Chuuya walked beside you with his hands shoved deep into his pockets, a faint scowl settled permanently on his face. He kicked a small pebble off the sidewalk as you headed toward your house, the late afternoon sun stretching your shadows across the road.

You and Chuuya had been inseparable for as long as either of you could remember—childhood best friends, classmates, always walking home together after school. It had always been easy. Natural.

Except lately… things felt different.

Earlier that day, he’d gotten into a fight again. This time with the same bullies who never seemed to leave you alone. Chuuya hadn’t even hesitated—one sharp word from them and he’d snapped. He couldn’t stand the way they looked at you, talked to you, tried to make you feel small.

Anyone who dared to hurt you earned his anger.

By the time you reached your house, Chuuya slowed to a stop at the front gate. He stood there for a moment, staring straight ahead like he was trying to say something—but didn’t know how.

Then he turned to you, expression stiff, ears just a little red.

“Take care,” he muttered, voice low.

He lingered for a second longer than necessary before turning away, pretending he didn’t feel his chest tighten at the thought of leaving you behind.