Haruka pushed open the main entrance doors and joyfully jogged out to the middle of the school yard like a kid on the first day of spring. Kayano came trailing after with a gloomy look mixed with an annoyed expression.

“- Where shall we sit Kaaayano ~~ “ Haruka practically danced around.

“- Ehh--... “ Kayano looked disturbed.

“- Oohh, I know! under the trees behind the school building! “ Haruka pranced ahead whilst Kayano followed holding both of their lunches. The trees at the backside presented some relaxing shade which Kayano welcomed. The two girls sat down, Haruka was still being very energetic.

“- Say Haruka, why are you so weird today…? “ Kayano squinted her eyes at Haruka.

“- What are you talking about? I'm just my normal self. “ Haruka smiled and started to open her lunch.

“- No, you’re definitely weirder than usual… “ Kayano shivered whilst still squinting at Haruka.

“- Huh? Really~~? “ Haruka managed to look oblivious as she suppressed thoughts about her incident with Kazuo.

“- Yeah, something is very wrong… “ Kayano wondered.

“- I might just be happy… “ Haruka engaged aiming to divert Kayano from the notion that something had happened which was the point of acting happy in the first place.

*- Hopefully that’ll make her think nothing is wrong, hehehe… *

“- Ahh, maybe… Then, did something good happen? “ Haruka didn’t expect Kayano to make that move. Haruka tensed up and she could feel her face getting hotter as thoughts about her body tightly squeezing against Kazuo’s warm back mixed with words such as ‘good’.

*- NOT GOOD, NOT GOOD, NOT GOOD! * Haruka quickly blushed and turned away.

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“- Whoa! Your face turned all red Haruka! “ Kayano looked amazed.

*- Damn, my cover has been blown… * Haruka peeked back at Kayano just as her face lit up like she just realized the true meaning of existence.

“- IS IT A BOY?! “ Kayanos face shone with anticipation.

“- Hmm, maybe it’s the one you yelled at…? “ Kayano stroke a thinker pose.

“- Hey! I haven’t said anything about a boy! And no, it’s not Ka-... him. “ Haruka crossed her arms.

“- Oh, so it is a boy… “ Kayano put her index finger on her lower lip.

“- Ahh! Stop playing with me! “ Harukas face was now mixed with embarrassment and irritation.

“- Heheheee~, I won’t be pushy if you don’t want me too but I’m glad you’re happy~ “ Kayano smiled and Haruka could feel herself calming down. Suddenly Kayano looked a bit bothered herself.

“- I’ve actually also found someone I like… I think. “ Kayano looked down at the grass.

“- Oh- really? “ Haruka was surprised.

“- Will you tell me who~ “ Haruka smiled.

“- Umm, yeah, it’s actually the boy who you yelled at… “ Kayano blushed but Haruka felt her chest tighten as her look froze.

“- I was afraid that you had took an interest in him as well but then you said… “ Kayano curled up hugging her knees. Haruka’s mind processed what just happened would mean as her chest was tightening up even worse.

*- Guess this way would be better for preserving my secret… If i and Kazuo were to become a pair it would spark a lot of questions and it would probably end badly… * Haruka gripped her skirt and forced away the pain. She looked at Kayano and started to imagine her and Kazuo together.

*- I’ll just have to be strong! Wait… If Kayano and Kazuo became a pair wouldn’t that also put the secret at risk?! * Haruka put her hand in front of her mouth.

*- That means I can’t let Kayano or myself get too close… * Haruka raised her head with resolve.

“- Haruka, are you good? Kazuo is not the one you like, right? “ Kayano looked up at Haruka.

“- Huh? Ah! Of course not! I would never like that sort of guy! In fact, why do you like him? He seems a bit dull… “ Haruka thought for herself that maybe one day she could become a mildly successful actress.

“- Hmm, I don’t know really… It’s something with his slightly messy, longish hair and the way he looks when he seems to be bothered by something… I don’t know his personality well thought, maybe he is dull. “ Kayano let a smile hang around on her lips.

“- Ah, oh well, whatever suits you I guess… Umm, good luck… “ Haruka realized that she sounded forced.

“- Huh? Are you sure you’re okey? “ Kayano tilted her head slightly.

“- Yeah, I’m completely fine! “ Haruka fabricated a smile.

*- This is gonna be ugly isn’t it… * A deep sigh resonated through Harukas chest as lunch time went on.