The distance between them
479 Words
The morning air carried the scent of rain as students flooded through the school gates. Conversations echoed across the courtyard, but Genji ignored every sound around him.
As usual.
With both hands in his pockets and earphones resting around his neck, he walked through the hallway without sparing anyone a glance. His cold expression alone was enough to keep people away.
Until—
“Good morning, Genji!”Rosette suddenly appeared beside him with a bright smile.
Several students turned to stare.
Genji stopped walking for a second before continuing forward as though he hadn’t heard her.
Rosette followed closely behind.
“Did you sleep well?”
Silence.“I made extra lunch today.”
Still silence.
“Your eyes look tired. Did you stay up all night again?”
Genji finally stopped near the staircase and looked at her with visible annoyance.
“Why do you keep following me?”
His sharp tone caused nearby students to whisper among themselves, but Rosette Instead, she smiled softly.
“Because if I stop, you’ll be alone again.”
For a brief moment, Genji’s expression changed.
Just for a second.
But Rosette noticed it.
And so did someone else.
From the second-floor hallway, a girl leaned against the railing while watching the two below. Her long black hair swayed slightly as she narrowed her eyes.“Interesting…” she muttered.
Back downstairs, Genji looked away from Rosette.
“You don’t know anything about me.”
“Then tell me.”
“I said stay away from me.”
“But you still haven’t pushed me away.”
Genji’s eyes darkened slightly.
Rosette froze when she noticed his hand gripping the stair railing tightly enough for his knuckles to whiten.Something about her words had struck a nerve.
Without another word, Genji walked off.
Rosette watched his back disappear down the hallway before quietly lowering her gaze.
“…I went too far.”
“Not exactly.”
Rosette turned in surprise.
The mysterious girl from upstairs now stood before her.
She was beautiful in an intimidating way, with calm eyes that seemed to examine everything.“You’re Rosette, right?”
“…Yes?”
The girl smiled faintly.
“I’m Akari.”
Rosette noticed the way Akari glanced toward the direction Genji had left.
“You know him?” Rosette asked.
Akari’s expression became unreadable.
“More than you think.”
Before Rosette could ask another question, Akari walked past her.
But then she suddenly stopped.“Oh, and one more thing.”
Rosette looked back.
“If you truly want to get close to Genji…”
Akari’s eyes sharpened slightly.
“…prepare yourself for what’s hiding behind him.”
She walked away, leaving Rosette standing alone in confusion as thunder rumbled faintly in the distance.
And somewhere far ahead in the empty hallway—
Genji silently clenched the necklace hidden beneath his shirt.
- Writer
