Responses
I agree, altho ig having it different would completely change the dynamic of the story?
I've read a few stories where they belong to different groups of friends (popular vs unpopular) and although they seem to have quite different lives there is still that feeling of "not wanting them to know that they were close and got along well" Whether it's out of shame, fear, or laziness about being questioned about how different they are and why they would be friends.
I love this trope, although I wish Taichi wasn't isolated I think it's unfair that Haruki is living a "normal student life" knowing full well that Taichi isn't doing well. I can't understand the control and possessiveness to the point of isolating or ignoring him.