The following day after the incident at the pool was proving to be a nervous ordeal. Kazuo had retreated into his room under the excuse of wanting to fall asleep early on the night before witch left the straining tension unresolved. Haruka and Kazuo were both unaware of one another's awareness and just walking to school, which they did together for a change, turned out to be quite the task. Something that obviously also was rather stressful was the consequences of Haruka’s little confession. Almost the whole class witnessed it and Kayano was in the front row. Their secret wasn’t quite out yet but it was just a matter of time, especially as the line between Kazuo and Haruka that Kazuo had observed as blurred were now just a little smudge barely visible. This little smudge was all there was holding back the two rushing emotion floods from meeting. Kazuo could feel himself on the edge of just outright confronting Haruka and claim the potential super sweet feeling of getting confirmation on her feelings. Of course this was what Haruka was waiting for to give but the circumstances made the little smudge of a line seem pretty damn robust.

Despite all the tension they for some reason felt drawn to each other, almost like they could bypass the annoying smudge in their thoughts only. Haruka walked right beside Kazuo even when they neared the school but it didn’t bother him one bit, it just felt right. Right through the gates they walked with minimal distance between them. They met some people from class on their way to homeroom who looked at them not quite knowing how to act or what to say. It was a little annoying but Kazuo knew that the main challenge would be Kayano.

Despite all the worries, Kazuo felt more free. He could walk with Haruka and talk to her like usual right in the middle of school without having to worry much. Everyone already knew that Haruka and Kazuo were somehow connected. If the two of them were a couple however was probably something no one was quite sure of, including Kayano. Haruka had fiddled with the idea that they might be able to play things off so that Kayano would never come to any conclusion that would compromise Haruka’s secret. But, after just a moment she realized that it wouldn’t matter. As long as she plans to be with Kazuo it is just a matter of time before Kayano would connect the dots.

Something else that came as a surprise was how good it felt to not have to care about acting anymore. As the two of them got up to the third floor they grew more and more attached to the feeling which probably meant it would be even harder to go back to some sort of secretive relationship. Now however, the door to the classroom was just ahead of them. They both took a deep breath to quench any anxiety for how things might unfold.

“- Let’s get this over with as soon as possible and hope things turn out alright… “ Haruka smiled as she went ahead and slid the door open. Kazuo entered a moment after Haruka and immediately looked around for Kayano. To his relief it didn’t seem like there would be any action, probably because Haruka was actually in her more grown up mind-set. Kayano didn’t seem like someone who would let her feelings take control, like Haruka in her “not so bright” moments. Kazuo thought he was probably correct in that assumption as he noticed Kayano quietly sitting at her seat, messing with her phone. Even though she was quiet, there was an unnerving atmosphere around her. It felt like she was radiating with irritation and anxiety.

Kazuo decided it was probably best if he just stayed back for the moment and so he went to his seat. Haruka felt like she didn’t have that privilege though so she made it her mission to take the hit well and stay on her feet and set course towards Kayano’s seat. Kazuo watched Haruka walk up to Kayano’s seat and fidget a little before she reached out and said something. Kayano looked back at her and said something in return. From Kazuo’s seat it looked like she was very tired and not in such a great mood, which was completely understandable and expected. At least she didn’t instantly lash out at Haruka in a violent fashion. Haruka would probably not get away unscathed thought as it seemed Kayano had a lot to say that made Haruka look more and more strained. Suddenly Kayano stood up and dragged Haruka out into the hallway for what Kazuo guessed would be an extensive questioning session with a lot of heavy feelings involved. He sighed and sunk down in his seat figuring he’d be updated later on.

When lunch break came around Kazuo followed Haruka out in the yard where they could talk. As Kazuo walked next to Haruka he noticed she felt uncomfortable and it seemed it was contagious as Kazuo himself started to feel a little hot. He wondered what Haruka had heard from Kayano but what was actually unnerving him was the thought of the little smudge between them having to go. In the midst of thought Kazuo found himself behind the school building, under the trees. Haruka turned around with her all too familiar flustered expression. She was fidgeting as usual and had a hard time keeping eye contact. She did seem content on something thought, and there was a certain feeling of confidence behind her.

“- I talked to Kayano… “ Haruka squirmed a little and glanced away again as Kazuo tried to hold onto his thoughts in his nervousness.

“- Yes…? “

“- Well… Y-you heard what I said y-yesterday, right?! “ Haruka looked like she could explode at any moment but the pressure in Kazuo wasn’t bad either. There was a short silence before Kazuo found himself with an ounce of confidence and commitment in the midst of his rushing mind. He closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them he looked straight at Haruka making her cheeks brew up even further.

“- Y-yes…! I heard… A-and… And… “ Kazuo was just about to seal the deal at the height of suspension when he heard the most annoying and aggravating snicker he would ever hear. The whole confession was derailed and the excitement dispersed like the air in a popped balloon. Kazuo turned his head like it was a rusty tank turret and laid his eyes on target. There, sticking out from behind a tree like a stalker was Mabuchi with a disgusting smile. Kazuo felt his veins bursting, not to mention Haruka who’s emotional rollercoaster was so steep she was on the verge of toppling over because she forgot to breath.

“- Oh oh~? Did I interrupt something~? “ Mabuchi acted out his well rehearsed lines that was so typical yet so infuriating.

“- You…! “ Kazuo could only see red and started to walk towards Mabuchi.

“- Whoa whoa… Take it easy there~ I just wanted to warn you guys that there is an inbound Kayano on her way~ Seems she caught wind of you guys~ “ A smirk later and Mabuchi had slipped away around a corner.

“- Wha…? “ Kazuo barely had time to think before Kayano appeared where Mabuchi disappeared. She didn’t look too pleased as she glanced over Kazuo and gave him a bothered look. Then, without wasting too much time she walked past him towards Haruka.

“- What the hell? You said earlier that there was nothing between you and him and now you’re sneaking around behind the school with a ‘good atmosphere’... “ Kayano seemed different once again, like she acted different depending on the person. When Haruka was around she seemed at ease but now it seemed to sadden her. Kazuo also wondered how Kayano knew something was going on but then felt stupid for not immediately realizing how that could’ve happened.

“- I said me and Kazuo were only friends… “ Haruka almost whimpered in the face of a pretty scary Kayano.

“- You must be very good friends then! “ Kayano looked more and more threatening, like she had forgot Kazuo was standing behind her. It was then Kazuo felt a sudden urge.

“- No. We are not only friends... “ The words came out calm and genuine, Kazuo himself was surprised how he was suddenly able to act with such confidence.

“- What…? What’s that supposed to mean?! “ Kayano turned towards Haruka again after staring at Kazuo for a good ten seconds. Kayano’s question remained unanswered thought since Haruka was too shocked to even speak properly and Kazuo outright ignored her as he took a few steps forwards. He moved Kayano to the side and looked at Haruka with the best recreation of the look he gave her earlier and the exciting atmosphere was back.

“- I love Haruka… “ Haruka’s face lit up and tears of happiness started to roll down her red cheeks.

“- I love Kazuo too...! “ Haruka’s face was now just an insanely cute mix of tears, red cheeks and strings of hair from her bangs. Kazuo also felt an immense amount of indescribable happiness but they were certainly not out of trouble yet. For now, however, he wanted to cherish these feelings. He turned towards Kayano and bowed.

“- I’m very sorry Kayano but these are my feelings. “ After raising his head again he grabbed Haruka’s hand and proceeded to drag her along towards the gates. Haruka almost couldn’t keep up as her legs felt wobbly from all the excitement.

“- Hey, what about lesson? “ Haruka got her legs sorted out as they left Kayano stunned and alone by the trees.

“- Don’t ruin the mood please. “ After grabbing their bags and shoes which they almost forgot they slipped out the gates and headed straight to their little home.

Kayano swayed left to right where she stood in the shadows of the trees until she fell down on her knees. She then spent the next ten minutes reflecting on it all until it was time for Mabuchi’s second appearance to interrupt her.

“- Oh… Looks like they left you… Sorry about that. “ Mabuchi walked up to Kayano and sat down beside her. Kayano found it hard to even care about his presence with her current feelings but Mabuchi was probably expecting that being the person he is.

“- You know, when two friends like the same person, it tends to end badly. I suppose that’s pretty obvious thought. “ Mabuchi continued with his planned out little talk with Kayano who was looking the other way but had no choice but to listen.

“- Still, give her a chance… Trust me, she hasn’t had much choice in her actions and that she happened to start liking Kazuo… Well, I guess you’ll find out soon. “ Mabuchi got up on his legs again and stretched his back.

“- See ya. “ Mabuchi walked off again and Kayano was left alone with her thoughts. Whether she wanted them or not, Mabuchi’s words had some value. They wouldn’t stop her tears though. The everlasting warm summer breeze, now not so warm anymore, swept through the grass around her as she curled up, hugging her knees. All she hoped for was that she could go back to how things were with her best friend.