"Hey, you have an eyelash on your cheek," Sayo abruptly leaned into my face.
I recoiled.
"It's okay, don't touch it," I muttered, looking away.
"I just... wanted to help,— she sounded almost offended.
"No need.
She stopped talking, but I felt that this was not the end.
Change
We were sitting in the classroom. I was eating a bun, staring out the window.
Sayo was silent, drawing in her notebook.
And I... checked my phone every minute.
And here is the notification.
Miyako: "Don't worry. I just want to be alone for a while."
Just one line.
No "hello" and no emoticons.
I've read it three times.
And he couldn't understand: was he angry? Are you tired? Avoiding me?
"The smile is gone,— Sayo said suddenly. "Did she write?"
— yeah.
"Bad news?"
I didn't answer.
I hid my phone and pretended to be reading.
After lessons
I was about to leave, but Sayo stopped me at the exit.:
— Kurume, why don't we go to a cafe after school tomorrow?
Just as friends. I want to know more about you.
You're so interesting.
Interesting?
An amazing word.
Especially from her.
"I'm not sure." I might have things to do.
"Think about it, okay? She smiled, but there was a hint of annoyance in her eyes.
It's hard to fake a smile like that. But she did.
In the evening
I lay in bed for a long time, holding the phone in front of me.
What does it mean, "I want to be alone"?
Because of me? Because of her?
The notification appeared on the screen again.
Sayo: "I hope you'll go tomorrow after all. That would be nice."