Late afternoon of Tuesday, 4th week of May.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTVNbZwhr5
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5:06 p.m.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zfwa88adP
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About ten minutes ago, at the train station, Runa and Kuroiwa-san arrived. I couldn’t let Kuroiwa-san continue his careless plans so I pushed and dropped him and he ended up kissing the floor. Then I sat on top of his back so he couldn’t move. Afterwards, I called the staff working at the station and told them that he was a stalker. Then they detained him and sent him back home. The end.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rS1aOvLXc
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Sigh…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoYipSfR7S
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Who was I kidding? I wished that was actually what happened, but I wouldn’t really want to attract unnecessary attention to myself. And besides, I didn’t think I was strong enough to pull it off. But honestly, that would have been the best solution. Instead, I tried talking sense to Kuroiwa-san. I told him that he was being irresponsible. That he was not thinking about the consequences that might happen to Runa. If Runa’s mother found out that her daughter was still meeting him in secret, she would definitely be furious. But Kuroiwa-san only answered me with his usual dull voice and said, ‘I know.’ And when we finally exited the train station, all I could do was stare in disbelief.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPMEFJTmB9
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After a while, we just found ourselves watching Kuroiwa-san’s back as he led us slowly toward our downfall. Runa and I let him take a few steps in front while we matched his speed because moving slow would at least delay the inevitable. I was hoping that at least this guy actually knew what he was doing…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgNxY45rpQ
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But how could Kuroiwa-san think of having to do this now when exams start tomorrow?126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLh6LotOrw
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And also… Did this guy even know where he was going…?126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLjTaL4XsR
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“What do I do?” Runa muttered to herself but I heard it.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z3obTOMR7
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“I told you to ditch him, right?” I said slightly louder than Runa’s whisper. We had a few meters between us and Kuroiwa-san so I wasn’t worried that he would be able to hear us.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQGmEfABab
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“I’m sorry, I just couldn’t.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYv52edvnH
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“Why?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAWld41Skz
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“Because…”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVABUN0uhsJ
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“Because what?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhOXaJKRYq
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“...I don’t know.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGmXdzVreU
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I exhaled a breath.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXxcclXK2E
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“Did you even try stopping him?” I asked.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtLK6MQbrX
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“I did! I honestly did,” Runa replied. “But he wasn’t listening and I couldn’t change his mind.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RqsRJ27A5
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“That’s why you should have—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0svGYsZ1Q
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“You know that won’t do. If leaving him behind would’ve stopped him, then we’re all going home safe, without worries.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkopDr4EaI
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“So, what now? Just watch him lead us to your doom?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMCu3WDhEP
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“...No.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXfoMItexY
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“Then try to talk some sense into him.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIbsh2E6nx
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“Weren’t you listening? I already tried.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4nje3J4de
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“Well… you could always try again!?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB94yJ7RohP
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“How? You already lectured him back in the station!”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuGPBDFfhy
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“But that was me trying. Clearly you two are on better terms than me and him.” I insisted. This was not the time for Runa to be indecisive. She needed to act now.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsXs3bRDRs
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Runa looked down and started biting her lips.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7ChRzoxt5
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“Runa!?” I continued with firm urgency.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeizIGlAY41
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“Fine,” Runa replied. She walked faster to catch up to Kuroiwa-san. She tapped his back and they talked for about five exchanges… Then she came back to my side. When I glanced at her, she turned her head slightly to the right to avoid my eyes.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn7aaPTJT6
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That didn’t look promising…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwWWngdJJZ
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“So?” I asked. “Why are we still walking forward?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeQmEazxzY
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“Umm…” Runa said hesitantly, “I told him ‘Maybe this is not a good idea?’ He said, ‘It’ll be fine.’ I said, ‘Do you really have to go talk to Mom?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Okay.’ And now I’m here.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DRumMlzAQ
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“That’s it?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNbMyJ868n
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“Yes.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XXu4BKh4M
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“Can you even call that trying?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvE000ieXa
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“I mean, I really tried harder back in his apartment. But Kuroiwa-kun, if he said he’s going to do something, he’s definitely going to do it.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHbMIj1cq6
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“Even so—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2D1ZcpLj4
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“If he said it’ll be fine, then I don’t have a choice but to believe in him. Whatever happens later then… it is what it is. If… Mom gets angry at me again… I’ll just have to bite my lips for a second night, right?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79Im77ihIe
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I tried to say something, but I just left my mouth hanging. The words stifled inside my throat after I saw the determination in Runa’s eyes. Even with her small, uncertain smile, her words carried absolute certainty. I closed my mouth and turned my head toward the ground. I was still trying to search for ways to make Kuroiwa-san stop, or think of how to help Runa. But I was just repeating everything she had just said in my head. Was it really okay to just let this all happen?126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsdprwLqJ8
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“I don’t understand you. Earlier you were just worried, and now you’re accepting whatever happens.” I finally said. “How could you trust him so easily?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rpeVcQkUD
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I glanced at Runa and she was trying to think.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g6cy5Ea0O
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“Hmm… it’s probably because he helped me gain a lot of confidence when it comes to studying.” Runa finally answered. “Don’t get me wrong though, I am still a little worried. But having studied with him in the past few days, I got the feeling that I might actually pass.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaKfKov9PZ
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“I don’t think that answers my question,” I said.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Tc1qLsil3
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“I guess it isn’t. Hehe…” Runa replied with a silly smile.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGHwYw8GC5
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We let the silence grow for a while as we continued walking. I internalized everything that she just said. It was not like I had already given up, but it was more like, if I did more then I would just move in the wrong direction. Just like what happened on the rooftop last week. And I don’t really want to repeat what happened back then, at least not right now.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gLgq2DURx
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“But you know, don’t you think last week felt like a dream. Like, at the beginning, everything didn’t feel real,” Runa continued. “And then, as the week went on, everything started to add up. Well, the week ended badly,” she giggled. “But even so, you helped me.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qwl8WTUKj
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Runa turned her head toward me and she started smiling, more genuine than earlier.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme7XMWnTQF
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“I wouldn’t have helped you if I knew it would cause you more trouble like now, you know,” I said. Even though deep down I knew I was partly to blame. Maybe if I hadn’t told Kuroiwa-san about what happened to Runa. Maybe—126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaumcL7IKJ4
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“True.” Runa interrupted my thoughts while she chuckled at what I said. Afterwards, she stared into the ground looking like she was contemplating if she was to say something else. But then she continued. “Do you know what I saw the first time I went to Kuroiwa-kun’s apartment?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aYVSv0yWt
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“What?” I asked curiously.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmv7T8P7mk
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“He showed me his room.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLO4kw3m6gc
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“That doesn’t sound right.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0fUk2ptMH
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“Just listen…”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIPYZ4ZL6O
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“Fine…”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyGjKaLm0A
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“You know, that room. There were a lot of things in it. A computer with three huge monitors,” Runa started to gesture what she saw. I knew she was exaggerating the sizes of the monitors by how she drew a picture of them in the air with both her hands, but I just let her be. “A guitar here, an electric piano there, and there’s this small board that has a lot of buttons on it,” she pointed at the road as if she was exactly inside the room showing me where those items were supposedly placed. “There were also a lot of papers scattered around the floor, and his desk is messy, like super messy.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86Bte4mmeP
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“Is he trying to become a musician?” I asked. Somehow I thought that room fit him. It’s a messy room and I always pictured him to be somewhat of a slob based on how he always left his hair unkempt. But a computer, instruments, papers scattered, and a messy desk. It sounded like he was focused and busy rather than someone who was just lazy. Maybe I was—126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCKuG1d4IU
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“He told me no…” she giggled. Why? “But you know what, that room when I saw it. It kind of reminded me of your room.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsmdqGxRYu
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“Haa? My room isn’t that messy!” I protested and frowned.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KrIW3RR9J
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“I know, mostly your room was clean and everything was in order.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFzsCiLrox
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“Then don’t compare the mess you saw from his room to mine.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeCRis7Oa4
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“But that’s not what I mean. You see, whenever I visited you by surprise back when we were kids, your mom would let me in and I would just go inside your room without knocking. And there would be crumpled papers on the floor. I would go peek at what you were doing and you wouldn’t notice until I talked or poked your cheeks.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8OXX3nPJU
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“That— That’s different.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxsrMXpoMR
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“Yeah, in a way it is different. His room was messier. But you know what I mean, right? Whenever you study, you put a lot of time into it, you get serious and all. That mess in his room was five times more than yours, and I could tell, and I know you can too, that he definitely was spending most of his time in that room.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiDk8g6iy8
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I looked at her and just listened.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3RQnr0EKy
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“Kuroiwa-kun said he was still just learning. But learning all of that at the same time, don’t you think that’s amazing, along with the fact that he got a perfect score in our practice exams? I don’t know if I could even achieve half of what he was doing.” Runa continued. Her eyes softened as she watched every step she made. “Maybe he was working toward a dream or a goal. Maybe he was just doing it as a hobby. But either way, he decided to set them all aside for now. Just so he could help me.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7S60Wd9PY
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“I—” I said then stopped. I tried to say something… but what?126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn4sROI7F9
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“I know,” Runa replied. “I told him that he didn’t need to do all that for me, but he said it was necessary for him to focus on helping me reach top ten by the end of the year. And I thought he was crazy,” she giggled. “But I couldn’t help but want to believe what he said, after all, that’s a huge sacrifice to make and he sounded very serious. So I went back and then he greeted me with the materials he had written without sleeping, gave them to me, then sent me home.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaYImry0Q3
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I found the absurdity of it all to be funny, so I chuckled.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G75XGTei2
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“I really was scared of him,” Runa paused and she looked up toward the sky.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcVQwxhs60
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“I was too,” I said.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXPQePOL4E
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“Yeah, and I was really surprised you were even able to scold him back at the station like you were trying to scold Yui.” Runa giggled.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ0qeAqSWF
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“He wasn’t listening though.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkBrY46RAx
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“I don’t know. Maybe he was. But, I think that’s just how he is. I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do, but since he already decided, he’s going through with it.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1ksXWq6vF
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“You sound like you’ve known him for a long time.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpS5HCuehDr
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“No, I don’t know much about him. But after seeing how sure he looked when you were talking to him, and how sure he sounded when I talked to him again earlier, it’s more like I am choosing to believe in him than knowing what he was actually thinking. Besides, except for one thing, I don’t think he has ever let me down… at least not yet...”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEa7f03KPu
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Sigh…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyqwLwVjo7
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“You’re so reckless.” I replied.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR7X6pYLOT
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“Yeah, so let’s see what’s going to happen next.” Runa said finally sounding relaxed.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHSCKxDHPy
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I stared, wondering if her calmness was genuine or not. But she just smiled at me. “I swear, your excessive curiosity is going to be your downfall one day,” I said.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMk45xvll0
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Runa chuckled a little. “Maybe it’s going to lead me to my downfall tonight.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJ3u9JT2Wl
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“That’s not funny.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu84405GQLl
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“I know,” Runa said. “But I’m glad I am this curious, otherwise we wouldn’t have ended up being friends until now.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7JYbz4iqg
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A smile formed on my lips. It’s true, she was the one who always tried to play with me when we were still just kids. She was persistent and in the end we became inseparable. Although we went to different schools in elementary and middle school, we always hung out all the time. And we have stayed as best friends ever since.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl3Wrz95UF
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“You’re ri—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJEpBj2HIh
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I was looking down but when I was about to reply to Runa and looked up, I hit my nose and bumped into something in front of me. I covered my nose with my hand and looked around. We were at an intersection. And Kuroiwa-san was standing in front of me.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTX3MFpZYO
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“Why did you suddenly stop!?” I reflexively yelled at him. “At least you could’ve said something!”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZsGs4fyUW
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“I did,” Kuroiwa-san said. “I was asking which way to go.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE5O5B2m5U
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Did he? I couldn’t tell. I didn’t know if he really was saying something.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPymcilWz9
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“You should’ve shouted.” I replied.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqoys44kN3
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“I did,” Kuroiwa-san said.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9sfjnlD1J
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I took a long breath then I heard Runa laughing beside me.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrtWgb8Im7
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“That wasn’t funny,” I told her.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNfaJo0Vpk
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“I know, I’m sorry,” Runa said. “But I just couldn’t help it, I mean, I saw him do something when we were still far behind him. I just realized he was actually shouting.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYXRQOWGQU
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Oh, I thought Runa was laughing about me bumping into Kuroiwa-san.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AXCLhjvYN
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“Anyways, come follow me,” Runa guided Kuroiwa-san this time instead of letting him lead us to nowhere.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwvwrG6ltm
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“Runa,” I called out to her before she started walking. “I won’t go home yet. I’ll stay with you,” I said.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m2Yyx4Ogi
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHqZNzl117
“You don’t need—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnwfqhU6Gb
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV7xSxBfj9
“I need to…”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tzhzqOseN
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aiDlGSqah
“Okay,” she said and smiled at me.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0wOwZFGFj
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRStcKC09C
I let Runa and Kuroiwa-san walk ahead before I followed. I gathered all the courage I could muster. After all, facing Runa’s mother when I knew she was going to become angry wasn’t something I was looking forward to. But I decided to see all this through, so I shouldn’t be doubting myself.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflhW85wtQm
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDkQl8tQUp
I stared at Runa and Kuroiwa-san’s backs. I noticed there seemed to be much more of a gap when they were walking beside each other. Unlike when I walked with him yesterday. Yet they were talking to each other comfortably.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkVu40HGbs
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cmYDAer5i
I looked down.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUwnZGGt5L
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzppQzvBcFD
And for some reason, I felt uneasy.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLBCxf7TwX
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn6sVVZRDx
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQcQMAx6Vz
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CHYUoHO2B
I checked my phone to look at the time. It was already 5:28 p.m. when we finally arrived at Runa’s house. Right in front of the door, I could see Runa’s face had tensed up. Kuroiwa-san didn’t particularly show any expressions like always. As for me, I was trying to calm down, but as soon as Runa opened the door, I got nervous and I felt my hands tremble a little.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOALgrwzj4
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hbT40YM4C
As soon as we went inside, Runa announced our arrival.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPikbdssaj
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gzQ5ovBXf
“I’m home!” Runa shouted.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLhLGdgtAP
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2SNPUHlhG
“Oh, welcome home,” Shizuna-san’s voice called out from inside. I heard her footsteps come in close and soon enough she appeared from the doorway of their living room. “Can I ask you to go buy some soy sauce from the grocery—” she said as she was walking but interrupted herself when she saw us at the main entrance. “Oh my, Mika, nice to have you visit us,” she said as she looked at me.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9HHnJ2u6O
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GYSOwPJCR
Shizuna-san turned her glance toward Kuroiwa-san and she stopped for a moment. My heart started beating faster as I saw her eyes flare up with suspicion.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EYmu0bKp5
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd4wHzyvDh
“Hmm, we have another guest,” Shizuna-san finally said. “I’m afraid I’ve never met you before,” she remarked toward Kuroiwa-san. “And it’s a boy,” she continued while glancing toward Runa.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLxxMXOy0m
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABDySqNLhZ
Runa avoided Shizuna-san’s stare, which made Shizuna-san even more suspicious. I held my breath for a second then let it all out before I decided to speak.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE54Cl9Emx
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb56L7YzvZn
“Good after—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgrXZig4WK
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5DkZNaNR0
“Let me introduce myself,” Kuroiwa-san interrupted me before I could finish greeting Shizuna-san. “My name is Kuroiwa Rei. I am a classmate of your daughter and Tojo-san.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqya9bsNEEd
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLO9g1ULWeL
Kuroiwa-san bowed after introducing himself to Shizuna-san. I couldn’t do anything but stare. It took me a lot of courage to try saying something and he just interrupted me like that. But that was not the reason why. It was that when he decided to speak, I felt like the thing I was being nervous about was going to start.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV05Xd8rjsH
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfz7s6RIIn
Shizuna-san crossed her arms. “Might I ask… What is your relationship with my daughter?” she asked.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pr1ajjtl8
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BtKahuBwN
“Moooom, is Runa-nee back?” Rurika peeked from the doorway then gasped when she saw us.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaBjO3iVzu
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEher8ZF3my
“Rurika, stay in the living room. Close the door after,” Shizuna-san firmly told Rurika.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3kAk5Wplw
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAocuA8p1t
Rurika nodded silently then did what her mother asked her to. Shizuna-san then glared toward Runa for a moment before going back to staring at Kuroiwa-san.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPyxk7m3Uu
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pFMwr0mP2
“I am the one who was teaching your daughter,” Kuroiwa-san calmly answered.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYgUONawRA
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjCOjD7Lky
Shizuna-san closed her eyes and blew out a breath. When she finally opened her eyes, she frowned and her stare intensified at Kuroiwa-san. I looked at him but he didn’t seem to be bothered. He was still his usual calm and unreadable self. She turned her gaze toward me and I reflexively turned away. I was guessing if she was thinking if I knew everything about this. And me looking guilty would have shown that I did. I was not sure at all, but either way, her eyes were just too intimidating for me.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4hgk5UBSV
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLco6FLiL6
“Runa,” Shizuna-san said. “Go to your room.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO91g7dUuAx
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpznmxkuB5m
“...No,” Runa replied.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhStH9gnnJ7
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwJzDAcs0B
“I said go to your room!” Shizuna-san’s voice got louder and sharper. And even though she was trying to direct her daughter, her glare never left Kuroiwa-san.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WlzGNxMa8
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMBu4WtWN4
“I’m staying here,” Runa said defiantly. “I’m sorry.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4PYQeW2Np
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r8jMDtcRM
“Fine… but we’ll talk later,” Shizuna-san replied to her daughter, still not looking at her. “So, what are you doing here?” she asked Kuroiwa-san.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPlZqSVzcV
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjI0PT9Aux
“Miyase-san,” Kuroiwa-san said. “I am here to tell you about your daughter’s progression from our study session together.” He paused and went into his bag to get something out. “I have here the results of—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGyo0pgJp9
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdgFwbvpT1
“Tell me what you’re really here for.” Shizuna-san cut Kuroiwa-san off and insisted on a more direct answer from him.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnumyjv9QP
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWanLLGRGxB
Kuroiwa-san finally found what he was searching for in his bag. He held them with his right hand as he continued to meet Shizuna-san’s gaze. They were test papers. And I could see from where I was, which was behind him, that they were from our practice exams a few weeks ago. But the stack didn’t make sense, there were supposed to be six test papers. But even if I didn’t count, what he was holding had more.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4bNFUTZZT
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgezhm07rw9
“I am here to convince you to—” 126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpWFNlEuqj
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMeGyefJGf
Smack*126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqBECNXWyO
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NihqtcN9U
A sharp and heavy slap interrupted Kuroiwa-san. The sound echoed inside the hallway, thundering inside my already distressed heart. The silence that followed just added more to what was already a very heavy atmosphere. I kept a hand on the doorknob. The thought of running away came to mind, but I held the doorknob so I could prevent myself from falling, since my knees started feeling weak. I looked at Runa and her eyes were wide and her mouth was covered with her hands. Her bag fell to the floor. I checked to see if mine had also dropped, but I noticed that my hand holding its handle was gripping it very tightly. I never even had the opportunity to let it fall.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiaWpBiCh0
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp597RgzAfy
“How dare you try to manipulate me into your scheme!” Runa’s mother shouted at Kuroiwa-san. I looked at him and I only saw his face turned opposite of where Shizuna-san’s hand came from when she slapped him. He finally covered his red cheek with his hand, but never verbalized his reaction. I couldn’t even properly see his expression. “You have already tricked my daughter into coming to your apartment alone and now you’re trying to convince me? Convince me of what? Continue to deceive my daughter?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89G3gzP6hF
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0jP0rgDie
Runa’s mother raised her right hand again.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKyFcuJLqc
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU1anNFDqV
“Mom, stop!” Runa shouted. “Please just listen to him!”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkkjZgJWWh
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouWCh5AqAA
“Don’t defend him!” Shizuna-san shouted back. “Runa, you lied to me! I told you to never go to this guy’s apartment again!”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DkaxVw8PE
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghse6prD7R
“But I needed to—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2VIjBZJKZ
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv9UKwQrju
“Miyase-san,” Kuroiwa-san finally said.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWn9psVlTlY
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObjrLdF77o
“What!?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMFIR05Cyn
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgcsPRHGjZ
“Yes?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWoRaSibWv
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R2yhin13R
Both Runa and her mother replied. Kuroiwa-san glanced at both of them simultaneously looking confused. I, on the other hand, just noticed I was holding my breath so I let it go.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhxVsHCisa
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon2oxCxqNQ
“R-Runa-san,” Kuroiwa-san corrected himself.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK9iOZbHvy
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVnNqQ7PLo
“Kuroi—Rei-kun?” Runa replied.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FKEXJmiQ6
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycJMnAbzcs
I, despite feeling horrified by what was happening, had noticed how both Runa and Kuroiwa-san started calling each other by their first names. I understood why Kuroiwa-san had to do it, but Runa, for some reason, changed how to address him.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh91NLZxpBE
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQOuyLAPr4
“Your mother is right, you don’t need to defend me,” Kuroiwa-san said to Runa.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n5cG48ndS
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOXaTtYMPP
“Why?” Runa asked.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf3gU3Utrl
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbEu21H0nw
“I came here prepared for what needs to happen to me. I need to talk to your mother, not to convince her, but to show what you have achieved."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTCXmBD2Qa
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsbHANBjcz
This was the first time I saw Kuroiwa-san change his expression. His relaxed unchanging face started showing conviction. His dull lifeless eyes stared at Runa with determination. And Runa was staring straight into those eyes.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpdFhF9t1M
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08QeIkM2jc
“...Okay,” Runa replied.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN8iBAKnpF
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsXexomd7P
I glanced toward Shizuna-san and I saw her eyes shifting back and forth, glancing toward the side and then looking toward Runa and Kuroiwa-san. She was biting her lip, but she didn’t interrupt them. But her hands were still tightly closed. She crossed her arms after a while and turned her attention toward Kuroiwa-san again.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7R8zkaERl
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRptVi8MuD
“Miyase-san,” Kuroiwa-san said. He reached out his right hand toward Runa’s mother. The same right hand that was holding those test papers. “If you could only just—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTtfVYNksV
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2lWvRWXVK
“Get out,” Shizuna-san calmly said.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7BZwaX56Z
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BP3MkrFqd
“I just need you to—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXxfVDaIXh
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdlneOnVdK
“I told you to get out!” Shizuna-san interrupted Kuroiwa-san a second time. This time her voice started to sound fierce again. “I don’t want you to convince me about anything. I need you to stay away from my daughter!”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoFUBWi1Pr
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUC80b8yCa
“Miyase-san—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORa1HVdtfc
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcGpHRU8Ml
“GET OUT!” Shizuna-san pushed Kuroiwa-san toward the door. He went out of balance and started falling backward.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdbBLKYrTW
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU1QO5emWx
“Kuroiwa-san!” I yelled.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl6OPAhQo1
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiLcml6btz
Crash*126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhMk75MNPE
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfhNH01ZLM
I tried to catch him on reflex, but we both ended up falling together. My back hit the door behind me and his weight fell onto my legs. The last thing I saw before that was the test papers scattered in the air and now resting on the floor.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6aRt2mkpj
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6de37txd71
“Ow!” I cried in pain.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiLtLoOQmq
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbnVMKsfFZ
“I’m sorry!” Shizuna-san said.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGltH20pWID
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVlzNnFhEa
“Mika!?” Runa yelled.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjvhgOvp64
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOyP75xw8h
Kuroiwa-san immediately composed himself as he knelt down on the floor and faced me.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEHm2AqoNF
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BauCbzXcY
“Are you okay?” Kuroiwa-san asked.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTXBDy5hqW
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnmHqUdE0D
I inspected myself for a moment. “I’m fine, it hurts a little, but I don’t think I got injured.” I answered.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ591mLX259B
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk8nJSaeF7
I saw Runa reaching her hand out to me. I grabbed it and we both pulled together for me to stand up.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIFXndSJ7z
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mhs2kxNe9
“I’m glad you're okay,” Runa said as she hugged me.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzdLavGEn4
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9sN9VRreA
“I’m fine, don’t worry,” I said, patting her back. I turned toward Kuroiwa-san. “How about you?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1k0dZMqHc
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He only nodded.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnNW97i2qP
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH7OsiaRjR
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,” Shizuna-san continued to apologize. Her hands covered her mouth and they were shaking a little bit.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsd3bR7EUA
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8nsCIq48q
“Shizuna-san, I’m okay, you don’t need to worry,” I assured her, smiling even though I still couldn’t help but be intimidated.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0we617iOE
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Of course I still was! She looked terrifying just a few seconds ago.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsl8VlkVmUG
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6MZi6ARHV
I heard papers shuffling below me so I looked. It was Kuroiwa-san collecting the test papers that were on the floor. I was about to crouch to help him, but Runa did it first. And before I could even try again, they were both done. I reached out my hand to help Runa stand, she took it, and after she stood, we both reached out our hands for Kuroiwa-san.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwVa5YJPbg
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcWhqcV06f
“It’s okay,” he replied to our gesture.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpojm544vx
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB1yGfmWv3
Kuroiwa-san turned toward Shizuna-san. He bowed slightly then stretched both his hands that were carefully holding the test papers toward her.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4uB5qaTNR
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWllNJ2qI0P
“Miyase-san,” Kuroiwa-san said. “I don’t understand what you are accusing me of. All I came here for was to show you these.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtviDlu4hMq
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8NTlkotU8
Shizuna-san slowly turned her stare from me to Kuroiwa-san. I still saw doubt in her eyes. She stepped back once after a moment of pause. “Have you done anything to Runa?” she asked Kuroiwa-san. Her voice sounded careful.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q3pvjqZzW
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIGKEt1VvT
“We only studied,” Kuroiwa answered.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjmYsGxNmb
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“You are not trying to manipulate her?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3sUnKNLXX
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rkQ19n0oj
“I had no such intentions.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOmyZsXFdy
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDuTGEua7a
Shizuna-san hesitated but eventually stepped forward and reached toward the test papers. She inspected the ones that were in the front and then she turned her gaze to Runa.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BTOxMnEzj
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsTIJ3FAeI
“Runa… are these…?” Shizuna-san asked.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPI70tbPGm
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24oo4AkRFN
Runa avoided her gaze. “I’m sorry,” she answered her mother.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eMvVIZdGi
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBUHW0s1vx
“As you can see, the first six test papers are the result of the practice exams that happened a few weeks ago,” Kuroiwa-san explained. “Runa got 26 in English, 24 in Science, 18 in Math, 27 in History, 31 in Japanese Literature, and 28 in Social Studies. They were all way below the average scores, which meant she failed all of her subjects.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyKppiwVwR
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYuQN2pACr
“Rei-kun!” Runa loudly whispered. “You didn’t need to elaborate on my scores!” She looked at Kuroiwa-san, who was still bowing his head. And when she noticed he wasn’t paying attention to her, she pouted. “You didn’t even need to emphasize I failed,” she whispered a little quieter.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mkHOJ3H57
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmK2SZJS5w
My first thought was… She really was now committed to calling Kuroiwa-san by his first name.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO9GjgVGJU
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“But,” Kuroiwa-san continued. “If you look at the ones that are in the back, you will see different scores. Those are the ones I made her take before we got here.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpJf6q1zyo
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr97Hj9BbmP
Shizuna-san shuffled through the test papers and her eyes widened.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1OCrlbBAa
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSsV7yrEci
“English 58, Science 68, Math 73, History 62, Japanese Literature 71, and Social Studies 67.” Kuroiwa-san again elaborated. “As you can see, all have significant increases. They are all way above the average score. They may not look great right now and the real midterm exams are definitely going to be harder. But those scores are the result of her own hard work.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53kppDOVTB
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl5rhTX2qR
Kuroiwa-san placed his hands on his thighs, palms open, and fingers pointed at the opposite hand. He folded his elbow to form a slight V-shape, just like someone who was holding their hips. Except for him, he was bowing.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0MV5ovknG
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“I did not come here to convince you I wasn’t a bad guy, I did not come here to show you evidence of something I cannot prove. I came here to just show you those test papers. To show you the result of her efforts. She worked hard for them. And even if I could visibly see her struggling, she never gave up.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevLAXaoOhn
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I didn’t know where Runa and Shizuna-san were staring. But I knew my eyes never left him. I listened to everything he said. And every word that he spoke, I felt his sincerity.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmEMjlkVMr
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“I told her that I would help her become a top ten student in our grade by the end of the year. I had all the intentions to do just that. So… please… let me continue to teach her.” He slowly leaned forward and bowed until his forehead touched the ground.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QxmDNpST8
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My eyes widened at the sight of him grovelling in front of Shizuna-san. After he was slapped by her, after he was pushed away, he was still here not taking advantage of Shizuna-san’s impulsiveness and shock. He was begging her. All to keep a promise that he made when we first talked to him. He really meant that. And after hearing the scores that Runa got…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5ihzPhAhH
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I never thought of Kuroiwa-san as a miracle worker. In fact, if he were to succeed in helping Runa pass, I would expect him to get her at least a few points above the passing score. But those scores were the scores of an average student, not someone who was struggling.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2AxgpJToH
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A thought came into my mind.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZvxfoUWqA
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If he could turn around Runa’s scores like that… maybe he can also…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdzSgS7PT4
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“Mom, please,” Runa said. And she walked toward Kuroiwa-san. She was about to kneel down when her mother grabbed her arms and pulled her back up.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AZ5rhUMEi
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“I know,” Shizuna-san said. “And I’m sorry.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiju2RcpOO
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“Mom…”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd6mjkyeTZ
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“You really didn’t do anything else besides studying?” Shizuna-san tried to confirm.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbElcyC0bQ
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“We didn’t, I swear,” Runa answered.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybWHZyeJvH
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Shizuna-san hugged Runa. “I’m really sorry for doubting you… You were working hard, but I was jumping to conclusions without even listening to you. I was trying to protect you, but I failed you instead. I’m really sorry… I hope you can forgive me…”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOXRLDJx7E
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“I know, Mom. I understand,” Runa replied. “I… I don’t think there’s anything to forgive.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs5QcUExQu
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“Thank you,” Shizuna-san said. She let go of the hug and placed her hands on Runa’s shoulders. “But couldn’t you at least study elsewhere? Like in the library or at school? Or even here at home? Why did it have to be just you and him in his apartment?”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9ezgrzDjt
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“Erm… well…” Runa hesitated to answer her mother.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSlxe0W2hh
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“It is important because the isolation and silence are good for her concentration. She wouldn’t have progressed this much if there were any distractions.” Kuroiwa-san answered Shizuna-san’s question while still grovelling on the floor.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1swbR8fbfF
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Shizuna-san pursed her lips, still not buying Kuroiwa-san’s excuses.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyFK6GrdI9
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“Kuroiwa-kun,” Shizuna-san said. “You can stand up now.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi5xIMPmLQ
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Kuroiwa-san stood up slowly and turned toward Shizuna-san.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnVvCtVJzF
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“I still don’t trust you fully,” Shizuna-san continued. “But I understand what you are saying.” She turned her gaze toward Runa. “I will not be against you and him studying together.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW15IXXwj28
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“Mom, thank you,” Runa replied.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdXGKJNwMZ
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“But on one condition,” Shizuna-san said firmly. “I don’t want you two to be alone in his apartment.” 126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ds4swCPpw
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“Impossible,” Kuroiwa-san replied.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCi1pWPISq
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I sighed. Everything was going smoothly, and then this guy had to ruin it.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jfElI7GYl
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“Like I said, the isolation and si—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWQqrqabj4
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“If you are going to insist on that, then I won’t approve,” Shizuna-san interrupted Kuroiwa-san.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7pfOveB0Q
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“But—”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cL3v56FfK
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“I’ll go with them,” I said, interrupting Kuroiwa-san before he could say anything stupid. I never intended to get myself involved but…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwDYiCACw3
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“If Mika is going, then it’s fine,” Shizuna-san replied.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeotrpS6q4
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I looked at Kuroiwa-san. By the way he remained silent, I had a feeling that he didn’t seem to approve. “Is there really no other choice?” he asked.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYoVhg0rRU
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Shizuna-san stared at him with one of her eyebrows raised. “There is another option. You can just study in our house, I promise I won't disturb you.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGuQvu0fVi
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Kuroiwa-san sighed. “Then perhaps I would take Tojo-san’s suggestion instead.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThPigTzg7G
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“Alright then,” Shizuna-san replied.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1vz8nLZw1
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“If that’s the case, I would like to take my leave,” Kuroiwa-san continued. He bowed slightly in front of Shizuna-san. “Excuse me for intruding. And I’m sorry for troubling you.”126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXmL9lMSEo
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Shizuna-san didn’t reply. Instead she took a deep breath and exhaled.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElU6YA8gl3
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“If you’ll excuse me…” Kuroiwa-san said.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJJedOeHok
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“Wait, I’ll walk you to the station,” Runa told him.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLckLa4yjS
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“No need. I’ll be fine,” he replied, then opened the door and left.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqhcLrXYhc
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There was a bit of silence for a moment as we all watched the door close behind him.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV49NXEDl7M
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“He’s weird…” Shizuna-san said.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyDQTNwFRF
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“Yep… he is…” Runa chuckled.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZZuI3mIqC
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I let out a sigh of relief. Finally everything was settled. But…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hwa0IxcBt
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I held a deep thought. The things that I had witnessed just now, I knew would linger in my mind for a while.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodZJzXrONZ
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…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZaG42whzL
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…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcHAA7ORtj
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…126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDN8gy6S3d
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I wondered if tonight… I would be able to focus on studying...126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J7EwpOcMw
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