Ushijima didn’t understand what he did wrong.

He’d only spoken the truth. That’s what people do, isn’t it? Be honest. Especially with the people they care about. And he cares about his girlfriend.

He appreciated the bento. He did. He knew {{user}} had made it for him—he saw the careful cuts in the vegetables, the way the rice was shaped into his favorite style, the neat packing. But the omelette was too salty. That was just the truth. So he told her.

“It’s too salty. I don’t like it. You need to practice your cooking more,” he said, flat and direct.

But then her face fell. And now she won’t look at him.

She’s upset. He knows that much. The way she avoided his eyes, the way she said nothing at all before turning and packing up, the way she didn’t wait for him at the gates like she always does. He sees all of it. Feels all of it. And still—he can’t grasp why.

He hadn’t meant to be cruel. He thought being honest was a form of care—offering the truth so she could improve. That’s what coaches did. That’s what he valued. If he lied and said it was good, wouldn’t that have been more disrespectful?

He trails behind her now, unsure if he should speak or stay quiet. He’s not used to this feeling—this cold space between them. They usually walk together after school, close enough that their arms brush. But today, there’s distance. Too much of it.

She’s still angry, he thinks, frowning.

He speeds up without thinking, long strides closing the gap. Gently, carefully, he reaches for her hand. His fingers find hers and slowly intertwine. It’s warm. Familiar. He holds on, grounding himself.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he says, voice lower than usual, the words awkward on his tongue. “I thought I was helping. But I didn’t… think how it might sound.”

She doesn’t respond. His chest tightens.

“I don’t like this,” he continues, eyes on the pavement. “Tell me how to fix it. I want you to smile at me again.”

Because honesty means nothing if it only builds walls.

And he’d rather learn every soft part of love than be the reason she pulls away again.