XXXX. Running away again?

"I'll pay that debt—just stay away from Kaesu!"

I was abruptly pulled back to reality when I heard Lara's voice beside me. I frowned at what she had just done.

"What are you doing?" I asked, but she ignored me, her gaze fixed on Canim.

"A murderer has no right to interfere in this!"

Everyone was stunned by Canim's words—even I was taken aback. He didn't have to say that, and he definitely shouldn't have said it in front of so many people.

"I don't care—I know I'll have to pay for that sin. But Canim, stop it! That's enough! Leave Kaesu out of this!"

He raised his hand, about to slap Lara, so I immediately stepped in between them.

"Are you that disgusting that you'd even raise a hand against your own sister?"

I felt a deep pain witnessing this. Is this really the man I once admired? I knew it hurt because I had started to develop feelings for him, even though he was only using me and the money he lent me. But seeing this side of him crushed me even more.

It seemed like he realized what he had done, so he walked away. I grabbed Lara's hand and pulled her away from the scene as the students around us started whispering.

I took Lara to a quiet spot, and we sat on the grass.

We remained silent for a while until she handed me a photograph. A bitter smile crossed my lips.

I saw how beautiful Via was in the picture I was holding.

"Do we really look alike?" I couldn't help but ask, holding back my tears.

So that's why Canim threw my scrunchie into the sea—because Via looked so beautiful with her hair tied up.

I felt Lara's gentle touch on my cheek.

I remembered how I couldn't even finish tying my hair before Canim suddenly snatched the scrunchie from my hands and threw it into the water. I stood up in shock, frowning at him.

"What is your problem? Why did you throw my scrunchie into the sea? You saw that I needed it!"

The surroundings were dark, but even in the dim light, I could see the anger, confusion, and pain in his eyes. His reaction only confused me more.

Why does everything have to be such a big deal to him? Even tying my hair is an issue? Does he have a broken mind like Nadia?

"Don't ever tie your hair like that again. It doesn't suit you, and it never will—because you're not her."

"What do you mean by 'not her'? Of course, I am me! I'm not someone else! What are you talking about?"

—

"You look exactly like her," he whispered, and his words made me freeze.

"Who?"

—

"Are you still okay?" I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"If only we could stay here, like this... forever."

I held onto my restless heart as warmth spread through my face, despite the cold air surrounding us.

I looked at Canim, his face flushed red from alcohol, and I smiled. I reached out and caressed his cheek. He leaned into my touch.

"Don't leave me, please... It hurts."

I've never left you, and if I had a choice, I never would, Canim.

"Just here... Stay here, right next to me. Please, don't leave."

"Via..." he whispered, slowly closing his eyes.

Now, everything is clear to me...

I was pulled back to the present when Lara suddenly spoke.

"Kaesu, I hope you can forgive me for doing nothing. I was paralyzed by fear—afraid that even you wouldn't want me anymore. And it happened. Now that I have nothing left, I'm no longer afraid of what will happen next."

"I know everything—I accidentally overheard your conversation with Alex in the restroom."

I saw the shock in her eyes, but after a moment, she took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry."

"Lara, I'm scared. I'm afraid that it wasn't Via you killed—but my grandfather. I'm terrified to admit to myself that there's a big possibility that you're the one who took his life. I swore that I would never forgive the person who killed him."

"W-what do you mean, Kaesu?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

"Both Via and my grandfather were hit by a car in the exact same place, just at different times. Two people also went to erase the CCTV footage from that location. Everything was so cleanly done that no evidence was ever found—maybe because they both seemed like accidents. And I'm scared to admit that it might have been you."

Lara fell silent, staring blankly into space.

"But don't worry—"

"Kaesu, my father... I think my father is involved."

I frowned at her words.

"I accidentally overheard my father talking to a woman. I also heard their plan. My father doesn't actually own the university—he stole it. And from what I heard, the man they were talking about refused to sell it. So, my father made a deal with the woman to have him eliminated and I just lately found out that the person who refused to sell it was your grandfather. I was so scared that I backed away, but the woman saw me. At first, I thought she'd let it go, but then..."

She suddenly stopped, as if something was holding her back.

"But what, Lara?"

"Kaesu, I have to go."

I was shocked when she suddenly stood up and started to walk away, so I called out to stop her.

"You're leaving again? Running away? Hiding the truth from me once more? What now, Lara?"

She shook her head, looking down as if trying to hide her face.

"You don't understand—you'll never understand because you weren't in my position back then. It's enough that you know my father is involved. That should be enough for you to start uncovering all his dirt, to finally find the justice you've been searching for."

And just like that, she left, disappearing from my sight.

I couldn't hide the frustration bubbling inside me, so I kicked a nearby rock and let out a deep sigh.

I immediately informed Uncle Luis about everything, and he promised to take action right away. I also reported that Nadia hadn't shown up at school, which likely meant she was up to something bad again.