Kurume
Everything seemed to be getting better.
I could feel it.
Miyako was walking home with me again. She looked me in the eyes. Just for a moment, but still — she did.
I was more careful. More aware.
I tried not to give Sayo any reason.
Didn't stay alone with her. Didn't say anything unnecessary.
But apparently...
you don't need a real reason. People can make one up.
The next day
— "Hey, Kurume…" — Mina, one of our classmates, ran up to me during break. — "Is it true?"
— "What?"
— "That you're dating Sayo?"
I nearly dropped my pen.
— "What kind of nonsense is that?"
— "Just… there's this rumor. They say you two were seen together after school. And that she… well… kissed you on the cheek?"
— "That's ridiculous!"
Mina looked uneasy.
— "I'm not saying it's true. Just… people are talking. And you and Miyako broke up, right? So…"
I didn't hear the rest of her sentence.
My mind was already racing.
After class
Miyako and I walked out together like usual.
But she was a few steps ahead. Quieter. Slower.
Something felt off.
— "Hey, are you okay?"
— "Are you?" — her voice was calm, steady… but cold.
— "What do you mean?"
— "I mean rumors don't come from nowhere. Even if they're lies — they start somewhere."
I stopped walking.
— "You… think I…?"
— "I don't know, Kurume. That's the problem."
We reached the crosswalk.
She stood there, not looking at me.
— "I just want to be with someone I can trust."
— "I…"
— "Don't say anything. Just think."
Silence.
Then she turned and walked away.
That evening
I sat by the window.
My phone was silent.
And in my head — Sayo's voice:
> "I just want to help…"
For the first time,
I realized just how subtle she could be.
And how easy it is
to destroy trust that took weeks to build.