The classroom was empty now, its usual liveliness replaced by an eerie stillness. Haruki remained seated at his desk, the muffled echoes of Aoi’s retreating footsteps still lingering in his ears. He hadn’t moved since she left, his head heavy in his hands.
Her words echoed in his mind: “I don’t need your protection, Haruki. I need the truth.”
Haruki knew she was right. Aoi deserved answers—answers he wasn’t sure he could give her. Every time he tried to push her away, she only came back stronger, more determined. It was exhausting. And worse, it was dangerous.
Letting out a slow breath, he straightened in his seat. The classroom was suffocating now, its emptiness amplifying his thoughts. He grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder, his steps heavy as he made his way to the door.
As he stepped into the hallway, the faint murmur of distant voices reached his ears. Students were still lingering near the exits, chatting as they prepared to leave for the day. Haruki moved toward the back staircase, avoiding the main corridors. He wasn’t in the mood for idle chatter or curious stares.
But as he turned the corner, he froze.
Aoi was standing at the far end of the hallway, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Her head tilted slightly when she noticed him, and the determined look in her eyes sent a jolt of apprehension through him.
Haruki considered turning around, but it was too late. Aoi was already walking toward him, her footsteps steady and deliberate.
“Running again?” she asked when she was close enough, her tone calm but laced with frustration.
Haruki sighed, adjusting the strap of his bag. “I wasn’t running.”
“Sure you weren’t,” Aoi said, stopping a few feet in front of him. “That’s why you left the classroom as soon as I did, right?”
Haruki didn’t respond. He shifted his gaze to the floor, his jaw tightening.
Aoi let out a soft sigh, her expression softening slightly. “Haruki, I’m not trying to make your life harder. I just... I need to know what’s going on. That man—he wasn’t a teacher, was he?”
“No,” Haruki said quietly, his voice barely audible.
“Then who was he?” Aoi pressed, stepping closer. “What does he want with you?”
Haruki looked up, his eyes meeting hers. There was no judgment in her gaze, only concern. It made his chest tighten even more.
“He’s... connected to my family,” Haruki said after a long pause.
Aoi frowned. “Connected how?”
Haruki hesitated, his thoughts racing. He could feel the walls he’d built around himself crumbling, but he didn’t know how to stop it.
“Haruki,” Aoi said softly. “You can trust me.”
Those words hit him like a hammer. Trust. It was such a simple word, but for Haruki, it felt impossibly heavy.
After what felt like an eternity, he let out a slow breath. “My family... isn’t normal,” he said finally, his voice low.
Aoi’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
Haruki looked away, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. “They’re involved in... things. Dangerous things. That man was just a reminder of that.”
“Dangerous things?” Aoi repeated, her voice quieter now. “Are you talking about... crime?”
Haruki didn’t respond, but the tension in his posture was answer enough.
Aoi’s eyes widened slightly. “Haruki...”
“I didn’t choose this,” Haruki said quickly, his voice laced with bitterness. “I didn’t ask to be part of this family. But it doesn’t matter what I want. I can’t escape it.”
The hallway fell silent, the weight of his words hanging heavily between them. Aoi stared at him, her expression unreadable.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” she asked after a long pause.
“Because it’s dangerous,” Haruki said, his voice strained. “The more you know, the more at risk you are. That’s why I’ve been trying to keep you out of it.”
Aoi shook her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. “You think I’m going to walk away now? After everything I’ve seen?”
“You should,” Haruki said quietly.
“Well, I won’t,” Aoi said firmly. “You don’t get to make that decision for me.”
Haruki looked at her, his chest tightening. He could see the determination in her eyes, the fire that refused to be extinguished.
“You’re stubborn, you know that?” he said, a faint, bitter smile tugging at his lips.
“I’ve been told,” Aoi said, her tone softening slightly.
The sound of footsteps in the distance broke the moment, and both of them turned toward the noise. Haruki’s heart skipped a beat as he spotted a familiar figure rounding the corner.
It was Riku.
His older brother strode down the hallway with an air of casual arrogance, his sharp suit and polished shoes making him stand out like a sore thumb. His gaze locked onto Haruki, and a smirk spread across his face.
“Well, well,” Riku said as he approached. “If it isn’t my little brother. And who’s this?”
Haruki’s fists clenched at his sides. “Riku, what are you doing here?”
“Relax,” Riku said, holding up his hands in mock innocence. “I just came to check on you. Father was worried you might be slacking off.”
“I’m not,” Haruki said through gritted teeth.
Riku’s gaze shifted to Aoi, his smirk widening. “And who’s this lovely young lady? A classmate? Or something more?”
Aoi bristled at his tone but didn’t look away. “I’m a classmate,” she said firmly.
Riku chuckled. “Interesting. Haruki never mentioned you.”
“That’s because it’s none of your business,” Haruki snapped.
Riku raised an eyebrow, his smirk never wavering. “Touchy, aren’t we? You really should learn to relax, little brother. Stress isn’t good for you.”
“Get to the point, Riku,” Haruki said, his voice cold.
Riku’s smirk faded slightly, his expression turning more serious. “Father’s patience is running thin, Haruki. You’re not exactly making a great impression.”
Haruki’s jaw tightened. “I’m handling it.”
“You keep saying that,” Riku said, his tone dripping with condescension. “But words mean nothing without results.”
Aoi glanced between them, her brow furrowing. “What are you talking about?”
“Nothing you need to worry about,” Haruki said quickly, shooting her a warning glance.
Riku chuckled again, his smirk returning. “I like her. She’s got spirit. Too bad she’s getting tangled up with you.”
“That’s enough, Riku,” Haruki said, his voice low and dangerous.
Riku raised his hands again, the smirk never leaving his face. “Alright, alright. I’ll leave you to your little... conversation.”
He turned to leave, but not before throwing one last glance over his shoulder. “Don’t forget, Haruki. Father’s watching.”
As Riku’s footsteps faded, Haruki exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders finally easing.
“Haruki,” Aoi said, her voice quiet.
He turned to face her, his expression guarded.
“Who was that?” she asked.
“My brother,” Haruki said, his tone flat.
Aoi’s eyes widened slightly. “Your brother?”
Haruki nodded. “Yeah. And if you thought I was bad... he’s worse.”