---
Mika sat alone in the school library, her fingers tracing the edge of an old book she wasn't really reading. Her mind was tangled with thoughts she couldn't shake. The words Harukoo had spoken during that tense hallway confrontation echoed in her ears. She's not yours, he had said. The conviction behind those words unsettled her more than she cared to admit.
For weeks now, Mika had been trying to convince herself that Kaito was the perfect choice—the senior who had saved her when she thought no one would. But deep down, a small voice whispered doubts, and those doubts were growing louder with each passing day.
Her phone buzzed on the table. A message from Kaito: "See you at practice tonight. Don't be late."
Mika sighed and slipped her phone into her bag. She wanted to believe Kaito cared for her, but the empty looks he sometimes gave her when no one was watching told a different story.
---
After School Practice
The school's sports field was nearly empty except for Kaito and Mika. The senior was all charm on the surface, but his eyes roamed over Mika in a way that made her skin crawl—like an owner inspecting a prize rather than a boyfriend looking at someone he cared for.
As they finished practice, Kaito pulled her close and whispered, "You're mine, Mika. Don't forget that."
Mika's stomach twisted. She forced a smile but felt a deep, unshakable unease.
---
Harukoo's Growth
Meanwhile, Harukoo was spending more time with new friends. He had joined the festival committee, volunteering to help organize booths and performances. Each task, each small conversation, chipped away at the shy, invisible boy he had once been.
One afternoon, while setting up decorations, Rina nudged him with a teasing grin. "You're really different these days. It's like you're a whole new person."
Harukoo laughed softly. "Maybe that's exactly what I am."
---
Yuki's Silent Watch
From the window of her room, Yuki watched Harukoo laugh with his new friends. Her heart ached with conflicting feelings—pride, jealousy, and a secret affection she couldn't express.
That night, she wrote in her journal:
I'm scared I'll lose him to a world I can't follow.
---
Maria's Cold Eyes
Maria's gaze remained distant as she watched Harukoo interact with the family. She said little but the silence was louder than any words. The mother's heart was locked tight, her regret buried beneath years of resentment.
---
A Quiet Resolve
Back in his room, Harukoo sat alone, the sounds of the city outside his window a comforting backdrop. He opened his notebook and wrote:
I'm not just changing for me. I'm changing to be someone they'll never ignore again.
The future was still uncertain, but for the first time, it felt like his.
---