"Hey Ryuichi, good morning."
"Morning, Tomoki. So, how did your study session with Edomae-san go?"
"About that… I postponed it. We'll do it this weekend instead."
"Oh? What happened?"
"I talked with my father. We were able to make amends, so everything's fine now."
"Glad to hear that. If you ever need to vent, I'm always here to listen."
"Thanks."
Just then, I overheard some classmates whispering a nasty rumor about Tachibana-san.
"Hey, I heard she tried to confess to Morikawa-kun and got rejected."
"I saw her talking to that senpai from the baseball team. No wonder she got turned down. That's what happens when you try to two-time someone."
I glanced at Ryuichi and asked.
"Ryuichi, do you know what's going on with Tachibana-san?"
"There's a rumor going around that you rejected her confession. Then right after, she started chasing after that senpai."
"And where do I fit into this?"
"I mean... weren't you confessed to by a girl recently? It's not hard to guess it was her, considering the girls you interact with—even if you tried to hide it."
"But still… how did it spread? I never said anything. What about you?"
"Not a word from me, Tomoki. I think it should've stayed a secret. If I had to guess, her friends probably aren't the tight-lipped type."
"Sigh... I hope she's okay. She's a good girl. She doesn't deserve to be talked about like that."
"Tomoki."
"And not to mention, she's really bright once you get to know her. Lately, she's been kind of down—what are you doing?"
Ryuichi began making a strange hand gesture, his fingers trembling near his mouth.
Oh... I get it. Maybe I'm talking too loud.
"I know she didn't leave the best first impression. But believe me, she's—"
He facepalmed. What is he trying to tell me—
"Good morning, Satou-san. Tomoki-kun." — Ayame-san's voice rang out with a smile... but her eyes were locked on me.
"G-Good morning, Edomae-san." — Ryuichi stuttered.
"Hello, Ayame-san! Good morning!" — Is it just me, or does she seem a bit scary right now?
"Sorry if I startled you, but I overheard something about someone being down... Did something happen, Tomoki-kun?"
Ryuichi remained silent, while Ayame-san's smile didn't quite hide her curiosity—or something else. Was she worried? Maybe about Tachibana-san?
"Well, you see... we were talking about Tachibana-san's situation."
Ryuichi's eyes widened and his mouth fell open. Did I say something wrong?
"Hmm... I see. Could you tell me more?"
"To summarize, she confessed to someone and got turned down. Now people are gossiping because she's been seen talking to a baseball team senpai."
"...Do you know who she confessed to?"
"It was me." — I didn't see the point in hiding it from Ayame-san. I know she wouldn't spread it around. Well, not like it's a secret anymore.
Ryuichi stayed quiet. Ayame-san seemed to be thinking deeply.
"So, Tomoki-kun, what do you want to do about it?"
"If possible, I'd like to stop those nasty rumors. But I honestly can't think of a solution."
"The best option might be to just wait it out. Since it's a rumor, give it time. People will move on." — Ryuichi said.
"Tomoki-kun, are you feeling responsible for this? It's not your fault."
"It's not that. We greet each other every day, and sometimes we chat, even briefly. That's why I care. I just hate seeing people talk behind her back."
"I see..."
Ding dong, ding dong.
And so the lesson started. Was it just me, or did Ayame-san seem a little sad?
Maybe it was just the mood after hearing about Tachibana-san.
But even if I hate the way people are treating her, I don't think there's much I can do. Like Ryuichi said, it's probably best to let time handle it.
Besides, she's moved on. I shouldn't interfere in something that might mess up her new relationship.
Still... I hope one day I can ask to see her drawings.
♦♦♦
Today's classes ended without anything noteworthy. At least now I can take notes properly. Though it doesn't matter much since my last test was a disaster.
I should talk to Ayame-san. I tried during lunch, but she said she had something to do.
"Ayame-san, is now a good time to talk?"
"Of course! Sorry I couldn't listen to you earlier."
"Don't worry about it."
"So? What did you want to talk about?"
"About our study meeting—I'm good for this weekend."
"Great! I'll be looking forward to it!"
I probably should tell her what happened with my father. No—more than that.
"Thank you, Ayame-san."
"Wh—What's with the sudden gratitude!?"
"If not for you, I wouldn't be able to talk with my father. Now we're okay again, and I can see how naive I was about his circumstances."
"I'm really glad to hear that. But I didn't do anything. You were the one who made things right."
"I know. But still... I'm grateful. So thank you."
"I see... You're always welcome, Tomoki-kun!"
I finally got to thank her. Now I need to focus on my studies—and finish reading the book she lent me. Maybe I'll wrap it up this week and return it when I visit her place.
As I was leaving school, I saw Tachibana-san talking with the baseball club senpai. They looked like they were having a good conversation. I'm glad things are going well for her.
Wait—was thatthe senpai!? The one who offered to help me study?
What a small world. Then again, with so few guys in this school, maybe it's not that surprising.
Anyway, I'm glad they're both doing well. I guess I was worried for nothing.
Now, no more excuses. Time to study.
♦♦♦
"So, Tomoki, any progress in your studies?" — Ryuichi asked.
"..."
It was Friday. I probably don't need to say anything.
"Let me guess. You didn't study, right?"
"I read the book Ayame-san lent me, at least."
"That's not studying, my friend. But I guess in your case, it's something worth celebrating."
"Right? I actually did something I don't usually do. I'm proud of myself."
"Just don't lose your scholarship. Besides, are you planning to rely on Ayame-san entirely? You've got to put in more effort."
"I don't have any excuse."
"Something bothering you?"
"Nothing serious. I just get distracted easily. You know how it is—once you rest a little, you end up resting the whole day without realizing it."
"Yeah, I know that feeling. But in your case, it's starting to get concerning."
"You're right."
"Well, I know I told you to try harder, but don't stress too much right now. You're going to Ayame-san's house tomorrow, right?"
"Yep."
"Aren't you nervous or anxious or... anything?"
"Huh? No? Why are you asking?"
"You do realize you're going to a girl's house alone, right?"
"Yeah. I just hope I can stay focused on studying." — Honestly, if someone that beautiful sits next to me, I will get distracted.
"And that's your only concern? Why do I even bother... Anyway, I doubt she'll do anything to hurt you. You'll be fine."
"What!?"
"Good luck with your studies. See you next week."
"Yeah, thanks. See you—wait, what do you mean by that last part?"
♦♦♦
Today, I'm going to study with Ayame-san.