Distance has always been my boundaries.
Not because i hate people—
But because staying far hurts less than hoping.
So when i walked into the classroom, I didn't sit beside him.
I moved my desk one space away.
Not obvious.
Just enough to breathe.
Enough to remind myself where my boundary was.
I placed my bag down and opened my notebook,
pretending nothing mattered.
"Morning, Ren."
Yuto's voice was calm.
I nodded once.
Nothing more.
For a moment, he didn't say anything.
Then—
The sound of a chair scraping softly against the floor.
I felt it before I saw it.
Yuto pulled his desk closer.
Not all the way.
Just enough that the gap i created slowly disappeared.
My fingers tightened around my pen.
"I thought you wanted space," he said quietly.
Not accusing. Just asking.
"I do," I replied, eyes still on my notebook.
He hummed lightly. "Then I'll stay close enough
to talk…and far enough not to bother you."
I didn't know how to respond to that.
Class started before i could.
But my heart wouldn't slow down.
I had moved away first.
So why did it feel like he was the once setting the distance?
Lessons passed in a blur. Pens scratched. Pages turned.
Teachers talked about exams and graduation like it was all simple.
I couldn't focus.
During break, the sounds from his friends reached my ears—laughter, teasing, careless voices.
"Yuto,why'd you move seats?"
"Didn't you sit next to him yesterday?"
I pretend to write.
"Does it matter?" Yuto replied.
Someone laughed. "It's kinda weird."
My chest tightened.
Yuto stood up. "Drop it."
They scoffed but left, their voices fading down the hallway.
Silence followed.
"Ren," Yuto said quietly. "Am I making you uncomfortable?"
That word landed heavier than i expected.
"I just prefer space," I said. "That's all."
He looked at me— really looked — then nodded.
"Okay," he said. "I wont cross it."
I should've felt relieved.
Instead, my chest felt heavier.
Later, our homeroom teacher spoke.
"If anyone feels uncomfortable with their seating arrangement," she said, " you can request to swap seat."
My heart started beating too fast.
I lifted my hand slightly.
"Ren?'' The teacher noticed.
Before i could speak—
"I'm fine where I am," Yuto said, standing up. "No need to change."
The teacher nodded. "Alright."
My hand slowly lowered.
I didn't ask him to do that.
So why did it stay with me all day?
—
After school, I didn't leave.
The classroom slowly emptied—chairs scraping, bags zipping, voices fading one by one. The sky outside turned orange, then pink, then dark blue.
Only then did i realize—
Everyone was gone.
The classroom felt too quiet. Too still.
I stayed anyway.
I rested my head on my arm.
Just for a moment.
—
The presence beside me was quiet, carrying a clean scent that felt strangely reassuring.
Not strange.
Not sudden.
Just there.
So I didn't move.
I slept.
—
When i woke up, the lights were dim.
My neck ached as I lifted my head. I blinked and looked at the clock.
6:02 PM.
I jolted upright.
Someone was sitting beside me.
I turned—
And met his eyes.
Yuto.
He wasn't smiling. Wasn't laughing. Just watching quietly, like he had been there for awhile.
"…You fell asleep," he said softly.
"I—sorry," I muttered, grabbing my bag. "I have to go."
I stood up too fast.
I felt my wrist being gently held.
Not tight.
Not forceful.
Just warm.
I froze.
He let go immediately. "Sorry. I didn't mean to"
"…Why are you still here?"I asked.
He hesitated, then smiled faintly. Not the smile he showed his friends.
"I noticed you didn't leave," he said. "So i stayed."
My chest felt strange. Tight. Warm.
"Ren," he said quietly, "can i ask you something?"
I nodded.
"Can I… be your friends?"
The word echoed.
Friends.
My stomach fluttered—soft and uncomfortable, like something I wasn't ready for.
"I'm not good at that," I said.
"That's okay," he replied immediately. "I can wait."
I stepped back.
"I should go."
He nodded.
"Okay."
I walked out without looking back.
—
I didn't answer his question.
And for the first time, being alone didn't quiet my mind.
To Be Continued.