The air in the classroom was cold — not because of the weather, but because of the distance between Ren and Aki.

They were sitting beside each other again, like before.

But today, not even a single word was shared.

No “Good morning.”

No eye contact.

Nothing.

Aki focused on his notebook, pretending to take notes. Ren tapped his pen on the desk, looking out of the window.

Their cold war was now part of the classroom routine.

Suddenly, as Aki leaned down to pick up his eraser, his hand accidentally brushed Ren’s thigh under the desk.

> “Sorry…” Aki whispered quickly, pulling his hand back.

Ren turned sharply, his voice sharp and cold.

> “Don’t touch me,” he said, not even looking at him.

“I know what kind of person you are now.”

Aki didn’t say anything. He just looked down, pressing his lips together.

The bell rang.

Their teacher stood up, packed his papers, and walked out of the class.

And as soon as he left, the quiet room filled with excitement.

Ren's friends gathered near his desk.

> “Hey, we’re planning a trip this weekend!” one of them said.

“There’s this place near the sea — totally beautiful. My dad owns a hotel there!”

“Yeah!” another friend added. “It’ll be like a mini vacation. Just us.”

> Ren replied, coldly, “I’m not going.”

Everyone paused.

One friend raised an eyebrow. “You sure, Ren?”

Ren gave a short nod. “Not in the mood.”

The conversation paused for a moment, then someone turned to Aki.

> “Hey, Aki… you wanna come? Bring Yuki too — it’ll be fun!”

Aki was surprised. “Uh… I’ll ask him,” he said softly.

Yuki, who was sitting two desks behind, stood up and stretched.

> “Aki,” he called. “Let’s go talk outside?”

Aki nodded and followed him out of the room.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Ren’s fist clenched on the desk.

One of his friends, the one who always spoke the most, smirked.

> “You know…” he said teasingly, “I think Aki and Yuki make a good match.”

“I mean, both are cute, smart, quiet… imagine if something happens on the trip.”

“Same room… sea breeze… romance~”

Ren’s heart twisted.

He stared at the door where Aki had just exited, his jaw tightening.

> “So you want to be with Yuki now… huh?”

“Fine. Go ahead.”

But deep inside, he felt that awful sinking feeling again.

Jealousy.

Regret.

And a little bit of sadness that he couldn't explain.

He didn’t speak after that.

Just sat silently, lost in thought…

---

To be continued…