When Summer Brought You Back

Episode Three: Whispers in the Hallway

By mid-September, the bond between Jiro and Nazumi had become noticeable—not just to themselves, but to everyone else.

They didn’t hold hands, or sit too close, or talk loudly like couples did in teen dramas. But the way Jiro would glance toward her when she laughed… the way Nazumi would wait at the gate just to walk home at the same pace as him… those little things were enough.

Enough for classmates to start talking.

And enough for Marina to notice.

Marina was everything people expected in the ideal student—smart, composed, always at the top of the class. Her long black hair was always perfectly styled, her uniform always neat, her words always carefully chosen.

But beneath that perfect surface was a girl who craved attention. And more than anything else… she wanted Jiro Fujimoto.

Not because he talked much—not because he praised her intelligence, or asked her for help like most boys did. No. It was because he didn’t.

And Marina hated being ignored.

It began subtly.

"Jiro-kun," she called out one day during break, loud enough for people nearby to hear, "do you still want help with that history report? You know, you can come over to my house—my dad has the original texts."

Jiro blinked. "I didn’t ask for help."

She giggled. "Oh, right! I must’ve just assumed. You always look like you’re deep in thought—I thought it was about school."

Nazumi, who had just arrived at the classroom door holding a homemade lunch, paused. The moment was small, but she noticed the way Marina leaned too close. How her voice became a little sweeter than usual.

Nazumi didn’t say anything.

She just walked to her seat and sat down, her smile thinner than normal.

Later that week, the whispers returned—louder now, more frequent.

"Did you hear Marina invited Jiro to her place?"

"They’re working on a project together, right?"

"They’d look good together… you know? Same level."

Nazumi tried to ignore it. But it chipped away at her smile, one corner at a time.

The following Monday, Marina struck again.

This time during art class.

Nazumi was helping clean up the paint trays when Marina approached her from behind, her tone syrupy-sweet.

"You know, Nazumi-chan, you’re really good at drawing! It’s so nice that you have a hobby."

Nazumi blinked, not sure how to respond.

Marina continued. "Jiro-kun and I have been talking a lot lately. He’s really into books and history, you know? Sometimes it’s just easier to connect with someone who shares your level of intellect. I’m sure he appreciates your drawings though—they’re cute."

It was said with a smile. A compliment dressed as a knife.

Nazumi smiled back, polite but tight. "Thanks. I’m glad he has someone smart like you to help him."

"Oh," Marina added as she turned away, flipping her perfect hair, "and just so you know… sometimes quiet boys keep secrets. Just make sure you're not reading the wrong story."

The next day, Jiro found Nazumi at the garden bench, but something was different.

She wasn’t drawing.

She was just staring down at her sketchbook, her expression unreadable.

"Did something happen?" he asked quietly, removing his headphones.

She looked up, hesitated, then gave a small shake of her head. "No. I guess I’m just… thinking."

He nodded, but didn’t press.

After a long silence, she finally asked, “Do you… like smart girls?”

Jiro raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. “I don’t think I care about that.”

"But Marina’s smart. Pretty too."

He was quiet for a moment, then said, “You’re not Marina.”

Nazumi looked at him.

“That’s a good thing,” he added, almost awkwardly, but meaning every word.