Strengths and Qualities

After school, Hiroshi and I walked home together without speaking, which was unusual for him since he's usually talkative and lively. I couldn't help but notice the difference between his current mood and his animated conversation with Hachimura earlier. Curiosity got the best of me, so I decided to break the silence.

"Hey, what's with you? You're awfully quiet for someone who was chatting long with that Hachimura guy," I said, my voice tinged with concern.

He looked at me briefly, then looked away. "It's nothing," he said in a subdued tone. "By the way, do you have any plans on your way home?" I shrugged and admitted that I didn't really have any plans, wondering where the conversation was going.

A glimmer of excitement flashed in Hiroshi's eyes as he perked up. "Oh, great! I was thinking we should go see a movie or hang out at my place and play video games. Are you down?"

I hesitated, contemplating the mountain of homework waiting for me. "I'll have to pass this time. I need to get home and study. But we can hang out tomorrow right after school," I suggested, hoping to find a compromise.

Hiroshi's enthusiasm deflated slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Aww, bummer," he said, disappointment evident in his voice. "Then I guess I better text Sakoda and see if she wants to hang out." he said while reaching for his phone.

His mention of Sakoda made me curious. "Is she your girlfriend?" I asked teasingly, a mischievous smile creeping onto my face.

"W-What? SHE IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!" Hiroshi blurted out, his cheeks turning a shade of crimson.

Chuckling at his reaction, I reassured him, "There's no need to shout, dude. I was only teasing. And besides, you two would make a great pair."

His surprise lingered for a moment before a flicker of hope danced in his eyes. "You think so?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't get ahead of yourself," I cautioned playfully, knowing that deep down, I truly believed they would make a great couple.

Hiroshi's face lit up with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Okay, she said she's interested in going to see a movie with me!" he exclaimed, his joy evident. "I got to get going. See you in class tomorrow."

I waved him off with a smile. "Don't stay out too long. It's a school night, after all," I reminded him.

"I know, I know. Later, Takumi!" he called out, his steps quickening as he headed towards his destination.

As I watched Hiroshi disappear, I couldn't help but sigh. His outgoing personality and talent for connecting with others have always impressed me. Without me, he'd likely would have even more friends, and maybe he and Hachimura would hit it off. He didn't need me around, especially since my quiet and distant behavior would only make things worse for him.

I shook off my negative thoughts and scolded myself for thinking that way. "What am I even saying?" I muttered to myself, feeling both hungry and tired. "I need to get home quickly to study and I'm starving." With that, I started walking home, feeling the weight of my loneliness.