HAT DO YOU WANT?!"
Miles spun around, voice ripping through the hallway like shattered glass.
The girl flinched.
Her shoulders jumped, eyes wide as if she'd just been struck. For a moment, she looked frozen—then she bowed slightly out of instinct, hands clutching the strap of her bag.
"O–Oh, I–I didn't mean to startle you," she said quickly, her voice soft and uneven. "I'm sorry."
Miles scoffed, already turning away.
"Then don't."
She hesitated, then took a breath like she was gathering courage from somewhere deep inside.
"Um… I'm the new transfer student," she said. "From Japan. My name is… Yurina Harusukki."
Miles snorted.
"That's a stupid name."
The words landed bluntly, without effort.
Yurina blinked.
Instead, she gave a small, awkward smile.
"I think so too," she said quietly.
That caught him off guard-just for a fraction of a second.
She shifted her weight, clearly uncomfortable but still standing there.
"Anyway…" she continued, fingers fidgeting. "I'm a little lost. Could...could you help me find classroom G31?"
Miles sighed, irritation crawling up his spine.
"Turn right. Then left," he said flatly.
Yurina's face brightened, like he'd just done her a huge favor.
"Thank you!" she said, bowing again.
She started to walk away...then stopped.
Slowly, nervously, she turned back.
"Um… would...would you want to be friends?"
Miles didn't even hesitate.
"Of course not. Bye."
He turned his back on her and shoved his hands into his pockets, already done with the conversation.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then-
"Oh," Yurina said softly behind him.
Just disappointment.
"Okay. I understand."
Her footsteps faded down the hallway.
Miles stood there longer than he meant to, staring at his locker like it had personally offended him.
"Idiot, with such a puny voice!" he muttered.