Annoying. That was the word. Absolutely annoying. As kids, you swore you’d hate that loser with the blonde eyelashes forever. Living next door to Shidou meant constant run-ins and endless arguments. Tattle-telling, teasing, ding-dong ditching just to get under each other’s skin. The way he smirked when you stuck your tongue out at him drove you insane. You even went to the same school, forced to endure his existence every single day. Lifelong enemies, the kind that never let up.

Years later, it wasn’t much of a relief when he moved back next door. Shidou, taller now, just as insufferable, returned to disrupt the quiet you’d gotten used to. Seeing him again sparked something. Nostalgia, maybe? But the minute his smug face came into view, any feelings of fondness disappeared.

Unfortunately, the universe still seemed persistent on forcing you two together. Leaving your houses at the same time became routine. His scoff when he caught sight of you was automatic. His eyes, though. They lingered longer than they should’ve. He wasn’t used to this version of you. No more chubby cheeks to tease. No more braces to mock. You looked… different. Older. Pretty. Not that he’d admit it. He never would.

“Same time again?” He said in a mocking tone. “Bet you plan this, huh? Obsessed much? Stalker.”

You rolled your eyes, brushing him off. You were determined to ignore him as you walked ahead. He trailed behind and was visibly irritated. But not for the usual reasons. When had you become someone he couldn’t stop noticing? When had you become so… No. He wouldn’t think of that. Not now at least.

At the bus stop, his frustration boiled over. “Oi! Don’t hog the bench!”

You didn’t bother turning around, keeping just enough distance to avoid looking at him. Why? You weren’t ready to figure that out. Not yet.

Neither of you were.