Chapter Text
Ayano woke up in a dark room, a sharp ache radiating through her belly. Her mind was foggy, and it took her a moment to recognize her surroundings—or rather, the lack thereof. The room was dim, with only a sliver of light seeping through the bottom of a heavy wooden door. She could barely make out the walls, which seemed to close in on her.
As she shifted slightly, she realized she was wearing a white dress. It felt soft and unfamiliar, flowing around her like a pool of fabric. Her eyes widened as she looked down at her stomach, now large and rounded like a watermelon, straining against the delicate material of the dress. Panic surged through her, but she forced herself to take a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts in her head.
She tried to sit up, her muscles protesting with the effort. Every movement seemed to send a fresh wave of pain through her body, centering on her belly. She winced, placing a hand gently over her swollen abdomen. The sensation was alien and unnerving. She didn't remember how she got here, or how her condition had changed so drastically.
As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Ayano took in her surroundings. Below her, the floor was covered in what looked like mountains of bodies, their forms barely distinguishable in the dim light. Blood was everywhere, the metallic scent filling her nostrils and making her stomach churn. The eerie stillness was punctuated by distant, anguished screams.
"Ayano!" A voice pierced through the cacophony, shouting her name. It was faint, but unmistakable. Desperation and fear laced the call, urging her to move. She tried to crawl out of the bed, her legs trembling as they made contact with the cold, blood-slicked floor. Her mind screamed at her to run, to escape the nightmare surrounding her.
But as soon as she stood, a sharp, relentless pain gripped her belly. She doubled over, gasping for breath as contractions began, each one more intense than the last. She clutched her swollen abdomen, tears springing to her eyes. She couldn't believe what was happening—her body seemed to be betraying her at the worst possible moment.
Despite the pain, she forced herself to move. Each step was a struggle, her legs threatening to give out beneath her. She staggered towards the door, drawn by the faint glimmer of light and the hope that escape lay beyond it. The voice calling her name grew louder, more insistent, but she couldn't make out who it belonged to amidst the chaos.
Ayano's vision blurred as another contraction hit, almost bringing her to her knees. She bit back a cry, her determination pushing her forward. Her white gown was now stained with blood, the stark red against the white fabric a haunting reminder of the chaos surrounding her. She had to get out of this room, away from the horror that threatened to consume her.
She struggled towards the door, her breath coming in short, painful gasps. But no matter how much she moved, the door seemed to recede further into the distance, taunting her with the promise of escape just out of reach. Her contractions worsened, each one a sharp, unbearable wave of pain that made her feel like she was being torn apart from the inside.
The baby was coming. She could feel it, the urgency of the contractions leaving no doubt in her mind. Panic surged through her, mixing with the pain and fear, making it hard to think, to focus. She dropped to her knees, clutching her belly, tears streaming down her face.
"No, not now," she whispered through gritted teeth, trying to will her body to hold on a little longer. But the contractions were relentless, and she knew she couldn't stop what was happening. She had to find a way out, to find help, before it was too late.
The voice calling her name grew louder, filled with desperation and fear. She forced herself to crawl, inching her way forward despite the agony tearing through her body. Each movement felt like an eternity, the door still maddeningly out of reach. She could feel the blood soaking through her gown, the metallic scent filling her nostrils, making her dizzy.
"Help," she croaked, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Please, someone help me."
As another contraction wracked her body, she collapsed, her strength nearly gone. She lay there, her breath coming in ragged sobs, the pain overwhelming her. She closed her eyes, praying that someone would find her, that she wouldn't be alone when the baby came.
As Ayano lay on the cold, blood-slicked floor, her breath coming in ragged sobs, she waited for the familiar voice to reach her. But as the seconds stretched into agonizing minutes, no one came. Her heart sank with the realization that she couldn't just wait for someone to save her. She had to find a way to save herself.
Gritting her teeth, Ayano began to push, every fiber of her being focused on bringing the baby into the world. The pain intensified, each contraction a searing wave that seemed to tear through her body. She cried out, her voice echoing in the dark room, but she didn't stop. She couldn't stop.
Slowly, she felt something emerging, the pressure easing slightly. But as she glanced down, her eyes widened in horror. Instead of a baby's head, she saw something else—something that looked disturbingly familiar. It was the face of her mother.
Ryoba Aishi.
Ayano's mind reeled, unable to comprehend what she was seeing. Her mother, crawling out of her womb, her eyes cold and unfeeling. Ayano's breath caught in her throat as she watched Ryoba emerged fully, followed by her shoulders and arms. She moved with a disturbing fluidity, pulling herself free of Ayano's body. Blood and amniotic fluid dripped from her as she stood, towering over her daughter with an almost predatory grace.
"Ayano," Ryoba said, her voice cold and commanding, echoing in the dark room. "It's time to wake up."
Ayano forced herself awake from the strange dream, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't afraid of it; if anything, she felt suffocated. Gasping for air, she sat up in bed, her mind still reeling from the vivid images that had haunted her sleep.
But as she blinked away the remnants of the dream, reality crashed back in. The darkness of the dungeon faded, replaced by the soft glow of her bedroom lamp. Ayano glanced around, reassuring herself that she was safe in her own room.
Yet, safety was a relative concept for Ayano. You see, ever since she was born, Ayano had suffered from an inexplicable, incurable condition. A condition that left her with a perpetual sense of being empty, hollow, and incomplete. As a result, she had never been able to experience satisfaction, fulfillment, or happiness, and had struggled to connect with others on a deeper level. Emotions eluded her, slipping through her fingers like grains of sand.
As she grew older, Ayano learned to mimic the behaviors of those around her, to pretend to be a normal person in order to avoid drawing negative attention. But beneath the facade, she remained an enigma, a puzzle with missing pieces that she could never hope to find.
Pushing back the covers, Ayano swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. With slow, deliberate movements, she crossed the room to the full-length mirror that hung on the wall. Gazing at her reflection, she studied the features of the girl staring back at her.
Her face was unremarkable, her expression blank and unreadable. But behind her eyes, there was a flicker of something, a spark of awareness that hinted at the depths of her inner turmoil. Ayano reached out a hand, tracing the outline of her reflection with trembling fingers, searching for answers in the emptiness that stared back at her.
But the mirror offered no solace, no comfort, only the cold, unyielding truth of her existence. And as Ayano turned away, retreating once more into the solitude of her own mind, she wondered if she would ever find a way to fill the void that consumed her soul.
Perhaps today was the day someone would save her from her hereditary illness. She stood up, her mind already racing ahead to the challenges of the new school year. Today marked the beginning of her second year as a high school student at Saikou's Preparatory Institute for the Excellent, a prestigious school known for its high standards and rigorous academic programs.
Quickly shaking off the lingering unease from her dream, Ayano went about her morning routine with practiced efficiency. She washed her face, the cool water refreshing against her skin, before carefully braiding her thigh-length hair. As she worked, her mind wandered, wondering if today would be any different from the countless days that had come before.
Once her hair was neatly braided, Ayano moved on to her makeup, applying just enough to enhance her features without drawing too much attention. She had learned early on that blending in was the key to survival, and she had become adept at the art of camouflage.
Finally, she slipped into her school uniform, putting on a crisp white, long-sleeved blouse, making sure the school's seal on the right shoulder was visible. Over the blouse, she donned a royal blue vest, the color contrasting beautifully with the white blouse. She tied a red ribbon necktie neatly around her collar, adding a pop of color to the ensemble.
Ayano then slipped into a knee-high royal blue skirt, the fabric swishing softly around her legs as she moved. She finished off her outfit with her favorite black thigh-high socks, a small personal touch that made her feel a bit more comfortable in her uniform.
As she looked at herself in the mirror, Ayano took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day ahead. She knew that navigating the complexities of human interaction would require more than just the right outfit; she would also need to master the art of facial expressions.
With a determined expression, she began to practice in front of the mirror, trying to mimic the smiles, frowns, and raised eyebrows she had observed in others. It was a strange and somewhat awkward process, but Ayano was determined to blend in, to appear as normal as possible.
She practiced soft smiles, wide grins, and even a few furrowed brows, trying to find the right balance between expressing emotion and not overdoing it. It was a delicate dance, one that required careful observation and subtle adjustments.
As Ayano focused intently on perfecting her expressions, her phone suddenly rang, breaking her concentration. Startled, she quickly reached for it and answered, her voice calm and composed.
"Hello?" she said, her tone devoid of any emotion.
"It's me," came the voice of her childhood friend, Osano Najimi. Known for his impulsive nature, Osano wasted no time in getting straight to the point.
"I'm on my way to your apartment," Osano said briskly. "You better be outta there by the time I get there. I'm not gonna be late on the first day of school because of you."
Ayano listened quietly, her mind already calculating the logistics of their departure. Without a hint of annoyance or reluctance, she replied, "Understood, Osano. I will be ready."
With that, she hung up the phone and continued her preparations with efficient precision. There was no room for emotions in Ayano's world, only the need to fulfill her obligations and navigate the social expectations placed upon her. And as she gathered her things and headed out the door.
With efficient precision, Ayano gathered her things and headed out the door, her mind already shifting to the tasks that lay ahead. Moments later, she found herself waiting outside her apartment, scanning the street for any sign of her hot-headed friend, Osano Najimi.
True to his nature, Osano arrived with a burst of energy, his fiery ginger hair catching the sunlight as he strode toward her. His wolf-cut hairstyle, with the tips bleached to resemble flames, gave him a distinctive appearance that matched his bold personality. Ayano couldn't help but notice the piercings adorning his ears and even his tongue, adding to his punk-rock aesthetic.
Unlike Ayano's neatly arranged uniform, Osano's attire was more relaxed and rebellious. His red necktie hung loosely around his neck, the royal blue vest unbuttoned, and his white long sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He exuded an air of confidence, unapologetic in his disregard for the school's strict dress code.
As Osano approached, a smirk playing on his lips, Ayano remained calm and composed, offering him a nod of acknowledgment. Despite their differences, she knew that Osano was a loyal friend, someone she could rely on in times of need.
"Ready to go?" he asked, his voice tinged with excitement.
Ayano glanced at him and nodded, but then she paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Wait a minute," she said softly, stepping closer to him.
With practiced hands, Ayano straightened Osano's red necktie and buttoned up his royal blue vest, bringing a sense of order to his disheveled appearance. Osano scowled at her, protesting that she was 'ruining' his style, but deep down, he enjoyed the attention and care she showed him.
"There, much better," Ayano said with a satisfied smile, taking a step back to admire her handiwork.
Osano grumbled something unintelligible under his breath, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes as he looked at Ayano. Despite his tough exterior, he couldn't deny the comfort he felt in her presence, the way she always seemed to know exactly what he needed, even when he didn't.
"Hey, what are you muttering about?" Ayano asked, tilting her head slightly as she looked at Osano.
Osano sighed, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "You're gonna make us late if you keep fucking with my outfit," he said, though there was a playful glint in his eyes.
Before Ayano could respond, Osano grabbed her hand, intertwining their fingers, and started to walk briskly in the direction of the train station. Ayano was momentarily taken aback by his sudden action, but she quickly adjusted, falling into step beside him.
As the pair made their way to the train station, they quickened their pace, determined to make it on time. The streets were crowded with students and workers alike, all hurrying to their respective destinations. Ayano and Osano squeezed through the throngs of people, their hands still intertwined as they navigated the bustling crowds.
Finally reaching the train station just in time, they joined the queue of people waiting to board the train. It was rush hour, and the platform was packed with commuters eager to get to their destinations. Ayano felt a sense of suffocation as she was squeezed between the bodies of strangers, the press of bodies overwhelming her senses.
Suddenly, she felt a hand snaking its way against her skirt, the touch unwelcome and invasive. Before she could react, the hand was swiftly grabbed by Osano, who shot a glare at the owner, his eyes flashing with anger.
"Fuck off," he growled, his voice low and menacing.
The owner of the hand recoiled, taken aback by Osano's fierce demeanor. With a muttered apology, they backed away, disappearing into the crowd. Ayano let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, grateful for Osano's quick intervention.
"Thank you," she said quietly, her voice barely audible over the noise of the station.
Osano simply nodded, his expression softening as he squeezed her hand reassuringly. However, a hint of irritation lingered in his eyes as he glanced around the crowded train car.
"This is gonna be an uncomfortable 10-minute ride," he muttered, more to himself than to Ayano.
Sensing his frustration, Ayano looked around and then reached into her bag, pulling out a pair of earphones. She offered one to Osano with a small smile.
"Why don't we listen to a song until we get to our stop?" she suggested.
Osano's expression softened at her suggestion, and he nodded in agreement. With that, Ayano scrolled through her playlist until she found a song they both liked. With a smile, she pressed play, filling the small devices that connected them.
As the music played, Ayano and Osano fell into a comfortable silence, the soothing tones of the song washing over them. Despite the cramped conditions of the train, they were able to find a moment of peace amidst the chaos, their shared love for music bridging the gap between them.
As the train rattled on towards their destination, Ayano glanced over at Osano, who had closed his eyes, his features relaxed for the first time that morning.
Finally, the train came to a stop, and the doors slid open with a hiss. Ayano and Osano stepped out onto the platform, grateful to be out of the confines of the crowded carriage. But their journey was far from over; they still had a 10-minute walk to school ahead of them.
"God dammit... we still have to walk," he whined, his irritation evident.
"At least we're not cramped anymore," Ayano pointed out, trying to lighten the mood.
Osano raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Have you forgotten that it's the first day of the new school year?" he replied. "There are going to be cars and students walking to school from all directions. It's going to be chaotic."
Ayano shrugged, undeterred. "We'll manage," she said confidently, her eyes scanning the crowd as they made their way through the bustling streets.
Osano let out another groan, his irritation evident. "I don't know why you seem so excited about the new school year," he muttered, casting a sidelong glance at Ayano.
She turned to him, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm just hopeful," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of anticipation. "I'm hoping that maybe this year, I'll finally meet my one true love."
Osano snorted, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Maybe you already have, you blind ass bitch," he muttered under his breath, though he didn't expect Ayano to hear him.
"What was that?" Ayano asked, turning to him with a curious expression.
Osano hesitated for a moment, then decided to be honest. "I said, you're the type of person who dives headfirst into everything you're passionate about," he said, his tone serious. "And while that's nice and all, you also need to be careful. Don't go all out on someone easily just because you're excited about the idea of finding 'the one' this school year."
Osano's words gave Ayano pause, and she furrowed her brow in confusion. "Why can't I dedicate my time and effort to someone I fall in love with?" she asked, genuinely curious.
Osano sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Because sometimes the person you think you're in love with isn't actually in the same boat," he explained. "They might not have the same feelings for you and could end up taking advantage of your dedication."
Ayano considered his words carefully, the weight of them sinking in. She had always believed in giving her all to the people she cared about, but she hadn't considered the possibility that her feelings might not be reciprocated.
"Have you been watching too many dramas or something?" she teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Osano chuckled, shaking his head. "Maybe a few too many," he admitted with a grin.
Ayano couldn't help but smirk. "Well, I guess that explains the dramatic warning," she quipped, nudging him playfully.
Osano rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "Besides, you've never had a girlfriend or any girl who's actually 'taken advantage' of you or 'played with your heart,'" Ayano continued, unable to resist poking fun at him.
Osano scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "And you've never had a boyfriend either," he retorted, raising an eyebrow at her. "Shitting on my love life won't help you, you know."
Ayano laughed, shaking her head at his teasing. "Well, maybe this will be the year for both of us," she said optimistically, her gaze wandering to the bustling school courtyard.
As Osano opened his mouth to respond, the bustling pavement suddenly became a blur of motion. Ayano, lost in thought, collided with an upperclassman, jolting her out of her reverie. In that fleeting moment of impact, a wave of inexplicable sensations overwhelmed her—a tangle of anticipation, confusion, and something deeper, stirring within her chest. Time seemed to slow as she found herself locked in an accidental embrace, her heart racing with a strange, unfamiliar energy, leaving her breathless and unsure of what had just transpired.
As Ayano grappled with the sudden rush of emotions flooding her senses, she found herself inexorably drawn into a whirlwind of unfamiliar feelings. The encounter with him was like peeling back layers of a long-forgotten melody, revealing harmonies she never knew existed. With every passing moment, the intensity of her emotions grew, igniting a fire within her soul. The mere glance of him sent shivers down her spine, awakening a longing she couldn't quite comprehend. Yet, amidst the chaos of her awakening desires, Ayano couldn't deny the allure of his presence. Little did she know, the journey into the depths of her newfound emotions would lead her down a path she never dared to tread, forever changing the course of her destiny.
Osano, true to his nature, erupted in anger, his frustration amplified by the unexpected encounter. "Watch where you're fucking going, you dumb bitch!" Osano's voice boomed, his irritation evident as he lashed out at the older boy, his words dripping with disdain.
Another figure appeared a young man who seemed to be the older boy's brother, stepping forward in a protective stance. Despite his youthful appearance and a voice still cracking as though he was currently going through puberty, had a protective tone. "Calm the fuck down, man. It was just an accident," he interjected, positioning himself as a barrier between his brother, Osano and Ayano.
Osano's frustration simmered beneath the surface as he witnessed the scene unfold. "'Accidents' my fuckin ass!" His voice cut through the air, laced with indignation. He approached Ayano swiftly, extending a hand to help her up from the ground, his touch gentle yet firm.
As he lifted her, his fingers brushed against her cheek, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you alright?" His concern was palpable as he examined her for any signs of injury, his hands lingering on hers. "I'm fine, Osano," she murmured softly, offering him a reassuring smile.
The older student rose to his feet, his gaze meeting Ayano's with a mixture of regret and sincerity. His smile was warm, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the air moments before. "I'm truly sorry about that. I can assure you, it won't happen again," he spoke softly, his voice carrying a soothing quality that seemed to envelop her in a comforting embrace.
Ayano's cheeks burned with embarrassment, her pulse quickening at the unexpected encounter. She stumbled over an apology, her eyes darting between the two brothers, unsure how to navigate the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.
With a final apology, the older brother gently guided his younger sibling away, diffusing the tension before it could escalate. Ayano watched them leave, a torrent of conflicting emotions churning within her. She couldn't make sense of the sudden rush of feelings, each one crashing over her like waves in a storm-tossed sea, leaving her feeling adrift and overwhelmed. Yet, beneath the confusion, a spark of curiosity ignited, drawing her deeper into the enigmatic allure of the upperclassman.
Osano's gaze followed the brothers as they disappeared into the crowd, his expression inscrutable. Turning to Ayano, a faint frown creased his brow. "Are you okay? You look like you saw Megumi Saikou," he asked, his tone gentle yet tinged with concern.
Ayano remained silent, her eyes lingering on the spot where the brothers had vanished, a myriad of emotions flickering across her features. Osano couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy stir within him, accompanied by a dawning realization. As he watched the wistful expression on her face, a mixture of longing and curiosity, his own feelings swirled in a tumultuous sea of uncertainty.
Grasping at the threads of his own unspoken romantic feelings for Ayano, Osano's mind raced with thoughts and doubts. He had just warned her about the dangers of falling too quickly for someone, but now, faced with Ayano's evident infatuation with the older boy, his frustration boiled over.
With a sharp edge in his voice and a scolding tone, Osano couldn't contain his reaction any longer. "Ayano for fuck's sakes!" he snapped, his irritation palpable. "We just had this damn conversation--- Are you fucking deaf?" His words dripped with annoyance as he vented his frustration.
"I just warned you about falling for the next fuckboy you see, yet here you are, staring at him like a lovesick dumbass!" Osano's voice rang out, laced with a mix of anger and hurt. It was a defense mechanism, a way to mask his own vulnerability and the pain of his unrequited love for Ayano.
As the words left his lips, Osano felt a twinge of guilt. He knew he was being unfair to Ayano, projecting his own feelings onto her and lashing out in frustration. But in that moment, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the intensity of his emotions, unable to contain the storm raging within him.
Ayano's gaze snapped back to Osano, startled by his sudden outburst. The older boy had stirred up emotions in her that she had longed to feel—happiness, satisfaction—but his presence also brought forth feelings she didn't want to acknowledge. These emotions were new to her, like a baby learning to walk, and Osano's words cut deep, piercing through her newfound fragile emotions. She could feel the weight of his frustration and hurt, and it stung more than she had expected.
"I... I'm sorry," Ayano stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to... I just..." She struggled to find the right words, her mind still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions.
"Stop with the crying, your waterworks won't work on me," Osano said harshly, grabbing Ayano by the arm and dragging her towards the school gates.
Ayano's heart sank at his dismissive tone, but she said nothing, allowing herself to be led away. She knew that Osano wasn't aware of her condition, that she couldn't feel emotions like others did. To him, her reaction might have seemed like an overreaction, but in reality, it was the first time she had experienced such intense emotions, and she didn't know how to process them.
Ayano's tears continued to flow down her cheeks, ruining her carefully applied makeup. As they entered the school gates, they were approached by Osano's best friend, Raitarou Fumetsu, and the school's former martial arts club leader, Budo Masuyama.
"Damn, Osano, did you make this little lady cry?" Rai asked playfully, a hint of concern in his eyes.
Budo chimed in, "On the first day of a new school year too," earning a glare from Osano. "She's just faking it. Get over it," Osano replied curtly, his tone defensive.
Ayano tried to compose herself, wiping away her tears and forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rai and Budo exchanged a knowing glance, sensing that there was more to the story than Ayano was letting on. They had known Ayano and Osano for a year now, and it was long enough to recognize when something was amiss.
"Come on, Ayano, let's get that make up cleaned off," Budo said gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. As Budo led Ayano away to help her fix her makeup, Rai turned to Osano, his expression serious.
"What happened, man?" Rai asked quietly, his eyes searching Osano's for answers.
Osano hesitated, his jaw clenched. "It's nothing," he said finally, his voice tight with tension. "Just a stupid argument. She'll get over it."
Rai sighed, shaking his head as he listened to Osano's dismissive tone. "Look, man," he began, his voice gentle yet firm. "Ayano is a girl, and girls tend to be more emotionally vulnerable compared to guys. It's natural for her to be upset over what had happened earlier."
Osano bristled at Rai's words, his defenses rising. "I know Ayano better than anyone," he argued, his tone defensive. "We've been friends since we were kids, and I've never seen her cry like that before. She's not some fragile flower that needs protection, she was obviously faking it."
Rai held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not saying she is," he said calmly. "But maybe there's more going on with her than you realize. Maybe it's not just a 'stupid argument' like you think."
Rai raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Besides, what was this 'stupid argument' about anyway?" he asked, hoping to understand the context behind Ayano's tears and Osano's dismissal of the situation.
Osano took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. "We were talking about the new school year," he began, his voice tinged with frustration. "Ayano was so excited, you know? She was talking about how she hoped this would be the year she finally met 'the one', and I... I gave her advice. I warned her not to get too carried away, not to fall for the next person she sees just because she wants a boyfriend that bad."
As Osano finished recounting the events to Rai, they reached the entrance of the school's locker rooms, where students changed their shoes before entering the main building. Rai held the door open for Osano, gesturing for him to enter first.
"Thanks," Osano muttered, stepping inside and heading for his locker. Rai followed suit, his gaze focused on Osano as they continued their conversation.
"And then?" Rai urged Osano to continue.
"And then..." Osano's voice trailed off, his gaze distant. "And then the next thing you know she falls for a fucking guy she bumped into. Just some generic guy, nothing special about him. But the way she looked at him... It was like everything I said didn't matter--- like she was already planning on their marriage, their kids, and growing old together." Osano recounted as his hands moving mechanically as he changed his shoes
Rai listened intently, piecing together the situation in his mind. "So, you're upset because you feel like she didn't listen to your advice?" he asked, trying to clarify as he leaned against the locker next to Osano's.
Osano shook his head. "No, it's not just that," he admitted, his voice quiet. "It's... It's like she turned into a different person when she bumped into him. She looked happy, she looked... alive. And it hurts, Rai. It hurts to see her like that, knowing that I can't be the one to make her happy like he can."
Rai placed a reassuring hand on Osano's shoulder. "You can't blame yourself for how she feels, Osano," he said softly. "Sometimes, things just happen. But if you care about her, you'll find a way to support her, even if it means stepping back and letting her find her own happiness."
As Rai's words sank in, Osano's stubbornness flared up, his frustration boiling over. He couldn't accept Rai's conclusion, not when he felt like there had to be another explanation for Ayano's behavior. With a terse nod, Osano shrugged off Rai's hand and turned away, striding off in the direction of the auditorium.
"Hey! Where are you going?!" Rai called out after him, his voice tinged with concern.
Osano didn't look back as he replied over his shoulder, "Auditorium."
Rai watched his best friend go, a frown creasing his brow. He knew that Osano needed time to process everything, but he couldn't help but worry about him. With a sigh, Rai glanced around, spotting Ayano and Budo making their way towards him.
"We'll meet you there then!" Rai called out to Osano's retreating form,
As Rai approached Ayano, he couldn't help but notice that her usual rosy cheeks and vibrant smile were nowhere to be seen. Her lips looked pale, and there was a sadness in her eyes that tugged at his heartstrings.
"What happened to your cuteness, Ayano-chan?" Rai teased gently, trying to lighten the mood.
Ayano forced a small smile. "I washed off my makeup," she explained quietly.
Rai chuckled. "Well, you're cute either way," he reassured her, giving her a comforting pat on the shoulder.
Budo, who had been standing quietly beside them, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he's right. You're cute, makeup or none," he said, though there was a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Rai noticed Budo's reaction and couldn't help but wonder if there was more to his friend's feelings than he was letting on. He had always suspected that Budo might have feelings for Ayano, but he had never seen him act on them. Could it be that Osano wasn't the only one who liked Ayano?
Before Rai could dwell on the thought any further, the three of them reached the auditorium, where the rest of the students were already gathering for the start of the new school year's ceremony.
As they walked towards the auditorium, Ayano, Rai, and Budo fell into a conversation about what had happened earlier. Budo couldn't help but voice his frustration.
"You know, Najimi is a bad influence on both you and Ayano," Budo complained, his tone slightly accusatory.
Rai raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Budo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, for starters, if it weren't for Najimi, you would still be the leader of the Martial Arts Club," he pointed out. "And Ayano wouldn't have cried,"
Rai shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's not true, Budo," he said calmly. "I made the decision to leave the club on my own. Osano had nothing to do with it."
Budo frowned, still unconvinced. "I don't know, Rai. It just seems like ever since Najimi came into the picture, things have been different," he muttered.
Rai sighed, remembering his first year of high school when he was still the leader of the Martial Arts Club. Budo was the only one who had ever beaten his 100% win streak. It was a tough match, but Budo had managed to outmaneuver him, claiming victory. In a show of sportsmanship, Rai had handed over his position as leader to Budo, feeling that he had earned it. It was shortly after that moment that Rai had decided to leave the club, seeking a more peaceful life.
As Rai reminisced, he realized that Budo's resentment towards Osano might stem from a deeper place. Budo had always looked up to him, and Osano's sudden appearance and influence in their lives might have stirred up feelings of insecurity and jealousy in Budo.
"Well, you shouldn't hold a grudge against Osano for something he didn't do," Rai said gently, his tone soft and soothing as if trying to mend the rift between them.
Budo nodded, though his expression remained guarded. "But he made Ayano cry," he pointed out, his voice tinged with lingering resentment.
Rai sighed, a hint of frustration flickering across his features. He understood Budo's feelings, but he also knew that beneath his friend's stubborn exterior lay a kind heart. "I know, but maybe there's more to the story than we realize," he suggested, his tone hopeful yet cautious.
Unable to resist the urge to lighten the mood, Rai adopted a more playful tone. "Come on, Budo, let's not dwell on the past. We're all friends here," he nudged Budo gently, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let's just enjoy the ceremony and start the new school year on a positive note. Who knows, maybe Osano will surprise you," he teased, hoping to coax a smile out of his friend.
Budo chuckled softly, though there was a hint of reluctance in his voice. "Let's agree to disagree, then," he conceded, a glimmer of uncertainty in his eyes.
Rai couldn't help but groan softly in frustration as Budo remained steadfast in his reluctance to give Osano the benefit of the doubt, not wanting to dwell on the topic, they continued walking to the auditorium in silence, with only the sound of other students' conversations around them occupying the air.
As they entered the auditorium, Ayano, Rai, and Budo were greeted by the lively chatter of students, the excitement of a new school year palpable in the air. Budo glanced at Ayano and Rai, a playful smile playing on his lips. "I'll catch up with you guys later during lunch," he said with a cheerful smile before heading off toward the area designated for third-year students.
Rai turned his attention to Ayano, noticing the lingering sadness in her eyes. "Hey, Ayano, where do you want to sit?" he asked, his voice gentle. Ayano hesitated for a moment, then pointed towards a row near the back of the auditorium. "Let's sit there," she said quietly but audible enough for Rai to hear. Rai nodded, understanding her desire for some space. As they made their way to their seats,
Rai flashed Ayano a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood. "How about we go grab some parfait after school? My treat," he suggested, nudging her gently.
Ayano couldn't help but chuckle at Rai's suggestion. "Always thinking about food, aren't you?" she teased, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Rai shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I say? I'm a master at handling ladies and their mood swings," he joked, flashing her a wink. "In fact, my previous girlfriends would only cheer up if I bought them food."
Ayano rolled her eyes playfully, but she couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at her lips. Rai had a way of making even the most difficult situations seem a little brighter, and for that, she was grateful. "Sure, why not? Parfait sounds good," she said, her voice softening.
With their plans for after school settled, Rai and Ayano settled into their seats, ready to immerse themselves in the excitement of the new school year's ceremony. Ayano looked around the auditorium, her gaze fixated on searching for the older boy she bumped into moments ago, her beloved senpai. The moment she spotted him, her attention shifted entirely from the ceremony to observing him. She watched as he sat among his classmates, his presence commanding attention without him even trying. He had a relaxed yet confident air about him, and Ayano couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest just from being in his presence.
As the ceremony continued, Ayano found herself lost in her thoughts, her mind drifting to fantasies of what it would be like to be with Taro. She imagined them walking hand in hand through the school corridors, laughing and talking together, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.
Rai glanced over at Ayano, noticing the dreamy look on her face. He chuckled softly, knowing exactly where her thoughts had wandered off to. "Looks like someone's got a crushhh" he teased, nudging her gently.
Ayano blushed, snapping out of her reverie. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered, her cheeks turning a shade of pink.
Rai grinned knowingly, but he didn't press the matter further. Instead, he turned his attention back to the ceremony, content to let Ayano daydream about her beloved senpai for now. After all, what harm could a little crush do?