*Chapter 3: "The Necklace"* Ren's childhood:
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*Chapter 3: The Necklace*
The sting from Ren's slap hadn't faded, but it was nothing compared to the ache in Aoi's chest. His cheek burned, but his heart burned more.
Ren's furious voice echoed through the grand hall.
"How could you, Aoi? Hitting Riku? What kind of person are you?"
Aoi didn't speak. He just stood there—quiet, trembling, and crushed.
Suddenly, memories from years ago came flooding back.
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*[Flashback – 10 Years Ago]*
Aoi was small, delicate, and often mistaken for a girl. His pink hair didn't help. The other boys teased him, pulled at his bag, and laughed when he cried. He'd learned to keep his head down.
That day, they had cornered him behind the school building.
"Why do you talk like that, huh? You're such a weirdo!"
"Go play with the girls!"
Just as one boy shoved Aoi down, a shadow stepped in.
"Back off," a strong voice said.
It was Ren.
Back then, Ren was already brave, the kind of boy who stood tall even when he was scared. He pushed the bullies away and helped Aoi to his feet.
"Are you okay?" Ren asked, brushing dirt from Aoi's shoulder.
Aoi nodded, eyes wide. That was the first time someone stood up for him.Later that week, Aoi gave Ren a small necklace with a star charm.
"For you," he whispered shyly, cheeks pink. "To thank you... for saving me."
Ren smiled brightly. "I'll treasure it."
But days later, Aoi's family vanished from the city. He never got to say goodbye.
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*[Present Day]*
Tears welled in Aoi's eyes as his hand instinctively reached for the chain around Ren's neck. That same star necklace hung there—worn and old, but still shining.
It was his.
And yet… Ren believed it was from Riku.
Aoi's lips trembled. The truth was so close… but he was too broken to speak it.
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