Chapter 6

Takumi was one of those third-year golden boys. Captain of the university's boxing club, always surrounded, always admired. But the admiration felt more like fear if you looked close enough. The kind of fear that kept people in line.

He never came at me directly. That's not how it started. It started with Tanaka.

We weren't close, not at first. Just quiet nods, shared silences. But then I noticed Takumi watching. Not just in passing - watching. Like Tanaka spending time with me was a personal betrayal. Like my presence was a challenge he hadn't signed up for.

I never tried to pull Tanaka away from him. I didn't need to. But I knew what I represented to someone like Takumi: someone who didn't flinch. Who didn't need a crowd. Who wasn't afraid to be invisible.

People like him hate people like me.

And then the fight happened.

Two of his guys, trying to corner me behind the chemistry hall. I didn't start it. But I finished it. Fast. Efficient. Like I'd done it before - which, if the rumors were right, is exactly what they were saying.

And Takumi heard those rumors. That's when the real tension started.

He watched me even closer after that.

A week after the fight, Sae was waiting near the campus gates. Not pretending it was a coincidence this time.

"You've been avoiding people," she said, falling into step with me.

"I always avoid people," I replied, not even looking.

She gave that faint smirk. "Yeah, but now you're doing it with extra effort."

I didn't answer.

"I overheard something. Some upperclassmen said the university might still look into what happened behind the chem building."

My jaw clenched. "It's been a week."

"The guys you fought didn't say much - too embarrassed, probably. But someone else filed a report. Anonymously."

Of course they did. "Figures."

A few steps in silence.

"I noticed your hand," she said. "Still bruised."

"It's healing."

She lowered her voice. "People are still talking. Most don't know what to believe. But me? I think you did what you had to."

That made me glance at her. I didn't expect that.

"You don't strike me as the type who justifies violence."

"I don't," she said. "But I also don't pretend you weren't cornered."

I nodded. "I appreciate that."

She laughed lightly. "Careful. That almost sounded like gratitude."

"Don't get used to it."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

Later that week, I found Tanaka under a sakura tree, sketchpad in his lap. Not many people knew he could draw. I only found out by accident.

I sat next to him without a word.

He didn't look up. "You still carrying tension on your shoulders."

"I didn't come here for therapy."

He chuckled. "I heard security reopened the file."

I frowned. "From the fight?"

"Yeah. Some staff got camera footage. Admin's acting like they care now."

"Great. A week late and politically motivated."

He finally looked up, eyes narrowed slightly. "You doing alright?"

"You asked me that already."

"And I'll keep asking until it stops being a lie."

I paused.

"I'm fine," I said quietly. "I'm used to being blamed for what other people start."

"You shouldn't have to be."

"Life doesn't care what I should or shouldn't have to be."

He closed the sketchpad. "Just… watch your back. Takumi's been hanging around the boxing club more. Acting like he owns the place."

"Let him watch. I'm not looking for a rematch."

"You might not be," he said. "But some people don't need a reason. Just a target."

I exhaled through my nose. "Being quiet doesn't make me harmless."

Tanaka gave a small smile. "No. But being strong and silent? That scares people more."

That night, I sat at my table, unable to sleep. My breathing was shallow but manageable. Inhaler within reach. Always.

The city outside kept moving. Unaware. Unbothered.

Even the people who had started talking to me - Tanaka, Sae - were still strangers in a way.

But something was shifting. I could feel it.

"I've never asked to be seen. But now that I am, I wonder... what happens when they see too much?"