Before I knew it, I had fallen for even the spelling of his name. There must be at least one other person with that name in different grades. It’s one of the most common names in the kingdom, so what’s so special about those few simple letters?

What’s so special about that name that scatters as soon as it’s uttered?

“Good morning, Humble.”

“…Oh.”

“It’s me, Jin. Yuan Jin.”

He seemed to think I had forgotten his name, as he kindly introduced himself again. I found his kindness somewhat amusing. I was about to add that I remembered, but just waved my hand briefly.

“Good morning… Jin.”

Somehow, calling him “Yuan” felt like it would sound like a confession. I didn’t want to cling to such a pathetic possibility, afraid I might actually start hoping.

His surname was easier than the name I had been mulling over all night.

“Is your next class philosophy?”

“Yes. And yours… physical education?”

I asked pretending not to know, even though I knew he had just played tennis. A clumsy calculation to extend a conversation that could end in one word by even three seconds.

“No, PE was last period. Next is biology.”

Even though it was just this much conversation. Ah, I see. Have a good class, and such brief greetings that end there. I spent all day ruminating over just saying “Yes, you have a good class too.”

From “Good morning, Humble” to “Yes, you have a good class too.” Moments that wouldn’t even amount to a minute, I revisited, revisited, and revisited—

I really need to stop, I resolved, but just then, he spoke to me again.

“Hello, Humble.”

“Are you heading to the cafeteria now?”

“We’re meeting again here.”

The more times he acknowledged me, the more scenes I had to remember.

He didn’t call me loudly. Whether out of consideration or habit, he approached making a sound and then spoke carefully.

So I was bound to notice him even before I heard my name.

And yet, I was surprised every time he called me.

“Sorry. Did I speak too suddenly?”

“No, no. It’s not that… it’s fine. I was just thinking about something else. So.”

What was his expression like as he listened to my clumsy excuse? Heat rose to my cheeks. The warmth was vivid enough to feel without looking in a mirror, but he asked calmly as if he hadn’t noticed anything.

“What were you thinking about?”

“Well…”

“You don’t have to tell me if it makes you uncomfortable.”

The moment he said that, I wanted to answer something. Even if I had to hide my embarrassing true feelings.

“I’m not uncomfortable. Just… thinking about the play I’m rehearsing.”

“Have you memorized the script?”

“Thanks to you. I was really grateful that day.”

“It was nothing. …What about your magnifying glass?”

“I ordered a new one. I’m going to pick it up this weekend.”

Trivial crush. Boring answers. Shrinking heart. As I spoke meaningless words in front of the boy I liked, I expected him to leave soon, maintaining only a minimum of courtesy.

“Can you go alone?”

I was wrong.

“I mean, do you… need help?”

I was happy.

※※※

He always greeted me first. He always noticed me first and called out to me. The days when I noticed him first were rare, but that day was one of them.

“Good morning, Jin.”

“Ah, Humble. Hello.”

Jet-black hair, height half a head taller than me, the skill of closing doors without making a sound.

As I approached close enough to see the pattern on his tie, I could smell the clean soap. Even on the day before vacation, he wore his uniform without a wrinkle.

“How…”

“Hmm?”

“How did you know it was me from over there?”

A slightly flushed voice. When I looked up, I saw his slightly upturned lips. Between his slightly parted lips, neat upper teeth were faintly visible. It was surely self-consciousness, but—

He seemed glad to see me.

“Because your hair is black and you’re tall.”

“Ah.”

“There aren’t many black-haired people in our school.”

I didn’t add that I become alert when someone like him enters my vicinity. I glanced casually at where he had come from and continued the conversation.

“Did you come to pick up letters too?”

“Yes. …No, I heard there was something missing. I must have heard wrong.”

Empty hands. Though there was nothing to see even if I looked more closely, I stared blankly at the calluses and shallow lines on his palm. Only after a few seconds did I realize he was still holding his hand out for me.

Kind and considerate.

Heat rose from my neck. My mouth went dry and my skin itched. I laughed vacantly as if I hadn’t realized anything and entered the mail room. It took less than thirty seconds to receive my letter after stating my grade and name.

It wasn’t enough time to cool my flushed cheeks.

“From family?”

“Yeah, my Dad—Father sent it.”

“You don’t have to look at it now?”

“It’s fine.”

Even if I opened it, it would just say to stop fooling around and come back immediately. I didn’t even want to pick it up in the first place. I only did because the teacher in charge personally informed me after I delayed collecting it for two months.

I wanted to throw the letter I wouldn’t read into the school pond, but I couldn’t do that in front of him. I carelessly crumpled the poorly sealed letter and shoved it into my pants pocket.

‘Are you going home during the break, Jin?’

‘No. …What about you?’

‘Our house is a bit far away.’

‘I’ll see you often during the break too.’

A casual tone predicting future meetings. Since open spaces during breaks were limited, it was a natural thing to say, but—I found those words unbearably pleasant. Enough to ask questions I wouldn’t have asked yesterday, the day before, or a month ago.

Because it made me feel like I was something to him.

‘Are you waiting for a letter?’

‘No.’

The response was so cold it made my heart sink, though I had only asked lightly out of curiosity at his empty hands. Did I act too familiar? Should I apologize? Should I naturally move away?

While I was agonizing over this, his softened voice continued after a beat.

‘……It’s my birthday today.’

‘Your birthday?’

The side profile I faced again didn’t seem angry. Though that was just a vague guess.

From more than two finger-spans away, I couldn’t clearly read his expression. I had to suppress the urge to raise my hand and touch each feature of his face.

‘Your birthday? But the other kids—’

‘I never told them.’

He hesitated for a moment. A cold breeze passed between the backs of our hands. The old building awaiting repairs often sent chilling drafts up through the floor even when wearing shoes. Translucent breath escaped.

He looked at me. Pale sunlight slipped between his black eyelashes. I realized my fists were clenched.

‘I didn’t want to.’

Then what about me? What about telling me?

Strangely, my heart pounded. It always did when facing him, but this felt different from ‘always.’

‘Hey, Jin.’

I naturally, very naturally, closed the gap between us. From two finger-spans to one. Close enough that our elbows would touch with the slightest movement.

‘Can I wish you a happy birthday?’

Not daring to look at his face, I lowered my head. Two pairs of shoes moving slowly came into view. Worn-out brown boots and shiny black dress shoes. Winter sunlight, soap scent, heartbeats.

‘I couldn’t prepare a gift, but… is there something you want? I can’t afford anything expensive, but if it’s something within my means……’

Ah, I felt like crying.

‘If it’s something I can do, I’ll do it for you.’

As soon as I finished speaking, I had to bite my lip, afraid he might respond with ‘Who do you think you are?’ But I didn’t withdraw my offer. Because I wanted to say that to him.

Fortunately, he neither politely declined nor postponed his answer with an awkward expression.

‘I’d like to see a play.’

Though his answer was unexpected.

‘……A play? What kind?’

‘Anything is fine.’

‘Oh, um….. The theater near school doesn’t have any performances scheduled for a while. Maybe if we go a bit farther. Just a moment, let me think.’

‘Actually,’

‘A grand theater would be difficult, but a small theater might work….. Some people sell tickets cheaply on the day of. If we do that, yes. It should work. But it would be nice to see something fun,’

‘No, I mean….. I want to see you perform.’

‘……Me?’

‘You performed in a two-person play at last spring’s theater festival. I missed the beginning of that one. Could you show me from the start?’

‘Hmm?’

‘Or if not that… the script you’re practicing now would be fine too. Any other work is also okay.’