Chapter 13 – The Girl Who Knows Too Much
Aoi's Return Changes Everything
The walk home was silent.
Himari kept glancing at Haruto, but he didn't say a word. His expression was unreadable, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. She wanted to ask, to demand answers, but something about his demeanor made her hesitate.
For the first time since she reunited with him, she felt like she was looking at a stranger.
"Haruto…" she finally spoke, her voice careful. "What did she mean when she said you owe her?"
Haruto's steps slowed. The question lingered in the air between them like a loaded gun.
Then, without turning to face her, he simply said:
"Don't ask."
Himari felt her stomach twist.
"But—"
"Just don't." His voice was quiet, but firm—a warning, not a request.
She clenched her fists. Why was he shutting her out?
Aoi's Game Begins
The next day at school, Aoi was everywhere.
She didn't act like a transfer student. She acted like she had been there all along. By lunchtime, she had already inserted herself into conversations, charming teachers, and making friends as if it was effortless.
But Himari saw through it.
Because every now and then, Aoi's gaze would flick toward Haruto.
She wasn't here to start over. She was here for him.
And Haruto knew it too.
Even though he pretended to ignore her, Himari saw the tension in his shoulders. The way he avoided looking in her direction.
Then, during lunch, Aoi finally made her move.
"Haruto-kun~!"
Himari flinched at how casually she said his name, but Haruto didn't react.
Aoi leaned against his desk, her lips curled in amusement. "You've been avoiding me. That's not very nice, is it?"
Haruto sighed, barely sparing her a glance. "I have nothing to say to you."
"Oh? But I have so much to say to you." Aoi tapped her finger against her lips, then giggled. "Or should I say… to everyone?"
Himari saw it.
The briefest flicker of fear in Haruto's eyes.
"Meet me after school," Aoi whispered, leaning close. "Or I'll start talking."
And just like that, she walked away.
Himari's heart pounded.
"Haruto… what is she—"
"I'll handle it." His tone was cold.
Himari clenched her jaw. She didn't like this. She didn't like how helpless she felt.
And more than anything…
She didn't like how Aoi looked at Haruto, as if she already owned him.
The Secret Meeting
After school, Himari followed him.
She knew he would be angry if he found out, but she didn't care. If Aoi was going to bring up the past, she needed to hear it too.
Haruto and Aoi stood near the back of the school, in a quiet place away from prying eyes. Himari hid behind a wall, holding her breath.
"You really came," Aoi hummed, tilting her head. "I thought you'd try to run."
Haruto crossed his arms. "Get to the point."
Aoi pouted. "You're no fun, Haruto-kun. It's been years! You don't even want to talk about the good times?"
"There were no good times," he said flatly.
Aoi giggled. "True. But there were… fun times. You remember, don't you?"
She stepped closer, reaching out. Haruto immediately caught her wrist, his grip tightening in warning.
"Don't touch me," he said, his voice dangerously low.
Aoi smirked. "See? That's the part of you I like the most."
Himari's stomach twisted. What was she talking about?
"You can't keep pretending forever," Aoi continued, her tone playful. "Eventually, she'll find out. Your dear stepsister… she doesn't know the real you, does she?"
Haruto's grip tightened.
"If you so much as—"
"What? You'll hurt me?" Aoi laughed, leaning in close. "Go ahead, Haruto-kun. Show me that you're still the same as before. Show me that nothing's changed."
Haruto suddenly let go, stepping back.
"Stay away from me," he muttered. "And stay away from Himari."
Aoi tilted her head. "Oh? Are you worried about her? How cute." She crossed her arms, smiling. "But what if she finds out the truth?"
She leaned closer, her voice a whisper.
"What if she finds out about the person you really are?"
Himari covered her mouth, her breath shaking.
Haruto… was hiding something.
Something dark.
And Aoi was going to destroy everything.
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End of Chapter 13