LEAP
The sound of clinking glasses echoed at the bar.
"Yui, stop toying with those," I said.
*Hmm. Maybe I should try calling her again—fourth time's the charm.*
The phone rang, then dropped.
*Like Hananoi… I get that she's visiting her parents, but why isn't she picking up?*
"Who?" I replied absently.
"Fuka-chan, duh. Who else would I mean?" Yui rolled her eyes. "You did the same thing earlier."
"Ah. Sorry," I muttered.
"Don't tell me you haven't called her or even checked her messages?"
"Never did," I admitted.
Yui looked shocked. "You're heartless! She's our colleague—we should at least check on her!"
*(Sorry… I already know what happened,* I thought to myself.)
"I miss her," Yui sighed. "By the way, Hananoi, are you good at biology?"
"Why?" I asked.
"My younger brother's in your grade. He's at war with biology—maybe you could help him?"
"All of it?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Well, more like—"
"Eh, is he *that* dumb? Whatever. Bring his book tomorrow; I'll help."
"Oy! That's rude—he's my brother!"
The workday ended.
"Good job today," we said in unison as we left.
---
**AT SCHOOL, THE FOLLOWING DAY:**
"Why are you spaced out, Hananoi-kun?"
"Nothing much," I replied.
*(We'd gotten closer recently—hard to avoid, since she sits in front of me.)*
"Did you just get to school?" I asked.
"What makes you say that?"
I pointed at her bag. "Why's it packed? First period's already over."
"Ah… I had club activities this morning. I've been here since dawn."
"Really?"
"Yes," she huffed. "Do I look like I have points to spare?"
"Sorry." * (I've been doing things right since that day)
"Ehm, I wanted to remind you—I'm working on my comeback song!" she said, a hint of joy in her voice.
"Congratulations," I replied flatly, staring out the window.
"Can't you even pretend to be happy for me?" She frowned.
I turned to her with a wide, eerie grin. "*Congratulaaaations.*"
"Ugh, stop! You're creeping me out!"
Our endless back-and-forth paused when someone entered the room.
"Excuse me—who here is Hananoi Tojiko?"
I raised my hand.
"The student council wants you in the office. Now."
I stood up. "Later, Misaki." Following the envoy was easier than checking maps anyway.
---
**STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICE**
*Knock, Knock, Knock.*
"Can I come in?"
"Yes," a voice answered.
I stepped inside. The office was sleek—more like a CEO's suite than a school's. The vice president wasalone, sorting files from a printer that hummed for ten solid minutes before she acknowledged me.
"Hananoi-san, I trust you remember why I called you here."
"I recall."
She handed me a file. "This is a list of all active school clubs. Some aren't accepting new members—already mark those with a pen."
"Got it. I'll join one."
"Good. You have two days." Her tone was clipped. "I'm busy."
I folded the file into my pocket and turned to leave.
"Wait." She held up a slip of paper. "You live near Toshiro's Post Office, correct?
Yes I replied.... So what about it
A delivery of books arrived there yesterday. Since it's on your way, can you help mepick them up. The names and my clearance ID are here."
She pointed to the desk. "Write your number on that paper. I'll text further details. Bye."
I shut the door. *Wait… Did she plan this ?
I looked like an errand boy
Walking back, I frowned. *How does she even know where I live? Council privileges, I guess.*
"Hananoi!"
I turned. Chisato jogged up, panting.
"What's wrong with you?" I asked.
"Ha… Hananoi, I—" She caught her breath. "Care to give it try again
What I questioned
" Being Lovers"
*(…Is she lost?)*