Something Like Closeness

Chapter 4: Something Like Closeness

The following morning brought with it a strange kind of tension. Not the awkward kind—the sort that made you want to avoid eye contact—but something quieter. A humming energy beneath the surface, like static in the air before a storm.

Hori noticed it the moment she stepped into class.

Miyamura was already there, doodling in the corner of his notebook like always. But when she walked in, he looked up, and their eyes met for just a second too long.

Her heart gave a soft thump.

Yesterday… I really said that, didn’t I? That he’s important to me…

She took her seat and pretended to scroll through her notes, but her focus was long gone.

Later that day, during lunch, their usual silent truce was broken when Tooru Ishikawa plopped down at Hori’s desk.

“Hori-san,” he said, leaning forward a little too enthusiastically. “So, you and Miyamura, huh?”

She blinked. “What?”

“I mean, I just didn’t expect that. Not that it’s bad!” he added quickly, waving his hands. “Just... surprising.”

Hori narrowed her eyes. “We’re not dating, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Oh.” Tooru scratched his head. “But you seem close. He even walks you home.”

She shrugged. “So? Friends can walk each other home.”

Tooru seemed to hesitate, then leaned in a bit. “Hey, can I be honest? I kind of liked you.”

There was a moment of stunned silence.

Hori sat up a little straighter. “What?”

“I mean, yeah,” he muttered, looking away. “You’re cool. Strong. Not fake like a lot of people. But if you like Miyamura, I get it.”

“I... I don’t—” she stopped herself, realizing the words that almost slipped out.

Did she like Miyamura?

She didn’t know.

Or maybe she did.

But saying it aloud made it feel too real.

Tooru gave a small laugh. “Forget I said anything. I just figured I should say it once.”

She nodded slowly. “Thanks, I guess.”

He stood and left with a wave, and Hori found herself sitting in the silence, her heart heavier than she expected.

That evening, Miyamura arrived at the Hori household as usual, knocking softly before letting himself in.

“You’re early,” she called from the kitchen.

“I had nothing else to do,” he replied, slipping off his shoes.

Souta came running, as always, dragging Miyamura into another one of his grand adventures—this time involving a cardboard box turned into a spaceship.

Hori watched them play for a moment, then turned her attention back to slicing vegetables.

Eventually, Miyamura appeared beside her, peeking over her shoulder.

“Want help?” he asked.

She handed him a bowl without a word.

They worked side by side in comfortable silence, hands moving in rhythm, ingredients falling into place like puzzle pieces.

Then, without looking at him, she said, “Ishikawa confessed to me today.”

Miyamura’s hand froze mid-stir.

“Oh,” he said simply.

“He said he liked me.”

“I see.”

Silence stretched between them.

“And I told him we’re not dating,” she continued.

Still no reply.

Hori finally turned to look at him. “Unless… we are?”

His eyes met hers, wide and confused. “Are we?”

She gave a half-smile. “I don’t know. Are we?”

He blinked, clearly caught off guard. “I—uh… I don’t think so? But…”

She waited.

“I guess… I wouldn’t mind.”

Her heart did a somersault.

She stepped closer, just a few inches between them now. “You wouldn’t mind?”

He looked down. “I mean... I like being around you. I like Souta. I like your cooking. I like... how you don’t treat me like I’m some weirdo.”

She was quiet.

“And... I like you, Hori-san.”

The words came out quietly, almost as if he wasn’t sure he was allowed to say them.

Her breath hitched.

“Miyamura…”

“I’m not saying we should start dating or anything weird like that. I just... I wanted you to know.”

She stared at him for a long second, eyes wide. And then—

“You’re such an idiot,” she muttered.

He flinched. “Huh?!”

She reached up and flicked his forehead.

“You should’ve said that sooner.”

That night, after dinner, Miyamura lingered at the door longer than usual. Souta had gone to bed, and the house was quiet, save for the ticking of the hallway clock.

“Goodnight,” Hori said.

“Yeah,” he replied.

She hesitated. “Miyamura?”

He turned.

Her voice softened. “Me too.”

He blinked.

“I like being around you too.”

He smiled.

A quiet, honest smile that reached his eyes.

And then, without another word, he walked into the night.

The next morning, things weren’t awkward.

If anything, they were easier.