Chapter 10

The final year of high school wasn't necessarily busy, especially for a student like Akito who wasn't particularly diligent in his studies. He continued his carefree lifestyle, studying a bit but never really getting into the groove. However, when Ryohei explained important things to him, he listened attentively.

The black shirt looked incredibly handsome on him, the size just right. Whenever he wore it, Nick would smile broadly. As the weather turned colder, Akito eventually switched to warmer clothes, folding the black shirt and placing it in the wardrobe.

One evening during evening self-study, Akito returned mysteriously. He whispered to Ryohei, "Take a look, just take a look." Ryohei lowered his head and saw a beautiful piece of stationery in Akito's hand, asking, "What is it?" Akito replied, "A girl from the first year finally has some taste; she wrote me a love letter."

Ryohei's heart skipped a beat, and he remained silent, his brows furrowed. Akito stared at his face, as if trying to discern a reaction, but Ryohei showed none. This frustrated Akito, leaving him feeling a mix of embarrassment and anger. What he hoped to see in Ryohei's response wasn't there.

During the end of class, Akito waited in the corridor for Nick. Nick invited him to have ice cream. As it melted and stuck to Nick's hand, he reached for the paper in Akito's hand, similar to that discarded note. Akito dodged, saying, "This is a love letter from someone else; I can't give it to you." Nick tossed the unfinished ice cream, telling a guy nearby, "If the teacher checks, help us get an excuse." He then pulled Akito along, who was still bewildered. Later, he managed to break free, but he couldn't contend with Nick's brute strength.

The teacher didn't investigate further, assuming they had taken leave with the class teacher's permission. Only Ryohei sat there, watching Akito's abandoned bag, unable to concentrate on what the teacher was saying.