It's twilight after school. In the classroom, only three of us remain: me, my childhood friend Yuka, and her new boyfriend Tetsuya, bathed in the long shadows cast by the setting sun. It's not like I was ever dating Yuka. But seeing her put on an especially "good girl" act next to another guy makes my chest stir with irritation. As I approach their desks, Yuka flinches, her shoulders trembling, and she blatantly distances herself from me.

It's painfully obvious she's on guard, trying not to get drawn in. Completely oblivious to Yuka's state, Tetsuya turns his friendly smile toward me.