The return to campus was quiet. The train ride back had been filled with tired laughter, shared earphones, and warm silences.
Back on the sidewalk, Reiji took her hand.
No one was watching.
But someone did.
Kaito.
He hadn't meant to be there. He'd been meeting someone for a late project meeting and had cut through the station plaza. Then he saw them. Miko's hand in Reiji's. The cat keychain dangling from his bag.
Everything clicked.
And this time, he didn't stay silent.
"Miko."
She froze.
Reiji turned.
Kaito stood a few paces away, expression unreadable. Not angry. Not heartbroken. Just sharp. Focused.
"So it's you," Kaito said. "You're the one he's been hiding."
The air went still.
Reiji's grip on Miko's hand tightened slightly. "Kaito, don't—"
But Kaito held up a hand. "No. I'm not here to make a scene." He looked at Miko. "Just tell me one thing. Was any of it ever real?"
Miko's throat tightened. She didn't know how to answer.
Because the truth was complicated.
And too many people were about to get hurt.