✯Static Between Us✯

Location: Futaba High School Time: Tuesday , 10 : 06 a.m. - School Courtyard

Morning sunlight sparkled across the courtyard fountain. Shinchan leaned against the stone edge, half-listening as Nene and Masao joked about the cultural-festival plans.

Ichan had decided to join them. She clung easily to everyone, but mostly to Shinchan. She tugged on his sleeve every time she laughed, and he, being Shinchan, only laughed louder.

Across the table, Kazama's pencil froze in his hand.He told himself it didn't matter. Shinchan talked to everyone like that. He was sunshine-warm, untamed.

But when Ichan tucked a stray petal into Shinchan's hair, Kazama's stomach twisted in a way he didn't recognize.

> "Aww, you two look cute!" Nene teased, elbowing Shinchan.

> "What? No way!" Shinchan said, laughing, brushing the petal away.

Masao grinned. "Careful, Kazama, looks like you've got competition."

The laughter that followed felt too loud. Kazama forced a smile, packing his notebook.

> "I'll be in the library."

Shinchan blinked. "Hey, we were-"

> "You'll be fine without me," Kazama said, voice too calm.

---

2 : 14 p.m. - Class 11-B

The mood between them had shifted.During group work, Shinchan kept glancing at the empty desk beside him. Kazama had moved two rows ahead, pretending to read.

He wasn't angry, just quiet-too quiet. When their eyes met, he looked away first.

Shinchan sighed under his breath.What did I do?

---

4 : 48 p.m. - After School

Rain threatened again. Shinchan waited by the lockers, but Kazama never showed. He walked home alone, replaying every moment of the day until the whole thing itched under his skin.

He's not supposed to ignore me like that.Why does it bother me this much?

---

10 : 41 p.m. - Shinchan's Room

The ceiling fan hummed softly. Shinchan lay on his bed, phone glowing against the dark.A notification popped up.

Kazama 📘:

> Sorry for leaving early today.

Shinchan's brows lifted. He typed back:

> It's okay. You looked upset tho.

Kazama 📘:

> I wasn't upset.

A pause. Three dots blinked, disappeared, blinked again. Then-

Kazama 📘:

> Maybe I was.I just... felt left out. That's all.

Shinchan's heart did a slow, stupid somersault. He could almost hear Kazama's careful voice in his head, tight with embarrassment.

> "Felt left out, huh?" he murmured, grinning.

On-screen, the chat bubble appeared again.

Kazama 📘:

> Forget I said that. Good night.

And just like that, he went offline.

Shinchan laughed quietly into his pillow.

> "Idiot."

But his cheeks were warm, and the smile wouldn't leave.

He typed one more message anyway, knowing Kazama wouldn't see it until morning.

> Good night, Mr. Jealous. 🌙

Then he tucked the phone to his chest and stared at the ceiling, the kind of smile that only shows up when the heart's too full.

---

By the time both boys fell asleep, neither could honestly call it "just friendship" anymore.

---