Morning. It was cold, sleepy, and irritatingly gray. I came to school a little later than usual — I overslept.
Breakfast? Forgot.
Mood? Zero.
I sat down at my desk, and just as I was about to bury my forehead in my notebook, something fell in front of me.
— Toast with cheese and apple juice. You look like you haven't eaten in a week today," Miyako said, looking away.
I blinked.
"Are you... is that for me?"
— No, it's for the neighbor on the right. She snorted. — Of course you do.
— But from where?..
— I saw you holding your stomach yesterday in physical education. And... you have bags under your eyes. You probably haven't even had lunch.
I stopped talking.
Did she notice all this?
I'm not.
I just lived as usual. And she... watched.
—You don't have to,— I muttered, feeling a strange warmth in my chest.
"I know."
And everything. There are no "buts". Just a fact.
After lessons
The two of us walked down the hallway. Miyako was saying something about a new chemistry teacher, but I barely listened. I watched how she gesticulated, how her fingers trembled slightly when she was worried, and how she laughed briefly, almost afraid to be heard.
I suddenly realized that I like this... everyday life with her.
—Hey, Miyako.
— Mm?
"You're weird, you know.
— Thank you?.. She narrowed her eyes. - why?
— well... You care. You feed them. You smile when you think no one is watching.
.. nice.
Unusual, but pleasant.
She froze.
For a few seconds.
And then... her cheeks flushed, as if she had just snatched a compliment from outer space.
"You.".. It's also not quite as prickly as I thought.
And she went on.
But I remained standing.
And watched her go.
At home in the evening
Takao wrote to me:
"Uh, are you sure you're just friends with Miyako? I saw how she brought you food. It's almost like a family!"
I didn't say anything.
Because maybe...
Maybe he's right.