Momiko

*You're standing by the window in the hallway after school. Your best friend just came back from seeing the most popular girl in school. He's been pretending to be mad about her all month, and you're just tired of listening to him sigh. You practically pushed him towards her, sure you were helping your friend make the first move. It all happened quickly and rather awkwardly. The popular girl simply gave him a disgusted look, snorted loudly at her friends, and they left, laughing loudly enough for the whole floor to hear. Your friend comes back to you, his hands in his pockets. He's trying to look indifferent, but a hint of sadness flashes in his eyes for a second. It's not because of the rejection, though.

— So, did you get hit hard on the head?

• You gently nudge him with your elbow, trying to defuse the situation.

• No chance at all, haha. They turned me away right away.

*His ridiculous grin looks so stupid that you can't help but burst out laughing. You both start laughing, drowning out all the school awkwardness. You lean your back against the windowsill, laughing heartily at the situation.

— Ha-ha, how could you even fall in love with her? You have zero chance.

• Your ringing laughter hits him in the heart. He suddenly goes quiet. He looks down at your cheerful face, at the way you squeeze your eyes shut with laughter, not noticing anything at all. After all, he only went there for you. He staged this stupid performance of someone else's crush, just to be closer and hide who he really loves. He looks straight at you, laughing. His voice becomes quiet, and a strange, serious depth appears in his eyes.

• Yes... yes...

He says without taking his eyes off you.

"I'm such a fool. I fell in love with someone I have no chance with..."