The school was almost empty.
I was about to head home when Sayo walked up to me.
— "Kurume, we had physics last week, right?"
— "Yeah, and?"
— "I didn't understand anything. Please explain it… quickly."
— "Now?"
— "Yes," she leaned in closer. "You're the only one who can explain it properly."
I sighed.
It didn't seem like a big deal. Just a few minutes.
Why not?
Physics Room
I stood at the board, explaining formulas.
She sat on a desk, barely listening.
— "Look, if you take acceleration…"
I turned around — and that moment, she stood up abruptly.
— "You know, Kurume, you're actually… a good guy."
— "Sayo?"
She stepped closer. Too close.
— "You just need to learn to appreciate the people around you."
— "Back off."
She placed her hands on my chest.
— "Don't pretend you don't feel anything. I know you do…"
I backed away sharply, but tripped over a chair.
— "Are you insane?!"
And then—
Clack.
The door opened.
I froze.
Sayo turned her head slowly.
— "Miyako?.." I breathed.
She stood in the doorway.
On her face — the one expression I feared more than anything.
— "Well… now everything's clear," she said coldly.
— "W-wait! It's not what you think!"
— "Oh? Then what is it?"
— "She came on to me! She… did it on purpose…"
I rushed after her, but she was already gone.
Sayo stood in the shadows.
Her smile had vanished.
— "Well then," she whispered. "It's all up to you now, Kurume. Either you're with me…
Or you're alone."
---
Later
I sat on a bench, clutching my head in my hands.
"Is this the end?.."
I didn't know what to say.
What to feel.
But one thing I did know: I won't give up.
Even if everything falls apart.