#nanamis

He thinks back to just yesterday when Tsukiko smiled at him, bright and dazzling like sunlight, raising his heart rate above normal. It's not racing, not quite. If it were, would he have lasted? He grips at the cloth over his heart and thinks, imagines, contemplates. He breathes out a sigh, a rush of the precious air that should've healed him, but just as they say it's more like he's letting go of just a little more of his life force in that one breath.

Of course not. If his precious person had that much effect on him, Kanata would have been six feet under years ago.

Today, Tsukiko is fast asleep with her head resting against Suzuya's shoulder, and while the brunet is more than happy to be her pillow, Kanata can feel his heart sink to the pit of his stomach. He's not supposed to be there, not for her. Suzuya is her knight, and that's the end of it. 

"I'm gonna go," he decides, quietly gathering his books and coat. "Bring her back safely, okay?"

Suzuya looked up to him, conflicted. "Are you sure? I can wake her --" Kanata can see it; he's happy to be alone with her, but knows the pain the weakened student feels at the sight and therefore feels guilty.

He shouldn't, though. Kanata's fall has been gradual, slow, but he can feel himself growing numb to the truth.

"Don't bother, man. I'm tired, so I'll just go to sleep. Later."  He salutes in farewell and buries his chin into his coat.