The classroom buzzed louder than usual that morning.
Someone was transferring in. Not a common thing this late in the school year. I wasn't interested until I saw her.
She walked in like she owned the room. Not in a loud or arrogant way just with the kind of confidence I couldn't fake if I tried. Her uniform fit her perfectly, slightly undone in a way that looked effortless. Her short dark-brown hair curled just slightly under her chin, framing sharp eyes that didn't seem to care who was watching.
The teacher cleared his throat. "This is Hana Kurokawa. She's transferring from Tokyo. Please make her feel welcome."
She gave a lazy smile and a small wave. "Hey."
A few boys whispered behind me. A couple of girls giggled. Even Rose leaned slightly forward in curiosity.
I looked at her, then looked at Rose and something cold tightened in my stomach.
"Let's see…" the teacher scanned the class list. "You'll sit next to Rose Haruna."
Of course.
As Hana made her way to the empty seat by Rose, I watched them exchange polite smiles. Rose said something probably something kind. Hana laughed. That was the first time I saw her laugh.
I hated it.
Lunch came faster than I expected. Rose had forgotten her bento again so I was planning to split mine with her. But when I got to the rooftop, she wasn't alone.
Hana was sitting there beside her.
Rose waved. "Kellie! You're late!"
"I was waiting for you." My voice came out flatter than I meant.
"Oh… sorry. Hana said she wanted to see the rooftop too."
Hana smiled at me. "She talks about this place a lot."
I sat down without answering.
Rose handed me half of her bread. "I brought you something anyway. You always forget to buy drinks."
I took it, silently. Hana watched us with mild curiosity, like she could sense something but hadn't figured it out yet.
"You two close?" she asked.
Rose smiled. "We've known each other since forever. She's kind of my person."
Kind of?
I looked at Rose, but she didn't notice. Or maybe she did.
Hana leaned back, arms behind her head. "Cute. Childhood friends… I always liked that kind of story."
Her eyes flicked to mine.
Suddenly, I couldn't breathe.