"I heard you're good at math," a voice said from behind me.
I turned around and met Sayo's gaze. She was standing next to me, playing with the end of her blouse, slightly embarrassed.
—I think so,— I replied. "What's the problem?"
— I can't figure out the tasks on page twenty-three.
She handed me a notebook.
I looked at the tasks, then at her. She was calm, but there was some sincere hope in her eyes.
"Maybe after school?" I suggested.
— Yes, if you are not too busy.
She smiled, and I felt a slight tension. It was too unexpected not to be alerted.
Miyako and I were sitting in our usual place in the dining room. It was quiet today. She was telling me something, but one thought kept spinning in my head: something was wrong with Sayo.
When I looked at her, she was sitting at the next table. She was whispering something to her friend, but her gaze—it was visible even through the crowd of people—was directed at me.
Nothing unusual, right? But somehow I felt uneasy.
Miyako noticed that I was looking at Sayo.
"You noticed her, didn't you?" She was hanging around us all the time.
I nodded, trying to hide my discomfort.
"Well, she's just a new student. She needs to get used to it.
— I do not know, I think she likes you somehow... He searches too often.
I didn't even know what to say.
After lessons
Miyako and I were walking home when Sayo came over.
—Kurume,— her quiet but confident voice said again. — Can you help me with the tasks after class?
Miyako immediately stopped talking after looking at me.
I sighed.
—I promised I'd help."
Sayo smiled and nodded.
— Thank you! I'll be waiting for you at the weekend.
When she left, I turned to Miyako. She walked in silence, keeping a little further away.
"Do you mind if I help?" - I asked.
"Of course,— she replied, but her voice was a little dry. "Help me." It's not difficult for you. Just be careful.
We continued walking home in silence.