The photo was blurry.
But even through the grainy pixels, Yuuta could tell—it was Airi.
She sat in a cozy-looking café, across from a man he didn't recognize.
...Or maybe he did?
Who is this guy? Someone Airi knows?
He swiped to the next image—
Not a photo.
A chat screenshot.
> Unknown: Like I said, it's better for you.
Unknown: Airi wants this too.
Yuuta: I know. Thank you for your help.
Yuuta stared at the screen, a knot tightening in his chest.
No name. No context. Just vague words.
"It's better for me"?
And Airi... wants this too?
What does that even mean?
Too many questions.
Too many secrets.
And if he wanted to save Airi—
If he wanted to understand what was really going on in this world…
Then he needed help.
From the one person he never thought he'd ask.
---
The Next Morning – Outside Renji's House
Click.
Renji was locking his front door when he stopped cold.
Yuuta was standing there. Waiting.
Renji narrowed his eyes.
"You again?" he said flatly. "What do you want now, Yuuta? I told you—don't talk to me."
"I know," Yuuta said quietly. "You said I did some terrible things. And maybe… maybe I did. I don't remember everything, but I want to fix it."
Renji turned his back. "Not my problem."
"I need your help."
"I said no."
Suddenly, Yuuta grabbed his shoulders.
"Please, Renji. You're my best friend. Please… help me."
Renji's eyes darted around. "Stop it! Everyone's watching, idiot!"
But Yuuta didn't let go.
"…Ugh, fine!" Renji groaned. "I'll help you! Just—stop hanging off me like that!"
Yuuta broke into a relieved smile. "Thank you!"
---
On the Way to School
"Honestly," Renji muttered, hands in his pockets, "you're seriously annoying."
"Because you're the only one who can help," Yuuta said. "I want to save Airi."
Renji glanced at him.
There was something different in Yuuta's eyes now. A quiet desperation.
"…Fine. I'll help. But if you hurt Airi again—I'm done."
"I won't," Yuuta said. "All I want… is to see her smile again."
Renji paused. "Then why'd you break up with her in the first place?"
Yuuta looked away. "…I don't know."
"You don't know?" Renji scoffed. "Then why are you trying so hard now?"
"I can't explain everything yet," Yuuta said. "But… I know I need your help."
Renji let out a sigh. "Alright, man. I'm in."
"Arigato, Renji. I knew I could count on you. But…" Yuuta hesitated. "Can I ask something?"
"Shoot."
Yuuta looked him in the eyes.
"What's your relationship with… Sakura Tsukino?"
Renji stopped walking.
"…Haaah?! Where did that come from?"
"Just tell me."
Renji rolled his eyes. "You already know. Me and Sakura are dating."
Yuuta blinked. "Really? That's… good. Good for you."
"You're acting like this is new. We even went on double dates, remember?"
"My memory's been weird lately. Sorry."
Renji gave him a side-eye. "Hmm…"
Yuuta smirked. "Honestly, though… Sakura has pretty bad taste. She deserves better. Poor girl."
Renji froze.
He turned—slowly.
"…What did you just say?"
WHAM.
Yuuta was trapped in a headlock.
"Renji! Wait! That's not what I meant! I was joking! Aaaah—!!"
---
At the School Gates
They finally arrived at school.
As they neared the entrance, Yuuta stopped in his tracks.
Just ahead—Hikari. Sakura.
And… Airi.
The moment Airi saw him, her expression shifted.
She quickly looked away.
Yuuta's heart twisted.
"…Airi," he whispered. "But I didn't do anything…"
Renji patted his head. "That's karma, buddy. What goes around comes around."
"Renji, you're not helping!"
"Alright, alright. Let's meet after class," Renji said. "We've got a lot to talk about."
"Yeah," Yuuta nodded. "There's so much I still don't understand…"
"After class. Ask me anything."
Yuuta smiled faintly. "Thanks. Really."
But in his heart, one painful thought lingered—
How do I face Airi… when she won't even look at me?
Ding-dong—
The school bell rang.
Together, the two friends walked through the gate…
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