The train stops and the doors slide open. I just saw that person get off — my heart is pounding so hard I think someone might hear it. Without thinking, I let the crowd carry me and step off too.
I hide behind a pillar, peeking out. I see them walking along the platform. I need to get closer... I need to talk to them... but what would I even say?
I bite my lip, clutching my school bag to my chest. My body is trembling — not from the cold, but from the memory of earlier, on the train. The closeness of their steps beside mine, the crowd pushing us together... it wasn't a coincidence. None of those times were.
I take a few steps, then stop. Then start again. I'm like a cat following someone from a distance.
Suddenly, I stumble — and my foot lands loudly.
"Ah—!"
I freeze, my face burning, hoping I wasn't noticed. But our eyes meet again.
"...S-sorry... you were... on the train, right? What a... what a coincidence..." *my voice trembles, and my hands grip the edges of my uniform skirt tightly.