Chapter 2: Unraveling the Quiet

The days passed, and though Aoi and Hikari never spoke, the quiet presence beside her never wavered. It was strange—Aoi was used to people keeping their distance, yet Hikari neither forced conversation nor withdrew from it. It was as if she had accepted the silence, simply existing in the same space without expectation.

Aoi didn’t care. At least, that’s what she told herself.

One afternoon, seeking her usual escape, Aoi made her way to the rooftop. It was her sanctuary, where the wind carried the scent of sakura and the world felt just a little farther away. But as she stepped through the doorway, she froze.

Hikari was already there.

She sat near the railing, her long black hair swaying gently in the breeze. Her back was turned, her gaze fixed on the sky. She didn’t seem to notice Aoi’s presence at first. Aoi hesitated, debating whether to leave, but the quiet sigh that escaped Hikari’s lips made her pause.

Aoi wasn’t the only one who sought solitude.

Still, she wasn’t in the mood to deal with company, accidental or not. She turned slightly, ready to leave, when Hikari’s voice stopped her.

“Oh.” Hikari turned, startled. Her expression shifted from surprise to something softer. “I didn’t think anyone else came up here.”

Aoi remained still for a moment before taking a slow step forward. “I could say the same to you.”

Hikari chuckled lightly. “I guess that makes two of us, then.”

Silence stretched between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Hikari didn’t try to fill it with unnecessary words. Instead, she simply turned back toward the sky.

After a moment, Aoi exhaled softly and walked past Hikari to take her usual spot by the far railing. She expected Hikari to leave now that she was there—but she didn’t.

“You don’t talk much, do you?” Hikari mused.

Aoi glanced at her briefly before looking away. “Most people get the hint.”

Hikari hummed in acknowledgment. “I see.”

That was all she said. No complaints, no awkward laughter. Just two words, as if she had already accepted Aoi for who she was.

The wind rustled between them, carrying the scent of blossoms through the air. Aoi found herself glancing at Hikari again. She didn’t know why, but something about her presence was… different.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of break, Hikari stood. “I’ll see you in class, Takahashi-san.”

Aoi blinked, surprised she hadn’t called her by her first name. Most people tried to get familiar too quickly. But Hikari had respected the distance without making a big deal out of it.

Aoi watched as she left, feeling an odd sense of curiosity, she hadn’t expected.

For the first time, she wondered about the girl who had quietly entered her world.

And for the first time, she didn’t mind finding out.