Chapter 7 - The Edge of Ruin

Ryosuke leaned against the doorframe, his smirk widening as his eyes flicked between me and Himari.

I forced myself to stay calm. "What do you want?"

He shrugged. "Just thought I'd visit my best friend. You've been acting strange lately."

I clenched my fists.

He wasn't here for small talk.

He was here because he knew.

I stepped outside, closing the door behind me before he could look any closer. "I'm busy."

Ryosuke raised an eyebrow. "Busy doing what?"

My pulse hammered.

The kiss still lingered on my lips. The warmth of Himari's touch was still on my skin.

If he had come a few seconds earlier—

If he had seen—

I pushed the thought away. "Just drop it, Ryosuke."

But he didn't.

Instead, he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Tell me something, Haruto."

His expression darkened.

"What does it feel like? Knowing that you stole my girl?"

Ice shot through my veins.

I didn't move. I didn't breathe.

He knew.

Not just a suspicion. Not just a vague guess.

He knew.

I forced a laugh. "You're imagining things."

He chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Am I?"

Then he pulled out his phone.

My stomach twisted.

He tapped the screen a few times—then turned it toward me.

A photo.

A blurry shot of me and Himari.

Outside school. Close. Too close.

My blood went cold.

I grabbed his wrist before I could stop myself. "Where the hell did you get this?"

He yanked his arm away, smirking. "What, you think I wouldn't keep an eye on my ex?"

Rage bubbled inside me.

He was watching us.

He was waiting for us to screw up.

And we had.

Ryosuke slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Don't worry. I haven't shown anyone."

Yet.

I took a slow breath. "What do you want?"

He grinned. "Oh, nothing much."

Then his eyes darkened.

"But if I do show people…" He paused, savoring my panic. "What do you think would happen to Himari?"

My chest tightened.

I already knew.

If people found out—if our parents found out—

Our lives would be over.

Ryosuke patted my shoulder. "I'll be in touch."

Then he walked away, whistling like nothing had happened.

I stood there, fists clenched, the world spinning around me.

I had crossed the line.

And now, there was no going back.