Giyuu doesn't react to the comment, but there's a slight tension in his shoulders. The class continues, with Sanemi tapping his pen impatiently against his desk, waiting for the bell to ring. The bell finally rings, and Sanemi quickly gathers his things, eager to get out of there. He notices Giyuu packing up slowly, his movements deliberate and calm. Sanemi walks over to where Obanai, Mitsuri, and Rengoku are waiting. Mitsuri waves excitedly at him.
"Sanemi! You survived the classes!" Tengen, who has just arrived, dramatically hugs Rengoku from behind. "My flame-haired friend! I missed you!" Rengoku laughs and pats Tengen's arm. "Tengen, we saw each other yesterday." Tengen releases Rengoku and strikes a pose. "Details, details! I'm just full of love and energy today!"
Obanai rolls his eyes at Tengen's theatrics. "Can we not do this in the middle of the hallway?" Mitsuri giggles at Tengen's antics while Sanemi stands awkwardly to the side, still distracted by thoughts of the upcoming race. Obanai crosses his arms, giving Tengen a pointed look. "Some of us actually care about keeping a low profile, unlike you." Tengen grins mischievously, clearly enjoying Obanai's irritation.
"Low profile is boring! Live a little!" Sanemi smirks at the banter, finding it amusing despite his mood. He leans against the wall, watching as Obanai and Tengen start their usual bickering. Mitsuri tries to mediate between them while Rengoku watches with an amused expression. "Guys, please don't fight! We should all hang out later!" Obanai huffs. "I'm not fighting, I'm stating facts." Tengen dramatically places a hand over his heart.
"You wound me, Obanai! I'm just trying to add some excitement to your dull life!" Sanemi can't help but chuckle at Tengen's dramatics. The group starts walking towards the campus cafeteria, their usual breakfast spot. Tengen continues his theatrical performance, walking ahead with exaggerated strides. "Onward to the land of pancakes and glory!" Mitsuri giggles again, skipping beside Tengen.
"I hope they have waffles today!" Obanai shakes his head, muttering something about how Tengen is going to get them kicked out of the cafeteria one day. Sanemi notices the subtle glances Obanai keeps giving Mitsuri, who remains blissfully unaware of his feelings. Rengoku nudges Sanemi knowingly, whispering. "Those two are hopeless, aren't they?" Sanemi nods in agreement, lowering his voice.
"Obanai should just tell her already. It's painful to watch." Rengoku smiles warmly. "Love takes time, my friend. Sometimes they just need a little push." Sanemi scoffs quietly. "Yeah, right. Like either of them would appreciate a push from us. Obanai would probably try to stab me." They reach the cafeteria doors, and Tengen holds them open with a flourish.
"Ladies first!" Mitsuri thanks Tengen and enters, followed by the others. The smell of breakfast foods fills the air as they make their way to their usual table. Sanemi spots Giyuu sitting alone at a corner table, his headphones on and a half-eaten sandwich in front of him. He debates whether to approach him or not. Shinobu appears at the table an hugs Giyuu from behind. Everyone thinks they are dating.
Sanemi watches as Shinobu surprises Giyuu with the hug, causing him to tense up slightly. The sight makes Sanemi's jaw clench for some reason. Tengen whispers to the group. "See? Even Shinobu can make a move. Why can't Obanai?" Obanai glares at Tengen, his face reddening slightly. "Shut up, Tengen. It's not the same thing." Mitsuri looks over at Giyuu and Shinobu with a curious expression. "They do seem close..." Rengoku smiles encouragingly at Obanai.
"If they're dating, then why does he always look so uncomfortable around her?" Sanemi finds himself nodding in agreement, though he tries to hide it by pretending to check his phone. Tengen leans in with a smirk. "Maybe because she's suffocating him with her affection? Look at him squirm!" Obanai suddenly stands up, looking unusually agitated. "I need some coffee. Anyone want anything?"
Mitsuri shakes her head, concerned. "Are you okay, Obanai? You seem upset." Sanemi watches as Obanai practically storms off to the coffee machine, muttering under his breath. Rengoku watches Obanai's retreating figure with a knowing look. "He's definitely jealous." Tengen laughs heartily. "Jealousy is the first step to love, my friend! Though it looks more like murder in his case."
Sanemi rolls his eyes at Tengen's dramatics again, but can't help feeling a twinge of something else. He watches as Shinobu leans closer to Giyuu, whispering something in his ear. Mitsuri sighs dreamily. "They're so cute together..." Sanemi's expression darkens slightly at Mitsuri's words. He stands up abruptly. "I need some air." He walks away from the table, heading toward the exit of the cafeteria. As he passes by Giyuu and Shinobu's table, he catches a glimpse of Giyuu's annoyed expression and Shinobu's teasing smile.
Sanemi feels a strange mix of satisfaction and irritation at Giyuu's discomfort. He pushes through the cafeteria doors, stepping outside into the cool morning air. He leans against the wall again, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. The smoke curls around him as he tries to sort through his conflicting thoughts. The bell rings, signaling the end of break. Sanemi takes one last drag before flicking the cigarette away and heading back inside.
He spots Giyuu walking alone down the hallway, his usual stoic expression in place. Shinobu is nowhere to be seen now. Sanemi finds himself walking in the same direction as Giyuu, though he maintains a distance. He's not sure why he's even following him. Giyuu suddenly stops and turns around, sensing someone behind him. His blue eyes meet Sanemi's. "What do you want?" Sanemi raises an eyebrow, slightly caught off guard by Giyuu's directness.
"Nothing. Just heading to class." He tries to sound casual, but there's an edge to his voice. Giyuu narrows his eyes slightly, studying Sanemi's face. "You've been acting weird lately. More than usual." Sanemi bristles at the accusation, his temper flaring.
"Tch. Says the guy who's always acting like a zombie." He steps closer, towering over Giyuu.
Giyuu doesn't back down, standing his ground despite the height difference. "At least I'm consistent. You're the one who can't hide your emotions." There's a hint of amusement in his voice, as if he finds Sanemi's attempts to deny everything entertaining. Sanemi clenches his fists, feeling both frustrated and oddly challenged by Giyuu's words.
"Watch it, Tomioka. I'm not in the mood for your bullshit today." He steps even closer, invading Giyuu's personal space. The teacher's voice echoes through the hallway. "Sanemi! Giyuu! What are you two doing? Get to class immediately!" Sanemi flinches slightly at being caught, stepping back from Giyuu with a scowl.