The next morning felt… different.
Airi Takahashi stood at the school gate, adjusting her uniform like always. Perfect. Clean. Composed.
But her mind?
Not calm at all.
"…Why am I thinking about him?"
She clicked her tongue softly and walked inside.
🏫 Classroom Tension
As she entered the classroom, everything felt normal again.
Students chatting. Chairs moving. Noise everywhere.
And there he was.
Ren Kuroda.
Sitting in his usual seat near the window, head slightly down, eyes half-hidden behind his messy black hair.
Quiet.
Cold.
Distant.
"…That's the same guy from yesterday?" Airi thought.
It didn't feel real.
For a moment, she wondered if she imagined everything.
But then—
Ren slightly lifted his head.
Their eyes met.
Just for a second.
And then—
He looked away.
Like nothing happened.
Airi frowned.
"…Seriously?"
😒 After Class
During break, Airi was surrounded as usual.
"Takahashi, can you help me with this?"
"Airi, did you finish the homework?"
"You're amazing as always!"
She smiled politely.
"Yes, of course."
"Here, I'll explain it."
Perfect girl mode: ON.
But her eyes—
Kept drifting.
Towards Ren.
Who was… completely ignoring everything.
"…Unbelievable," she muttered.
⚡ The First Move
After school—
Airi didn't rush home immediately.
Instead, she stood near the gate.
Waiting.
"…I'm not waiting. I just… happen to be here."
A few minutes later—
Ren walked out.
Same lazy steps. Same expressionless face.
He noticed her instantly.
"…You're still here."
Airi crossed her arms.
"I can stand wherever I want."
"…Right."
He tried to walk past her.
But—
"Wait."
He stopped.
Slowly turned.
"…What?"
Airi hesitated for a second.
Then spoke.
"Why do you act like a completely different person at school?"
Straightforward.
No filter.
Ren blinked.
"…Why do you?"
She froze.
"…That's not the same thing."
"It is."
Silence.
The air between them tightened slightly.
🌆 Walking Together
"…Walk with me," Airi suddenly said.
Ren raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Because I said so."
"…That's not a reason."
Airi glared at him.
"Do you want me to tell everyone about your other personality?"
Ren sighed.
"…You're scary."
"But it worked, didn't it?"
"…Fine."
And just like that—
They started walking together.
🖤 Real Conversation
At first, it was quiet.
Only the sound of footsteps.
Then—
"You help that kid often?" Airi asked.
Ren shrugged slightly.
"He lives near my place."
"That's… nice."
"…It's normal."
Airi glanced at him.
"No, it's not."
Ren looked at her.
"…You cook every day for your family. That's not normal either."
She stopped walking.
"…You noticed that?"
"You had burn marks on your hand."
Airi quickly hid her hand behind her back.
"It's nothing."
Ren didn't respond immediately.
Then softly—
"You don't have to pretend when it's just us."
Her chest tightened slightly.
"…Same goes for you."
"…Yeah."
☕ Small Moment
They stopped near a small convenience store.
Airi grabbed two drinks and handed one to him.
"Here."
"I didn't ask—"
"Just take it."
"…Thanks."
They stood outside, sipping quietly.
For the first time—
The silence felt… comfortable.
💫 The Agreement
"…Let's keep this a secret," Airi said suddenly.
Ren looked at her.
"…This?"
"This… us talking. Knowing each other like this."
"…Why?"
She looked down slightly.
"…Because I don't want people to see this side of me."
Ren stared at her for a moment.
Then nodded.
"…Same."
Airi gave a small smile.
"Then it's decided."
🌙 Ending Scene
As they parted ways—
Ren spoke.
"…Takahashi."
She turned.
"…What?"
"…You look better like this."
Her heart skipped.
"…Like what?"
"…Normal."
Airi stood there, frozen.
Ren walked away casually—
Leaving her completely speechless.
She touched her chest lightly.
"…What is this feeling…"
For the first time—
Someone had seen her.
Not the "perfect girl."
Just… her.
End of chapter 2