The wind was cold. Waguri stood with her arms crossed, eyes lowered.

— Hiro… I wanted to tell you something.

Her voice was low, almost broken.

— When I’m with you… I don’t have to pretend anymore.

I don’t have to be the perfect girl.

And… I like that.

I like being with you.

She lifted her head a little. Her eyes were shining.

Hiro felt his throat tighten.

He wanted to answer.

But the words stayed stuck.

I’m not good enough.

She’ll end up regretting it.

It’s better this way.

He looked away.

— You’re wrong, he said softly.

I’m not someone good for you.

You deserve better than me.

A tear slid down Waguri’s cheek.

She didn’t wipe it away.

— …Why are you saying this now?

— Because it’s true.

He took a step back.

— I think we should stop seeing each other like this.

It’s better for you.

Waguri stayed still for a few seconds.

Her shoulders trembled. She gripped the strap of her bag tightly.

— Okay, she whispered.

Her voice was barely a breath.

She turned around and started walking, slowly.

She didn’t look back.

Her steps were heavy. From time to time, she wiped her face with the back of her hand.

Hiro stayed there.

He watched her back as she walked away.

A cold pain tightened in his chest, growing stronger.

He wanted to call her name.

But he didn’t move.

Just as she was about to disappear around the corner of the building, a voice called out behind him.

— Hiro!

He turned around.

Sora was there, a little out of breath. He looked in the direction Waguri had gone, then turned to Hiro.

— What did you do?

Hiro didn’t answer.

Sora frowned.

— She was crying.

And you’re just standing here.

The wind blew harder.

Hiro lowered his eyes.

For the first time, he felt like he had made a mistake.

But it was already too late.