Kira slowly opened her eyes. A migraine was hammering at his temples. She stood up, the sheets sliding gently along her still warm body, then she saw Eiden, already standing, buttoning his shirt, running a hand through his hair, then turning towards her at the precise moment when she opened her mouth to speak.
- Good morning.
His tone was calm, almost detached.
— Don't worry, nothing happened... even if you were very enterprising.
Kira blinked, surprised… then she pulled herself together almost immediately.
Kira — Why… are you telling me that?
Eiden crossed his arms.
Eiden — Wasn't that what you wanted to ask?
Kira remained silent, clutching the sheet to her.
Eiden huffed, then grabbed his jacket.
Eiden — Well… I'm leaving. I don't want to bother you anymore.
He headed towards the door.
Kira — (A little hurt, suddenly raising her head) Why are you talking to me like that?
He froze, but without turning around.
Eiden — Because that's what you want, right?
Every time we see each other again, you greet me with reproaches... you say you can't stand me... so I do what you want: I step aside.
(His voice tightens.)
"I don't want to annoy you more.
Then he went out.
The door closed gently.
Kira remained seated, staring into space.
A painful pang shot through his chest.
As if something had just cracked inside.
On the way, Kira said nothing.
His steps were mechanical, his gaze lost.
Miria—Kira?
No response.
Miria—Kira!
Kira jumped slightly.
Kira — Huh? Yes ?
Miria — Is everything okay?
A forced smile appeared on Kira's face.
Kira — Yes. Just tired.
Miria and Alix exchanged a look.
They knew it was false.
But they didn't insist.
As soon as they entered the courtyard, they separated:
Alix had to join the library, Miria her class, Kira her club.
Miria was walking quietly when she came across Isabella.
Hi, Isabella said with a slight tilt of her head.
- It's been a long time. Are you doing well ?
Miria — Yes, and you?
Isabella — It's okay. And… how are things going with Ray?
Miria shrugged her shoulders, in a detached tone.
Miria — You already know that.
Without another word, she walked past her.
Isabella stood there, uncomfortable, as if pricked to the heart.