When Summer Brought You Back

Episode Five: The Space Between Us

But somehow… in that contrast, something soft had grown between them.

She began to wait for the way he’d look up when she called his name. She’d search for his reactions when she told a story, even if he only gave the smallest of smirks.

She noticed the way her heart beat faster whenever they were alone under that tree.

And she didn’t want to admit it—but she liked him.

Really liked him.

Maybe too much.

Which is why it hurt so much more when she heard what the others were saying.

It happened just after gym class.

Nazumi was in the changing room, towel over her shoulders, when two girls from another class walked in. They didn’t see her, or maybe didn’t care.

"Did you hear?" one said, whispering too loud to be accidental. "Marina and Jiro? Apparently they kissed."

"No way," the other replied. "I thought he liked that bubbly girl… what’s her name? Nazumi?"

The first one snorted. "Please. Marina’s in a different league. She's what quiet boys actually go for."

Nazumi didn’t move.

She didn’t say a word.

But something in her chest tightened, and it didn’t let go.

She didn’t ask Jiro if it was true.

She didn’t confront Marina either.

Because what would she even say?

What if it was true?

Marina was smart, beautiful, refined. Jiro had started talking to her more. He had walked her in the rain. He had looked like he hesitated.

Maybe he had chosen her—and just didn’t know how to say it.

Maybe Nazumi had imagined all the moments between them. The shared silences. The little smiles. The way he once told her, quietly, "You’re not like everyone else."

So she made her decision.

She would let him go.

The next few days, Jiro noticed it immediately.

Nazumi stopped waiting at the gate.

She stopped joining him at lunch.

When they passed in the hallway, she smiled politely—but it wasn’t the real smile. It didn’t reach her eyes.

She still laughed with others. Still filled rooms with her voice. But never near him.

And when he finally asked her—cornered her gently near the old vending machine behind the gym—she looked away as she answered.

"I just think it’s better this way," she said, trying to sound casual.

"Why?" he asked, eyes searching hers.

She forced a laugh. "Come on, Jiro. People talk. I don’t want to make anything awkward for you and Marina."

His brows furrowed. “Marina?”

Nazumi looked down, trying not to let it show. "It's fine. I get it."

"You think I… like her?"

"Don’t you?"

He didn’t answer right away.

And that silence—that one second too long—was enough.

Nazumi gave a small nod and stepped back.

"See you around, okay?"

And then she left.

And Jiro, still standing in the shadow of the gym, watched her go—his hands clenched at his sides, his words swallowed by everything he hadn’t said soon enough.

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