[Chapter 7: Shifts in the Air]
After the photo incident, something subtle changed between Takumi and Yuri.
They still sat next to each other in class. Still exchanged banter, shared notes, and quietly walked home on the same path.
But now, there was a new energy between them. Not tension—more like a silent understanding. Something unspoken, but undeniably there.
Even their classmates began to notice.
"Hey, Tachibana," a voice called from behind one afternoon, the sound echoing faintly in the sunlit hallway. "You two dating or something?"
Takumi didn't even look back. His voice came out flat, but not annoyed. "What gave you that idea?"
"You're always together, man. It's suspicious," said the guy, grinning as he stepped beside them. He was tall, with a relaxed posture and a messy fringe that danced just above his eyes. There was something easygoing about him, like he never really took anything too seriously. "I'm Haruto, by the way. Classmate and professional observer of romantic tension."
Yuri laughed softly. The corners of her eyes crinkled with amusement, and for a moment, her usual calm expression warmed. "Nice to meet you, Haruto-kun. But I'm afraid there's nothing romantic going on."
She spoke lightly, but she could feel her own pulse flutter just slightly.
Takumi sighed, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets. His eyes drifted forward, not quite meeting anyone's. "And he calls me dramatic."
Haruto threw a hand over his chest in mock agony, his voice rising with flair. "Alas, the slow burn continues."
His exaggerated stance drew a few curious glances from passing students, but he didn't seem to care.
From behind Yuri, a softer voice chimed in. "Don't mind him. He reads way too much into everything."
It was a girl, shorter than Haruto, with short chestnut hair that curled slightly at the ends. Her kind eyes met Yuri's with a warm familiarity, and there was something gentle about the way she carried herself.
"I'm Kana. We sit near each other during PE. I've wanted to talk to you for a while now."
Yuri blinked, caught off guard by the directness. But she smiled quickly, nodding. "I'd like that."
There was a small pause. The kind that feels natural, but holds quiet meaning.
Kana's expression brightened. "Great. Then maybe you and Tachibana-kun can join us this weekend?"
"For what?" Takumi asked, his tone a notch more guarded.
He glanced sideways, not quite frowning, but his brows drew slightly together. He wasn't the type to jump at social plans, and something about Kana's cheerfulness seemed almost suspiciously rehearsed.
"There's a small festival happening near the train station," Kana explained, her voice calm and easy. "Local food, games, lights. Haruto's been pestering us to go."
Haruto nodded with grave seriousness. "I need fried squid sticks," he said. "And we need to make memories. Youth and all that."
Takumi rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything.
The hallway had mostly emptied by now. The late afternoon sun stretched through the windows, painting golden slants across the floor. A breeze drifted through the open end of the corridor, carrying with it the faint scent of spring.
Yuri looked at Takumi. He stood beside her, same as always—but lately, it felt different. Not in any dramatic way. Just… softer, maybe. A little more aware.
He shrugged at Kana's suggestion, like it didn't matter either way. But Yuri noticed the way his shoulder lingered close to hers. The way he didn't brush it off like he usually might.
And then there was that glance. Brief, almost casual. But it lingered just a second too long.
Yuri's gaze dropped for a moment before she nodded.
"Sure," she said, offering a small smile. "Let's all go."
Haruto grinned wide, clearly satisfied with the answer. "Nice. I'll send the details later. Bring your appetite, Tachibana."
Takumi gave a non-committal grunt in response, eyes still on the path ahead.
Kana leaned slightly toward Yuri, lowering her voice just enough to tease. "I have a feeling this'll be fun."
Yuri laughed under her breath, not quite sure if she was ready to admit she agreed. But the thought of spending a day out—with these people, with him—felt strangely comforting. Like something she hadn't realized she'd been hoping for.
The four of them walked a little farther together, the conversation light but easy. Nothing special, nothing dramatic.
But something had shifted.
And though no one said it aloud, they could all feel it.