Unraveled Ties-Chapter 52: Distractions

The morning after their late-night conversation, Reiji found himself more tired than usual.

He rubbed his temples as he walked toward the school gate, trying to shake off the lingering drowsiness. Staying up late texting wasn’t something he normally did, but Sena had insisted it was part of the lesson.

*Couples text each other all the time,* she had said.

Even though it was just practice, he had ended up replying to her longer than expected.

“Yo, Reiji.”

A familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts.

Kaito strolled up beside him, hands in his pockets. “You look half dead, man. You okay?”

Reiji let out a small sigh. “Didn’t sleep much.”

“Studying?”

“...Not exactly.”

Kaito smirked. “Oh? Then what were you doing?”

Reiji glanced at him before looking away. “...Nothing important.”

Kaito narrowed his eyes, then grinned. “You were texting someone, weren’t you?”

Reiji remained silent.

“Ahhh, that reaction tells me everything.” Kaito nudged him. “Who was it? Sena?”

Reiji exhaled. “Tch. You’re annoying.”

Kaito laughed. “Bro, I was just guessing. But damn, I was right?” 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Reiji clicked his tongue and walked faster.

But as he entered the classroom, something immediately took all his attention.

Aoi.

She was by the window, talking to her friends, but when she noticed Reiji, she turned to him and smiled.

His thoughts about Sena, the texts, and everything else disappeared the moment she smiled at him.

Aoi had that effect on him.

It was like no one else existed when she was in front of him.

Reiji nodded slightly in response before heading to his seat.

Kaito sat beside him with a knowing look. “Damn, that smile gets you every time, huh?”

“...Shut up.”

Kaito chuckled but didn’t press further.

—

*Lunch Break – Club Room*

Reiji stepped into the club room, expecting to see Sena already inside.

She was.

But Aoi was there too.

They were sitting together, chatting naturally, and for a moment, Reiji hesitated.

Aoi turned toward him and smiled again. “Reiji! You’re here.”

Sena glanced at him but didn’t say anything.

Reiji walked over and sat down across from them, trying to act normal. “Didn’t think you’d be here, Aoi.”

Aoi chuckled. “Sena was helping me with notes.”

Reiji nodded. “Makes sense. Exams are coming up.”

Aoi sighed dramatically. “Yeah, and I suck at studying.”

Reiji smirked. “Maybe you should let Sena tutor you.”

Sena scoffed. “I already tried. She doesn’t listen.”

Aoi giggled. “That’s because you’re too strict.”

Reiji watched as Aoi leaned against Sena slightly, pouting.

*They look good together.*

That thought always came to him when he saw them interact. Aoi liked Sena. That was obvious. And the way she acted around her...it was clear Sena meant a lot to her.

For some reason, watching them made Reiji feel something weird in his chest.

He looked away.

Aoi stretched. “Alright, I should get going. See you guys later!”

She waved at them before leaving the club room.

Once she was gone, silence filled the space.

Sena finally spoke. “You okay?”

Reiji blinked. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Sena studied him for a moment. “...No reason.”

Reiji leaned back. “Exams are close. Next lesson is after that, right?”

Sena nodded. “Yeah. We’re going to karaoke.”

Reiji raised an eyebrow. “Karaoke?”

Sena smirked. “Yup. Couples go on dates to places like that.”

Reiji scoffed. “And you expect me to sing?”

Sena shrugged. “I didn’t say you *had* to, but if you don’t, it’ll be suspicious.”

Reiji sighed. “You really planned all this out, huh?”

“Of course.” Sena leaned forward slightly. “What, you nervous?”

Reiji clicked his tongue. “No.”

Sena smirked. “We’ll see about that.”

As much as he wanted to brush it off, he couldn’t ignore the growing sense of anticipation inside him.

For some reason, this “lesson” felt different from the others.