Johnny_Sensei

Our Secret, Our Sin

Haruto’s life was supposed to be simple—just another forgettable high school student with a quiet past. But when his father suddenly remarries, he finds himself living under the same roof as Himari, his new stepsister… the one girl he could never forget.

She was his first love. His first regret. And now, his biggest temptation.

Forced to suppress their growing feelings, Haruto and Himari struggle to keep their relationship normal. But when a single mistake puts them in the crosshairs of Ryosuke, Haruto’s so-called "friend," their fragile secret is threatened. Ryosuke holds a photo—a single moment captured in time that could destroy everything.

But Ryosuke doesn’t know who Haruto really is.

Because Haruto has a past. A past so dark that if anyone uncovered it, his entire world would crumble.

As love and danger intertwine, Haruto must fight against the sins of his past, the desires of his present, and the uncertain future that looms ahead.

How far will he go to protect the one person he can’t live without?

And when the truth is revealed… will love be enough to survive?


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Our Secret, Our Sin

The summer heat pressed against my skin as I walked home from school, my uniform clinging to me from the humidity. The cicadas buzzed in the distance, a constant reminder that the days were growing longer. I wiped the sweat off my forehead, glancing up at the cloudless sky.

It was supposed to be an ordinary day.

Standing in front of my house, leaning against the gate with an unreadable expression, was my childhood friend—Himari Tachibana. Her long, chestnut hair swayed slightly in the warm breeze, her deep brown eyes watching me with something I couldn't quite place.

"Himari?" I called out, confused. "What are you doing here?"

She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Waiting for you, obviously."

I hesitated before stepping closer. We hadn't spoken much lately—not since she started dating my best friend, Ryosuke. Something about it felt wrong, but I had no right to say anything. After all, Himari and I had always been just friends. That's what I told myself.

She glanced at the door before turning her gaze back to me. "Are your parents home?"

I shook my head. "They're out of town for the weekend."

Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but instead, she just nodded. "Then… can I come in?"

A strange feeling settled in my chest. I should've said no.

The cool air from the AC washed over us as we sat in the living room, the tension between us thick. Himari held a cold can of soda between her fingers, staring at it as if lost in thought.

"Is something wrong?" I finally asked.

She let out a small, bitter laugh. "I broke up with Ryosuke."

I blinked, taken aback. "What? Why?"

She sighed, placing the can down on the table. "Because… I couldn't stop thinking about someone else."

She turned to face me, her eyes searching mine. "Do you remember what you said back in middle school? That if we were still single by the time we turned eighteen, we should date?"

My throat went dry. "That was just a dumb joke."

She smiled again, this time softer. "Maybe for you."

I felt something tighten inside me. This wasn't right. Himari had just broken up with Ryosuke. My best friend. And yet, the way she was looking at me—like I was the only one that mattered—made my heart pound in a way I didn't want to admit.

"Say something, Haruto," she whispered.

Because at that moment, I knew—this was the beginning of something I wouldn't be able to turn back from.

Chapter 1: The Beginning of an Unraveling Thread