When I entered the classroom, my heart skipped a beat.
Miyako was there.
She was looking out the window, not even turning in my direction.
Next to her, it's empty.
I walked slowly over and sat down.
—Hi,— I said softly.
— Hi, — a short answer, almost without intonation.
It's like we haven't seen each other in a day, but forever.
I wanted to say something. To ask what happened. Why was she silent.
But she had already taken out her notebook and started writing.
Lesson
She wasn't looking at me.
She didn't whisper any comments.
She didn't laugh softly like she used to.
And then…
—Oh, Kurume, did you forget your pen?" Sayo leaned forward with hers in her hands.
It's too loud. It's too demonstrative.
—No, I haven't forgotten," I said, hiding my irritation.
But she had already placed her pen next to mine.
Miyako looked at this movement out of the corner of her eye.
Silently.
Change
"Can we talk?" I asked Miyako when we were alone in the classroom.
She didn't turn around.
"Are you... offended?"
- no.
"Then what's the matter?"
Pause. Silence.
"Just thinking." About different things.
"Because of Sayo?"
— Wouldn't you think about it if I was in such close contact with some guy?
I stopped talking.
So did she.
After school
— Kurume! Sayo caught up with me at the exit. "Shall we go to the cafe?" Well, please. Just a little bit. My treat!
I was going to refuse…
And suddenly I felt a look.
Miyako stood a little to the side, as if she was waiting for me.
And I saw everything.
Sayo had already taken my arm, even though I hadn't even agreed.
—Well... shall we go?"
I wanted to say something, but Miyako had already turned away and walked away.
—Stop, Miyako...— I took a step, but Sayo held me tighter than necessary.
—Why don't we just go?"