"It felt right. I'm not sorry."
"What do you mean it felt right? What did you expect?"
"I don't know, the obvious?"
"I-"
"Look, I like you. A lot. And to be honest, you made it seem mutual."
"I made it seem mutual? How many times did I say I'm just doing my job as a teacher?"
"Are there any other students you gave half the time you gave me?"
"That's because you're different. You received special treatment because your power makes you special. That's all."
Renji stands up.
"That's pretty cold."
"You're telling me you can't handle the truth?"
"I'm telling you I don't buy it. It's not just about the time you spent with me, it's how you spent it. How you treated me. This can't just be in my head, I'm not stupid."
"Look, you misunderstood all of it. I treated you like I treat any-"
"Lies."
"I can tell you have zero experience with women misjudging my kindness with something else."
Renji looks dead in her eyes for seconds.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that-"
"Save it."
Renji turns around and takes off.
"Renji!" Maya yells, still sitting.
No answer. She lets him go.
Maya stays seated beneath the blossom tree, the breeze brushing past her like it's trying to carry away the moment that just happened.
She should feel resolute.
She doesn't.
What the hell just happened…?
She told herself she was doing the right thing. Drawing the line. Maintaining boundaries. Saying what a teacher is supposed to say.
But the way he looked at her…
She cuts the thought off before it finishes.
Because the worst part? She didn't push him away right away. For a heartbeat, just one, she hesitated.
She hates that he saw through her. Hates how right he might be. And she hates even more that he walked away thinking she never cared.
She does.
But she can't. Not like that.
He's still a student. I'm still his teacher. And I'm already…
She looks down at her hands, curled into fists in her lap.
No. This isn't about her. This is about keeping him safe. Grounded. Focused.
That kiss could have ruined everything.
But why does it feel like pushing him away ruined something else?
She sits under the blossom tree long after Renji's footsteps have vanished.
She breathes in deep. Holds it. Exhales.
But the knot in her gut doesn't loosen.
Footsteps crunch against the path behind her. Light, casual chatter. A laugh. Then silence.
Rena's voice cuts in first. "Hey. Where's Renji?"
Maya doesn't look up. "He left."
Gudo's tone sharpens. "Left? What do you mean?"
"I mean he needed some time alone."
Ryou's frown is almost audible. "Did something happen?"
Maya finally raises her head. Her face is composed, but her eyes are tired. "Nothing you need to worry about. Let him be for now."
Lia tilts her head. "Is he okay?"
Silence.
The group stands in silence, uncertain. The energy they brought with them is gone, swept away in a gust of awkward wind.
Rena shifts her weight, sensing the tension but not prying.
"Well." she says, trying to salvage the moment. "We were going to check out the bakery near the north bridge. Thought we'd bring something back."
Maya gives a small nod. "Go ahead. I'll stay here for a while."
Gudo glances in the direction Renji left, jaw clenched. "I'll check on him later."
They exchange looks but say nothing more. One by one, they head off down the trail, leaving Maya behind under the petals.
She watches them go.
Then lowers her gaze again, thoughts loud in the quiet.
You really messed up this time.