Episode 5

The morning felt quieter than usual. Maybe it was the wind brushing against the classroom windows, or maybe it was the calm before something familiar yet unwelcome.

Akira felt it in his chest before he even saw her.

He was arranging his books when a light, cheerful voice chimed from the doorway.

“Good morning, everyone~!”

The room stilled—just like before. She always had that effect. The air changed when Mio Tachibana walked in. Perfect uniform, glistening curls, soft smile that looked painted by an angel’s hand.

A few boys straightened in their seats. A girl leaned to her friend and whispered, “She’s so pretty, isn’t she?”

Akira turned slowly. Mio was standing there, just like he remembered her from ten years ago—flawless, radiant, and poisonous beneath the gloss.

And she was already looking at him.

She walked straight up to his desk with her usual grace. “Akira-kun, right?” she said, like this was their very first meeting. “I saw your name on the board. We’re in the same class!”

He managed a polite nod. “Yeah. I remember.”

> I remember how you murdered me.

She tilted her head, pretending innocence. “You look surprised to see me. Is it because I’m too pretty for morning classes?” she joked, laughing lightly.

Akira didn’t even smile. Her voice used to sound like music. Now, it felt like static against his skin.

“I was just thinking about something else,” he replied coolly, eyes drifting past her.

For a moment, Mio’s bright expression faltered—just for a second. But she recovered quickly.

“Well, I hope we can get along this year!” she said sweetly, reaching out as if to brush something off his shoulder.

Akira stepped back.

The entire room paused.

Even Mio blinked.

“I have something to do,” he said simply, grabbing his bag even though class was about to start. “See you around.”

---

✦ He Chose to Walk

Akira didn’t run—he walked. Calmly. Deliberately.

His pulse was louder than his footsteps as he turned the corner toward the club hallway, not caring if anyone whispered or stared.

His feet moved on their own.

To him.

To Tatsuya.

---

The clubroom door was cracked open. Inside, Tatsuya was leaning over the table, adjusting one of the board game setups for their next strategy challenge. He looked up, clearly not expecting anyone this early.

Akira stood there, still catching his breath—not from running, but from resisting the poison that used to rule his life.

Tatsuya frowned gently. “Did something happen?”

Akira shook his head. “No. I just… needed to be here. Is that okay?”

Tatsuya studied him for a moment, then gestured to the open desk across from his. “You’re always welcome.”

Akira sat down slowly, letting the calm of the room settle into his chest. He glanced at Tatsuya, who had already returned to his planning—focused, quiet, steady. Nothing flashy. Nothing fake.

This is the kind of person I should’ve listened to.

This is the kind of person I should’ve trusted.

He didn’t love Tatsuya—not yet. Maybe not ever.

But for the first time, he wanted to follow someone who never lied, who stood firm, even when ignored.

---

✦ Back in the Classroom

By the time Akira returned to class, Mio was seated with a few girls crowding around her, laughing as if nothing had happened. But when he stepped through the door, her gaze lifted. She smiled again.

But this time, it didn’t reach her eyes.

Akira met her stare head-on and gave her a simple nod—no warmth, no lingering gaze, no words.

And he walked straight to his seat. Not behind her. Not near her.

She was just another classmate now.

---

✦ Quiet Afterthought

That evening, as he left school, Akira passed by the garden near the side building. He stopped when he heard footsteps behind him.

Tatsuya.

The older boy didn’t say anything at first. Just walked beside him. The silence between them wasn’t awkward. It was... comfortable.

After a while, Tatsuya spoke.

“You seem different today.”

Akira didn’t answer right away. Then he said softly, “I just stopped looking at someone I shouldn’t have ever admired.”