The classroom felt… normal again.
Too normal.
Yamabuki didn't like it.
"…This is weird."
Takumi glanced at him.
"What now?"
"She hasn't talked to me all day."
Takumi smirked.
"…So you noticed."
"I'm not blind!"
Silence
Naya sat near the window.
Same as always.
Same calm face.
Same perfect image.
But this time—
It felt distant.
Cold.
Not once had she looked at Yamabuki.
Not even by accident.
Avoidance
Yamabuki stood up.
"…Alright, that's enough."
He walked toward her desk.
Step by step.
Takumi whispered behind him:
"…Bro's going to war."
"I CAN HEAR YOU."
Attempt
"Oi."
"…What."
Cold.
Instant.
Yamabuki frowned.
"…You've been ignoring me."
"I haven't."
"You clearly have!"
"…You're imagining things."
"I AM NOT—"
Cut Off
Naya stood up suddenly.
"I have work."
"You ALWAYS have work!"
"…Because I do."
She walked past him.
Again.
Just like yesterday.
Inside Her Mind
Don't look at him.
Don't talk to him.
Don't react.
Her steps were fast.
Controlled.
If I stay away…
This feeling will disappear.
"…It has to."
Back to Yamabuki
"…What is wrong with her?"
Takumi crossed his arms.
"…You really don't get it?"
"GET WHAT?!"
"…Never mind."
"I HATE YOU."
Forced Situation
"Yamada. Yamabuki."
Both froze.
Teacher's voice echoed in the classroom.
"You two will handle cleaning duty today."
Yamabuki blinked.
"…Again?"
Naya didn't react.
"…Understood."
After School
The classroom was empty.
Quiet.
Just the two of them.
Yamabuki leaned against a desk.
"…You can't run now."
"…I'm not running."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You ARE."
"I said I'm not!"
The Tension
Silence filled the room.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
Yamabuki sighed.
"…Why are you doing this?"
No answer.
Naya gripped the broom tighter.
"…It's easier."
"…What is?"
"…Not talking to you."
Yamabuki froze.
"…Easier?"
"…Yes."
The Truth (Hidden)
If I get closer…
I won't be able to stop.
Her eyes lowered.
"…So just leave it."
The Reaction
Yamabuki scratched his head.
"…You're seriously weird."
"…I know."
"…But this is annoying."
"…Good."
"…OI!"
Ending
Cleaning finished in silence.
No arguments.
No chaos.
Just distance.
As they walked out—
Naya stopped for a second.
Just one second.
"…This is fine."
She whispered softly.
"…This is better."
But her chest—
Still felt tight.
Final Line
"…So why does it feel worse…?"