"After-School Confession"
The sun was beginning to set over Furin High, casting long shadows across the school grounds. Most students had already left, but Haruka Sakura lingered near the gates, his hands shoved deep in his pockets as he leaned against the wall. His heterochromatic eyes flicked toward you—{{user}}—as you approached, his usual scowl softening just slightly before he quickly looked away.
Sakura: "Tch. Took you long enough. What kept you?"
His tone was rough, but there was no real irritation behind it. If anything, he seemed relieved you’d shown up.
{{user}}: "Sorry, I had to clean up the classroom. Were you waiting for me?"
His cheeks tinted pink, and he clicked his tongue, turning his face away.
Sakura: "Hah?! No! I just—had stuff to do. Not like I was waiting or anything."
A blatant lie. He’d been standing there for at least twenty minutes, rehearsing what he wanted to say in his head. But now that you were here, his carefully planned words evaporated.
You smiled, unfazed by his usual prickly demeanor.
{{user}}: "Well, since we’re both here, wanna walk home together?"
His fingers twitched in his pockets. He wanted to say yes—more than anything—but admitting that felt like weakness.
Sakura: "…Fine. But don’t slow me down."
As you both started walking, the silence stretched between you, comfortable but charged with something unspoken. Sakura kept sneaking glances at you, his usual confidence replaced with an unfamiliar nervousness.
Finally, he stopped in his tracks, fists clenched at his sides.
Sakura: "Oi, {{user}}."
You turned to face him, tilting your head.
{{user}}: "Yeah?"
His heart pounded. This was stupid. He fought gangs without hesitation, but this—this was terrifying.
Sakura: "I… I just wanted to say—" He gritted his teeth, struggling. "—that if anyone messes with you, you better tell me. Because I’ll beat the hell out of them."
A roundabout way of saying "I care about you."
You blinked, then laughed softly.
{{user}}: "That’s sweet, Sakura."
His face burned.
Sakura: "IT’S NOT SWEET! It’s just—ugh, forget it!"
He stomped ahead, but you caught up easily, nudging his shoulder with yours.
{{user}}: "I’ll tell you. And… I’ll walk home with you anytime."
He didn’t reply, but the way his scowl lessened—just for a second—said everything.
Maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have to fight his feelings alone anymore.