Itsuki had always been different. Even as a child, he spoke too little, thought too much, and carried a quiet darkness the other kids didn't understand. That was enough to make him a target.
At ten years old, the schoolyard was a cruel stage. The louder kids, the ones who never feared punishment, pushed Itsuki around like he was some toy they could break. He never cried, never fought back. He just stared at them with that hollow gaze, as if he was somewhere else entirely.
That only made them push harder.
"Why do you always sit alone?" one boy jeered, shoving Itsuki's shoulder. "What's wrong with you?"
"Maybe he's cursed," another chimed in, and laughter followed.
Itsuki didn't move. He had already learned that silence was the only shield he had. If he let them tire themselves out, maybe they'd leave.
But this time, someone else moved first.
"Stop it!"
A girl's voice cut through the laughter. Miyu stood a few steps away, her small fists clenched, her cheeks flushed with anger. She was no bigger than the boys, no stronger, but her eyes blazed in a way theirs never could.
One boy scoffed. "What, you like him or something?"
Miyu didn't flinch. She marched right up and planted herself in front of Itsuki, arms spread wide like a flimsy but unshakable shield. "I don't care what you think. But if you touch him again, I'll make sure everyone knows you cry when the teacher yells at you."
The boys' grins faltered. They exchanged uneasy glances. Picking on Itsuki was fun. Picking on Miyu, who had a sharp tongue and a reputation for meaning what she said, wasn't worth it. One by one, they drifted off, muttering under their breath.
Silence fell.
Itsuki sat frozen on the ground, unsure whether to feel angry or relieved. Finally, he muttered, "You I shouldn't have done that."
Miyu turned to him, hair falling into her face, and said simply, "And let them think you're alone? No. You're not."
Itsuki stared at her. For a moment, he almost believed her.
That day carved itself into his memory, sharper than any wound. He never thanked her. He didn't know how. But from then on, Miyu wasn't just another face in the crowd. She was the girl who stood by him when no one else would.
And though Itsuki didn't know it then, memories like these were dangerous. Because one day, when she was gone, they would be all he had left.