Dear Diary,
You'd think I'd have learned by now that secrets can't stay hidden forever. But no, I had to go and pretend like everything's fine, like I'm not walking around with my heart practically on display for anyone with half a brain to notice.
Today was... tense. Akemi's been watching me like a hawk ever since yesterday. Every time I glance her way, she's either studying me or exchanging looks with Haru, who, bless her heart, has no idea what's going on. Rei says I'm overthinking it, but how can I not when Akemi has that calculating glint in her eye?
It didn't help that Rei decided to escalate things.
"Let's walk home together after school," she said during lunch, leaning close enough that I could smell the faint hint of lavender in her hair.
"W-What?" I stammered, nearly choking on my drink.
Rei grinned, a mischievous spark lighting up her eyes. "Come on, Gabu. You're always running off before I can catch you. Let's actually hang out for once."
Before I could even think of a coherent response, Haru chimed in, "Ooh, you two hanging out without us? Sounds suspicious."
"Haru," Akemi said, her voice calm but her gaze piercing. "Doesn't it feel like something's been... off with Gabu lately?"
My heart stopped.
"What do you mean?" Haru asked, tilting her head like a confused puppy.
Akemi shrugged, though her eyes never left mine. "Just a feeling."
I forced a laugh, waving her off. "You're imagining things. I'm fine."
"Hmm," Akemi said, her tone light but her expression anything but.
Lunch couldn't end fast enough.
The rest of the school day was torture. I kept glancing at the clock, willing the hands to move faster, and every time I glanced at Rei, she'd smile at me like she wasn't the least bit bothered by Akemi's scrutiny. How does she stay so calm?
When the final bell rang, I practically bolted out of the classroom, but Rei was right behind me.
"You're not getting away that easily," she teased, falling into step beside me.
"Rei, I don't think this is a good idea," I muttered, glancing over my shoulder.
"What, walking home together? It's not like we're doing anything wrong."
"It's not that. It's just... Akemi."
Rei raised an eyebrow. "What about her?"
"She's... suspicious," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "She keeps watching me, like she knows something."
Rei stopped walking, turning to face me. "Gabu, you're overthinking this. Akemi's your friend. She might be curious, but she's not going to hate you for... well, for this."
"For us," I corrected, my cheeks heating up.
Rei's smile softened. "Yeah. For us."
The walk home was... nice, despite my nerves. Rei kept the conversation light, talking about her favorite bands and how she'd been thinking about trying out for the school's art competition. I found myself relaxing, even laughing a little when she described the disaster that was her last attempt at painting.
But the peace didn't last.
As we turned the corner onto my street, I saw Akemi leaning against the fence in front of my house, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable. My stomach dropped.
"What is she doing here?" I whispered, panic creeping into my voice.
Rei placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch steadying me. "Maybe she just wants to talk. It's going to be okay."
I wasn't so sure.
"Hey, Gabu," Akemi said as we approached, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. "Fancy running into you here."
"This is my house," I said, my voice more defensive than I intended.
Akemi's gaze flicked to Rei, then back to me. "And Rei just happens to be walking you home. Interesting."
Rei didn't miss a beat. "What's so interesting about that? Friends walk each other home all the time."
"Do they?" Akemi asked, raising an eyebrow.
I felt like I was going to throw up.
"Akemi," I started, my voice shaky, "what are you doing here?"
She sighed, her expression softening just a fraction. "I wanted to talk to you. Alone."
Rei looked at me, her eyes full of concern. "Do you want me to stay?"
"No, it's okay," I said, though I wasn't sure if I was trying to convince her or myself.
Rei hesitated before nodding. "Alright. I'll text you later, okay?"
I nodded, watching her walk away before turning back to Akemi.
"What do you want to talk about?" I asked, my voice barely steady.
Akemi was silent for a moment, studying me like she was trying to solve a puzzle. "Gabu... you've been acting strange lately. You're hiding something. And I think I know what it is."
My heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest. "What are you talking about?"
"Rei," she said simply.
I froze.
"You like her, don't you?"
I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came out. Akemi's expression softened, her voice gentle. "Gabu, it's okay. I'm not mad. I just... I want to understand. You're my best friend, and I don't want you to feel like you have to hide this from me."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. "Akemi, I—"
"It's fine," she said, stepping closer. "You don't have to say anything right now. Just... don't shut me out, okay?"
I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.
As Akemi pulled me into a hug, I felt a strange mix of relief and fear. Relief that she didn't hate me, but fear of what might come next.
Love,
Gabu