Ichihara Kazuo silently led me out into the hallway.

It seemed it was his style to do everything as quietly as possible
without explanation.

"Your boyfriend?"

He asked after a while,
when we were a good distance
from the prying gazes of nearby students.

"No, nothing like that. 

  Just close friends."

I quickly corrected him.

By now, 

we were walking peacefully side by side

in the fairly empty hallways
with no particular destination in mind.
The serenity of the scene
gave me ample time to think.
--And a curious thought made its way into my head.

"Ichihara-kun, 

why did you intervene just now?"

I studied the face of my silent companion,
hoping to catch even a glimpse of his inner feelings.
...but with no such luck.

"I couldn't stand by and watch him yell at you like that, Nanoka."
He said.

"Eh?"

I could feel heat starting to rise in my cheeks
from the familiar way he addressed me.
How did he know my name?
I don't remember introducing myself...

"Before...

it's what that guy called you. 

          I assumed it was your name."

                      He immediately answered.