The rooftop door creaked open.
Hikari stepped out, eyes sharp and voice laced with anger.
"Now tell me why you called me here, Yuuta."
Yuuta stood with his hands in his pockets, gaze firm.
"I need to tell you something important."
"Then spit it out already," she snapped. "I don't have time for your games."
Yuuta took a deep breath.
"The one who spread the rumors… the one who accused Airi of assault—it was Takamura."
Hikari blinked. Her eyes widened for a moment before narrowing again.
"What are you saying?! Bastard, don't throw around garbage like that!"
She turned to leave.
"I know you like Takamura," Yuuta said quietly.
She froze mid-step.
"And what's that got to do with anything?"
"Nothing," Yuuta said. "I'm saying this for Airi's sake. Takamura planned everything. I don't know what lies he fed you, but don't believe him."
Hikari turned slowly, her voice cold.
"You expect me to believe you? You say it's for Airi, but what did you do when she was about to get expelled? You were out there asking Saya out. Don't waste my time."
Yuuta raised his hand.
"I can give you proof."
She hesitated.
"Proof…? What proof?"
"Come to school. 6 PM. I'll show you everything."
Hikari let out a long breath.
"If this is a lie, I'll kill you with my own hands."
Yuuta smiled faintly.
"Then kill me. If I'm lying."
Without another word, Hikari turned and walked down the stairs, her footsteps echoing in silence.
Yuuta leaned against the wall, his expression darkening.
"Hikari's in. Saya's still with me. That's what drove her mad enough to target Airi. Now…"
He pulled out his phone.
"Next are Renji and Yuzuki. Yuzuki will do what I say. Renji… he'll help with something else. But first—"
He dialed a number.
"Hello, Takamura…"
A smirk formed on Yuuta's lips.
"Everything's ready."
---
Scene Shift – 6 PM, School's Empty Classroom
The classroom door creaked open.
Takamura stepped in, smiling.
"Sorry if I kept you waiting, Airi."
Airi stood silently near the window, the orange sunset casting a glow on her face.
She turned slowly. Her voice trembled with controlled anger.
"Takamura... I know you're the one who spread the rumors. The one who framed me for assault."
Takamura's smile didn't waver.
"Yeah, I did. All of it. For you, Airi. Because I like you. Because I love you."
Her hands clenched into fists.
"So what did you tell Hikari to turn her against me?"
He chuckled.
"Just a little lie. I told her you hated her. That you were stopping me from being with her. That you badmouthed her behind her back. Then I made sure she heard you say something nasty—just once. That sealed the deal."
"You used her feelings like a toy." Airi's voice cracked.
Takamura shrugged.
"It was all for you."
Airi looked at him, eyes full of betrayal.
"I trusted you… I actually thought you were on my side. I thought I had at least one friend left."
She took a step back.
"But you're worse than everyone else. You made Hikari's feelings into a joke."
Takamura's expression twitched.
"I did it for us, Airi! You don't need anyone else. You only need me!"
"No." Her voice was firm. "The only person I don't need... is you."
He froze.
"If I never met you, I'd be happier. You're not even a friend. I hate you."
The words struck him like a hammer. Takamura's face went pale.
"You... you hate me…?"
Her words echoed in his mind.
"You abandoned me... after everything I did. I thought you understood me!"
Suddenly, his eyes turned crazed.
"If you won't be with me… then there's no point in living!"
Takamura reached behind his back—and pulled out a knife.
"Let's die together, Airi!"
He stepped forward—
SLAM!
The classroom door burst open.
Hikari stood in the doorway, breath heavy, eyes blazing with fury.
She stepped between Airi and Takamura.
"Don't take another step, you lying bastard."
Character Profile: Renji Kazehaya
Name: Renji Kazehaya
Age: 17
Birthday: November 10
Gender: Male
Height: 178 cm
Appearance: Short, tousled brown hair with light hazel eyes. Often seen in casual, slightly messy school uniform. Wears a sports wristband and always carries his lucky coin.
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Role:
Yuuta Kanzaki's best friend and emotional anchor in the alternative world.
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Personality:
Laid-back, witty, and loyal to a fault. Renji often uses humor to defuse tension, but underneath his chill exterior lies a deeply observant and emotionally intelligent young man. He's the kind of friend who'll throw a punch for you—then make a dumb joke to hide how much he cares.
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Background:
Original Timeline: Transferred schools in middle school and never met Yuuta again.
Alternative Timeline: Met Yuuta in middle school and instantly clicked. The two became inseparable.
Family: After his parents' divorce, Renji chose to live with his father. His little sister lives with their mother in another city.
Relationships:
Yuuta Kanzaki: Best friend, often calls Yuuta "Yuu" or teases him with affectionate sarcasm.
Kaito Kanzaki (Yuuta's Brother): Renji's childhood friend; they used to play baseball together.
Sakura: After high school, he begins dating Sakura. Their relationship starts off playful but becomes mature and supportive.
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Strengths:
Strong sense of loyalty and justice
Good at reading people and diffusing conflicts
Skilled in sports (especially basketball and soccer) and he is a judo player
Weaknesses:
Tends to suppress his own problems
Can act impulsively when friends are hurt
Hides deeper emotions behind jokes
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Notable Quotes:
"If you cry, Yuuta, I'll punch you. Then I'll cry with you, alright?"
"Friends aren't about being useful. They're about being there—even when it sucks."
Please add to library and support with a power stone to make story reach more people and Thanks for reading my novel