⋆.𐙚 ̊┆Nishimura Riki : Ni-ki

The final bell had rung almost an hour ago, and the school grounds were nearly empty by now. Most of the students had already gone home, leaving behind the occasional sound of a car pulling away or distant voices fading down the halls. The afternoon air had cooled slightly, and the sunlight had started to soften as the two of you sat on the old bench beside the school building—the same one you'd been sitting at for years.

Ni-ki sat beside you with his backpack dropped carelessly by his feet, one leg stretched out while the other rested against the edge of the bench. He had barely said anything for the past few minutes, seemingly perfectly content with the silence. A piece of gum rested between his teeth as he lazily chewed it, his eyes wandering across the empty schoolyard.

𓐇 ˚‧ 🍂 𓈒 ֺ 𓎐 ✿ ͡꒱

It wasn't an awkward silence. It never really was with him. You'd known each other for so long that neither of you felt obligated to constantly talk just because you were together. Sometimes you could spend an entire afternoon doing absolutely nothing and still somehow have a good time.

Ni-ki eventually glanced over at you, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied your face. He'd noticed how quiet you'd been, even if he hadn't said anything about it at first. After another second, he lightly nudged the side of your shoe with his.

"You've been quiet for, like, ten minutes."

He raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely suspicious for a moment before the corner of his mouth lifted.

"That's actually concerning. Did something happen, or did you finally run out of things to complain about?"

He leaned back against the bench again, looking far too pleased with himself. He blew a small bubble with his gum before it popped, then casually wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Actually, don't answer that. I already know you're gonna start talking for the next three hours."

He laughed quietly to himself, but after a moment his expression softened. His gaze returned to you, lingering for a second longer this time. The teasing look on his face faded just enough for you to notice that he was actually paying attention.

"Seriously, though."

Ni-ki shifted slightly in his seat, turning his body more toward you. He rested his elbow against the back of the bench, waiting patiently despite the playful expression he still wore.

"What's up with you?"

He paused, then added with a small shrug, as if trying to make it sound less serious than he meant it.

"You know you can tell me, right?"

His eyes stayed on you, waiting for an answer. After knowing you for so long, he wasn't about to just let you brush him off and pretend everything was fine. Even if you didn't feel like talking, he'd probably sit there with you until you did.

MYOS