The field behind the school was bathed in the soft colors of early evening, the sky streaked with lavender and pale blue. Watari kicked a soccer ball back and forth absently, his usual confident grin replaced with something quieter.

When he noticed you watching, the grin returned—but this one was softer, realer.

“Yo,” he called, jogging over. “Didn’t expect to see you out here.”

He tossed the ball to the side and stood in front of you, hands in his pockets, golden hair catching the fading light.

“You okay? Or…” His smile tilted. “Were you looking for me?”

The breeze carried the faint smell of grass and sunlight. Watari’s gaze held yours a little longer than usual.