The days following their tense conversation were different.
Sena no longer outright ignored Reiji, but that didn't mean things were normal between them either.
If anything, their interactions had taken on a new layer—one neither of them quite knew how to handle.
It wasn't hostility anymore. It wasn't avoidance either.
It was… something else.
And Reiji wasn't sure if he liked that or not.
—
After school, Reiji found himself walking down the corridor leading to the clubroom.
Just as he reached the door, he heard a voice from behind.
"You're not that smart, huh?"
He turned to see Sena leaning against the wall, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
Reiji raised an eyebrow. "That's what you wanted to say to me?"
Sena clicked her tongue, stepping forward.
She stopped a few feet away, meeting his gaze.
"Why Aoi?"
Reiji blinked.
That was… direct.
He exhaled, scratching the back of his head. "I don't know."
Sena frowned. "You don't know?"
"I just… I've never felt this way before," he admitted. "It's not like I planned it."
He let out a short, humorless chuckle. "Honestly, it's annoying."
Sena watched him for a moment before sighing. "You really don't get it, huh?"
"Get what?"
She shook her head. "Forget it."
She turned to leave, but then, as if remembering something, she glanced back.
"You know what? I'll help you."
Reiji frowned. "Help me?"
"Yeah." Sena smirked. "Since you're so hopeless when it comes to this, I'll teach you how to actually get a girlfriend."
Reiji narrowed his eyes. "And let me guess… not Aoi?"
"Obviously."
Reiji crossed his arms. "No thanks."
She sighed. "Fine. But don't come crying to me when you realize how impossible it is."
Reiji watched as she walked away, feeling strangely unsettled.
—
That night, Reiji lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
*Sena wants to help me get a girlfriend?*
The idea was ridiculous.
And yet…
There was something about the way she had said it.
Not mocking. Not sarcastic.
Just… firm.
Like she actually meant it.
He sighed, closing his eyes.
*Sena, huh?*
He had a feeling this was only the beginning.