Chapter 2: The Distance Between Us

The silence between us felt heavier than the humid summer air.

Himari's words still echoed in my mind.

"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?"

I swallowed hard, gripping the can of soda in my hand. "That was just a dumb joke."

Himari smiled faintly, but I could see the hesitation in her eyes. "Maybe for you."

A lump formed in my throat. I wanted to say something—anything—but my mind was a tangled mess. This was all happening too fast. Ryosuke, my best friend, had just been dumped. And now, here she was, telling me all this.

How the hell was I supposed to react?

I looked away, focusing on the condensation dripping down my soda can. "You should probably go home, Himari."

A brief silence. Then, a soft chuckle. "You're always like this, Haruto. You run away when things get complicated."

Her words stung. I clenched my jaw, but before I could respond, she stood up, brushing imaginary dust off her skirt. "Fine, I'll go. But don't act like you don't feel it too."

She turned on her heel and walked toward the door. I should've let her leave. I really should have.

But instead, I called out, "Himari—"

She stopped but didn't turn around.

I hesitated. What was I even trying to say? That I did feel something? That she was making it impossible for me to ignore?

I exhaled sharply. "Forget it. Just… get home safe."

For a moment, she stood still. Then, with a small nod, she stepped out the door and disappeared into the night.

I let out a long breath and slumped against the couch. My head was a mess, my heart even worse.

Himari had been my childhood friend. My best friend's girlfriend. And now…

I frowned, glancing at the kitchen table, where a single envelope sat.

My father had left it there before leaving for his business trip. A marriage registration form.

A form confirming that, as of today… he was officially married.

I reached for it with slightly trembling fingers and scanned the names.

Father: Kazuya Kiryuu

Spouse: Sayaka Tachibana

My breath caught. Tachibana?

A horrible feeling twisted in my gut as the realization dawned on me.

Himari wasn't just my childhood friend anymore. She was my step-sister.

I clenched my fist. What the hell am I supposed to do now?

The Next Morning

I barely got any sleep. My mind kept replaying everything from last night—Himari's words, the way she looked at me, the way I almost said something I shouldn't have.

But above all else…

She's my step-sister now.

I dragged myself to school, exhaustion weighing on my body.

The moment I stepped into the classroom, I spotted Ryosuke.

He was laughing with some of our classmates, but there was something off about him. His usual lively energy felt forced, and his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

Then, as if sensing my gaze, he looked up—straight at me.

For a split second, our eyes met.

And in that moment, I knew.

He already knew Himari had feelings for me.

I felt my stomach drop.

I turned away quickly, heading to my seat. But even as I sat down, I could feel his gaze burning into my back.

This wasn't over. Not even close.