Monsoon Romance

The golden afternoon sun filtered through the classroom windows, casting soft patterns on the wooden desks. Haruto and Aiko sat together as always, their heads bent over a sheet of paper. They were working on a group project for art class, sketching ideas for a mural to be painted on the school wall. Aiko's artistic skills were shining, her pencil strokes smooth and precise, while Haruto watched in quiet admiration, occasionally chiming in with suggestions.

But as Haruto turned to look across the room, he noticed something that made his chest tighten. Aiko's name was being called—by none other than Riku, the classmate known for his charm and easy smile.

"Aiko, your drawing is amazing! Could you help me with mine?" Riku asked, holding up a half-finished sketch.

Aiko looked up, startled but flattered. "Oh, um, sure!" she replied, setting her pencil down and walking over to his desk.

Haruto frowned, gripping his pencil a little too tightly. His mind raced as he watched her laugh at something Riku said. He tried to focus on their project, but the sight of Aiko leaning over Riku's desk, pointing out details and offering advice, was impossible to ignore.

During lunch, Haruto hoped things would go back to normal. He and Aiko always shared their meals under the cherry blossom tree, their little sanctuary away from the bustle of the cafeteria. But as he carried his lunchbox to their usual spot, he saw Aiko sitting with Riku and a few other classmates, their laughter echoing across the yard.

Haruto hesitated, his heart sinking. He turned away, deciding to eat alone in the classroom.

The next few days were no better. Aiko seemed to spend more time with Riku, their interactions filled with lighthearted banter. Haruto couldn't shake the strange, unwelcome feeling growing inside him. It wasn't anger, exactly, but something heavier—an ache that made him feel hollow and restless.

"Why do I care so much?" he muttered to himself one evening, tossing a crumpled piece of paper across his room. He hated how petty he felt, but the truth was undeniable: he was jealous.

The breaking point came during gym class. The teacher paired students for a relay race, and Aiko was teamed up with Riku. Haruto was paired with another classmate, but his attention was fixed on Aiko and Riku as they practiced their handoffs.

When the race began, Haruto ran faster than he ever had, his competitive spirit fueled by emotions he didn't fully understand. He and his partner won the race, but the victory felt hollow when he saw Aiko and Riku laughing about their own performance.

After class, Haruto couldn't hold it in any longer. As Aiko walked toward their usual spot under the cherry blossom tree, he intercepted her.

"Aiko," he began, his voice sharper than he intended, "why have you been spending so much time with Riku lately?"

Aiko blinked, surprised by his tone. "What do you mean? He's just been asking for help with art and stuff."

"Art and stuff?" Haruto repeated, crossing his arms. "You've barely had time for us. We always work on projects together."

Aiko's expression softened as understanding dawned on her. "Haruto… are you jealous?"

Her question caught him off guard, and he looked away, his cheeks burning. "No! I mean… maybe. I don't know," he mumbled. "It just feels like you're replacing me or something."

Aiko sighed, stepping closer. "Haruto, you're being silly. No one could ever replace you. Riku's just a classmate. You're my best friend."

Her words were like a balm to his wounded pride, but he still felt embarrassed for overreacting. "I guess I overthought things," he admitted, scratching the back of his head.

Aiko smiled, her usual warmth returning. "You do that sometimes. But don't worry—Riku isn't stealing me away. Besides, he could never make paper planes as good as you do."

Haruto laughed despite himself, the tension between them dissolving.

That evening, as they walked home together, the air felt lighter. Haruto glanced at Aiko, her hair catching the golden glow of the setting sun, and silently promised himself to be more honest about his feelings in the future.

Jealousy had taught him a valuable lesson: their bond was strong, but even the closest friendships required trust and communication.