Chapter 17 – The Strings That Pull Us

1. The Brother Who Wouldn't Let Go

Riku couldn't focus in class.

His hands felt stiff. His heartbeat was slow but heavy.

Because last night, he had seen something impossible.

Renji had fought like a different person. Not just faster—more ruthless.

Like he wasn't just trying to win.

Like he had wanted to hurt his opponent.

And for a second—just a flicker—Renji had smiled.

Riku clenched his jaw, staring at the math equations on his notebook.

He couldn't ignore this anymore.

If he didn't act soon, his brother might slip away forever.

And worse—Riku wasn't sure if Renji even realized it was happening.

---

2. The Golden Boy's Second Move

Renji barely made it through the morning classes.

His body was sore from last night's fight. His mind was worse.

Because something had happened.

Something inside him had taken over.

And he had let it.

"What are you really afraid of?"

The memory of Haru's voice scratched at the back of his skull.

Because Haru had seen it.

And now he wasn't going to let it go.

So when Renji left his second class and found Haru waiting casually outside the hallway, he didn't even bother acting surprised.

"You look tired," Haru said, smiling as he fell into step beside him.

Renji didn't respond.

"I heard about the fight last night," Haru continued. "Tough luck."

Renji shot him a sideways glance. "You were there."

Haru's smile widened. "Oh? Did you see me?"

Renji didn't answer.

Because that was the problem.

Haru had been watching.

But Renji had been too distracted by himself to notice.

"Come to the library after school," Haru said suddenly.

Renji frowned. "Why?"

Haru stopped walking, his gaze sharp.

"You want answers, don't you?"

Renji's breath hitched.

Because Haru's voice was light—almost playful.

But his eyes?

His eyes were serious.

"Don't keep me waiting, Amamiya."

And then he walked away.

Leaving Renji standing in the hallway.

With the sinking feeling that Haru knew far more than he should.

---

3. The One Who Couldn't Afford to Lose

Not far from where Haru and Renji had spoken, someone else had been listening.

Sakamoto Kenta, second-year student.

Not a top student. Not a delinquent.

Just a kid trying to survive.

Kenta tightened his grip on his phone. His fingers twitched slightly from exhaustion.

Because while most students spent their nights sleeping or studying—he spent his nights working.

The bills weren't going to pay themselves.

His father was gone. His mother had been sick for years.

So Kenta worked.

First at a mechanic shop, then at a loading dock, sometimes even at the underground fights if they paid enough.

Fighting had been the easiest way to make quick cash.

But last night?

Last night had been different.

Because he had seen Renji fight.

And Renji had been different.

That moment—that shift in Renji's movements—

It had been terrifying.

It had been familiar.

Kenta exhaled slowly, shoving his phone into his pocket.

He didn't care about school politics. He didn't care about Haru's games.

But he did care about survival.

And something about Renji felt dangerous.

Like he wasn't just fighting opponents.

Like he was fighting himself.

---

4. The Brother Who Was Running Out of Time

Riku sat through lunch, barely eating.

His phone screen was blank.

Because Renji hadn't texted him once since last night.

They didn't message each other often. They weren't that kind of brothers.

But still.

Still.

Riku looked at his call history. Last call from Renji: three days ago.

Something about that made his chest feel tight.

Because Renji had always been detached.

But lately?

Lately, it felt like he was fading.

Riku glanced around the cafeteria, but Renji was nowhere in sight.

"Looking for someone?"

Riku turned.

A girl sat down across from him. Dark hair, soft eyes.

Mio.

His girlfriend.

The one person outside his family who actually knew him.

And the only person he had been lying to.

She studied his face, frowning slightly. "You look stressed."

Riku exhaled. "It's nothing."

Her gaze didn't waver. "Is it Renji?"

Riku hesitated.

Then—for the first time in weeks—

He nodded.

Mio sighed, pushing her food around on her tray. "He's your brother, Riku. If something's wrong, talk to him."

"It's not that easy," Riku muttered.

Mio was quiet for a moment.

Then she reached across the table, placing her hand lightly over his.

"You always try to carry everything yourself," she murmured. "But sometimes, people don't want to be saved. Sometimes, they have to want it first."

Riku stared at their hands.

Then he pulled away.

Because he couldn't afford to think like that.

Not when it came to Renji.

Not when he might be the only one left who could pull him back.

---

5. The Library That Wasn't Quiet

Renji arrived at the school library just before sunset.

Haru was waiting.

Casually flipping through a book, like he hadn't just invited Renji into his game.

"So," Haru said, snapping the book shut. "You came."

Renji sat down. "Start talking."

Haru smiled. "Straight to the point. I like that."

Renji didn't react.

Because he wasn't in the mood for Haru's games.

Because last night—something had taken over him.

And Haru had noticed.

Haru leaned back in his chair.

"You've changed, Amamiya."

Renji stayed silent.

Haru tilted his head slightly. "At first, I thought you were just lazy. Wasting your potential."

Renji's fingers twitched.

"But then I saw you fight," Haru continued. "And I realized—"

He smiled.

"You're not just changing, are you?"

Renji's pulse pounded.

Haru's gaze sharpened.

"You're waking up."

The words hit too close.

Too familiar.

Because they were the same words from that anonymous message.

Renji exhaled slowly.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he muttered.

Haru's smile didn't fade.

"Sure."

A lie.

A game.

Renji stood up.

But before he could leave—Haru spoke again.

"You're not alone in there, are you?"

Renji froze.

His breath caught.

Haru leaned forward slightly.

His voice was soft.

Not mocking.

Not amused.

Just curious.

"Tell me, Amamiya."

Haru's eyes locked onto his.

"Who's really in control?"

Renji's chest felt tight.

Because the worst part?

He didn't know the answer anymore.

---

End of Chapter 17