The chime signaling the end of class echoed through the lecture hall.
Around them, students stood up and began filing out of the room.
Riku closed his notebook slowly.
It’s over.
This was the last time they would sit together in these seats.
The last time this would be part of his routine.
The thought made his chest ache.
“Riku.”
Hearing his name, he looked up.
Haru was watching him with a gentle smile.
“The class is really over now, huh?”
“…Yeah.”
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then Haru leaned back in his chair and let out a quiet sigh.
“Kind of makes me sad.”
Riku froze.
His eyes widened before he could stop himself.
Haru feels the same way?
All this time, he’d thought he was the only one.
The only one who dreaded this day.
The only one who didn’t want things to change.
A warm feeling spread through his chest.
Slowly.
Comfortingly.
“I actually looked forward to coming here every week.”
Haru laughed softly as he spoke.
“Not because of the lecture, obviously.”
The teasing smile that followed made Riku’s heart pound.
Hard.
Fast.
“…Me too.”
The words escaped before he could overthink them.
They came out quieter than he’d intended.
But Haru heard them.
His expression softened.
And for just a second, he looked genuinely happy.
The sight made Riku’s chest tighten all over again.
Only this time, it wasn’t from sadness.
