Kurume
Something had changed.
During break, I noticed a couple of girls whispering while glancing toward Miyako.
The guys — staring with strange expressions.
Not outright hate. But… something was creeping in.
When I walked up to Miyako, she was standing alone.
Under her chair — something was lying there.
I bent down. A small piece of paper.
> "Too proud for someone like you.
Too dirty to be next to him."
I clenched my fist.
"Who did this…?"
Miyako looked at me calmly.
Too calmly.
"She's starting to use people. With rumors. With manipulation. With fear."
"You knew this would happen?"
"Yes."
"And you're still here?"
"Because I won't let her win."
Evening. Class Group Chat.
> "Did you see how Miyako's always pressuring him? Poor Kurume."
"She's just scared he'll go for a normal girl."
"The new one's at least sweet and quiet. Miyako acts like a…"
"Come on, Sayo said Miyako started the drama with her!"
Miyako sent me the screenshots herself.
No comments. Just proof.
I didn't know what to say.
I just stared.
And felt something tighten inside me.
Kurume (Later)
I stopped Sayo near the locker room.
"You've started using others. That's low."
"That's not me. That's just… opinions."
"You're feeding those opinions."
"Or maybe people are finally seeing the truth, Kurume."
"I've seen the truth. And you know what?"
Sayo narrowed her eyes. The smile vanished.
"I'm worried for you. Because you live in a fantasy where I belong to you."
"I'm just clearing the road."
"Then you took the wrong path."