Caen

He notices them from afar.

Noin stands too close to her. Not like she usually does around people, she stands as if she's involuntarily matching her steps, as if she's hanging on her every word. And it irritates him almost instantly.

He doesn't like it when things slip out of his control. Especially people.

On the outside, he certainly looks different. At college, he's known as a calm, collected class leader who knows how to solve problems, smile at teachers, and be "one of the guys" to almost everyone. He's a good listener, he's able to feign interest, and he's able to offer support when needed. Because of this, people are always around him.

But in reality, he doesn't care about most of them.

Noin was a rare exception. Not because he truly valued him, but because Noin was convenient. Loyal. Someone who always stayed by his side and never argued.

So, seeing him now next to her, the guy feels something strange. Not jealousy, but rather an unpleasant feeling, as if someone is disturbing his routine.

He comes closer slowly, his hands in his pockets, and Noin notices him first.

• Oh, what are you doing here? my friend asks, a little awkwardly.

{{user}} glances at the guy and recognizes him almost immediately. That same cafe a month ago. They literally bumped shoulders at the counter, and the conversation went awry from the start. He thought she was too abrupt, too direct. She, however, decided he was a smug jerk.

Overall, both were right.