The morning was quiet, like all mornings. 

Now the bell rang to announce the lunch break, loud as usual.

“Phew..” Hana exhaled in her back. 

Sanae turned toward her, chairs scraping back all around them. Hana stretched her arms wide above her head, for some reason, it made her smile, maybe how she’d never lose an opportunity to yawn or stretch no matter the circumstance.

She yawned.

There you go. Sanae chuckled to herself.

“Lunch outside today?” Hana asked, hand over her mouth as she rummaged through her bag.

“Ehh…” Sanae wavered, already guilty about the answer.

Hana glanced awkwardly. 

“Sorry, I can’t today !”  She clasped her hands together in apology.

Hana raised an eyebrow.

“Next time ?” Sanae said again.

“Sure, yeah.” Hana shrugged without pushing.

Sanae gave her a warm smile before standing.

She stepped into the hallway.

The air buzzed with voices and footsteps. Clusters of students moving toward the cafeteria or wherever they’d go for lunch. She followed for a while at an easy pace, eyes caught by the soft light pouring through the windows.

She got to his classroom before realizing it.

Sanae leaned in, peeking just slightly.

As always, he sat by the window.

A soft glow caught his profile, looking past the glass — or maybe not looking at anything at all.

He’s really got that manga MC vibe going…

She smirked inwardly. He didn’t notice her watching him.

On the opposite side of the room, Emi stood abruptly grabbing her bag. 

She headed out through the other door.

Sanae blinked. 

She barely had time to process before Ryuya stirred to his feet.

Sanae straightened, bracing herself to greet him.

A metallic clunk. The vending machine rumbled as a can dropped into the tray, Sanae reached down and picked it up.

“Here,” she said, offering it lightly.

Ryuya grabbed it without hesitation.

“Thanks.”

She popped the tab on her own can, taking a sip, letting the silence settle between them. 

The distant rhythm of the school buzzed softly, unintrusive. She looked at him opening his can. Her foot tapped the floor once before she straightened.

“Hey, so…”

Ryuya glanced.

“There’s this art exposition going on this weekend?”

“It’s a club thing, so there’s no fee,” she added.

His expression stayed unreadable. She assumed he’d pick up on the invitation, but he stayed quiet.

The seconds hung awkwardly.

“Would you like to join ?” 

A beat.

“...”

“...I’m not part of the club though.” His voice was even, though there was a pause before he spoke, something hesitant, just enough for Sanae to catch. She braced herself with a smile. 

“It’s fine, really. I’m sure no one would complain.”

 She waved her hand, the kind of gesture meant to brush away concerns before they could settle but he stayed quiet — and she knew better.

Sanae’d brought him to the club often enough. He was there alright, but always on the outskirts, never too present, never too long. 

"Big groups aren’t really my thing." He said, looking away. She crossed a leg behind the other.

“It could get you inspired, maybe. You know, seeing new stuff ?” 

She kept her tone light, tentative but his gaze had drifted like he’d made up his mind already, something that pressed at her but she also knew better than to push.

“It’s fine though, if you have other plans. I get it.” 

Ryuya shrugged slightly, a movement too vague to offer clarity.

Sanae bit her lip, but kept her own smile steady. 

The bell rang, and with it the day resumed its course. 

They walked together until his classroom came into view.

Sanae gave a small wave. He nodded before going back inside.

She turned away, the day carrying on.