Chapter 12 – The Ghost of Middle School

A Girl Who Shouldn't Be Here

Haruto felt his blood turn to ice.

She shouldn't be here.

Not in this classroom. Not in this school.

And yet, there she was—Aoi Tachibana, the one person who knew the truth about his past.

Her lips curled into a smirk as their eyes met, as if she knew the exact thoughts running through his head.

Himari, noticing his sudden stiffness, followed his gaze. Who is she? Her expression shifted with concern, but Haruto didn't respond.

He couldn't.

Because if Aoi had come back, it could only mean one thing.

His past was about to be exposed.

The Shadows of Middle School

Lunch break arrived, but Haruto didn't move from his seat. He had no appetite.

"Haruto," Himari whispered, nudging his arm. "That girl… do you know her?"

He hesitated. Lie or tell the truth?

Before he could answer, a shadow fell over his desk.

"It's been a while, Haruto."

That voice. Soft, sweet… and completely fake.

Haruto slowly lifted his head. Aoi stood before him, her dark brown eyes gleaming with amusement.

"You don't look happy to see me," she pouted. "I thought we were old friends?"

Himari stiffened beside him. Friends?

Haruto clenched his fists under the desk. Stay calm. He had spent years burying this part of his life. If he let his emotions show, Aoi would see right through him.

"I didn't think you'd transfer here," he finally said, his voice unreadable.

Aoi giggled. "I didn't think so either… but I just couldn't stay away. After all—" She leaned closer, her next words just loud enough for him to hear.

"You still owe me, don't you?"

Himari saw it. The flicker of something dark in Haruto's eyes. Something she didn't recognize.

Himari's Growing Fear

After school, Himari grabbed Haruto's wrist before he could leave.

"Tell me the truth," she demanded. "Who is she?"

Haruto remained silent.

"Haruto!"

He exhaled. Then, in a quiet voice, he said:

"She was someone I knew in middle school."

"And?"

His eyes darkened. "And she was part of the worst thing I've ever done."

Himari's breath hitched. What had he done?

Before she could press further, Aoi's voice rang out from the hallway.

"Haruto-kun, let's talk!"

Himari flinched. Kun?

The way Aoi said his name—it was too familiar.

And for the first time, she felt it. Fear.

Not for Haruto.

But of him.

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End of Chapter 12