The warmth of the late afternoon sun cast long shadows along the sidewalk as Rei walked beside Yuuto. The chatter of students heading home filled the air, yet he felt strangely detached from it all—like a ghost drifting through a world that barely noticed him.
Except, that wasn't entirely true anymore.
Yuuto's presence beside him was something he couldn't ignore. The guy was persistent, always trying to pull him into conversations, always making sure Rei wasn't left out. It was irritating… yet, at the same time, it wasn't entirely unwelcome.
"Man, today was exhausting," Yuuto sighed, stretching his arms. "That math quiz was brutal. I swear I saw my soul leave my body halfway through."
Rei didn't reply. He had finished the quiz easily, but saying that out loud felt unnecessary.
Yuuto glanced at him, then smirked. "Let me guess—you aced it without breaking a sweat?"
Rei gave a small shrug. "Something like that."
"Damn, must be nice." Yuuto chuckled, kicking a stray pebble on the road. "If I had half your brain, I wouldn't be suffering like this."
Rei wasn't sure how to respond, so he simply walked in silence. This was how it had been lately—Yuuto talking, Rei listening. And despite himself, Rei was starting to grow… used to it.
Not trusting, not yet. But the silence between them no longer felt suffocating.
They reached a small convenience store at the corner of the street. Yuuto suddenly stopped. "Oh, right! Hana said she'd meet us here."
Rei tensed slightly.
Hana.
He hadn't spent much time with her since their initial conversation in class, but she hadn't backed away either. Unlike others who would have taken his indifference as rejection, she kept showing up. It made him wary.
But he had to admit—just a little—he was curious about her.
As if on cue, a familiar voice called out.
"Sorry I'm late!"
Rei turned to see Hana approaching, her hair swaying with each step. There was an easygoing energy about her, as if nothing in the world could weigh her down.
Yuuto waved. "Finally! I thought you ditched us."
"Like I'd ever do that," she shot back playfully. Then her gaze flickered to Rei, and she smiled. "Hey."
Rei hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Hey."
It was barely anything. Just a single word.
But for Rei—who had spent so long keeping his distance from people—it was a step closer than before.