Miyuki's POV
The classroom felt suffocating, my thoughts heavier than my schoolbag. Haruto. That name filled every corner of my mind.
"Seriously, Miyuki… why are you still with him?" one of my friends whispered, leaning closer.
I set my pen down carefully, turning just enough to glare at them. "I told you already. I'm not breaking up with Haruto."
Another girl snickered, voice dripping with disbelief. "You really think he notices you? He's… distant now. And Souta? He actually pays attention. He's fun, popular… Haruto's always gloomy, lost in his own head."
I clenched my pen so tightly it hurt. "I don't care what anyone else thinks. Haruto matters. And that's it."
"Ugh, you're wasting your time," my first friend muttered, rolling her eyes.
I ignored them, staring at the chalkboard, counting the minutes until the bell. I needed to get out, to be alone with my thoughts.
Finally, class ended. I grabbed my bag and headed out, my friends trailing behind with a mix of pity and annoyance.
Souta fell in step beside me, casual as ever. "Going home?"
"Yes." My voice was curt, sharp.
"Mind if I walk with you?" He smirked, hands in his pockets. "Can't have you wandering alone."
I flinched inwardly at the smirk. "It's fine. I can handle it."
He chuckled. "Sure. Just saying… Haruto's been… different lately. You're sure he's still the one for you?"
I stopped walking for a moment, planting my hands on my hips. "Of course he is. Haruto is my boyfriend. And I won't leave him for anyone. Not you, not anyone."
Souta laughed softly. "Strong words. But even you can't deny it… you've noticed it too. The way he's… changed. The way he's pulling away."
I looked away, jaw tight. "It doesn't matter. He's still mine. Always has been."
We reached the corner where our paths diverged. He gave me a lazy wave. "See you tomorrow, then."
I nodded, my chest tight, hands trembling slightly. Inside, I wanted to scream at him, to tell him to leave me alone. But I forced myself to walk into my house, shutting the door behind me.
I sank onto my bed, phone in hand. My thumb hovered over the screen, heart racing. I typed quickly:
> "Haruto… did you eat? I hope you're okay. I really wish I was there with you."
Seconds later, the reply appeared:
> "Yeah… I did. Don't worry. I miss you too."
I exhaled, almost trembling. Without thinking, I tapped the call button.
"Hey, Miyuki," his voice came through, soft and steady. Sweet. Caring. Everything I wanted to hear.
"Haruto… I just…" I trailed off, my chest tight. "I worry about you. Are you really okay?"
"I'm fine," he said, calm. "Don't think about me too much, okay? Just… take care of yourself. Eat well. Sleep well. Everything else… forget me for now."
I pressed the phone closer to my cheek. "I can't forget you, Haruto. Not even for a second."
A pause. "I know." His voice softened. "And that's why you need to look after yourself. That's the most important thing for me right now."
"I… I'll try," I whispered. "Promise me… promise me you'll be safe too."
"I always am," he said, voice steady. "I promise."
I let the words sink in, my heart pounding. For a moment, I almost forgot the distance, almost forgot the shadows between us.
Haruto's POV
I listened to her voice, soft, worried, full of the care she believed was real. My lips curled into a faint smile, almost gentle, almost loving but it was just a mask.
Inside, rage simmered. I wanted to tear her apart. Not physically, no… but to see the cracks in her loyalty, to expose her and Souta both for what they were.
"Don't worry about me, Miyuki," I said, my voice soft, measured. Sweet. Caring. "You just take care of yourself, okay? That's all I want."
"Yes… I'll try," she whispered.
"Good," I said. "Sleep well tonight. Eat properly. Drink water."
Her breath hitched slightly at my words, and I could almost see the relief wash over her. Perfect. She had no idea what I was planning. No idea that every word I said, every tone I used, was calculated.
I ended the call, setting the phone down. In the quiet of my grandmother's mansion, I let my mind sharpen.
She was mine to use, mine to manipulate until the perfect moment. Souta would expose himself eventually. Miyuki would show her true nature eventually. And I… I would be ready.
The mask of the sweet, gentle boyfriend was already in place. And I would wear it flawlessly.
But underneath, my blood boiled.
One day soon, everyone would see me as I truly was. Until then… I would play the part.