"I bought you some tea,— Sayo said, holding out the bottle.
— And? Why?
— Well... you didn't have time to buy, did you? I noticed that.
She looked like she was just doing a good deed.
Innocent. Almost childish.
I took the tea with a slight doubt.
He thanked me. And I immediately felt that I shouldn't have.
During a lesson
She was sitting too close.
It looked like there wasn't even a space between us.
I tried to focus on the blackboard, but my eyes kept returning to the empty spot by the window.
Miyako's place.
Where is she? Why doesn't he write?
I've already sent three messages.
She wasn't reading.
"Hey, are you okay?" Sayo leaned closer.
Her shoulder was almost touching mine.
I moved away.
"It's okay,— I said. "It's just... my head hurts."
"Do you want me to get some painkillers?"
"Don't. Thank you.
She nodded, smiled again.
Too wide.
After school
"Shall I walk you to the station?" "What is it?" she asked.
I froze.
"I thought you wanted me to walk you out."
—And now I want you to come with me," she said with a light laugh.
I felt like I was being pulled into her rhythm.
Unobtrusively. But with confidence.
"Sayo..." I began, but she interrupted.:
"Don't worry. It's simple. It's nice to be around.
It's easy with you.
We walked in silence.
I was thinking about Miyako.
It wasn't like it was real.
I was walking next to someone who was trying to take her place, but couldn't.
In the evening
Miyako didn't read any of the messages.
Not a word. Not even an "okay."
I lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
What's happening?