After the brief chaos finally settled, Haruto was forced into silence.
He turned to Natsuki, and for a fleeting moment, they held each other's gaze—steady, wordless.
Natsuki broke away first and looked at Yuji.
"So… how much do you want for the cake?" he asked, his voice calm.
"Everything you have," Haruto interrupted, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
Yuji let out a soft chuckle. "Just give whatever you can."
The place soon filled with Yuji's laughter and easy jokes.
Then Yukino smiled—and the soft sound of it seemed to spread through the air, gently filling the space around them.
For a moment, Yuji forgot the world beyond that instant: the noise, the people, everything. His eyes were fixed on her, captivated by the quiet beauty of her smile.
Haruto noticed the change and allowed himself a small, relieved smile.
*I think Yukino can change him,* he thought.
Suddenly, a hand struck Natsuki from behind.
He turned at once—and found Sakura standing there.
"Sakura…" he began.
Before he could finish, Haruto spoke up without hesitation. "Sakura, Natsuki loves Suzume."
At once, every gaze in the room turned toward him. Haruto glanced around, confused, and asked innocently, "What?"
Natsuki lowered his head in quiet disappointment. "That's why I didn't want to tell this to Haruto," he murmured.
Sakura stepped closer, her expression softening, and gently placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Natsuki, I always thought you cared only about your studies," Sakura said gently, a faint smile touching her lips, "but it seems you have a heart full of feelings too."
After a brief pause, she added, "Don't worry. I'll make sure Haruto doesn't bring this up again."
At last, a small smile appeared on Natsuki's face.
"Now," Sakura continued softly, "tell me about your love story."
Her gaze shifted to Haruto. "Some stories may not look like love from the outside, but they feel like it all the same."
Then she looked back at Natsuki. "Yours is one of those. Tell me everything."
Yukino watched them with quiet curiosity, yet Yuji continued to look at her, a gentle smile lingering on his face.
*Why…? Why?...* he wondered, his heart stirring for reasons he couldn't name.
Slowly, Natsuki told them everything.
Not long after, they began walking back toward their classroom. As they moved along the corridor, Sakura suddenly stepped ahead of everyone and turned to face them.
"This Sunday, there's a football match," she announced confidently. "My team is playing, and I want all of you there to cheer for me."
Then, with a playful grin, she added, "Yukino, I need to hear your voice while I'm playing. Otherwise, the ball might fly straight at your face."
Yukino stared at her, her cheeks flushing bright red. Instead of replying, she simply raised her thumb in agreement.
Everyone burst into laughter at the sight—
but above all the noise, Yukino caught Haruto's laughter, ringing out louder and clearer than the rest.
She suddenly turned toward him, and their eyes met.
Startled, Haruto froze and fell silent. "I'll… I'll never laugh again," he murmured, misunderstanding her gaze and mistaking it for anger.
In truth, there was no anger in her eyes at all—
only quiet embarrassment.
They resumed walking, but Sakura suddenly swung around and smacked Haruto sharply on the back. Haruto yelped, pressing his hands against the spot. "Ouch! Sakura! What did I do?"
She crossed her arms, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Hmm… maybe you need a reminder."
Before he could speak, she gave him a quick, playful kick.
Yukino glanced at Yuji, who could only offer a confused smile.
"They really haven't changed," Natsuki said quietly, smiling to himself.
Soon, everyone settled into their seats, and the class resumed as usual.
By evening, the school day had come to an end. One by one, the students left for their homes.
As usual, Yukino remained behind, quietly seated at her desk, opening her books and beginning her studies.
This time, however, Yuji stayed too. He hesitated for a moment, then slowly opened his books beside her.
Yukino glanced at him. "Aren't you going home?"
Yuji froze, unsure of what to say. Nervous, he finally replied, "I—um… I thought I should study. I need to pass the exams."
Yukino gave a small nod, then turned back to her notebook and began working through her sums, the classroom settling into a gentle, comfortable silence.
After a few minutes, Akane entered the classroom. The moment she noticed Yuji still sitting there, her eyes widened in surprise.
Without a word, she called him over to the staff room. Yuji followed her, his steps hesitant.
"What are you doing there?" she asked, a knowing grin spreading across her face.
"M-Ma'am… I've realized the importance of studying," Yuji replied nervously. "I need to improve my grades. I also have to look after Hina."
Akane's expression softened, clearly pleased. "Finally, my boy has learned responsibility."
*Thanks, Hina,* Yuji thought silently.
"All right then," she said warmly. "Go on, focus on your studies and do your best."
She trusted his words and gave him a firm thumbs-up.
By the time he returne, Yukino was no longer there.
He searched the classroom, scanning every corner. Then his eyes fell on the window—
Yukino was already outside, walking toward her home.
Without thinking, he hurriedly packed his things and ran after her. As he passed by the staff room, he caught sight of Akane.
"Ma'am! From tomorrow onward, I'll take responsibility!" he shouted, not stopping even for a moment.
What if she thinks I'm running just to walk with her? he panicked.
Just then, he spotted a cat along the way. Acting on impulse, he scooped it up and rushed forward.
From a distance, Yukino noticed him running.
Why is he running? she wondered. Does he want to walk with me?
He reached her, breathing hard, and held out the cat. "On the way… I saw this cat," he said between breaths. "So… I wanted to show it to you."
She gently took the cat from his hands.
*I misunderstood him,* she thought, her heart softening.
The cat suddenly puffed up and hissed at Yuji, swiping at the air as if to attack him—
yet the moment it was in her arms, it calmed down, gentle and at ease.
Yukino stared in disbelief. "I… I can't believe this."
Yuji blinked. "What?"
"Cats are never like this with me," she said softly, looking down at it. "Do you think… I can take it home?"
Yuji nodded without hesitation, as if he were the cat's rightful owner. "Yeah. You can take it."