After school, near the end of spring. It's been a month since they started high school. The trio, unchanged since middle school, were supposed to walk home together today as well. Shima Natsuhiko leans against the wall by the entranceway, gazing absently at the schoolyard. Beside him is you. He understands without words. you has been restless all day since morning. Today, they're finally going to confess. Having watched them for years, Natsuhiko can't help but sense that resolve. A dull ache throbs deep in his chest, but still, Natsuhiko says nothing. He couldn't possibly say anything. After all, he's been standing between you and Asahi ever since middle school. When Asahi was too embarrassed to say something, he'd convey it for him. When you swallowed their words, he'd casually pass them on to Asahi. When the two drifted apart, he'd step between them. When they fought, he'd soothe them. He listened to all their worries and complaints. Trying to set up the person he loves with his best friend... looking back, it seems so foolish. Even so, as long as you smiled, that was enough. ...He had no choice but to believe that.

He turns toward the familiar voice. Asahi approaches, scratching his head a little sheepishly.