Trying

Mio almost didn’t do it.

They were filing out of class, chairs shifting, footsteps moving around them. Haru was still putting his notebook away, careful and unhurried like always.

Mio stood a few desks away, hands clenched slightly at her sides.

Just one, she told herself.

She waited until he looked up.

Then, slowly, deliberately, she raised her hands.

Hello.

The sign was a little stiff. Her fingers were tense. But she held it there long enough for him to see.

Haru froze.

Not because it was perfect.

Because it was meant for him.

“…Hello,” he said after a second.

Mio let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “I’ve been practicing,” she admitted quietly. “I’m not very good.”

He shook his head. “You are.”

His voice was calm, but his eyes were wide—unprepared.

She smiled, small and relieved. “I just thought… it might help.”

There was a pause.

Not awkward.

Just new.

Around them, students passed without noticing anything special. No one was watching. No one reacted.

That made it feel more important.

Mio lowered her hands. “See you tomorrow, Kisaragi-kun.”

“Yeah,” Haru said. “See you.”

As she walked away, her steps felt lighter.

Haru stayed where he was.

For a long moment, he didn’t move at all.