The Weight of the Past

The next day began like any other. The morning sun crept through the curtains of Eva's bedroom, and the usual sounds of the bustling neighborhood filtered in. But for Eva, everything felt different. She sat on the edge of her bed, her heart heavy with a mix of determination and anxiety.

The resolve she had made last night lingered, but so did the weight of her past actions. She knew she couldn't move forward without confronting the damage she had caused—not just to Yuuto but to everyone around him.

---

A Conversation Long Overdue

Eva arrived at school early, her mind set on what she needed to do. The usual chatter of students filled the hallways, but she barely noticed. Her focus was on one person.

She found Rika in the classroom, sitting by the window and staring out at the courtyard. It was a rare moment of stillness for her rival, and Eva hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.

"Rika," she said softly, her voice carrying an unfamiliar vulnerability.

Rika turned, her expression wary. "What do you want, Eva?"

Eva took a deep breath, clutching her bag tightly. "I want to talk. About everything."

Rika's eyes narrowed. "Everything? That's a lot to unpack."

"I know," Eva admitted, her tone earnest. "But I need to say it. Please."

After a moment of hesitation, Rika nodded. "Fine. Let's hear it."

---

A Heartfelt Apology

The two girls made their way to an empty corner of the school courtyard, away from prying eyes. Eva struggled to find the right words, but when she looked at Rika's expectant expression, she knew she had to speak from the heart.

"I've been awful to you," Eva began, her voice trembling slightly. "I've lied, manipulated, and tried to push you away. And it wasn't just because I wanted to win Yuuto. It was because I was scared."

"Scared of what?" Rika asked, her tone more curious than accusatory.

"Of losing," Eva admitted. "Not just to you, but to myself. I thought that if I could make him choose me, it would prove I was worth something. But all I did was hurt the people around me."

Rika's expression softened, though she didn't speak.

"I'm sorry," Eva continued, her voice breaking. "For everything. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I had to say it."

For a moment, there was silence between them. Then Rika sighed, crossing her arms.

"You were a pain, that's for sure," she said. "But... I get it. I've been scared too. Scared that if I didn't fight for him, I'd lose my chance. Maybe we've both been fighting for the wrong reasons."

Eva blinked, surprised by Rika's honesty. "You mean that?"

Rika nodded. "Yeah. And if Yuuto's taught me anything, it's that people can change. So... maybe we can start over?"

A tentative smile spread across Eva's face. "I'd like that."

---

Facing Yuuto

Later that day, Eva knew she couldn't avoid the most difficult conversation of all. After school, she waited for Yuuto by the lockers, her heart pounding in her chest.

When he appeared, his usual calm demeanor instantly made her feel both at ease and more nervous than ever.

"Eva?" he said, noticing her waiting. "What's up?"

"I... I need to talk to you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Yuuto tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Alright. Let's go somewhere quiet."

They ended up at their usual spot in the park, the same place where so many of their memories had been made. Eva sat on the bench, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

"I owe you an apology," she began, refusing to meet his gaze. "For everything I've done."

Yuuto frowned slightly. "Eva, you don't have to—"

"Yes, I do," she interrupted, her voice firm. "I've lied to you. I've manipulated situations to make myself look better. I even pushed Rika and Reina away because I was jealous. And through it all, you never once treated me like I deserved."

Yuuto's expression softened, but he didn't interrupt again.

"I thought that if I could make you see me as the better choice, it would make me feel... worthy," Eva continued, tears welling up in her eyes. "But all I did was hurt the people I care about. And I'm so, so sorry."

There was a long silence between them. Eva braced herself for anger, disappointment, or even indifference. But when Yuuto finally spoke, his voice was gentle.

"Eva," he said, "I've always known you were struggling with something. I just didn't know how to help. But hearing you say this now... it means a lot."

Eva looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. "You're not mad?"

Yuuto shook his head. "No. I'm just glad you're being honest. That's all I've ever wanted from you."

---

A New Beginning

As they walked home together, a sense of relief washed over Eva. The weight she had been carrying for so long felt lighter, though she knew the journey wasn't over.

"I want to be better," she said quietly. "For you. For everyone."

Yuuto smiled, his usual calm warmth radiating from him. "You're already on your way."

For the first time in a long time, Eva felt hopeful—not just for her relationship with Yuuto, but for herself. She didn't know what the future held, but she was ready to face it head-on, with honesty and courage.

And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in shades of gold and crimson, Eva knew that this was only the beginning of a new chapter in her life—a chapter she was determined to write with care.