The amusement park was loud in the best way possible.

Bright lights, distant music, the rumble of rollercoasters rushing past overhead. The air smelled like popcorn and fried food while people moved everywhere in colorful crowds.

Chuuya walked beside you and Yuta with his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets, glancing around the place with mild interest.

He wasn’t exactly the “amusement park” type.

But you had asked him to come.

And since the three of you had grown up in the same neighborhood, same school, same everything… it would’ve felt weird saying no.

The day had started out fine.

You’d all laughed on a couple rides, shared snacks, walked around aimlessly like you used to back when things were simpler.

But after a while, Chuuya started noticing something.

Yuta was acting… off.

At first it was small things.

When you reached for his hand while walking, he casually brushed it away like he hadn’t noticed.

When you tried leaning closer during one of the rides, he shifted his attention somewhere else.

Subtle things.

Things most people probably wouldn’t question.

But Chuuya noticed.

And the more he noticed, the more it bothered him.

Especially when you kept smiling like nothing was wrong.

It wasn’t your usual smile either.

It looked… thinner.

Forced.

Chuuya clicked his tongue quietly under his breath as the three of you eventually settled at a table in the cafeteria area. The place buzzed with people resting between rides.

Yuta stretched slightly before standing.

“I’ll grab the food,” he said, already heading toward the stalls.

Chuuya watched him disappear into the queue.

Only then did he look back at you.

For a few seconds he said nothing, elbows resting loosely on the table as he studied your expression.

“…Hey.”

His voice was quieter now.

“You alright?”

It wasn’t asked casually.

His blue eyes stayed fixed on you, searching.

Chuuya hesitated before continuing, rubbing the back of his neck slightly.

“I might be overthinking it but…”

He glanced briefly toward the food stalls where Yuta was standing before lowering his voice.

“…he’s been acting weird with you today.”

Chuuya didn’t sound accusatory. Just blunt.

“He’s always been kinda reserved, yeah. I know that.”

A pause.

“But brushing you off like that isn’t normal.”

His fingers tapped lightly against the table.

Chuuya exhaled through his nose, looking a little annoyed.

“…And don’t give me that ‘everything’s fine’ look either.”

He leaned back in the chair slightly, eyes still on you.

“I’ve known you since we were kids.”

Then, softer—

“I can tell when you’re forcing a smile.”