The college campus buzzed with laughter that morning — but for Aiyumi, the world had gone quiet.
Her eyes were puffy, her sketchbook lay unopened, and the smile she wore felt too heavy to hold.
No one knew what had happened between her and Ren.
No one… except them.
Haruna, Aiko, Sayaka, Nazomi, Emi, and Yua.
The seven who stood by her side — silently, protectively — like a wall between her and the curious world.
At lunch, Aiyumi sat under the old banyan tree where they always gathered.
Her gaze drifted somewhere far away, lost in memories she didn't want to touch again.
Haruna placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Don't fake a smile for us," she whispered. "We're not everyone."
Aiyumi looked up — her lips trembled, but no words came out.
Nazomi sighed, closing her water bottle.
"He acted cold because he's scared. You both are."
"Still," Aiko added softly, "even if he hides it… he's hurting too."
Emi reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Aiyumi's ear.
"Let him figure out his heart. Until then — we're not letting you drown in sadness."
Yua jumped in, trying to lighten the air, "Yeah! We've got an exam, a fest, and a whole semester to survive. Crying doesn't fit in our schedule!"
The girls laughed — not loudly, but just enough to break the silence that had been choking them all morning.
Aiyumi smiled faintly, tears still clinging to her lashes.
For the first time in days… she felt like she could breathe.
And as the wind rustled through the trees, Haruna thought quietly:
Even if the world never knows the truth — we'll carry it for her.