Two weeks had passed since Aiko's conversation with Mika, and the transformation in her daily life was remarkable. The constant anxiety about social media harassment had evaporated, replaced by the focused energy she needed for her Spain application preparations. True to her word, Mika had not only stopped all contact with both Aiko and Ryo, but had also publicly apologized and deleted the problematic posts that had caused so much stress.
Aiko sat in the academy's quiet study lounge, putting the finishing touches on her Spain program portfolio when Ryo appeared at her table, looking more relaxed than she'd seen him in months.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked, gesturing to the empty chair across from her.
"Of course. How are you doing?"
"Better than I have in weeks," he said, settling into the chair with visible relief. "Mika reached out yesterday with a proper apology. Not just for the harassment, but for putting both of us in an impossible situation. She's started grief counseling and seems to be finding healthier ways to process everything."
"I'm glad to hear that. She's a good person who was dealing with something overwhelming."
"Yeah." Ryo paused, studying Aiko's face. "I wanted to thank you for handling that situation the way you did. Most people would have just pushed for legal action or told me to deal with my own problems. The fact that you took the time to understand what was really going on and help her find a path forward... that says a lot about who you are."
"It was the right thing to do," Aiko said simply.
"Which brings me to why I wanted to talk to you." Ryo leaned forward slightly. "I think it's time we officially ended our fake relationship arrangement. Not because there's still drama to avoid, but because we both deserve the chance to pursue genuine connections without the complication of maintaining a fiction."
Aiko felt a mixture of relief and unexpected sadness at the suggestion. Over the past few months, her fake relationship with Ryo had evolved into genuine friendship and mutual respect. Ending the romantic pretense felt like the natural next step, but it also marked the conclusion of a significant chapter in her life.
"I agree," she said. "Though I'll miss having you as a fake boyfriend. You were surprisingly good at it."
"You weren't too bad yourself," Ryo grinned. "But I have to ask—are you planning to pursue anything with anyone else? I know it's none of my business, but you seem very focused on your goals."
Aiko considered the question carefully. "Right now, my heart is completely committed to Spain. Everything else feels like a distraction from what I'm really working toward."
"That makes sense," Ryo said, studying her expression. "You've always seemed like someone with a very specific destination in mind."
"Exactly. And until I reach that destination, I can't really think about anything else."
As they worked out the practical details of their "breakup"—a gradual social media withdrawal, fewer public appearances together, and eventual acknowledgment that they had "decided to remain friends"—Aiko felt a sense of completion about this chapter of her life.
"One more thing," Ryo said as they prepared to part ways. "Your Spain application is going to be incredible. I've watched you work through crisis, support struggling students, and maintain your academic excellence despite everything that's been thrown at you. Any program would be lucky to have you."