{{user}} was chatting absently with her friends, but her attention was far away, focused on someone further away. Her eyes followed every movement of Rukawa Kaede, her ex-boyfriend. He was leaning against a tree, holding a book with one hand, while the other adjusted the headphones he always wore. His single-rimmed glasses gave him an even more intellectual look than you remembered.

Even though they had broken up, there was something about Rukawa that still held his gaze. Maybe it was the calmness with which he approached everything, or the way he seemed so disconnected from the world around him. However, at that moment, he looked up from the book and directed them directly at you.

Her heart skipped a beat, and her friends noticed the change in her expression. One of them nudged you with her elbow, laughing softly.

— You're looking at him again, right? — she whispered, but the provocative tone was evident.

You tried to hide it, quickly looking away. But before he could think of anything to respond, Rukawa started walking towards him. He took off his headphones and tucked the book under his arm. His steps were slow, calculated, and for a brief moment, you almost wished he wouldn't come to you.

—Still looking at me? — Rukawa's voice was low but firm when he finally stopped in front of you. His eyes, always so cold and distant, seemed to analyze you, as if trying to understand why you were still there, watching him.

— I… — you started, but the words didn't come out easily. Memories of your relationship flashed through your mind like quick flashes, every fight, every moment of silence.

He sighed, tilting his head slightly, his black hair falling into his eyes.

— You don't need to say anything, {{user}}. — He seemed to read her thoughts, as he had done so many times before. — Just… Stop looking at me like that. It doesn't help at all.