6 — Isolation

Ame woke up early to the soft warmth of sunlight streaming through her curtains, a rare smile tugging at the corners of her lips. It was Saturday, the weekend mood was in full swing. Waking up today, she felt lighter. Stretching slightly under the covers, she blinked her eyes open and for the first time in a long while…she didn’t feel alone. Her mind drifted to Sera, and an unexpected sense of gratitude welled up inside of her. Having Sera around—simply sharing the same space with her, gave Ame a warmth she hadn't realized she craved so deeply.

Curious, she slipped out of bed quietly and tiptoed over to Sera's room. Opening the door just a crack, she peeked in to find Sera still fast asleep, curled up under her blankets. Her golden hair was splayed out messily on the pillow, and her chest rose and fell in a peaceful rhythm. Ame couldn't help but smile at the sight—Sera looked so innocent, so carefree as she slumbered. It was adorable.

Closing the door softly, Ame stepped into the kitchen, feeling a burst of energy she hadn’t felt in ages. The events of the previous night still lingered sweetly in her mind. Sera had gone out of her way for her, and though Ame had felt guilty for her earlier coldness, she also appreciated everything Sera had done.

She wanted to repay that kindness in some way and what better way than with breakfast?

The apartment was bathed in golden sunlight as the morning sun peeked through the windows, casting a warm, inviting glow over the space. A gentle breeze came in through a cracked window, carrying with it the sound of birds chirping cheerfully outside. Everything about the day felt light, airy, and full of promise. It was a perfect morning.

Ame moved around the kitchen with purpose, gathering everything she needed to make breakfast. She pulled out the ingredients for pancakes, flour, eggs, milk, sugar and some bacon she found in the fridge. As she started mixing the batter, she couldn't help but feel at peace. The scent of the sizzling bacon filled the air, and soon after, the sound of pancakes gently bubbling on the skillet joined it. She felt cozy and relaxed.

She glanced out the window for a moment, admiring the way the sunlight illuminated the world outside. The apartment seemed more alive today—Ame wanted to carry that same levity and warmth into Sera’s day, hoping to repay her for all she’d done with something as simple as a heartfelt breakfast.

The idea of surprising Sera with breakfast in bed made Ame smile to herself as she flipped the pancakes, her thoughts full of gratitude and affection for the girl still fast asleep down the hall.

After a few minutes, with the scent of freshly cooked bacon and pancakes filling the apartment, Ame found herself standing outside Sera’s door once again. This time, she held a tray in her hands, carefully arranged with breakfast—perfectly golden pancakes, crispy bacon, and a glass of orange juice.

Her heart fluttered nervously; she wasn’t used to doing things like this for anyone but herself… and even then she didn’t do it.

Balancing the tray, she quietly nudged the door open with her foot, trying her best to be silent. The sunlight filtered gently through the curtains, casting soft shadows on the room’s walls. Sera was still fast asleep, her breathing steady, the covers tucked up around her chin. She looked so peaceful, her golden hair glinting in the morning light.

Ame’s heart swelled at the sight. She hadn’t realized how much joy she could feel just watching someone else be at ease, but here she was, standing at the foot of Sera’s bed with a tray of breakfast, and for once, feeling like this was exactly where she was meant to be.

Tiptoeing to the side of the bed, Ame carefully set the tray down on the bedside table. She hesitated for a moment, watching the rise and fall of Sera’s chest, almost not wanting to disturb her peaceful sleep. She found herself smiling—a soft, rare smile—before gently reaching out and brushing a stray lock of hair away from Sera’s face.

“Tsukiko…” Ame called out softly, her voice barely above a whisper, not wanting to startle her. “Wake up… I made breakfast for you.”

Sera stirred gently, her body shifting under the covers as she slowly emerged from a deep sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the soft morning light filtering into the room. At first, she didn’t realize what was happening, but then she saw Ame standing beside her bed, a tray of perfectly arranged breakfast in her hands. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"A-Ame?!" Sera gasped softly, rubbing her eyes, still not fully awake but clearly taken aback by the sight, there was a goddess in her room, and she made her breakfast!

"I-I mean…M-Misaki…you… made me breakfast?"

Ame gave her a small, warm smile, her gray eyes soft. “It’s nothing.” she replied, her voice gentle, though her heart raced slightly at the sweetness of Sera’s reaction.

Sera’s cheeks flushed as she sat up slowly, only to suddenly realize she had drool on her pillow from her deep sleep. Her face turned even redder, a little panicked as she quickly flipped the pillow over, hoping Ame hadn’t noticed. But Ame had seen the whole thing, and though her lips curled in mild amusement, she didn’t laugh, keeping her composure.

“I… uh… let me just—” Sera stammered, still embarrassed but smiling shyly as she shuffled out of bed. “I’ll be right back,” she said, disappearing into the bathroom to freshen up.

Ame stood there for a moment, still holding the tray, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. Watching Sera’s reactions, the little things that made her blush—it was all so endearing, so... sweet. When Sera returned, her face now washed and her hair a bit more tidied, she looked a little more awake and ready to enjoy the breakfast.

“Okay, now I’m ready,” Sera said cheerfully, slipping back into bed and pulling the tray onto her lap.

She took her first bite of the pancakes, her eyes widening instantly. “Oh my god, Ame, this is amazing!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. “Seriously, these are so good!”

Ame’s smile widened, her heart swelling with warmth. Just watching Sera enjoy the food, seeing the way her face lit up, filled her with a deep sense of contentment.

“I’m so glad you like it,” Ame said softly, her voice carrying the affection she was still learning how to show. This moment—seeing Sera so happy—was everything to her right now.

Sera beamed at her between bites, her eyes full of appreciation and joy. "You’re full of surprises, Miss Misaki." she said, her tone playful yet sincere.

Ame went back into the kitchen to clean some stuff up and would come back, sitting beside Sera on her bed.

Sera was just about finished eating as she spoke again, scrolling through things on her phone. “I am just now realizing, we still haven’t added each other as contacts in our phones.”

Ame gave a small smile. "That's true. It’s kind of funny how we've managed to keep that up for so long."

Sera smiled wide, quickly showing Ame her phone screen, as she finished eating, she put the tray with her empty plate and napkins on her beside table. “Just making sure this is your contact info right? Your number and everything looks correct?”

Ame nodded as she leaned closer, glancing down at the screen. “Yes, that looks correct to me.”

Sera grinned. “Good! Now…” she began, trailing off as she stared at her phone screen.

The contact details were all in place, but there was something missing—Ame didn’t have a profile picture set in Sera’s phone.

“…There’s just one last thing,” Sera murmured, fiddling with her phone and blushing slightly as thoughts raced through her mind. Sitting cross-legged on the bed beside Ame, she looked a little nervous but excited.

Ame raised an eyebrow, curious. “What’s missing?”

Sera's gaze flicked from Ame to the screen, then back. “Well… it’s just that everyone in my contacts has a profile picture… everyone except you. So, I was thinking…”

Ame’s lips curved into a small, amused smile. “Oh, I see… then allow me.” She moved gracefully to the edge of Sera's bed, sitting down in a fluid motion.

Her long, silky black hair swung behind her, sending a few stray strands cascading over her shoulder and framing her face. Her gray eyes glinted with a gentle yet captivating allure as she turned to Sera, giving her an inviting look.

“Does this look good?” Ame asked, her voice soft but tinged with a hint of drama, as if she knew exactly what she was doing.

Sera’s breath caught in her throat, and she nodded perhaps a little too eagerly. “Y-Yes,” she blurted out, fumbling slightly with her phone.

In her white nightgown, Ame looked effortlessly elegant. The gown draped over her curves, the soft fabric accentuating her figure while falling just above her knees. Her pale skin glowed softly in the morning light streaming through the window, and the loose strands of her hair added a touch of effortless beauty to her composed appearance.

Sera took the picture, her hand trembling slightly as she pressed the button. “Got it,” she murmured, a faint rose blush spreading across her cheeks as she realized what she had just done.

Not only did she have a proper profile picture for Ame now, but she also had a stunning photo of her on her phone. Two birds in one stone, a big win!

Ame acknowledged Sera’s quiet "got it" with a subtle nod, then stood up, gathering the tray with the used dishes, utensils, and napkins from the bedside table. As she walked toward the bedroom doorway, she glanced back at Sera.

"So... what are you doing today?" she asked, her tone betraying just a hint of hesitation, though she tried to sound casual.

Sera’s face lit up. "Oh, I’m going out today! I’m meeting up with June, Luca, and some other friends. We’re going to see a movie and then just hang out," she said cheerfully, already buzzing with excitement.

Ame’s heart sank. She had hoped to spend the day with Sera, yearning for that comforting presence to stave off the familiar feeling of isolation. But she masked her disappointment with a practiced smile. "That sounds nice," she replied smoothly. "Enjoy your time with your friends and be safe."

"Thank you, Misaki!" Sera beamed, already darting toward her closet to get ready.

Ame’s smile wavered as she turned away, a quiet sigh escaping her as she glanced down. She felt a pang of jealousy and annoyance rise within her—an almost childish longing to keep Sera’s attention for herself. It embarrassed her, this uncharacteristic feeling of possessiveness over her. She scolded herself silently. It wasn’t like she could—or should—ask Sera to change her plans just to keep her company.

She forced herself to keep the mask in place as she stepped back into the hallway. "Well, I’ll leave you to it. Make sure you have your key, text me if you need anything, and have fun," she said, a bit more briskly than she intended.

"Will do! Thanks again!" Sera replied brightly, giving her a wide, radiant smile before rushing to get ready.

Ame headed back to the kitchen, the ache of disappointment settling in her chest. She busied herself with tidying up, trying not to let herself sulk. But she couldn't shake the lingering sense of loneliness as she stared out the window at the sunny day outside, feeling as though she had been left behind.

Sera grabbed her bag and headed toward the door, flashing a bright, happy wave to Ame. "See you later, Miss Misaki!" she said cheerfully before the apartment door clicked shut behind her.

Ame offered a small smile in return, her lips barely lifting. She tried to mask her disappointment as Sera left for the day, but the emptiness of the apartment seemed to settle in as soon as the door closed. Letting out a heavy breath, she turned and walked back to her room, changing into a loose camisole and sweatpants. Without much thought, she let herself collapse onto the couch, almost sinking into the cushions as she reached for the remote.

The TV buzzed on, playing some random channel, but her mind drifted far from whatever was being shown.

There it was again, that feeling of guilt and disgrace.

She stared at the screen, her chest tightening with every breath, frustration coming up from somewhere deep inside.

"What is wrong with me?" she whispered to herself.

Her thoughts kept circling back to Sera—her smile, her laugh, the way she looked at her with those soft, warm eyes.

And with those thoughts of Sera came that feeling.

That confusing, unsettling feeling she had no business having.

No.

In truth, Ame knew what that feeling was, but she also knew she couldn’t let it linger. For a moment, she considered simply crushing it—erasing it completely before it grew any stronger.

But could she really do that? Erase those feelings from existence? Would that be being true to herself?

It was embarrassing, infuriating even, how much she’d let herself get attached. She had never been the kind of person to crave someone else's presence so desperately, let alone that of a student.

What kind of teacher even feels this way?

Her mind spiraled, an intense shame and guilt closing in on her.

She knew it wasn’t right, that this was crossing a line she shouldn't even be near.

Her face flushed hotly, this time not from desire but from self-loathing.

As much as she cared for Sera, these past few days had made her question whether living together was truly wise. Could she even maintain the proper boundaries if this continued?

Maybe it was time to stop lying to herself. She had to face the truth. It was becoming harder and harder to remind herself of her role—her responsibility—not just to Sera, but to herself.

The disparity in their positions loomed over her, and the fact that Sera didn’t seem to see it, or maybe even disregarded it, made it all the more difficult. What if this situation caused more harm than good? What if she lost her composure entirely?

Her mind forcefully brought her back to how it all started.

The stolen glances, the quiet moments of kindness, and the confusing mix of coldness and warmth she showed Sera. She had tried to keep her distance, to remind herself constantly that she was Sera's teacher, that this was a temporary arrangement. But the lines had blurred, and now she wasn’t even sure where they were supposed to be drawn.

Ame sat up quickly, her face brimming with more and more concern.

She rubbed her temples as the questions churned relentlessly in her mind. Could she keep her emotions in check, knowing how deeply Sera affected her? Could she handle living so close to someone who stirred up all these conflicted feelings within her, knowing that every day, it might become harder to resist? And what if Sera picked up on her struggles?

It would ruin everything.

Ame wasn’t just worried about what people would think—she was worried about the shame she’d feel, the damage it could do to her reputation, and the betrayal of her own values.

She squeezed her eyes shut, taking a shaky breath. It wasn’t just about Sera anymore; it was about her entire sense of control, of who she thought she was. Living with Sera had cracked open something inside her that she wasn’t ready to confront, and now she didn’t know if she could put it back together again.

"Why..." she whispered, her voice trembling solemnly.

"Why did it have to be her..." she choked out, her tone heavy with sorrow. Despite her efforts to hold back, tears rolled down her cheeks, landing softly in her lap.

She raised a hand to her forehead, as though trying to calm the ache that throbbed in her head, heart, and mind.

After a few minutes of quiet sobbing, she clenched her thighs tightly, the pressure verging on painful, as if seeking a punishment she believed she deserved. Slowly, she lifted her head, her gaze wandering aimlessly around the apartment, eyes unfocused and empty.

One hand fell to her side, curling into a fist as she leaned back into the chair, tilting her head up to stare blankly at the ceiling.

Right then and there, she decided that she would confront Sera and tell her they couldn’t live together anymore, and that she deeply apologizes for everything she had done.

She would tell her that it was becoming increasingly difficult to remind herself of her role, and that what they were both feeling was inappropriate and wrong—or at least, that’s what she kept telling herself and despite everything, she would tell her that maybe it would be best if they went their separate ways.

All that remained now was finding the strength and courage to do it the right way, just as she knew she should.

Meanwhile, Sera sat on the train, tapping her foot to the beat of the music playing through her headphones. Her cheerful energy radiated from her, reflecting the excitement she felt for the day ahead. When the train arrived at the bustling downtown station, she stepped off and immediately blended into the lively crowd. Her outfit, carefully chosen for the occasion, showed off her fashion sense as a gyaru: a beige crewneck that perfectly complemented her complexion, paired with a silver necklace her parents had given her, sparkling subtly under the station lights. Her black mini skirt swayed gently with her steps, and her golden hair was styled in a half-up, half-down pull-through braid, adding a distinct charm to her appearance. Her makeup was flawlessly done, with just enough blush to bring out the natural glow in her cheeks.

As she walked towards the exit, her best friend June spotted her and beamed. "Oh my gosh, Sera! I love your outfit!" she exclaimed, rushing over to her and giving her a hug.

Hana quickly joined in, nodding enthusiastically. "You look so cute, Sera! I swear, you always nail it."

Luca gave an approving nod. "Very fashionable." he said, a small smile forming on his lips.

Even Ren, usually shy and reserved, joined in, giving a modest thumbs-up. "Cute.” He chimed in.

Sera’s cheeks flushed lightly at the compliments, her heart swelling with joy. She pulled her friends in for a group hug, wrapping her arms around them. "Awh~ Thank you, guys!!" she said, grinning widely as they squeezed together in a circle.

After the hug, they broke apart, and Hana started talking animatedly. "Yesterday, I ended up in this new café. It’s small but so cute! Their pastries are seriously to die for. You all need to try it."

“..I’ve been there, I don’t think I want to go back …” Ren said quietly.

“Ren that’s only because your lactose intolerant!” Hana teased, her playful tone prompting a laugh from Sera.

“…Even so, I still love… chocolate cake…” Ren said dramatically, his voice barely above a whisper.

This earned an exaggerated “ugh” and a playful facepalm from Hana, which sent Sera and Luca into fits of laughter.

June chimed in, turning her head back to the group as she led them forward.

"I was up all night trying to finish an art project. I swear, if I see one more tube of paint, I’m gonna scream." She laughed, shaking her head.

“Art…” Ren murmured to himself with a smile as he walked. It was a passion he excelled in, one that he shared with the world through a popular social media account, a secret he kept from his friends.

Luca chuckled. "I was stuck at work yesterday, same old boring stuff. But at least I got to sneak in some video games during breaks." he said.

Hana shot Luca a playful glare. “It better not have been that gacha game…”

Sera laughed and added, “I second that! You’re such a whale; you must have spent over a million dollars on that game. I don’t even want to imagine your total if we combined all the gacha games you’ve played!”

Luca threw his hands up in mock surrender as he walked, shaking his head emphatically. “How did you—Hey! I wasn’t! Really! I wasn’t playing Zenless Wave yesterday!” he insisted with a laugh.

Ren shook his head, ratting out his best friend. “SSR Lucifer came out yesterday, and she’s hot—plus she’s the best character in the game right now. You’re lying,” he said in his trademark monotone, softly spoken voice.

Sera and Hana erupted into uncontrollable laughter at Ren’s revelation, and Sera turned back to Luca with a teasing grin. “Ooooh… busted, Luca!”

“Wow… he really threw you under the bus.” Hana said, clutching her stomach as she continued to laugh while walking beside Sera.

“Ren! You little rat!” Luca exclaimed, his mouth dropping in mock disbelief as he threw his hands toward Ren, who effortlessly dodged the playful attack.

“Heh.” Ren chuckled softly, enjoying the moment.

June finally interrupted the group's banter, a chuckle escaping her lips as she pointed toward the theater. “Guys, we’re here!”

The group made their way into the theater, excited chatter filling the air as they approached the ticket counter. They had secured an entire row to themselves, the perfect spot for their movie outing.

Once settled in, they immersed themselves in an action-thriller that had their hearts racing, and their eyes glued to the screen.

After the film, they emerged from the theater buzzing with energy.

“I loved it!” Luca exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious. “The stunts were insane!”

Ren, always the critic, shrugged slightly. “It was okay, but it could’ve been better. The plot felt a bit predictable.”

Sera nodded, glancing at June. “I thought it was good, especially the chase scenes!”

June smiled in agreement. “Yeah, it was definitely entertaining!”

Hana rolled her eyes playfully, crossing her arms. “Please, it was just a shameless, typical action flick. Watching paint dry would have been more exciting!”

Their laughter echoed as they left the theater, the sun casting a warm glow over the bustling city streets. They decided to take a leisurely stroll toward the lakeshore, where the serene waters reflected the clear blue sky. Tall trees lined the path, their leaves rustling gently in the soft breeze, providing shade to a few benches scattered along the lakeside. Ducks paddled lazily across the water, and the distant sound of children playing filled the air, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

The group found a cozy spot under a large tree, settling on the grass and benches to relax. Hana was animatedly recounting her latest escapade when she suddenly smirked, shifting the topic.

“So, what’s the deal with everyone’s love lives?” she asked, raising an eyebrow as she surveyed her friends, eager for their reactions.

June immediately tensed, avoiding the group’s gaze as she leaned against the tree. “W-Where did that come from?” she asked shyly, clearly trying to sidestep the topic.

“Just curious!” Hana replied with a mischievous smirk, giggling playfully.

Luca threw his hands up defensively. “Honestly, I haven’t really thought about it. I’m probably too busy to maintain a relationship right now. What about you?” He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck and then resting his hand behind his head.

Hana grinned wider, leaning in. “Well, there’s this guy in my psych class who is sooo~ hot!”

Luca laughed, shaking his head. “Alright, that’s cool, but just make sure to go for someone who isn’t already taken this time.”

Hana blushed and playfully smacked the back of Luca’s head. “LUCA!!”

“OW! What?!” he protested, feigning innocence.

Sera held her hand up to stop the banter, giggling uncontrollably. “Seriously, you two need to stop! I’m gonna die, I swear!”

Hana quickly turned her attention to Ren, June, and Sera sitting under the tree. “Well? What about you guys?”

“Haven’t… thought about it,” Ren murmured softly, his eyes drifting towards the water.

June, visibly anxious, squirmed at the thought of discussing this topic with her friends. “C-Can we skip me?” she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sera raised an eyebrow, smirking at June’s unease. “June…?” she teased, nudging her best friend, her curiosity piqued. This was news to her, June had a crush?

Hana’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Someone has a crush! It’s literally written all over your face!”

June’s eyes darted nervously from Hana to Luca, who was absorbed in his gacha game, blissfully unaware of the growing tension. Turning her head away dramatically, she pouted. “So?! That doesn’t mean I have to tell you about it!”

“Okay, okay! Fine… I won’t pry any longer,” Hana relented, though her grin remained, clearly not ready to drop the subject entirely.

Sera, who had been smirking at June's situation, felt her smile fade as it dawned on her that it was now her turn.

Oh right, she thought. What... really is my situation?  She gazed out toward the water, watching the bird’s flit about, the sun glistening against the shimmering sea.

“And Sera?” Hana chimed in eagerly. “How about you? Any love interests yet?”

Sera sat in contemplative silence for a moment, realizing she hadn’t properly considered the whirlwind of events that had been unfolding in her life.

As Sera sat in silence, her thoughts drifted to Ame. Memories of their recent moments flooded her mind—their shared umbrella on a rainy day, cozying up while eating together, and that fleeting kiss Ame had planted on her cheek. A flutter of warmth rose within her as she recalled those moments, yet an uncomfortable sensation settled in her chest. She fidgeted with the grass beneath her, unsure of how to articulate everything swirling in her head, with Hana and June observing her closely.

Ame of course…was a woman.

The thought sent a wave of confusion washing over her. She hesitated at the implications, of course she always had known but.. like if they’re talking about love and relationships…

Was this feeling she had for Ame love?

The very idea made Sera’s eyes widen in realization. She shifted her position, sitting up straighter in front of her friends, particularly noticing Hana's perplexed expression.

In her introspection, Sera began to process the meaning of Ame’s kiss on her cheek and everything else between them more thoroughly.

She liked it—there was no doubt about that.

That meant she also liked women, okay… fine that’s obvious now… she thought.

However, it also meant grappling with the societal implications and the complexities that accompanied such a realization.

She would need to navigate the expectations, judgments, and preconceived notions that society often imposed on relationships that weren’t the traditional norm.

Now that she wasn’t okay with.

Sera now sat there in denial.

As she mulled it over, she reassured herself, coping that Ame being a woman didn’t change anything.

Sure, she had kissed and been kissed by boys in the past, but if the feeling was the same—or in this case—even better with Ame—wasn’t it all okay?

Hana frowned, sensing the silence stretch on far too long. “Uhh… Sera? You alright?”

Snapped from her reverie, Sera shook her head slightly. “Oh, yeah. I don’t really know,” she replied, trying to mask the turmoil within her.

In truth, she was still in denial, grappling with the reality of her feelings.

That feeling... the one she had for Ame... it could very well be love.

Sera's eyes widened as the realization settled in, her gaze drifting out into the distance.

With her hands pressed against her chest, just above her heart, Sera fell silent once more. “I… I do love…” she whispered softly.

June caught the murmured words. “Huh?”

Sera felt the heat rising to her cheeks as June’s “huh?” cut through her thoughts. Panic surged through her, and she waved her hands erratically, trying to diffuse the tension that suddenly filled the air. Laughter burst from her lips, a nervous attempt to mask the gravity of her earlier revelation.

“I was just thinking about how nice it would be if... I did love someone... you know?” she chuckled, forcing a bright smile that felt more like a mask than genuine joy.

Hana, surprisingly, seemed to buy it. “Heh, stop daydreaming, Sera! You’ll never get a boyfriend before me!” she teased, her laughter infectious.

Sera stifled a laugh, trying to sound lighthearted. “Hahaha, just you watch...” she replied.

“Never happening!” Hana shot back with a grin, her playful confidence filling the space.

June watched the exchange, a bit perplexed by Sera’s moments of silence. She joined in the laughter, but in the back of her mind, she couldn’t shake the image of Sera's intense, contemplative looks. Did Sera really have a crush too? June wondered, her curiosity piqued.

As the laughter faded, and the group’s conversation topic switched, Sera’s gaze drifted away, her thoughts spiraling back to her situation. The lightheartedness of the moment was fleeting, and the weight of her reality pressed down on her.

She hadn’t even considered the worst part yet.

Ame was her teacher at the school she and her friends attended.

After saying goodbye to her friends, Sera gave each of them a cheerful wave, with June pulling her into an especially tight hug before they finally parted ways.

She made her way to the train station, catching a ride back home. The rhythmic clatter of the train's wheels was a welcome lull, and Sera found herself dozing off slightly during the ride. By the time she arrived at the apartment, she was feeling the fatigue of the day’s events.

As she unlocked the door, the soft jingle of her key echoed in the quiet hallway. The apartment was dark and still. She flicked on the lights, glancing around for any sign of Ame.

"Miss Misaki?" she called out, but there was no answer. She wandered through the rooms, only to find everything empty, except for a dim light coming from under the door of Ame's office.

Sera hesitated for a moment before knocking lightly. "Misaki, I'm back." she said, her voice soft and hopeful as she offered a small smile.

Ame, on the other side, kept her eyes fixed on her computer screen, steeling herself against the temptation to look at Sera.

She remembered her earlier resolution—to keep some distance. "Hi," she said curtly. "Sorry, I’m really busy, Tsukiko. I left some food for you on the kitchen counter. Hope you had fun today. Goodnight."

The tone was colder than Sera had expected, and the fact that Ame hadn’t even opened the door to greet her added to the sense of distance. Her smile wavered slightly as she processed Ame’s response.

"Ahh… alright. Goodnight, Miss Misaki." she replied, doing her best to keep the disappointment out of her voice. It wasn’t like Ame to brush her off, but Sera reassured herself that Ame was probably just swamped with work.

After a quiet dinner, Sera took a shower, changed into her pajamas, and collapsed into bed. Exhausted from the day out, she quickly fell asleep.

But it wasn’t until the next morning that a sense of unease began to creep into her consciousness.

When she woke up, everything felt… off. As usual, there was food left for her in the kitchen, but Ame was nowhere in sight. There were no morning greetings, no sign of her outside of her office. It was as if she had withdrawn completely. The disconnection made Sera’s chest tighten with anxiety. She tried to shake it off and knocked on the office door once more, hoping to get at least a glimpse of her.

"Misaki...? Is everything alright?" Sera asked hesitantly.

Ame’s voice floated out, calm but distant, as she kept her focus on the screen. "I'm fine… just a lot of work to get through. I’m sorry, Tsukiko. I don’t think I can talk much today."

Sera bit her lip, trying to hide the disappointment that threatened to show. She offered a small, understanding smile, even if Ame couldn’t see it. "Right… sorry to bother you. I hope you finish sooner than later! Remember to take breaks," she encouraged, her voice bright but edged with concern.

Ame nodded, though her gaze never left the screen. "I will. Thank you." she said curtly, her tone betraying no warmth.

Sera lingered a moment longer, her eyes searching Ame’s door as if willing it to open. When it didn’t, she sighed and left.

The day dragged on in a similar fashion. Ame remained holed up in her office, prompting Sera to stay in her room, feeling adrift and unable to shake the sense of tension. She spent hours reading, playing games, and scrolling through her phone, anything to distract herself from the silence that seemed to permeate the apartment. But every now and then, she would find herself staring at the closed office door, wondering what had changed so suddenly.

Eventually, Sera lay down on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. "What’s up with her…?" she murmured, rubbing her forehead. "I guess she must be really busy… but it came on so suddenly." She sat up, glancing once more at Ame’s closed office door. "I hope she’s alright... It doesn’t make sense.”

Sera decided to give Ame the benefit of the doubt. "Ah, right… that assignment is due tomorrow.." she murmured to herself, trying to rationalize the distance. "Maybe it’s got something to do with that." she theorized, though the explanation felt thin.

Despite her efforts to brush off the unease, she drifted off to sleep with a tight knot in her chest, a lingering sense that something was amiss. Try as she might, she couldn’t quite shake the feeling, but eventually, exhaustion pulled her under.

When she woke the next morning, it was Monday, and time to head back to school.