The Heart of Zero

Soft footsteps echoed nearby as Shingin lifted his head. Before him stood Riyugi.

Her smile, radiant under the sun's warm light, seemed like the first gentle touch of spring, easing the shadow over his heart. At that moment, the bustling world around them seemed to pause. Shingin's heartbeat quickened—surprise mingling with gratitude. Riyugi's sudden presence felt like a balm to his restless mind.

"Shingin, are you okay?" Riyugi's voice, fresh and soothing as morning dew, carried a tinge of worry. Her gentle frown seemed to pierce through the chaos within him, as though she could see his deepest thoughts. Shingin froze, caught in a whirlpool of unspoken questions. How much had she noticed?

She stepped closer, her gaze both firm and tender, as if determined to reach out and steady him. "Didn't your aunt pack you that amazing lunch? I still remember the bento I had at your house—it was unforgettable." A playful hint laced her words, though the true intent was clear: to reassure him, to ease his tension.

Warmth seeped into Shingin's heart, washing away his anxiety. He recalled that moment vividly—Riyugi sitting at his dining table, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "You remember? You really liked the braised pork that day," he said, his voice tinged with newfound confidence as he clung to that cheerful memory.

"Of course! It was delicious. I'd love to come over again someday!" Riyugi's smile shone like sunlight, melting away the heaviness in the room. Their laughter mingled, creating a bubble of warmth and understanding.

Just as the moment deepened, Myouka's voice broke through. "Alright, alright, you two! Stop chatting here like there's no tomorrow. Shingin, do you even know Riyugi nearly fainted and had to rest earlier? If you keep dawdling, she might collapse again!"

Shingin's face shifted instantly, his concern etched clearly as he turned to Riyugi. "You fainted? Why didn't you say anything? I thought you were just taking a break after the race!" Guilt and worry swirled in his chest, his tone carrying a subtle rebuke.

Riyugi forced a faint smile, waving her hand dismissively. "It's nothing serious. Just a bit of anemia, the teacher said I just need some rest." Her voice was gentle yet firm, as though refusing to let him bear any more worry for her.

Myouka rolled her eyes. "Now that you know, stop dragging her out here. She needs to rest!"

"Alright, I'll take you to the nurse's office," Shingin said immediately, standing up with unwavering resolve.

"There's no need," Riyugi protested softly, though her expression betrayed her gratitude. "The nurse's office isn't far; I can manage."

"Still, I'd rather walk you there," Shingin insisted, his face alight with a quiet determination that sent Riyugi's heart racing. His gaze, filled with genuine concern, was a light she didn't realize she needed.

Myouka smirked from the sidelines. "Oh? You're really worried about her, aren't you?" she teased, her playful tone cutting through the tension like a breeze.

Shingin flushed instantly, stammering, "Wh-what? Don't be ridiculous!" Despite his denial, the truth lingered in the depths of his eyes.

Riyugi's cheeks also reddened as a small smile tugged at her lips. She felt the warmth of his care, a quiet melody of comfort that resonated deeply within her. She avoided his gaze, focusing instead on the ground ahead as they began walking.

The path to the nurse's office felt both fleeting and timeless. Shingin slowed his steps, his movements careful, each one imbued with unspoken tenderness. Riyugi couldn't help but notice his subtle attentiveness, a warmth rising in her chest.

"Are you really this worried about me?" Riyugi suddenly asked, her voice light yet carrying a deeper curiosity.

Shingin turned to her, his eyes filled with an earnestness that caught her off guard. "Of course I am," he replied, his tone steady, though there was an undercurrent of something unsaid. Riyugi blinked, taken aback by the intensity in his voice. She thought it was merely concern for her health, but his averted gaze and the faintest hint of vulnerability in his expression suggested more.

She smiled faintly, her heart a mix of gratitude and something more profound. Though she wanted to assure him that she was equally worried about him, the words weighed too heavily on her tongue.

At the nurse's office, the sunlight streaming through the window seemed to embrace the room in a serene glow. Riyugi greeted the nurse while Shingin stood nearby, his watchful eyes missing none of her movements. As she settled into a chair, her pale complexion betraying her fatigue, she managed a small smile meant to reassure him.

"I'm really fine, just a little rest is all I need," she said softly, but Shingin's concern remained steadfast.

"If there's ever anything wrong, you can tell me. Anything," he said firmly, his eyes locking onto hers with a sincerity that left no room for doubt.

"Alright, I will," Riyugi promised with a nod, though the warmth in her heart spoke of more than just gratitude.

Outside the room, Shingin let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. As he made his way down the hallway, his thoughts swirled in a turbulent mix of worry and relief.

At the end of the corridor, Ryuosho leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, his expression laid-back as always. "Come on, I'm treating you today," Ryuosho said nonchalantly, his signature grin breaking through.

Shingin raised an eyebrow. "You're treating me?"

Ryuosho smirked, rubbing his nose. "Just this once. Don't get used to it." Draping an arm over Shingin's shoulder, he added, "Let's go before I change my mind."

The two walked down the stairs, their steps light, their voices echoing softly in the empty hallway. Above them, the rooftop lay silent and empty—save for a lone figure standing at its edge.

The figure, cloaked in shadow, gazed down at the vibrant field below, the clamor of the school sports day muffled as if separated by an invisible barrier. The wind tugged at the edges of their coat, carrying away a single piece of crumpled paper.

As the paper fluttered away, a sharp disturbance split the air. A sudden, piercing sound raced toward the figure, who sidestepped with startling agility, moving like a predator evading an ambush. Turning swiftly, their eyes sharpened, locking onto the source of the attack.

Standing opposite was a towering boy with a wild grin, his presence exuding raw menace. His hair glinted under the sun, and his exaggerated smirk revealed a chilling confidence. Yahageshii. He laughed, the sound booming across the rooftop like a hunter's call. "Not bad. You've got quick reflexes," he taunted, his eyes glinting with the thrill of a challenge.