Ren got to class earlier than usual.
Not on purpose.
He just… didn't feel like being late today.
The room was quiet. Only a few people were there. Chairs empty. Sunlight coming through the windows.
He walked to his seat and sat down.
Then waited.
He didn't usually wait for anything.
But today, he did.
A few minutes passed.
Then the door slid open.
Airi walked in.
Same calm expression. Same quiet steps.
She spotted her seat and walked over.
"Morning," she said.
Ren blinked.
"…Morning."
She sat down.
For a second, neither of them said anything.
Then she reached into her bag and pulled something out.
A folded umbrella.
She placed it on the desk.
"I brought one."
Ren looked at it.
"…You didn't have to."
"I said I would."
"Yeah, but…"
She looked at him.
Not confused.
Just waiting.
Ren sighed slightly. "Alright."
That was that.
A small silence settled between them.
Not awkward.
Just… there.
Kai walked in a minute later and immediately noticed.
"Wait."
He pointed between them.
"You guys talking now?"
"No," Ren said.
"Yes," Airi said at the same time.
Kai paused.
"…Which one is it?"
Ren looked away. "Doesn't matter."
Kai grinned. "Nah, it does matter."
Airi picked up her notebook.
"We shared an umbrella."
Kai froze.
Then slowly turned to Ren.
"…You dog."
"Shut up."
"I leave you alone for one day "
"Nothing happened."
Kai leaned back, laughing quietly. "Yeah, sure."
Ren rubbed his forehead.
Airi didn't react.
She just opened her notebook like usual.
But this time…
She stayed a little closer to the edge of her desk.
Not far.
Just enough that their arms almost touched.
Ren noticed.
He didn't move.