It reminded me of that scene during the Christmas season, with Iroha Isshiki and Hayama Hayato at Disneyland.
They exchanged another two or three words, probably saying goodbye. The girl waved weakly at Hayama, then turned and left.
Hayama watched her go, his shoulders drooping slightly. Then he let out a long sigh, as though he had only just noticed me.
Hayama smiled. It was neither embarrassment nor shame, much less joy. It was simply the smile of someone whose heart had died.
"You caught me in an awkward situation."
"Ah... no, I just... sorry."
He spoke first, catching me completely off guard and leaving me babbling incoherently. No, even if he had not approached me, I probably would not have known what to say. If he had been dumped, I could have forced out a few comforting words, but I had nothing to say to the person doing the dumping.
Hayama gave a quiet laugh, as if he had seen through my confusion.
"Don't worry about it."
"...You've got it rough too."
Honestly, that was all I could manage. I had no interest whatsoever in Hayama Hayato's love life, and his circumstances were too good for me to feel jealous. Teasing him might have counted as a kind gesture, but we were not close enough for that.
For an instant, Hayama's expression twisted. He looked as though he could not breathe, or as though he were enduring pain.
But he immediately shook his head, put on his usual smile, raised his chin, and suggested we move to the parking lot. I followed him out.
"Were you heading home?"
"No... I had something I wanted to talk to you about..."
Hayama looked a little surprised.
"Me?"
Instead of answering, I tossed him a MAX Coffee.
It was dark, so my