Akane's words hung in the air, a painful truth that Takeru couldn't deny. He felt like he'd been punched in the gut, his heart shattered into a million pieces.
"Akane, please..." Takeru begged, his voice cracking with emotion. "Don't say that. I'll do anything to make it right."
But Akane just shook her head, her eyes filled with tears. "I need time, Takeru," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Time to think, to process everything."
Takeru nodded, feeling a deep sense of despair. He knew he'd hurt Akane, and he didn't blame her for needing space.
As Akane turned to leave, Kaito spoke up, his voice low and gentle. "Akane, wait," he said. "I'll walk you home."
Akane nodded, and Kaito fell into step beside her. Takeru watched them go, feeling like he'd lost everything.