Episode 11 – A Smile That Hurts / Hidden Storms

Act II: Sunshine Between Us

Ren's smile never seemed to fade.

But lately, Yuki noticed something else.

The coughs.

Soft, sudden, cutting through the quiet moments between classes.

She watched him, concerned.

"Ren, are you okay?" she asked one afternoon, catching him by his locker.

He forced a grin. "I'm just tired. That's all."

"You don't have to hide it," Yuki said gently. "You can tell me."

He looked away, shoulders tense.

"I don't want to worry anyone," he said.

Yuki wanted to reach out, but the words caught in her throat.

Meanwhile, Takeshi watched from a distance, conflicted.

He wanted to speak to Yuki—to warn her, to tell her how much she meant to him.

But every time he tried, the words tangled in his throat.

He saw Ren's coughing fits and felt a silent dread.

Could he protect Yuki if Ren wasn't there?

Takeshi's own feelings weighed heavy, a storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.

One afternoon, after school, Takeshi found Yuki sketching under the old cherry tree.

"Yuki," he started, voice hesitant.

She looked up, surprised.

"I know you care about Ren," he said quietly.

Yuki nodded.

"I just want you to be prepared. Sometimes, people smile to hide storms they can't escape."

Yuki's heart clenched.

"Thank you," she whispered.

As the sun set, both of them felt the weight of unspoken fears.

Ren's smile shone on, but behind it, a hidden storm raged.