Lucas's days went on as usual. Since the incident with Asano, he and Rei often talked to each other. Although they weren't always together, Rei seemed more comfortable spending time with him. Sometimes they chatted casually in the cafeteria, or exchanged sarcastic remarks about annoying teachers.
However, not everyone took their closeness lightly.
From the corner of the classroom, Takagi Saya watched them with an unhappy expression. Her eyebrows furrowed, and her fingers tapped the desk in a rapid rhythm.
"What the hell is she doing?!" Takagi muttered, loud enough to catch the attention of a few classmates.
Takagi never cared about how Rei lived her life, but seeing her with Lucas now made her blood boil. Rei already had Komuro and Hisashi by her side, so why was she getting close to Lucas too?
When the bell rang and Lucas and Rei finally left the classroom together, Takagi couldn't hold herself back any longer. She stood up and marched toward them with quick steps.
"Oi, Rei!" she called out sharply.
Lucas and Rei turned around. "What is it, Takagi?" Rei asked flatly.
Takagi crossed her arms. "I just want to know—are you never satisfied or what?"
Rei frowned. "What do you mean?"
Takagi scoffed. "You already have Komuro and Hisashi, yet you're still clinging to Lucas. Don't you think that's enough?"
Lucas let out a quiet sigh. This isn't good...
Rei immediately tensed. "What do you mean by 'not enough'? Lucas and I are just friends!"
Takagi sneered. "Oh really? Friends? From my perspective, you're just someone who can't accept reality and always wants more attention."
Rei clenched her fists. "Watch your mouth, Takagi!"
Takagi didn't back down. "If I'm wrong, then say it right here, in front of everyone, that you have absolutely no feelings for Lucas!"
Rei fell silent for a moment, her jaw tightening.
Lucas glanced around—several students had started watching, enjoying the drama like it was free entertainment.
Lucas finally stepped forward. "That's enough, both of you."
But Takagi had reached her limit. Her eyes were glossy with tears, but she refused to show any weakness in front of Rei.
"You know what, Rei? I've put up with your behavior for long enough," Takagi's voice trembled. "But this time… I've really had enough."
Rei met Takagi's gaze with anger, but before she could respond, Takagi turned around and walked away quickly.
Lucas felt his chest tighten as he watched Takagi wipe her tears roughly before finally running off.
He wanted to chase after her.
But something held him back.
Doubt.
A hesitation that arose from knowing that all of this was happening because of him.
Lucas clenched his fists, feeling guilty. He never meant to make Takagi misunderstand, but… was it already too late to fix things?