Chapter 24: “You Don’t Own My Past Anymore”

Wednesday – 5:26 PM

The sun dipped low over the city skyline as Arisa stood alone by the back gate of the campus.

She texted Yuuki:

> "Heading home. Don't wait up. Need a minute."

But she wasn't going home.

Hayato was already waiting.

Leaning against the wall like he owned the world. Like time hadn't moved since the last time he had her heart in a chokehold.

"You actually came," he said, grinning. "That boyfriend of yours must be slipping."

"I didn't come for you," Arisa said flatly. "I came to end this."

He whistled. "So dramatic."

She stepped forward. "What do you want, Hayato?"

He shrugged. "Closure? Nostalgia? Or maybe I just missed the girl who used to light up when I showed up."

Arisa laughed. But it was hollow.

"You didn't miss me," she said. "You missed control."

His smile faltered. Slightly.

"You were different back then," he said, almost like a compliment. "Colder. Simpler."

"No," she replied. "I was broken. And you liked me better that way."

Hayato's jaw tightened.

"I let people rent me because it was easier than feeling," she continued. "Because it meant no one could actually leave me. You knew that. And you used it."

He didn't respond.

Arisa stepped even closer, eyes sharp now. Clear.

"But I'm not broken anymore. And Yuuki didn't 'win' me. I chose him."

Then, softer—

"And you don't own my past anymore."

She turned to leave.

But Hayato grabbed her wrist. "You think he can handle everything you're hiding?"

She didn't flinch.

"Then I guess we'll find out."

She pulled her arm free and walked off without looking back.