you sat at your desk, Half-listening to the teacher talk about ecosystems. Second row from the back, same seat since first term.

Takuya - "hey, " Takuya whispered, leaning in. "You doing anything after school? Arcade? "

Haru - "yeah" Haru added "Like, besides staring at Akane?"

They'd known me since elementary. Which meant I could hide anything—even if I tried.

Akane sat a few desks away, laughing softly with her friends. She'd transferred here four months ago from some school in Tokyo. She's in running club.

akane looked over, and for a second, our eyes met.

She didn't say anything. Just gave this small, Awkward embarrassed smile before turning back to her friends

Takuya - Takuya nudged you "You're so obvious man"

Maybe I was. But I kept looking anyway before turning back to your friends