-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.
