[Scene: The Classroom – Naoaki's POV]
Kazuma leaned over his desk, whispering with all the subtlety of a thunderstorm.
"He's not even looking at you."
I didn't answer. My eyes were already on Ren.
Two rows away, he sat by the window with his chin resting on one hand, the sunlight framing his sharp features like he belonged in a manga panel. The wind ruffled his black hair, catching little strands that glinted dark blue. His posture was perfect. His aura, cold. And not once had he looked in my direction since the group project was announced.
"He probably hates me," I mumbled.
Kazuma shrugged. "You didn't kill his cat, man. You just—what, said hi to him?"
I laughed bitterly. "I think that's the problem. I said hi."
[Scene: Library – Paired Project – Later That Day]
He was already there when I arrived, hunched over his notebook, sleeves rolled up to his forearms.
No greeting. Not even a glance.
I sat beside him, carefully placing my bag on the table like it might offend him.
The silence between us stretched so long, it started to hum.
"Ren," I finally said.
He didn't flinch.
"…You're really not going to say anything to me?"
Still nothing.
I bit my tongue. "You're making this project awkward, you know."
He turned the page of his textbook slowly. "Then don't talk."
That stung more than it should have.
"Fine," I snapped. "But if I'm such a bother, why didn't you ask for a new partner?"
His eyes flicked toward me for a second. Cold. Distant.
"I tried."
Ouch.
[Scene Break: That Awkward Walk Home – Still Paired Up]
We had to walk to the convenience store after school for some materials for our project.
We walked in silence.
Raindrops started to fall.
I didn't have an umbrella.
Ren did. Of course he did.
He paused, hesitating only for a second, then extended it silently over both of us.
"…Thanks," I muttered.
"No need," he replied, voice unreadable. "I'm not heartless."
I almost laughed. "Could've fooled me."
We walked like that—quiet, tense, too close. My shoulder brushed his once, and he didn't pull away.
But he didn't look at me either.
[Scene: Naoaki's Room – That Night]
Kazuma had sent three texts, but I didn't open any of them.
I sat on the edge of my bed, wet clothes tossed aside, and stared at the umbrella Ren had handed me when we reached my street.
He didn't say goodbye.
He didn't smile.
He just passed the umbrella wordlessly and walked away.
[Quick Ren's POV – As He Walks Home, Soaked]
> He didn't remember the umbrella trick. He always forgot to bring one, every time it rained. In every life.
But today, he didn't joke about it. Didn't say, "Guess I never learn, huh?"
Because this version… doesn't know.
And still… he looked at me like he did. Just for a moment.
Maybe I hate him for forgetting. Or maybe I hate myself for still caring.