Chapter 14 – The Ex-Girlfriend’s Bombshell

Aoi's Announcement in the Middle of Class

The tension in the classroom was suffocating.

Haruto sat at his desk, arms crossed, gaze lowered. He had barely spoken since his encounter with Aoi the previous evening. Himari sat beside him, stealing glances, her mind tangled with questions.

What had Aoi meant by "the real you" last night?

But before Himari could ask, Aoi walked in. And this time, she wasn't just another new transfer student—she walked in like she owned the place.

She smiled at the teacher, then turned to the students.

"Good morning, everyone! Let's start with some introductions, shall we?"

Himari's stomach dropped. She didn't trust that smile.

"For those of you who don't know me yet, I'm Aoi Sakamura!" she said cheerfully. Then, without hesitation, she turned toward Haruto and dropped the bombshell:

"Oh, and by the way… Haruto is my ex-boyfriend."

Silence.

Complete and utter silence.

Then, the classroom exploded.

"WHAT?!"

"Haruto-kun, is that true?!"

"Wait, they dated?!"

"How come we never knew?!"

Himari felt like she had been punched in the gut.

She turned to Haruto, searching his face for a reaction. But he remained expressionless, his grip tightening around his pen.

"Haruto," she whispered. "Is this… true?"

For the first time, he hesitated.

That hesitation was all Himari needed to see.

It was true.

Aoi laughed. "Oh? You never told your precious Himari-chan about me? I feel hurt!"

Himari's hands curled into fists. Why was Aoi doing this?

One of the guys chuckled. "Damn, Haruto! You dated a girl like Aoi? Why didn't you ever say anything?"

"Yeah, bro, what's the story?"

Aoi smirked, flipping her hair. "Oh, there's a lot he didn't tell you. Isn't that right, Haruto-kun?"

The way she emphasized his name sent a chill down Himari's spine.

Haruto finally spoke, his voice low.

"This isn't something to discuss in class."

Aoi pouted. "Oh, come on! Don't be so cold. We had fun, didn't we?"

The classroom buzzed with excitement, but Himari couldn't hear any of it.

Her world was crumbling.

Himari's Pain and Doubt

At lunch, Haruto was nowhere to be found.

Himari sat in her usual spot, staring at her untouched food.

"He never told me."

She had known Haruto for years. They had grown up together, lived in the same house, shared secrets. She thought she knew everything about him.

But Aoi…

She was a part of his life Himari had never even known existed.

"Why did he hide it from me?"

"Why wouldn't he tell me?"

"What else is he hiding?"

She bit her lip, hating herself for doubting him—but she couldn't stop the thoughts.

And the worst part?

Aoi was watching her.

Across the cafeteria, Aoi sat at a table full of students, laughing and chatting. But every so often, her gaze flickered to Himari, as if she was enjoying her suffering.

Himari hated it.

She hated how easily Aoi had shaken her confidence.

Haruto's Hidden Rage

Outside, on the rooftop, Haruto stood alone.

His hands trembled at his sides, his nails digging into his palms.

"That bitch."

He should have expected this.

Aoi wasn't here to make friends. She was here to ruin him.

He should have denied everything in class. Should have laughed it off. But when Aoi had said those words—"Haruto is my ex."—he had frozen.

Because she had spoken them with a smile that only he could recognize.

That wasn't a smile of nostalgia.

That was a declaration of war.

"What do you want?" he muttered under his breath.

Aoi was testing him. She had only just begun.

And if he didn't stop her soon…

She would destroy everything.

Aoi's Real Intentions

After school, Himari found Aoi waiting by the gates, twirling her hair.

She wanted answers.

"Aoi."

Aoi turned, smiling. "Oh? Himari-chan. What a surprise."

"Cut the act," Himari snapped. "Why are you really here?"

Aoi tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm… Why indeed?" Then she leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Tell me, Himari-chan… Do you really think you're the most important person in Haruto's life?"

Himari's breath caught.

"You've known him for a while, haven't you? You must think you know everything about him." Aoi giggled. "But the truth is… you only know the version of Haruto that he wants you to see."

Himari's heart pounded.

Aoi smirked. "Let me ask you something, Himari-chan. Do you really love him?"

"Of course I do!" Himari shot back.

"Ahh, so cute." Aoi chuckled, stepping closer. Too close. "But love is dangerous when you don't know who you're really loving."

Himari clenched her fists. "Stop playing games."

Aoi's smile widened.

"Oh, Himari-chan… I haven't even started yet."

---

End of Chapter 14