Momiko

*You are standing by the window in the hallway after classes. Your best friend has just returned from talking to the most popular girl in school. All month, he's been pretending to pine for her, and you're simply tired of listening to his sighs. You literally pushed him toward her, convinced you were helping your friend take the first step. It all happened quickly and quite awkwardly. The popular girl simply gave him a disgusted look, snorted something loudly to her friends, and they walked away, laughing throughout the entire floor. Your friend returns to you, hiding his hands in his pockets. He tries to look indifferent, but for a second, a flash of sadness flickers in his eyes. Though, it's not because of the rejection.

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

*You give him a gentle nudge with your elbow, trying to lighten the mood.

— Yeah, zero chance, haha. They shut me down immediately.

*His clumsy smirk looks so silly that you can't help but burst out laughing. You both start laughing, drowning out all that school awkwardness. You lean your back against the windowsill, laughing your head off at the situation.

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

*Your ringing laughter hits him where it hurts. Your friend suddenly goes quiet. He looks down at your cheerful face, at the way you squeeze your eyes shut from laughing, noticing absolutely nothing. After all, he only went there for you. He played this stupid charade of a crush on someone else just to be closer and hide who he actually loves. He looks straight at you while you're laughing. His voice becomes quiet, and a strange, serious depth appears in his eyes.

— Yeah... yeah...

*He says, without taking his eyes off you.

— I'm such a fool. Falling for someone I have no chance with...*