Chapter 19: Side Story 1

AUTHOR'S NOTE: As promised, here is the Side Story of Youjin, The Cautious. But with other character's POV. But first is Yurika Nonaka's POV!

Many readers don't believe that Nonaka-san's actions (about cheating on Youjin and falsely accused him) are pranks, just like Youjin (who always refuse to believe her).

But the QUESTION is... are those really pranks? FIND OUT ON THIS SIDE-STORY CHAPTER (Yurika Nonaka's POV) with flashback. ENJOY READING!

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Yurika Nonaka's POV

I, Yurika Nonaka, had a childhood friend. The name was Youjin Kinoshita, the first male friend I had ever had. We had been closed since elementary school.

Youjin-kun was nice, kind, funny and simply the best childhood friend anyone could ask for. We got along together that I trusted him completely. I never imagined he could do anything bad. Even when I had problems, he would help me he could.

My parents were overjoyed that I had made friends, especially someone like Youjin-kun.

"Youjin-kun, please take care of my daughter." My father told him.

"Of course!" Youjin nodded cheerfully.

"Yurika is the only our child in the family. So please don't hurt her." My mother added.

"I promise I won't." He raised his right hand while smiling. "Yurika-chan is my friend. And friends don't hurt each other, after all!"

My mother was right. I was the only child in my family, but I wished I had a sibling, whether a little brother or a sister.

Unlike me, Youjin-kun had siblings, but not biological ones. Their names are Hana and Sakura who were Youjin-kun's twin step sisters. Of course, we got along well and became friends.

It felt that we were blessed since we trusted each other so much that it seemed like we could always stay by each other's side, from childhood to adulthood. If he ever made a decision about his future, I knew I would support him. I believed he would do the same for me.

During elementary, Youjin-kun and I were classmates from the first grade through sixth grade. We made more friends that made us so happy. But I noticed that he had more friends than I had, but I didn't mind. Not to mention his sense of humor always made people, especially his friends, laugh. Even my own friends took notice.

"Kinoshita-kun is really funny." One of my female friends said.

"I know!" I smiled at her.

"You're lucky to have such an amusing friend." Another said.

"But maybe you two should get married someday."

"Hey!" I exclaimed, laughing.

That sentence made me blushed. Although I wasn't sure about my feelings for him.

We were still in elementary school, but we were too young for romance. I still saw Youjin-kun as a childhood friend. For sure, he felt the same thing.

After graduating from elementary, we both chose to enroll in the same middle school. Luckily, we ended up in the same class again just like before. As usual, Youjin's sense of humor was as great as ever. But then one day, he said something unexpected.

"Yurika-chan, I want to become a comedian!"

That took me by surprise.

"Really?" I clasped my hands, smiling widely.

"Yes! You've noticed about my jokes, right?" He giggled.

"I know! You bring so much joy to everyone. I like that!"

I was so glad to see him having a dream. But for me, I still wasn't sure what I wanted to become.

In our second year of middle school, Youjin-kun introduced someone to me.

"Hey, Yurika-chan! I would like you to meet my best friend."

The boy next to him was equally tall as Youjin-kun's. He had a brown hair and looked athletic.

"Yurika-chan, this is Haruka Kutake, my best friend." Youjin told me, then turning to him. "And Haruka-kun, this is Yurika Nonaka, my childhood friend."

Kutake-san smiled warmly and extended his hand toward me.

"I'm Haruka Kutake. Just call me Haruka."

He didn't mind being called by his first name.

"Nice to meet you, Haruka-kun." I shook his hand with mine. "I'm Yurika Nonaka. You can call me Yurika."

"Nice to meet you too, Yurika-san."

I glanced at my childhood friend, but he nodded at me. I guessed he didn't mind Haruka calling my first name with the polite honorific 'san' instead of 'chan'.

And so, the three of us began spending a lot of time together.

I had no idea how Youjin-kun ended up with a best friend like Haruka-kun, but I was happy for him. At least he had another close friend, as long as it wasn't another girl.

Every lunch break, the three of us would eat together with our own bentos, sometimes sharing food. After class, we would hang out together by playing games at the arcade and grabbing snacks. Then we would part ways to head home. Although Youjin-kun and I usually walked part of the way together since our homes were nearby, not next-door neighbors, but only a few meters apart.

Over the years, my bond with Youjin only deepened. We had always trusted each other. But eventually, I realized about my feelings for him. I had a crush on Youjin Kinoshita, my childhood friend.

But I had no time to tell Youjin my feelings since I worried that he might only see me as a childhood friend. So I made a promise to myself that I would confess to him once we became third-year students.

A year later, we were third-year middle school students. Once again, I was luchy that Youjin-kun and I were in the same class, and so was Haruka-kun, his best friend.

Finally, I felt ready. I had the courage to confess my feelings to my childhood friend.

On Friday, after class, Haruka-kun told me and Youjin-kun that he needed to leave the school early. It was the perfect opportunity.

"Hey, Youjin-kun."

He turned to me.

"Yeah?"

"Would you please meet me behind the gym?"

But he seemed confused.

"Huh? Why?"

"Please, just go. It's important. Go there first. But I need to take care of something for a while, so I'll be there soon, okay?"

He nodded.

"All right, if you say so. See you there."

Once he left, I stayed back to calm myself. My heart was racing, despite of building up the courage. I was still nervous and anxious that I feared rejection, but I didn't want our friendship to be ruined.

'I'm ready.' I said mentally.

Later, I found Youjin-kun waiting behind the gym which made me relieved.

"Ah, Yurika-chan. You're finally here!"

I rubbed my arm nervously.

"Yeah, sorry I'm late."

"It's fine. So… what's up?"

Without hesitation, I blurted it out.

"I like you, Youjin-kun!"

I smiled nervously, feeling my face grow hot.

As for Youjin-kun, my childhood friend, his eyes widened in disbelief and his face turned red.

"Please go out with me!" I added as I bowed my head.

My heart pounded faster and faster. I braced myself for rejection.

"Yes! I like you too, Yurika-chan!"

His answer stunned me. I thought he would reject me, but my dream finally came true.

"Really?!"

"Yes! I would love to go out with you and be your boyfriend. I've like you for a very long time, Yurika-chan!"

I couldn't take it anymore! Without thinking, I threw myself at him ang hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Youjin-kun. I love you!"

"I love you too, Yurika-chan!"

And so, Youjin-kun, my childhood friend, and I started dating.

"But Yurika-chan, are you ready to tell everyone about our relationship?" Youjin-kun asked me nervously.

I didn't think about it. But maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

"I think so." I nodded. "But not the whole school. I'll just tell my parents for now."

"Me too." He smiled. "I'll tell my parents and sisters. But do you mind if I tell Haruka-kun?"

"Of course, I don't mind. You can tell your best friend, Youjin-kun."

After that, we walked together with the happy smiles on our faces as we began our new chapter: From childhood friends to boyfriend and girlfriend.

Later that night, during the dinner with my parents, I planned to tell them about my relationship with Youjin-kun, but I felt nervous.

"Otou-san… Okaa-san…"

Then they turned at me.

"What's the matter, Yurika?" My mother asked gently.

"Please, don't be mad, but…"

"Is something wrong?" My father said, concerned.

I took a deep breath.

"Youjin-kun and I are… dating." I confessed.

After few seconds, they responded with surprise reaction.

"What?!"

"Youjin-kun and I are dating, Otou-san… Okaa-san." I repeated, raising my voice a bit.

Then my parents walked over and hugged me.

"Oh, Yurika! Congratulations."

"Good for you, my daughter. I'll give him my blessing."

I thought they didn't accept my relationship with Youjin-kun, but they were happy for us. After all, they trusted him for years.

"Thank you, guys."

I responded with the little tears in my eyes.

That night, before bedtime, Youjin-kun and I texted each other.

Yurika: Good evening, Youjin-kun! Guess what, I told my parents about us.

Youjin: Really? Me too! My family is so happy for us, Yurika-chan!

Yurika: That's great! My parents are happy too.

I was so relieved that Youjin-kun's family also accepted us.

Yurika: But did you tell Haruka-kun?

Youjin: Yeah, I did. And he's happy.

Yurika: I'm glad. By the way, I'm still not ready to tell everyone at school.

Youjin: Oh, It's okay, I don't mind. I told Haruka-kun to keep it a secret.

Yurika: Okay, cool. Anyway, good night. I love you, Youjin-kun!

Youjin: Good night. I love you too, Yurika-chan!

After texting, I yawned and felt sleepy. But at the same time, I was happier than ever. I couldn't stop thinking of Youjin-kun, who was my childhood friend and now my boyfriend. I fell asleep with a big smile on my face.

The next day, it was Saturday. Today is the day of our first date.

For my outfit, I wore something casual. I was sure Youjin-kun wouldn't mind, as long as we were both comfortable.

"Yurika-chan, good morning!"

While standing outside my house as I waited for Youjin-kun, I heard my boyfriend's voice from a short distance.

I looked up and smiled at him.

"Sorry, I'm late." He said, panting.

"Good morning, Youjin-kun." I greeted. "I just stepped out."

"Okay, let's go!"

Then we walked together to the train station.

After getting off the train, our first stop was the cinema. We planned to watch a comedy movie.

The movie we watched was hilarious that we laughed so much. I thought Youjin-kun might find some inspirations since he had a dream to be a comedian. Also, from time to time, we had glanced at each other that made us smile and even blush. Toward the end of the movie, we held hands together under the dim theater lights.

After the movie, we were hungry. We went to an ice cream shop.

"Yurika-chan look at this!" Youjin-kun pointed to the special item on the menu. "Let's share this one together!"

Youjin chose a limited-edition, couple-sized bowl with assorted ice cream flavors.

"Sure." I nodded.

After our sweet treat, we headed to the arcade. Youjin-kun tried his luck at the claw machine and won a prize which was a stuffed toy.

"Thank you, Youjin-kun!"

He handed me a small, brown stuffed dog. Then, I spotted a Purikura, a photo booth that took and decorate pictures and even print them.

"Hey, let's take pictures!" I said excitedly.

He smiled.

"Yeah, sure."

We entered the Purikura booth and started taking pictures. Youjin-kun and I took silly and sweet photos, adding cute decorations and clip art. After editing in minutes, we printed them and I handed him a copy.

"This is for our best memories, Yurika-chan." He giggled.

"Yeah, I'm glad we enjoy our first date, Youjin-kun."

"So, shall we go to the Ferris Wheel next?"

"Okay!"

After the arcade, we finally rode a Ferris Wheel. As it slowly rose, we sat side by side, close enough to feel the warmth between us.

"Hey, Youjin." I began, not realizing I dropped the honorific.

He turned to me, slightly blushing.

"Y-Yes, Yurika?" He stammered.

I almost gasped when he called me by my first name without honorific. But I didn't mind.

"Today has been the best day ever, Youjin." I smiled happily. "I'm glad I'm dating a boy like you, my childhood friend."

"Me too, Yurika." He smiled back. "I thought you only saw me just as a childhood friend. But we have the same feelings all along. So I'm glad I'm dating a girl like you, my childhood friend."

I chuckled softly.

"Yeah, we trust each other for so long since elementary school, Youjin. Our families accept us."

"That's right. I love you with all my heart, Yurika."

"Me too. I also love you, Youjin."

Just as the Ferris Wheel reached the top, my heart began racing as our faces drew closer. I closed my eyes and our lips met. It was our first kiss.

Later that evening, Youjin and I returned to my house.

"So… Yurika, thank you. I'll see you at school on Monday."

"Yeah. Good night, Youjin."

Before he left, he leaned in and gave me another kiss on the lips. I blushed deeply.

"Youjin…" I whispered, giggling as I stepped inside my house.

On Monday, Youjin and I acted as if everything was normal, or rather, acted like the childhood friends we had always been. We were still not ready for telling everyone our relationship yet. Of course, Youjin's best friend Haruka-kun congratulated us in person, but only privately.

The rest of the week, our relationship hidden. To everyone else, we were still just childhood friends…

…until I made the biggest mistake of my life!

On Thursday night, I couldn't sleep. I laid on my bed and stared at the ceiling. Getting bored, I picked up my phone and started watching random videos online.

Then, one video I found caught my attention. That online video was about a 'cheating prank' that a guy with a girlfriend pretended to cheat on her with another girl, who as just his friend. That prank involved the two of them holding hand in front of his girlfriend to make it look like their relationship was unfaithful.

"Huh." I muttered. "But will it be gone wrong?"

I felt anxious as I watched the video. His girlfriend caught them holding hands and demanded an explanation. That prankster said 'We're breaking up.'. Just as his girlfriend was about to cry, he and his friend 'It's a prank!'

To my relief, his girlfriend was shocked, not angry. Then she smacked him lightly and said 'You got me!' And they finally laughed it off.

Honestly, it was kinda funny. But that prank video gave me an idea.

I opened the chat app and texted Youjin's best friend Haruka-kun.

Yurika: Good evening, Haruka.

Haruka: Good evening, Yurika. What's up?

Yurika: Wanna join me for a prank?

Haruka: Huh? A prank?

Yurika: Let's play a prank on Youjin-kun.

The next day after school, it was the time to pull off the prank I had cooked up with Haruka-kun last night.

"Hey, guys. I'll head home first. See you tomorrow." Haruka-kun told me and Youjin.

Of course, it was part of the plan. I had already told him to meet me behind the gym.

After he left, I turned to Youjin.

"Youjin, can you wait for me at the school entrance?"

"Yes, sure."

Once he left, I rushed to the back of the gym and found Haruka-kun waiting there.

"Ah, you're here." I said.

"But Yurika-san, are you sure about this?" Haruka-kun asked with a troubled look.

"It's fine, Haruka-kun." I replied with a chuckle.

"But, uh… I've never kissed anyone before."

"It's not a big deal. Besides, Youjin and I already had our first kiss. You will be grateful that you're getting your first kiss from me, Haruka-kun."

That's right! The prank I made was to kiss Youjin's own best friend in front of him to make him think I cheated on him, just like a prank video I watched last night, even though the video didn't involve an actual kiss. I wanted to go one step further.

Haruka-kun peeked around the corner of the gym and turned to me quickly.

"He's coming, Yurika-san!"

All right, time to act.

"Are you ready, Haruka-kun?"

He nodded nervously and started closing his eyes.

Just as Youjin finally appeared in front of us, I pressed my lips against Haruka-kun's.

"Yurika?! Haruka-kun?!" Youjin shouted, stunned.

Both Haruka-kun and I looked toward him

"Oh, Youjin-kun." I said with a mock-wicked smile. "I never thought you were this lame."

Then I grabbed Haruka-kun's hand to make Youjin's eyes widened in disbelief.

"And unlike you, your best friend Haruka-kun is much better. That's why we are dating now."

If Youjin's reaction looked heartbroken, I would tell him the truth right away.

Haruka-kun and I glanced at each other and nodded to prepare to reveal the truth.

"IT'S A–"

But before we could finish, Youjin turned and ran off.

He was gone. He believed it. I didn't feel worried, though.

"Damn it! We missed." I muttered.

"I knew it was a bad idea, Yurika-san." Haruka-kun sighed.

"Don't worry about it. He'll understand that it was just a prank. It was my idea, after all."

"Even so..."

"Let's go home."

We left the school separately. But Haruka-kun clearly felt guilty.

And me? I wasn't worried. I thought I could explain to Youjin later. But I never realized I had already broken something I might never be able to fix.

Later that night, I texted Youjin about everything and apologized to him. But I noticed my message was never marked as read. Not even a single reply from him came through.

Did my prank really break Youjin's heart? Maybe Haruka-kun was right. Wait, no! My prank wasn't supposed to be gone wrong, just like the one I saw on the online video.

Over the weekend, I still didn't receive any messages from my boyfriend. I even asked Haruka if Youjin contacted him, but he told me he hadn't heard from him at all.

Then, still hoping that Youjin might show up at my house, I waited in the living room. But he never came.

However, I made it much worse.

I decided to pull off another prank. But this time, my own idea. I texted Haruka-kun to ask for his help again. And he agreed.

On Monday morning, Haruka-kun and I arrived at school early. There were only a few students around at the time.

"You ready, Haruka-kun?"

"Let's do it." He nodded.

Then we held hands together to catch everyone's attention. Not to mention the gasps and whispers surrounded us.

"Are Nonaka-san and Kutake-kun dating?"

"I thought Nonaka-san and Kinoshita-kun were dating."

"They're just childhood friends, remember?"

"You're right, maybe he doesn't have feelings for her."

"I'm sure Kinoshita-kun won't mind his best friend dating his childhood friend."

The prank was working, but kind of.

"Yurika-chan! Yurika-chan!"

I heard the familiar female voices. I turned and saw my two friends Tomoe Hibino-san and Nayori Abe-san.

"Good morning, Yurika-chan." Tomoe-chan greeting me before glancing at Haruka-kun and me holding hands. "But what's going on with you two?"

"Yeah, I thought you told us you were dating Kinoshita-kun." Nayori-chan added, visibly shocked.

More gasps followed. Some students apparently didn't know I was dating Youjin, but we promised not to tell everyone at school. But I already told Tomoe-chan and Nayori-chan in the group chat few days ago.

"Well, about that…" I replied nervously. "I broke up with Youjin because he cheated on me."

Of course, it was a lie. The part of my prank was to make false accusation of Youjin cheating on me to make everyone believe me.

"She's right." Haruka-kun added, looking at me. "That's why we're dating now."

I asked Haruka-kun to play along with the prank. As expected, everyone looked shocked.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Yurika-chan." Tomoe-chan hugged me.

"I can't believe Kinoshita-kun would do that to you. Yurika-chan." Nayori-chan also hugged me.

It seemed they were genuinely sad for me. But I thought I could just tell them it was a prank later.

Minutes later, Haruka-kun and I saw Youjin in the distance inside the hallway. He looked confused as everyone around him glared at him.

Just as he entered the classroom, his best friend and I followed him. Time for the final act for the prank.

"Kinoshita-san, is it true that you cheated on Nonaka-san?" I heard an angry female classmate asking Youjin.

Before he replied, I chimed in with a sad tone.

"Yeah, that's true. Kinoshita-san cheated on me during our date."

More lies I made for the prank.

"He kept flirting with other girls. I tried to stop him, but I couldn't."

Then Youjin protested, clearly shocked as he tried to defend himself.

"No, I didn't do that! We just had great time on our date."

"No need to lie, you *ssh*le!" I snapped, turning to our classmates. "Even Haruka-kun saw him."

Sorry, Youjin. I didn't mean to cuss at you.

Haruka-kun stepped forward.

"Kutake-san, is that true?" Another classmate asked him.

"Yes, it's true." Haruka-kun sighed, glancing at Youjin with a mock-smug expression before responding. "I'm the witness. So, I saw him with my own eyes."

Of course, none of that was real. Haruka-kun hadn't been anywhere near our date with Youjin. But we had rehearsed this just in case.

"Yes. That's why I asked Haruka-kun to keep an eye on us during our date." I added.

Another complete fabrication.

"No! Please believe me, guys." Youjin cried. "I didn't do anything wrong to her. But I saw her kissing him last Friday. And she told me herself that they were started dating."

What Youjin said was actually true. But I wasn't done doing this prank yet.

"Don't listen to Kinoshita-san. I broke up with him after our first date. Then…" I grabbed Haruka-kun's hand. "…I decided to date with him."

"That's right, everyone." He nodded with a smile. "Yurika-chan and I are dating."

Haruka-kun changed the honorific for calling my name from 'san' to 'chan', but I didn't mind.

Everyone, including Youjin, stared at us in shock, but he also looked devastated.

The whole class turned to Youjin with insults and demanded him an apology.

It was time to reveal the truth.

"EVERYONE, IT'S A PRANK!"

But no one listened.

Without a warning, a classmate came over and hugged me.

"I'm sorry that happened to you, Nonaka-san." She said with symphaty.

What didn't she hear us?

"No, no, it's a–"

"Kutake-san, please take care of Nonaka-san." She interrupted me and faced Haruka-kun.

Damn it! Why were they all taking this seriously? Did I really convince everyone that Youjin was the bad guy, even though he wasn't?

I turned to look at my childhood friend. Everyone was still yelling at him. But he stood there motionless. His eyes turned blank with tears and his face was pale. I realized that I ruined Youjin, my own childhood friend.

That was misunderstanding! That wasn't how it was supposed to go! I meant my action with Haruka-kun as a joke! But nobody listened to me that it was actually a prank!

"Yurika-san?" Haruka-kun suddenly called. "Come with me."

He took my hand and we left the classroom.

We hid on the stairwell where no one would find us. I could barely speak.

"I knew it, Yurika-san. I was right all along!" Haruka-kun told me.

I stood silent for a moment. Then I broke down, sobbing and burying my face in his chest.

"Haruka-kun, what have I done?!"

"Sshhh! It's okay. We'll tell them at the right time, so don't worry."

He hugged me while rubbing the back of my head to calm me down.

During lunch, I spotted Youjin heading upstairs. I tried to follow him, but someone stopped me.

"Don't go after him yourself, Nonaka-senpai." A second-year girl said, blocking my way. "He should be the one to apologize to you."

"B-But–"

"She's right." Another student added. "Your childhood friend is such a jerk for being a womanizer, Nonaka-senpai."

No! That wasn't true! Youjin wasn't like that at all!

"Wait, that was–"

"Why don't you just go to Kutake-senpai? You two are dating, so you should have lunch with him now."

I gave up. I wanted to explain everything to Youjin in person, maybe not today.

After school, I went straight home.

"I'm home!" I greeted as I entered.

My mother was in the living room and smiled at me warmly.

"Welcome back, Yurika!"

But then her expression changed.

"What's wrong, Yurika? Why are you sad?"

Oh, no! I didn't realize how gloomy I must have looked.

"No, it's nothing, okaa-san. Don't worry."

I forced to smile.

"Hhmmm… I see. I thought you and Youjin had a fight or something."

Mentioning my childhood friend's name almost made my heart jump, but I was glad she didn't notice my reaction.

"But I'm kinda worried about you and him, Yurika. You haven't hung out with Youjin since Saturday."

I couldn't tell her what happened.

"No, okaa-san. We're okay, really."

Of course, I that was a lie.

Later that night, I tried to message and call Youjin again, but as always, he never read my texts and answer my calls.

Thanks to my stupid prank, I ruined everything. I made Youjin believe I cheated on him and even humiliated him in front of everyone at school. I never thought the cheating and false accusation pranks I made were very risky. And I never realized how dangerous and hurtful a prank could be.

Maybe his family, especially his step sisters, already knew. If they told their parents, then they might scold him and even blame him. If he tried to explain, they would probably believe me instead of him.

'I am such a worst girlfriend and childhood friend!' I told myself mentally.

The next day at school, I heard the familiar voices calling my name.

"Yurika-chan! Yurika-chan!"

I turned around and saw Youjin's twin step sisters Hana and Sakura, who were running towand me. They hugged me and wore worried expressions. Wait, don't tell me…

"Yurika-chan! I'm so sorry about what happened." Hana-chan sniffled as her tears welled up in her eyes.

"Me too, I didn't know onii-chan would cheat on you. That jerk!" Sakura-chan added angrily.

I should tell them the truth.

"N-No, Hana-chan, Sakura-chan. That was mis–"

"We told our mother, Yurika-chan." Sakura-chan interrupted.

Ugh! Why was I always interrupted every time I tried to tell the truth?!

"Yeah, she scolded nii-nii for what he did to you, Yurika-chan." Hana-chan said.

"B-But, girls–"

"We're sorry!" They cried and hugged me again.

I had no choice, but to give up trying to explain.

During lunch, some of my classmates continued to insult Youjin and demanded him to apologize to me in front of everyone. I wanted to tell them to stop, but my body wouldn't move. Every time I tried to approach him, someone held me back and warned me that I might get into more trouble if I talked to Youjin. They insisted he should be the one to approach me and apologize.

Youjin looked more and more broken day after day. The scolds from all sides and the punishment from his step mother. It was like he had disappeared from the world, completely alone.

I regretted for my biggest mistake I had ever done. All of it was my fault!

Later in the afternoon, when I returned home, I found my parents crying.

"Yurika! Why didn't you tell us?!" My mother asked, hugging me.

"Huh? Tell you what?"

Wait, did Youjin's parents tell them?

"You know, Youjin betrayed you, Yurika. His mother told us this morning." My father replied, joining the hug.

I knew it. I should have known.

"Okaa-san, Otou-san, I–"

"Don't worry, my daughter. We'll protect you from Youjin." She cut me off.

"If that boy dares to come here to apologize, then I will give him a piece of my mind for hurting you, Yurika!" He added, clenching his fists.

Just as I feared, every time I tried to speak the truth, the universe silenced me. It made me feel like Kami-sama himself cursed me whenever I was about to tell everyone.

So once again, I gave up.

Every day, especially on school days, my classmates continued treating Youjin the same way, but he never listened to them. Even he was alone in some quiet corner of the school, I still couldn't reach him for the obvious reasons. Everyone at school always made it clear that I had to away from Youjin Kinoshita, my former childhood friend and former girlfriend, for them.

On weekends, my parents were still upset. They even didn't visit Youjin's house, but insisted him to go here in my house. Of course, he never showed up.

All of it was my fault. Everything had changed because of my stupid pranks in the first place.

Weeks passed since our break up. The insults eventually stopped. To outsiders, it looked like everything returned to normal.

Youjin never spoke to me or even his own best friend Haruka-kun since he was too traumatized that isolated him completely. Maybe being alone gave him comfort after being betrayed by people including myself he once trusted.

But unlike him, I, myself, still had support from my friends and family, even his sisters Hana and Sakura. Still, I regretted my worst mistake in my entire life.

One day, Haruka-kun approached me.

"Yurika-san." He called.

"Haruka-kun, what's the matter?" I replied.

"I need to talk to you… in private."

His facial expression looked serious.

I nodded and we went downstairs, away from the crowd.

"Haruka-kun, what is it?"

He sighed.

"Look, Yurika-san. Everyone thinks that we're dating. We even can't talk to Youjin-kun."

"Yes, I know that." I said quietly.

"Also, the graduation is coming soon. After that, I might never see you or Youjin-kun again."

His words startled me.

"What do you mean?"

"I want us to stage a final act." Haruka-kun replied.

I was confused.

"Act? You mean prank?"

He shook his head.

"No, not a prank! I mean, we fake a breakup in front of everyone on graduation day."

My eyes widened and I understood.

"I see."

"Yeah, I'm not lying about leaving. My parents and I will relocate because of my father's work."

Then I accepted.

"Okay, that's fine."

"Thank you, Yurika-san. And I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too, Haruka-kun."

Weeks later, the graduation came.

Everyone, especially my friends and family, congratulated me. But Youjin was nowhere to be found. And Haruka-kun was spotted in the distance and was congratulated by his friends.

As planned, Haruka-kun and I already staged the breakup earlier in front of the students. Of course, the crowd was shocked, but many students understood the reason why we broke up.

Leaving everyone, I searched for Youjin until I finally found him.

"Youjin Kinoshita!" I shouted, spotting him standing alone.

Calling his full name caught him off guard and he turned to me.

"U-Um… congratulations on your graduation!" I smiled and bowed my head politely.

After few seconds of awkward silence, he finally responded.

"You too. Congratulations, Nonaka-san." He said with a serious tone.

I couldn't help but surprised for being called by my last name. He was so formal instead of casual like calling my first name without honorific before.

Youjin was about to leave when I reached out and grabbed my hand.

"Please, wait. I have something to tell you, Youjin-kun."

No matter I betrayed him, I still called his first name.

"What is it, Nonaka-san?" He said flatly.

"Please, just call me Yurika, like you used to. But please, hear me out."

I finally decided to tell him the truth. No more running. No more hiding. And hopefully, nobody would interrupt me.

"The truth is… I–"

Ugh! Interrupt again?!

Youjin's phone rang.

"Excuse me, Nonaka-san." He said coldly, turning away to answer the call.

I wanted to stop him, but my legs wouldn't move. My vision blurred with tears.

I sank to my knees and cried in defeat.

"I'm sorry, Youjin." I said quietly. "I'm so sorry for everything, Youjin!"

My regrets still haunted me. Even our families never talked to each other, Youjin's sisters would visit me occasionally to comfort me and kept apologizing to me, even though none of this was their fault. Still, I couldn't bring myself to tell them the truth.

When Youjin and I started first-year high school, we weren't in the same class. I tried to talk to him once, but he avoided me. He didn't want anything to do with me anymore. He had moved on.

Then I heard that Youjin had another friend. His new friend was a second-year female student. Her name was Naomi Susami. She was often seen with him. Was she going to be his new girlfriend? Had he truly moved on? If so, more regret filled my heart.

But I knew what I had to do. I had to find the right time to tell the truth. To tell everyone what really happened. To clear Youjin's name, so he could live a peaceful life. Or so I thought…

After all, I was the one who was responsible for everything.

-

AUTHOR'S NOTE: There you have it! It's confirmed that Nonaka cheating on Youjin and falsely accused him ARE REALLY PRANKS, but MISUNDERSTANDING that caused so much trouble for Youjin's POV! But in the end, she never told everyone the truth until Youjin got revenge on everyone at high school (Chapter 7). And as you readers know, Youjin never believes Nonaka-san at all, because she doesn't have a proof of what she did to him was a prank.

For the next chapter, it's another Side-Story (with Naomi Susami's POV). SO STAY TUNED!

I almost forgot! MORAL LESSON: Think twice before doing a prank! So be careful when you plan to prank someone!