The next few days at Maplewood High School felt normal on the outside.
Students attended classes, teachers gave homework, and the cafeteria stayed just as noisy as always.
But for some people, things felt slightly different.
Especially for Ezra.
He was sitting in class, staring at his notebook while the teacher explained something about history.
But he wasn't listening.
His mind kept replaying the same thought.
Did Michael really like Yuri before?
Ezra had tried to ignore the rumor, but it kept coming back to him.
He trusted Yuri.
He trusted Michael too.
But sometimes small doubts appeared even when people didn't want them to.
Next to him, Yuri was doodling in the corner of her notebook.
She had drawn a tiny cartoon cat wearing a crown.
Ezra glanced at it.
"What is that?" he whispered.
Yuri looked proud.
"King Cat."
"Why does it exist?"
"Because every story needs a ruler," she replied seriously.
Ezra smiled slightly.
Yuri noticed something.
"Ezra," she said quietly.
"Yeah?"
"You've been quiet all day."
"I'm fine."
"You're not fine."
Ezra looked at her.
"You say that like you're a detective."
"I am," Yuri said confidently.
Ezra chuckled.
"You're a terrible detective."
"You're a terrible liar," she replied immediately.
Ezra didn't answer.
Yuri studied his expression carefully.
Then she leaned closer.
"Is this about the rumor again?" she asked.
Ezra hesitated.
"A little."
Yuri sighed.
"Ezra, I told you. I don't even know if it's true."
"I know."
"But?"
Ezra looked down at his notebook.
"I just don't like the idea."
Yuri tilted her head.
"What idea?"
"That someone else liked you."
Yuri blinked.
Then she started laughing.
Ezra looked confused.
"What?"
"You're unbelievable," she said.
"Why?"
"Ezra, people liking someone isn't illegal."
"That's not the point."
"Then what is the point?"
Ezra sighed.
"I don't know."
Yuri's expression softened.
She gently nudged his arm.
"You worry too much."
Ezra finally smiled a little.
Maybe she was right.
Maybe he really was overthinking.
Meanwhile, across campus, Michael was walking toward the basketball court after school.
He often stayed there for a while before going home.
When he reached the benches near the court, he noticed someone already sitting there.
Aubrey.
She was reading something on her phone.
"You're here early," Michael said.
Aubrey looked up.
"Oh. Hi."
Michael sat down on the bench beside her.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Finally Aubrey broke the silence.
"People are still talking about that rumor."
Michael sighed.
"Yeah."
"Does it bother you?"
"A little."
Aubrey nodded.
Then she looked at him carefully.
"Is it because of Yuri?"
Michael thought for a moment before answering.
"It used to be."
"And now?"
Michael looked at the basketball court where a few students were playing.
"I'm not sure."
Aubrey stayed quiet.
Michael turned toward her.
"You're very calm about everything."
Aubrey laughed softly.
"That's not true."
"It seems true."
"I was nervous for three days after confessing to you," she admitted.
Michael looked surprised.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"You didn't show it."
"That's because I didn't want things to become awkward."
Michael nodded slowly.
He admired that about her.
Aubrey always seemed strong, even when things were difficult.
"Michael," she said after a moment.
"Yeah?"
"You don't have to force yourself to like me."
"I know."
"I just want you to be honest."
Michael looked at her seriously.
"I am being honest."
Aubrey waited.
Michael continued.
"I don't know what my feelings are yet."
"That's okay."
"But I do know something."
"What?"
Michael smiled slightly.
"You're easier to talk to than I expected."
Aubrey blinked.
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"Yes."
"It's a terrible one."
Michael laughed.
For the first time in a while, things felt comfortable.
Across town, Yuri was walking home while texting Yuki.
Yuki:
You're quiet today.
Yuri:
Ezra is overthinking again.
Yuki:
About what?
Yuri:
Something silly.
Yuri looked up at the sky while walking.
Sometimes relationships were strange.
People cared about each other so much that even small worries felt big.
But she believed something important.
If two people trusted each other enough…
Things would always work out.
At least, that's what Yuri believed.
But the story of four hearts was still slowly moving toward something none of them expected.
And sometimes…
Even strong relationships could be shaken by the smallest doubts.