Kurume
Only a few days had passed.
But the classroom felt different.
Sayo still sat nearby. Still polite. Still sweet.
But now—with a dangerous glint in her eyes only I seemed to notice.
And Miyako…
She was sitting next to me again. Looking at me more often.
But not like before.
It felt like she was waiting.
Waiting for me to slip.
Waiting for Sayo to make another move.
Waiting for me to fail.
And I didn't know if she had truly forgiven me—or if she stayed just to keep things under control.
Break time
"Sayo," I heard her voice, cheerful as ever, as she walked over holding a lunch box.
"I made you lunch. You didn't get a chance to buy anything, right?"
I sighed.
"Thanks, but I already made plans with Miyako."
Sayo paused for a split second.
But her smile didn't fade.
"Well, if you change your mind… I'm always here."
And she walked away.
I felt a stare.
Turned around.
Miyako was standing by the window.
She'd heard everything.
After school
Miyako and I walked home.
Or more like—walked in silence.
Finally, she said:
"You still haven't pushed her away."
"I don't want to stoop to—"
"Sometimes you have to stoop. If you want to protect yourself. Or someone you care about."
I said nothing.
She looked at me.
"Or maybe you still don't understand who you're dealing with?"
Later. Evening
I scrolled through our chat history.
Thinking of how to rebuild full trust.
But suddenly, a message popped up—from an unknown number:
> "You have no idea what she's willing to do for you.
You might be scared.
Or… impressed?"
And a photo.
My desk.
On it—a single rose.
And a note:
> "You will be mine.
First — your soul.
Then — your body."