Haru’s Phone Number

Sakura leaned against the cold bathroom wall, tears streaming down her face as she gasped for breath. The weight of the evening seemed to press in from all sides. What started as a simple night out had spiraled into something she couldn't control. Every time she tried to steady herself, the pressure of the situation overwhelmed her, making her feel suffocated.

She wiped her eyes with trembling hands, desperate to gather her composure, but everything felt wrong. She couldn't think straight. The laughter and noise from the other side of the door felt miles away, as though she was trapped in a place no one could reach her. The questions from the guys, their behaviour—it was too much. Too much to handle on her own.

Her fingers fumbled through her purse, trying to find something to anchor herself, but it felt impossible. The bag slipped from her hands and crashed to the floor, its contents scattering across the tiles. Lip gloss, receipts, loose change—everything tumbled out in a mess.

Frustration welled up in Sakura as she dropped to her knees to gather the items. Her breath hitched, but then her fingers brushed something small and folded. She stopped, her heart skipping a beat as she unfolded the piece of paper. It was the Haru's phone number.

"That's my number. Let me help you, okay? If you ever need someone to talk to, or if it gets too hard to handle, just text me or call. You don't have to do this alone."

Her chest tightened as she remembered the words again, the weight of them sinking in. Haru's number. He had given her a lifeline, and now, in the midst of her panic, it felt like the only way out.

Without thinking, she unlocked her phone and dialed the number, her heart racing as she pressed the call button. It didn't matter that it was late or that he might be busy—Sakura needed someone. She needed him.

…

Meanwhile, Haru and Kei were in the middle of watching a horror movie at home, the eerie music building in the background. Haru was sprawled out on the sofa, absentmindedly eating crisps when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, seeing an unknown number. He looked over at Kei, who raised an eyebrow, sensing the change in Haru's expression.

"Who is it?" Kei asked, already knowing something was off.

"I don't know," Haru replied with a shrug, then answered the call, bringing the phone to his ear. "Hello?"

"Haru… oh, thank god," came the shaky, emotional voice from the other end. It was Sakura—her words barely comprehensible through the tears. Haru's heart lurched. He could feel the fear in her voice.

"Sakura?" Haru asked immediately, his voice filled with concern. He sat up straight, instinctively focusing on the phone. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

There was a long pause before Sakura finally spoke, her voice breaking with emotion. "I… I don't know what to do, Haru. I'm so scared. Mia… she… she asked me to come to this mixer… at a karaoke place… and now I'm here, and I just… I don't know what's happening... they're all asking me questions, and I feel trapped…"

Haru's blood ran cold as he listened to her stammer, panic rising in his chest. This wasn't the Sakura he knew. She was struggling. "Sakura, listen to me. Where are you right now?"

"I'm in the bathroom," she whispered, the words barely audible.

"Stay there," Haru said, his voice firm but calm. "Don't move. I'm coming to get you. Right now."

Before Sakura could respond, a loud banging came from the door, making her jump in fright.

"Sakura! Are you okay in there?" Mia's voice rang through, sweet and falsely concerned. "You've been gone a while. Everything alright?"

Something felt wrong. Her voice cracked as she forced out a reply. "I… I have to go. I'll talk to you later, Haru. Goodbye."

Haru's heart pounded in his chest as he processed everything. He didn't want her to hang up, but he knew time was crucial.

"Sakura, stay where you are. I'm coming to get you. Don't let anyone in."

He quickly hung up the phone, his face tense. Kei, who had been listening closely, stood up and gave Haru a surprised look.

"Wait, that was Sakura? Is she okay" Kei asked, his eyes wide in shock. He hadn't expected this.

Haru nodded without hesitation, his mind focused entirely on getting to Sakura. "She needs me. She's at a mixer with Mia. I'm not letting her go through with this alone."

Kei swallowed, hearing Mia's name. Then, after a brief pause, he nodded. "I'm coming with you."

Without another word, the two of them grabbed their jackets and rushed out the door. Their footsteps were quick, the air around them charged with urgency. Haru couldn't shake the nagging feeling in his chest. He needed to get to Sakura, but he wasn't sure what he would find once he got there.