"Ha—"
Renji burst out laughing.
Yuuta frowned. "Oi, what's so funny? I'm being serious here."
"That's exactly why it's funny. Why are you asking me about your relationship with Airi? You know more than I do."
"I know, Renji... but I want to hear it from you. Please."
Renji blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Yuuta's eyes. "...Alright, alright. I don't know what's gotten into you, Yuuta, but since I'm your childhood friend, I'll help. So, where do I start?"
"From the beginning. Tell me... how did Airi and I start dating?"
Renji leaned back, gathering his thoughts. "Let's see. It all started after finals. You and Airi were hanging out a lot. I remember you told me you found someone you could finally trust. I was honestly happy for you, man."
Yuuta listened intently.
"Then, out of nowhere, you said Airi asked you out. I was shocked. I mean, yeah, you two were close, but that fast? Still, you two seemed really happy together. I remember the smiles. You, Airi, Sakura, and I—we even went on that double date at the beach."
Renji's voice turned bitter.
"But then... two months later, you changed. You started treating Airi like she was nothing—like she was your damn servant. Cold. Cruel. I tried to talk to you about it, and you told me to stay out of your 'personal matters.'"
He paused. "That hurt, Yuuta. I thought I wasn't your friend anymore."
Yuuta's throat tightened.
"Then three days ago, you broke up with her. I heard rumors... that you slapped her in front of everyone. Said horrible things. She was so broken, Yuuta. She got sick afterward. I couldn't believe it. The Yuuta I knew... would never do that."
Yuuta lowered his head. "Renji… I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me back then. But thank you—for staying by my side."
Renji turned red. "H-Hey! What are you saying so suddenly, you idiot?"
"What?! Stop grabbing me, Renji! You'll crush me!"
"I—I just… ugh! Don't say such embarrassing stuff!"
Yuuta laughed. "You almost killed me there, judo champ."
"You deserved it, dumbass."
Yuuta cleared his throat. "Hey, Renji… back then, did you ever see me or Airi with any strange guy? Or maybe chatting with someone suspicious?"
Renji scratched his chin. "Not really. But you were always on your phone. Your expression… sometimes scared. Other times pissed off."
Yuuta nodded slowly. "My expression changed… got it. Thanks, Renji."
Renji gave him a thumbs-up. "Always got your back. Anyway, I gotta go. Sakura's waiting for me."
"Right. Tell her I said hi."
As Renji left, Yuuta stared at the floor, fists clenched.
So that's what I did. I ruined everything… hurt everyone, especially Airi. That version of me… the one from this timeline… what the hell happened to him? Slapping Airi? If I ever meet that version of myself—
I'll kill him.
---
[Scene Transition – Back in Class]
"The next assignment will require partners," the teacher announced.
Hikari raised her hand. "Sensei, can we choose?"
"No. I've already assigned your partners."
Groans filled the room as the teacher began calling names.
"Renji and Sakura."
"Yes! We're together!" Sakura smiled.
Renji nodded. "Yeah."
"Hikari and Saya."
"Nice! I get the class prez," Saya beamed, waving at Hikari.
And finally...
"Airi and Yuuta."
The classroom fell silent. Airi and Yuuta both froze.
Yuuta's eyes widened. God is real. I'm with Airi! I get to talk to her... finally!
Hikari leaned toward Airi. "Are you okay with this?"
"I'll be fine, Hikari."
"If you say so… but I'll come with you to his house if you need—"
"I said I'll be fine," Airi snapped, her eyes locking onto Yuuta coldly.
Meanwhile, Yuuta was already daydreaming. This is my chance!
Renji popped up beside him. "Yo, Yuuta. I'm happy for you."
"I'm happy for me too," Yuuta sniffled, tears of joy in his eyes.
"Haha! But listen—this is your chance. If you mess up again, I swear I'll kill you."
Renji's smiling face turned dark with rage.
"Y-Yes, sir," Yuuta gulped.
"Now go talk to her."
"No, no! You don't get it. This is part of my master plan."
"Plan?"
"Yes! Airi will come talk to me. That way, I avoid walking into the lion's den."
Yuuta glanced around. The entire class was glaring at him.
"...I may have miscalculated."
Sakura glared. "Renji, why are you still talking to that scumbag? He's trash, and if you hang around him, you'll become trash too!"
Yuuta flinched. "R-Renji... please go, or her words might kill me."
"Alright, alright." Renji sighed. "Sorry, man."
"Yeah, yeah. Just go."
"What were you doing back there?" Sakura asked Renji.
"Nothing. Just... saying goodbye."
"Come on, let's go home."
Renji and Sakura walked off.
Airi stood from her seat and looked straight at Yuuta.
Yuuta stared back.
Now's the time... she's coming. My heart's racing. I'm finally going to talk to Airi again...
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