"Airi, what are you doing?" Takamura asked, his voice trembling.
Airi quickly pushed him away. "Sorry, Takamura..." she whispered, then turned and ran.
Takamura dropped to his knees, fists clenched. Tears streamed down his face.
"Why...? Why does this always happen to me...?"
A shadow moved behind him. Footsteps echoed softly.
"Who... who are you?" Takamura asked, startled.
The stranger stepped forward, his face obscured by the backlight. "I'm your friend. I can help you. I'll give you what you want..."
He leaned in closer, his voice now a whisper.
"...if you're willing to give me everything I want in return."
Takamura's eyes widened. Fear surged through him.
---
Scene shift — Airi running.
"Airi!" Hikari called, catching up to her. "What happened?"
"Nothing, Hikari," Airi replied, her voice quiet and distant. "I just... want to go home."
"But Takamura said he wanted to talk to you," Hikari pressed, concerned.
"I don't want to see him. He's probably exhausted... we should let him rest."
"...Okay," Hikari muttered, confused by her tone.
Airi suddenly grabbed Hikari's hand. The two began walking silently.
(What's going on? What happened between them? Why is Airi acting so strange?) Hikari wondered, glancing back.
---
They arrived back home. A group stood outside the house.
"Huh? What's going on?" Hikari asked.
"You two are late. We were about to head home," Sakura said. "Saya already left—she's waiting for you."
"Sorry, we... had something to do after the baseball match," Airi replied softly, avoiding everyone's gaze.
(Why does she sound so down? What happened there?) Yuuta thought, watching her.
"Sis, let's go home," Sakura said.
"Okay. See you tomorrow, Airi," Hikari waved.
"Bye, everyone! Bye, Renji!" Sakura called, and the two sisters left.
"Heh... Guess I'm heading home too. Later, Yuuta," Renji smirked and walked off.
Yuuta turned to Airi. "Hey... did something happen?"
She didn't answer. She brushed past him, heading inside.
"Wait," Yuuta said, gently grabbing her arm.
Airi froze.
Takamura's touch—his arm, his voice—flashed in her mind.
"...What are you doing? Let go of me," she said coldly.
Yuuta let go, stunned.
Without another word, Airi stepped into her house and closed the door behind her.
(What's going on with Airi...?) Yuuta stood motionless, his thoughts racing.
---
Inside, Airi slumped to the floor, leaning against the entrance gate.
(It's all my fault... I caused this.)
Takamura crying.
"It's not fair... It's all wrong..."
"I'm sorry, Takamura..." she whispered. "It's all my fault..."
---
Scene shift — Yuuta walking alone.
"Today was… a lot. Airi's changed. Is it because of me?"
He sighed.
"I hope she's okay... tomorrow."
He arrived at his home.
"My cute son is back~!" his mother cheered.
"Ugh, Mom—stop clinging to me!"
---
Scene shift — Takamura in the dark.
"So... what are you saying?" he asked the stranger.
"What will you give me?" the stranger asked, smiling. "You know what I want."
"...You mean Airi Kuragami?"
"Yes. You like her, right?"
Takamura looked away. "She rejected me. What's the point?"
"You're wrong. She loves you too," the stranger said smoothly.
"Liar," Takamura muttered. "She just helped me. That's all."
"She trusted you. Helped you when no one else did. Isn't that proof?"
Takamura hesitated, memories of Airi's kindness flooding his mind.
"No... she just saw me as a friend..."
"When do people truly become friends, Takamura? It's not when they laugh together. It's when they trust each other. And trust is the first step to something more."
Takamura was silent.
"But someone is holding her back. Someone is standing in the way of your connection."
"Who?" Takamura demanded.
The stranger leaned in, whispering, "Yuuta Kanzaki."
Takamura's eyes went wide. Rage ignited in his chest. "That bastard... I knew it. He's always in my way!"
"Calm down. If you let anger guide you, Airi will never be yours."
"...Then what do I do? Tell me. I'll do anything."
"Good." The stranger smiled, pulling out a phone. "Just follow my lead."
He showed Takamura several photos—of him hugging Airi, and another of Airi with Yuuta.
Takamura's expression darkened, a twisted grin spreading across his face.
"I want her. She will be mine... Hahaha..."
"Then let's begin," the stranger said, his voice cold.
---
Next Morning — School
Airi and Hikari entered the school grounds.
People stared. Whispers followed them like shadows.
"Why are they all staring?" Hikari asked.
"I don't know..." Airi replied softly.
"Then you really are a two-timer, Airi Kuragami!" a loud voice called from behind.
They turned to see Ryuu Kazehaya.
"What the hell are you saying?!" Hikari snapped.
"I'm not saying it. The whole school is." Ryuu held up his phone. "Photos don't lie."
On the screen were two photos: one of Takamura hugging Airi, the other of Yuuta embracing her.
Airi and Hikari froze.
"What... What is this?! This is fake!" Hikari exclaimed.
Ryuu smirked. "Too late to deny it. Airi's a two-timer, everyone knows now. Should've picked me instead."
"You bastard! Say one more word and I'll call a teacher!" Hikari threatened.
"Relax. Just some friendly advice. Next time, choose me—we'll have more fun," Ryuu chuckled, walking away.
Airi stood motionless, her expression hollow.
Hikari grabbed her arm. "Airi, these are fake, right? Say something!"
"I... I have to go..." Airi muttered, and walked off without another word.
Hikari remained behind, stunned.
(What is happening...?)
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