"Really? But my home isn't that nearby and it's already past evening so....."
"It's okay. I'm willing to walk anyway".
As Kanzaki said that, she strolled off, hands clasped behind her back, humming like she'd just solved world peace....or at least her own little version of it.
Haruki watched her for a moment, quietly taking in the carefree way she moved.....So different from how she usually was. A small smile tugged at his lips, and without saying a word, he caught up to walk beside her.
Kanzaki suddenly pointed his finger toward the bridge,
"Hey, isn't that the famous bridge of the prefecture?"
She asked, curiosity lighting up her face.
"Yeah, my house is on the the other side of this bridge, so I get to cross it everyday hehe".
"Really?"
Kanzaki's eyes widened as she gazed at the bridge,
"I've only ever seen it during the day… but at night, it looks ten times more beautiful."
The bridge was bathed in the soft glow of lights, casting long reflections across the calm water. It was really quiet, peaceful and elegant.
Meanwhile, Haruki was feeling some weird sensations in his heart.
Haruki was certain of the feelings quietly growing in his heart. It wasn't sudden, nor confusing.....It felt natural, almost obvious. But even so, he tried to push them down.
What am I even thinking! Better not get ahead of myself. Y-yes, I know. It's because of I was mostly alone in school so far. So I'm mistaking these feelings with something else. She is a good friend, I must not ruin it.
They reached the front of Haruki's house, and Kanzaki glanced at the door before looking back at him with a teasing smile.
"Huh, your house wasn't that far after all."
Kanzaki said with a playful smirk.
Haruki smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.
"I… guess I exaggerated a little."
She chuckled, stepping back. "Well, thanks for the walk, it was fun."
Kanzaki turned to walk away.
Haruki suddenly asked, "Uh, should I walk you back? I mean, it's kind of late…"
Kanzaki waved it off with a confident grin. "Please. I've got it covered. I've memorized all the routes around here. You don't need to worry about me."
Haruki hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. If you're sure..."
Kanzaki flashed him a smirk. "I'm sure. See you tomorrow!"
She walked off, and Haruki watched her for a moment before turning to head inside. But as he stepped into his house, a thought crossed his mind.
If any other guy had been in my place, would he have just let her go like that? No way. He'd probably insist on walking her home, no matter how much she insisted otherwise. Hmm... Maybe I'm thinking too much
With a sigh, Haruki shook off the thought. "Maybe next time....."
*Next Day*
Haruki couldn't help but notice some new bruises on Kanzaki's arms. They were small, hidden beneath her sleeves, but unmistakable. It was subtle, like they always were, but enough to make him pause.
She seemed just as carefree as ever, laughing and talking with him as if nothing was wrong. That infectious smile of hers made him forget his worries, at least for the moment.
They started hanging out more often after school. They would go to karaoke, singing out songs they couldn't even remember the lyrics to, just having fun. They'd wander into famous coffee shops.
And they explored shops, looking for anything interesting to buy—random things that only made sense at the moment. The arcades were another favorite, where they competed at games they didn't really care about, just to enjoy each other's company.
Haruki had never been the outgoing type, but somehow, he found himself adapting to these spontaneous hangouts, as if Kanzaki's infectious energy had pulled him into her world.
But no matter how much fun they had, Haruki couldn't shake the feeling about the bruises, that never seemed to disappear. There were always new ones before the old ones had time to heal.
He noticed the small, lingering ones on her arms, the slight marks on her neck that she always seemed to cover up.
He didn't bring it up, though. Kanzaki was always laughing, always joking, always more livelier than ever. She'd never let on that anything was wrong,
Despite his concerns, each day felt like a little escape. He had the time of his life with Kanzaki—her carefree attitude, her infectious laughter, her willingness to just live in the moment. But in the back of his mind, he was worried about her.
And just like that, almost a month passed.
Haruki had been coming home late a lot lately... And today his mom finally asked him about it.
"You've been coming home late these days Haruki. Where are you going everyday?"
"H-huh? Oh, uh just hanging out....with a friend.."
"A friend huh?"
"Y-yeah"
She turned back to kitchen,
"Okay then, go change your uniform, the dinner is ready."
"O-okay mom." *phewh*
She stirring the pot, hiding a small, knowing smile.
*Next Day at School*
"Okay students, there is going to be a science project event and you all have to participate. Partner up with someone to work with. Class dismiss"
It seems like everyone in the class already knew whom to choose.
Do I have to work alone!?
Haruki was thinking with a fed-up face.
"What's with the long face, Inoue-kun?
"A-ah Kanzaki-san! You startled me."
"Anyways Inoue-kun, wanna be my partner?"
"P-partner? Isn't it a bit too soon for that?"
Haruki said with straight face but he almost choked in his inner mind.
This is also one of Haruki's special skills. He can put up and maintain a straight and unbothered face even when his inner-self and mind going through rollercoaster of thoughts, emotions and anxiety.
"Huh? I can't do the project alone Inoue-kun"
"Oh the project. To be honest, I'm not really good with these kind of thing, Kanzaki-san."
"It's fine. I'm not that good either but we can think of something later."
"Okay then, if you insist."
And they partnered up.
The 'Haruki before entering high' school would be so proud of me hehe
Somewhere deep in his mind, the pre high-school Haruki shed a proud tear.
They hopped from one store to another, grabbing materials and whatever looked remotely useful. Kanzaki was all energy, Haruki just followed with a bag full of random supplies, half confused, half entertained. Somehow, even this felt like a memory worth keeping.
As the sun was setting down, they stood at the corner near Kanzaki's house. This time Haruki walked her to home.
"Today was really fun."
Kanzaki said, glancing at the bags in her hand.
"Yeah... I never thought it would take this much time and would be this tiring though."
"You're just weak"
Kanzaki let out a little laugh.
Haruki pretended to sigh,
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Anyways, I'll head home now. See you tomorrow."
"Okay bye. Thanks for walking me home.....Inoue-kun."
Her grin was wide, the setting sun catching the edge of her hair.
With that, they both turn in opposite directions. Haruki had a soft smile, feeling a sense of relieve seeing Kanzaki all smiling today.
*Next Day at School*
Even though it was the weekend, the school grounds weren't completely silent, just quieter than usual. It was open only for students working on their projects.
Haruki stood leaning against the corridor wall near the classroom, tapping his foot lazily and glancing at the clock now and then. He was waiting for Kanzaki.
Can't believe she is late! What is taking her so long?... She didn't even read my messages last night. Weird.
Haruki started to worry and feeling uneasy about her. Something felt off to him.
*30 Minutes Later*
Should I go check on her in her house? Or maybe I'm overthinking? She is never this late without saying anything. Ughh, screw it. I am going!
Haruki made up his mind. Without a second wasted, he broke into a run to her house.
Soon he reached her house.
*huff...huff* I made it.
He hesitatingly pressed the doorbell.
*Ding-Dong*
He tries to catch his breath while waiting for the door to open nervously.
The door creaked open to reveal a woman—her smile unusually wide, almost too perfect, yet undeniably sweet in appearance. Her voice was just as sugary.
"Ara~ Who you might be, young man?"
Haruki's nervousness was gone seeing the smile of the lady,
"Um I'm Kanzaki's classmate. We had a school project to—"
But before he could finish, his eyes drifted past her shoulders, and Haruki froze.
At the far end of the dimly-lit room, sat Kanzaki.
Arms wrapped around her knees.
Eyes were covered with her hair.
Softly shaking.
All of Haruki's words vanished.....