I couldn't find her.
At first, I wasn't in class.
Then she didn't come to dinner.
After school, she disappeared before the bell rang.
Miyako avoided me. Frankly. Hard.
And that feeling... was unbearable.
It's like you've been cut out of life.
—Hey, did she have a fight with you?" Reiji, a classmate, asked.
— She didn't even talk to Aka today.
—...I do not know,— I replied.
It was the truth.
I did not know. I didn't understand.
And I didn't know how to fix it.
In the evening, on the way home
"You look like you've been squeezed out,— Sayo said, appearing unexpectedly, as always.
"Leave me alone."
"You say that every time,— she scoffed.
"But then why don't you run away?"
I looked at her.
"Because I'm tired." I'm even tired of arguing.
—Then just... let me be with you,— she stepped closer.
"Stop chasing after someone who pushes you away.
"None of your business,— I snapped.
"Are you sure?" She bowed her head. "Maybe she's already chosen, and it's not you."
I clenched my fists.
—You... don't understand."
"I understand everything,— Sayo said softly. "You just don't want to accept the truth."
Later
I was standing by the phone again.
The message still hasn't been read.
"It hurts me. Say something. Anything."
Sent.
He sat down on the bed.
Three hours have passed.
Zero reaction.