The sky was unusually quiet that evening.
Not peaceful… just too still.
Yamabuki stood near the school rooftop railing, fingers loosely gripping the cold metal. Below, the city lights flickered like distant stars—but his eyes weren't on them.
They were on Naya.
She stood a few steps away, her back facing him.
The wind played with her hair, soft strands brushing against her cheeks.
"Why did you call me here…?" she asked quietly.
Yamabuki didn't answer immediately.
For the first time in a while…
he looked unsure.
"…You've been avoiding me."
Naya stiffened slightly.
"I'm not avoiding you."
"Liar."
That came out sharper than expected.
Even Yamabuki seemed surprised at his own tone.
Silence.
Then…
"…You changed," he said, softer now.
Naya slowly turned around.
Her eyes met his.
And for a second—just a second—
there was something fragile there.
"I didn't change," she said.
"You just started noticing."
…That line hit harder than it should have.
Yamabuki clicked his tongue, looking away.
"Tch… stop saying things like that."
"Like what?"
"Things that make no sense."
Naya stepped closer.
Now there was barely any distance between them.
"Or maybe," she whispered,
"You're scared they do make sense."
Yamabuki froze.
His heartbeat—annoyingly loud.
"…Don't get the wrong idea," he muttered.
"I'm not scared of anything."
Naya smiled.
But this time…
It wasn't her usual playful smile.
It was quieter.
Almost… sad.
"I know."
A sudden gust of wind passed between them.
And without thinking—
Yamabuki grabbed her wrist.
Naya's eyes widened.
"…Then don't go that far."
His grip wasn't tight.
But it wasn't letting go either.
"I don't like it."
There it was.
A raw, unfiltered emotion.
And the moment he realized what he said—
"—I mean, it's annoying! You're acting weird lately!"
Naya blinked.
…then laughed.
A soft, genuine laugh.
"You're terrible at hiding things."
"I'm not hiding anything!!"
"You are."
"I'm not!"
"You are."
"…Shut up."
They stood there…
Arguing like idiots.
But somehow—
It felt normal again.
Comfortable.
Then suddenly—
Naya leaned a little closer.
Yamabuki's breath caught.
"…What are you doing?"
"Nothing."
"You're too close."
"You're the one holding my wrist."
"…Tch."
He quickly let go like he got burned.
"I-I wasn't holding it like that!"
Naya smirked.
"Sure."
But then—
Her expression changed again.
Just slightly.
"Yamabuki…"
"…What?"
"…If I disappear one day…"
"…What kind of stupid question is that?"
"Just answer."
He frowned.
Annoyed.
But also—
Uneasy.
"…I'd find you."
Naya blinked.
"…No matter where?"
"Yeah."
"…Even if it's somewhere you shouldn't go?"
Yamabuki didn't hesitate this time.
"I said I would, didn't I?"
Silence again.
But this one felt heavier.
More dangerous.
Naya smiled.
This time—
A real one.
"…Then I'm glad."
"Glad for what?"
She stepped back.
Creating distance again.
"For nothing."
Yamabuki frowned.
"Tch… you're seriously annoying."
"And you're easy to read."
"I'm not!!"
But as she walked away—
Yamabuki didn't stop her this time.
He just stood there…
Watching.
Thinking.
"…Disappear, huh…"
His grip tightened slightly on the railing.
"…Try it."
A faint smirk appeared.
"…I'll drag you back myself."