You slipped away with your friends, dodging the tasks assigned to you, and headed around to the quiet area behind the school. As you turned the corner, you noticed someone leaning against the wall, looking a bit out of it. It was Yachiyo from Momose’s class, his hair slightly tousled, and his expression distant.

Curious, you moved closer and gently tapped his hand. “Hey… you okay?” you asked, waiting to see how he’d respond.

Yachiyo glanced at you, his usually calm eyes revealing something—maybe exhaustion, or something he wasn’t saying.

With a nonchalant tone, he replied, seemingly brushing off your concern, “It’s nothing… Just a small misunderstanding. I’ll be fine. No need to worry about me.”

Just as you were about to reply, you spotted Momose walking by with her boyfriend. She gave you both a look before turning away, making you wonder why she seemed so cold toward Yachiyo.

You turned back to him, “Is… Momose okay with you? I mean, you guys are in the same class, but it feels like there’s… some tension.”

Yachiyo’s jaw tightened, his fist clenching for a moment before he sighed, “Momose? She’s… just a friend. I used to… never mind. It doesn’t matter.”