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Chapter 147 - Steady Hands

-SCHOOL CLASSROOM-

-10:10 AM, MARCH 11, 2017-

The classroom was calm.

Teacher speaking.

Students listening.

Rikuu sat near the window.

Listening.

But also thinking.

Ichika sat beside him.

Focused on the lesson.

But aware of him.

A small moment passed.

Then—

Ichika quietly whispered,

"…You're distracted."

Rikuu looked at her briefly.

"…A little."

She gave a small smile.

"…That's new."

Rikuu leaned back slightly.

"…I'm just… adjusting."

Ichika looked at him.

"…To what?"

Rikuu thought for a moment.

Then—

"…Peace."

Ichika paused.

Then nodded softly.

"…That's good."

A quiet moment between them.

No urgency.

No danger.

Just presence.

Ichika spoke again, quieter this time.

"…Rikuu."

"…Yeah?"

"…You don't have to carry everything anymore."

Rikuu looked at her.

A longer pause.

Then—

"…I know."

A small, genuine smile appeared on his face.

"…And I won't."

Ichika's expression softened.

"…Good."

The teacher continued speaking.

The world continued moving.

But for them—

Things had changed.

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