Ayane notices it straight away. She sees the way Ryu's gaze lingers on Chizu. The way he hides a smile when she pumps her fist in the air after scoring a goal. The way he falters when Ayane teases her about one day getting a boyfriend. The way that Ryu is undoubtedly and irrevocably in love with Chizu.
It's obvious. At least, it's obvious to everyone who isn't Chizu.
"You and Ryu have been friends for a long time," Ayane says one day. She's leaning against Chizu's bedroom wall. And while she keeps her tone light, her eyes are sharp, carefully analysing her friend's face as she speaks. "Haven't you ever thought about dating him?"
"Dating him?" Chizu squawks. "Dating Ryu? No! Never. It's… it's Ryu."
"Yeah," Ayane says. She holds her hand out and begins counting on her fingers. "He's handsome, smart, and good at sports. What's not to like? And besides...have you seen the way he looks at you?"
Chizu leaps off the bed, her arms flailing. "Seen what? Ryu doesn't look at me."
"I think he does."
"He doesn't."
"He does," Ayane insists. "Seriously—"
"Not like that!" By now, Chizu is practically shouting. It's only when Ayane's eyes go wide that Chizu flushes and lowers her voice. "We've just known each other forever. You know that. I'm practically a sister to him."
And although Ayane knows better, all she does is shrug. Chizu can't see it yet. Or if she does see it, she's not ready to admit it. And so, Ayane falls silent. Chizu will notice eventually. And when she does, Ayane will be there, ready to listen.