot. Who else are you talking to?"
Rei blushed, a realization of his tongue slipping in casual conversation.
"Nothing! Just… you got my point, right?"
Haruki grinned, agreeing with his little delusions.
"Yeah yeah. But… you do have a plan, right?"
Rei continued with his excuses and scenarios that could lead to success. Haruki just took everything like usual, all day.
Time passed by, and the talks about Miharu faded away into regular school conversations.
After school, Rei and Haruki walked side by side, school bags slung over their shoulders, chatting lazily under the afternoon sun. Rei was about to turn toward his usual route.
"Alright then... see ya!"
"You always go straight home, huh? "
Haruki wrapped an arm around Rei's neck and started dragging him along another route.
"Not today. You're coming with me!"
Rei followed while maintaining his balance, smiling, ready for a little change.
"Wait—okay, okay! I think I can do that..."
As they were walking, laughing, and messing around, Haruki suddenly stopped. Miharu was just walking in the distance. He stopped and pointed out loud.
"Wait... is that your girl?"
Rei saw Miharu and instantly slammed Haruki's hands down, whispering.
"Keep it down!"
Haruki matched his pace, crouching and whispering back.
"Got it... Maybe you should talk to her?"
Rei nervous, panicing, thoughts scattered.
"No way... What would I even say?"
Haruki, convincing, sounded like Rei's life was a little too mundane.
"Oh.... Do something, damn it!"
"Maybe I'll just follow her... find out where she lives?"
"Stalker..."
Haruki paused for a few seconds, then smirked and gave Rei a tap on the back.
"You know what? Do it. Progress is progress."
"Thanks..."
Before leaving, Haruki gave a thumbs up and a piece of advice.
"If she gives you the chance, talk to her. Bye"
"Bye. I'll try."
Rei waved back and weaseled out, stressing all over while he followed Miharu.
There's no way he's talking to her.
A few moments later, Rei was walking carefully, keeping a safe distance from Miharu while thinking about openings.
This is my perfect opportunity... If I can find out where she lives, maybe I can join the same tuition. Then we'll become friends. We'll walk together every day...
Rei blushed slightly, lost in thought, daydreaming about scenarios. The route was longer; they passed by many quiet shops, houses and now crossing thorough a garden.
They entered a narrow lane lined with gardens, tall trees, and flowers blooming on both sides. Sunlight spilled gently through the leaves, creating a soft shimmer on the ground. Birds chirped in the distance. The atmosphere turned quiet—like nature itself was whispering.
Whoa... this place is beautiful.
So peaceful... It feels like an anime scene.
If she turned around and smiled right now...
This path... it's so her. Quiet, gentle, and kind of mysterious.
This is really close to home... I should come here more often.
Miharu then turned and walked through the gate of a nearby house. It turned out Miharu's house was pretty close to this bastard's house.
Rei speachless, almost painful. He slammed his head after realisation.
"You've gotta be kidding me..."
He slowly walked toward his own house gates, chewing his shirt collar. Tears of joy filled his eyes, but they were full of regret.
She lives just three houses away?! All this time? And I never noticed?
Mom... Next time I will listen and actually go outside. I promise.
He sighed and opened the main door. Before he entered, he recalled how much time he had wasted and the number of possibilities he had missed—full of regret.
"...I'm home."