My parents? Business partners—rich, successful, and always gone.
They gave me everything I wanted...
Except their love and time.
But I wasn't completely alone.
I had Kiojiro—my neighbor, my best friend, the big brother I never had.
Rough. Annoying. Loyal.
We did everything together.
> (Flashback panel)
[Two kids (Riku with short pink hair and Kiojiro) laughing while gaming, eating snacks, and goofing off.]
Then one day...
My parents said they were going overseas on a business trip. For years.
They took me with them.
We left the estate. I left my best friend behind.
> [Young Riku in a car, looking out the window, waving sadly at the estate gates.]
I was heartbroken.
No goodbye. No closure.
I thought I'd never see him again.
I spent four years in that new place.
New school. New friends.
None of it ever felt like home.
But when the trip ended—I asked to move back.
And like always... my parents said yes.
It took me two days to find Kiojiro.
> [Back to Present - Flashback]
[Kiojiro playing soccer, sweaty and laughing with neighborhood boys.]
Riku (shouting): KIOJIRO!!
Kiojiro (confused, then surprised): Huh? Wait—pink hair? Ri...RIKU?!
(They rush toward each other and hug.)
Riku: It's really you, bro!
Kiojiro: No way... you're back?
> Narration (Riku):
That day, we reunited.
He introduced me to Ridgeview High...
And everything felt like it was falling back into place—
Until I saw him... with Aoi.
---
[Back in Class - Present Day]
Riku: Who is he, Kiojiro? Why did you replace me?
Kiojiro (sighs): It's not like that, Riku...
Look—after you left, I was a mess.
I didn't talk to anyone. Didn't play.
My mom got sick from worrying about me. I felt guilty.
So I told myself to move on.
I met Aoi.
He reminded me of you—
He's into games, nerdy stuff, anime marathons...
He made me feel like me again.
Riku (smiles faintly): I'm not mad.
It's not your fault. I get it.
I'll figure out how to get along with him. I promise.
Kiojiro (smiling, teary-eyed): You're the best, man.
(They hug.)
---
[Later That Day – School Courtyard]
[A girl approaches Riku, holding the textbook.]
Girl: Thanks, you really helped me today.
Riku: You're welcome...?
Girl (blushing): U-um... are you free today?
Riku: Not really. Why?
Girl (nervous): C-can we talk somewhere else?
---
[School Garden - quiet, breezy]
Girl (nervous but determined):
Sorry—I'm being rude.
I'm Asuka Takamatsu.
And I want something from you.
Riku: Okay…?
Asuka (blushing):
I-I find you really interesting...!
Riku (blinks): Huh?!
Asuka (fumbles): I-I mean... I want to be your friend!
(Hands him her phone.)
Please—your number?
Riku's Thoughts:
Okay, no way. Emilia can't possibly be right.
This is just a coincidence.
Riku: Sure, here.
(He enters his number.)
Asuka: THANK YOU!!
(She hugs him tightly—boobs squishing into him.)
Riku (frozen): You're… welcome?
[She runs off smiling, leaving Riku in stunned silence.]
---
[After School – Boys Hostel Pathway]
[Emilia steps out from the shadows, arms folded, eyes burning.]
Riku (nervous smile): H-hey there! How you doing?
Emilia (coldly): Who. Is. She?
Riku (nervous laugh): Who...?
[She SLAMS him against the wall.]
Emilia (low, dangerous whisper):
It's just you and me here.
No one can hear you scream.
Now I'll ask one more time...
Who was that girl in the garden?
Riku's Eyes Widen.
TO BE CONTINUED...