Shun and Alice sat on the floor, their backs resting against the side of his bed. The open bag of snacks sat between them, mostly empty now.
Outside the window, the sky was starting to turn orange.
They hadn't talked much, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable.
"I like your room," Alice said softly. "It's peaceful. Not too crowded."
Shun looked around. There wasn't much in it—just a bed, a desk, a shelf with a few books and notebooks. A small plant sat by the window.
"I like simple things," he replied. "It's easier to think."
Alice smiled. "You really are different from everyone at school."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No," she said, looking at him. "It's kind of nice."
A gentle breeze came in through the open window. It carried the faint sound of birds and faraway traffic.
Alice leaned forward to look at his sketchbook again. "Can I see more of your drawings?"
Shun hesitated. "They're not that good."
"I still want to see them."
He passed her the notebook without a word.
Alice flipped through the pages slowly. Most were just patterns or lines, but some were small scenes trees, windows, the view from his classroom seat.
Then, she paused at one drawing.
It was of a girl only half drawn but it looked familiar.
Alice looked at Shun. "Is this…?"
Shun's face turned a little red. He looked away. "It's no one."
Alice smiled gently, but didn't say anything more. She turned the page.
As she leaned in closer to show him something in the notebook, Shun leaned forward too. For a second, they were both looking at the same spot, inches away.
Then it happened. Alice turned her head, and their faces nearly touched.
So close. Too close.
Their eyes widened.
Both pulled back quickly.
Alice covered her mouth in surprise, her cheeks turning bright pink.
Shun looked away, his ears red.
"I-I didn't mean to— Alice started.
"It's fine," Shun mumbled, still not looking at her.
For a few moments, neither said anything. The room felt warmer now, somehow.
Alice let out a small, awkward laugh. "That was… close."
Shun nodded. "Yeah."
After a while, she stood up.
"I should go before it gets dark," she said. "Thanks for letting me come."
Shun walked with her to the door.
She looked at him before leaving. "Tomorrow, you'll still pretend we don't talk, right?"
Shun looked down. "If that's what you want."
Alice paused. Then she smiled again—this time a little brighter, and a little shy.
"We'll see."
And with that, she waved and walked off into the fading light.
Shun closed the door behind her and leaned against it, notebook still in hand.
He didn't know what would happen next.
But for now, his heart was still beating a little too fast.
And he didn't mind.