Over the next few weeks, something slowly began to change.
Miko and Airi started spending more time together, and surprisingly, most of that time was about Tenkei.
They studied together after school, shared lunches, and even walked home in the evenings. To everyone else, they looked like close friends who had known each other for years. Tenkei often walked a little behind them, listening quietly as they talked. Sometimes he felt awkward, like he didn't belong in their conversation, but both girls always made sure to include him.
One afternoon in the library, Miko spread her notebooks across the table and sighed.
"Tenkei's math scores are getting worse," she said worriedly. "He understands the lessons, but he freezes during tests."
Airi nodded thoughtfully. "That's anxiety," she replied. "When people are scared of failing, their mind shuts down."
Tenkei lowered his head.
"I-I'm sorry…" he whispered.
Miko immediately shook her head. "No! Don't apologize. It's not your fault."
She reached out and gently tapped his forehead.
"You're smart," she said. "You just forgot it."
Airi smiled. "How about we make a study group?" she suggested. "Just the three of us. Every day after school."
Tenkei looked surprised. "R-Really…? You'd do that… for me?"
"Of course," Airi replied softly. "Friends help each other."
Miko nodded eagerly. "It's decided!"
From that day on, they stayed after school almost every afternoon.
They sat together in empty classrooms, solving problems, laughing at mistakes, and sometimes arguing over simple answers. Miko would get excited when Tenkei solved something correctly, clapping her hands like a child.
"You did it! See? You're amazing!" she said brightly.
Tenkei's face would turn red. "I-It was just luck…"
"No," Airi replied calmly. "It was your effort."
Little by little, Tenkei started believing her.
One evening, while walking home, they stopped at a small convenience store and bought ice cream. They sat on a bench outside, enjoying the cool air.
Miko licked her ice cream and smiled.
"You know," she said, "I'm glad we're doing this together."
Airi looked at her. "Me too."
Tenkei blinked. "E-Eh?"
Miko turned toward him.
"Before, I was always worried alone," she said. "I didn't know how to help you properly. But now… we're helping you together."
Airi nodded. "You don't have to carry everything by yourself anymore."
Tenkei felt his chest tighten.
"T-Thank you…" he whispered.
His voice trembled.
"I… I always thought I was just causing trouble for you both… I didn't think anyone would try this hard for me…"
Miko immediately hugged him.
"Don't say that!" she said firmly. "You're important to me."
Airi placed her hand gently on his shoulder.
"And to me too," she added.
For a moment, Tenkei froze.
Then slowly, he relaxed.
He felt warm.
Safe.
Accepted.
That night, for the first time in months, he slept without a nightmare.
At school, their bond became stronger.
Miko and Airi defended Tenkei when someone spoke badly about him. They encouraged him during sports class. They waited for him when he walked slowly. They laughed at his jokes, even when they weren't funny.
Tenkei began smiling more.
Not wide smiles.
Not confident smiles.
But real ones.
One afternoon, while Tenkei was in the bathroom, Miko and Airi waited outside.
"I'm glad he's improving," Miko said softly.
"Yes," Airi replied. "He's becoming brighter again."
Miko looked at her.
"Thank you, Airi," she said sincerely. "I couldn't do this alone."
Airi smiled.
"Friends help each other," she repeated.
But deep inside her heart, another voice whispered.
"He's trusting me more now…"
"That makes it easier."
And while Miko believed their friendship was pure and strong, Airi was quietly tightening her grip around Tenkei's fragile heart.