The Rift and the Flame

Kaito unfolded the letter beneath his desk, eyes narrowing as he scanned the neatly written words:

"Meet me on the rooftop at lunch. Come alone."

There was no signature.

His gaze lifted, sweeping across the classroom. Faces buried in notebooks, eyes glazed with boredom. Nothing unusual. No one looking his way.

No one suspicious.

The bell rang, cutting through the silence like a blade. It was lunch.

Kaito stood slowly.

Haruto looked up from his seat. "Where you going?"

"To the rooftop," Kaito said casually, tossing his bag over one shoulder.

Haruto raised a brow. "Since when do you eat up there?"

"Just felt like some air." Kaito paused, then added, "Bring a drink when you come. I'll be up there."

"Alright," Haruto muttered, standing and heading toward the vending machines. As he turned the corner, he sighed. The line was long — painfully long.

Kaito stepped into the stairwell, each step up echoing louder than the last. His heart thumped in rhythm with his pace. The rooftop door creaked as he pushed it open.

The sun blazed overhead, casting long shadows across the gravel. The wind pulled at his uniform.

He closed the door behind him.

She was already there.

Akari stood near the edge of the roof, her scarlet ribbon fluttering like flame in the breeze. Her back was turned.

As he stepped closer, she turned slowly, a curious smile on her lips.

"Kaito," she said sweetly. "What are you doing up here?"

Kaito narrowed his eyes. "I got a note. Figured I'd check it out."

She tilted her head. "Looking for someone?"

His voice dropped. "You sent the letter."

Akari's smile didn't waver. "You caught me."

Kaito's suspicion deepened. "How did you know I went to the hospital?"

"Yuna told me," she replied smoothly. "She and I talk."

Kaito stared. "She told you she turned me away?"

Akari nodded, brushing her hair aside. "She's still not doing great. I thought you should know."

Kaito's tone turned flat. "Why the note, then?"

Akari's expression sharpened. "Because I want you to stay away from her."

Kaito blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Her voice was icy now. "If you don't, the same things will start happening… like in elementary school."

A cold weight dropped into Kaito's stomach.

He took a step forward. "What are you talking about?"

Akari's eyes darkened. "Have you forgotten the blame?"

A shiver raced down his spine.

"You…" Kaito whispered, realization dawning. "You were behind it?"

Akari didn't flinch. "Still confused, aren't you?"

"Why?"

"Because of you," she hissed, stepping forward. "Because Yuna chose you over me. She left me. I was her best friend, and you… you took that away. You ruined it."

Kaito was stunned into silence. But before he could respond—

The door slammed open.

Yuna stood there, her eyes wide, face pale. Her breath caught.

Akari's expression flickered — from cold to charming in a blink. "Yuna—"

"Don't," Yuna snapped, voice trembling. "I heard everything."

Akari took a step forward. "You're misunderstanding—"

"Stop lying!"

Yuna's voice cracked as tears filled her eyes. "I trusted you! You were my friend!"

"I still am!" Akari said quickly. "I was just trying to protect you—"

"By turning me against Kaito?"

The words landed like a slap.

Akari's face twisted. "I only wanted things to go back to the way they were."

Yuna stepped forward and — slapped her across the face.

The sound echoed through the rooftop.

Akari staggered back, eyes wide.

"You betrayed me," Yuna whispered, tears streaking her cheeks.

Akari's composure cracked. "You left me!" she shouted. "You ignored me! You ran to him and forgot everything we had!"

"You made me doubt someone I cared about!" Yuna shot back. "You lied to me, manipulated me, and for what? Just to punish me for moving on?"

Akari's hand clenched into a fist. "You don't understand how it felt! You abandoned me!"

Yuna moved toward her. "You think you were the only one hurt? I thought you were my family!"

Akari screamed, launching herself at Yuna.

They collided.

Hands grabbing, shoving — emotions erupting into violence. The scuffle was clumsy and fierce, born from years of buried resentment. Hair was pulled. Sleeves were torn. Yuna's knee struck Akari's side; Akari's nails scratched Yuna's shoulder.

Kaito surged forward. "Enough!"

He wedged himself between them, gripping both their arms. "Stop this! What are you doing?!"

Yuna pulled free first, stumbling back. Her chest rose and fell, her face red and wet with tears. Without another word, she turned and ran toward the door.

As she passed the stairwell, Haruto appeared, wide-eyed.

"Yuna?"

She didn't stop. She ran, brushing past him, sobbing.

Haruto blinked, stunned, then turned toward the rooftop.

He stepped through the door just in time to see Akari fixing her uniform, her face flushed with rage and shame. Kaito stood nearby, silent.

"What the hell happened?" Haruto asked.

Neither answered.

Akari glanced at both of them, then turned and left.

Haruto looked at Kaito, who stared at the floor.

"You good?" Haruto asked gently.

Kaito shook his head. "Let's just go."

Together, they walked back to the classroom. Each step felt heavier than the last.

As they approached the door, a strange sensation settled in the air. The hallway grew colder, the light dimmer.

Then — a pulse of energy.

A low hum vibrated through the floor.

Inside the classroom —

A massive magic circle blazed to life. Glowing blue runes spiraled across the ceiling and floor, symbols shifting like clockwork gears.

Students screamed.

The room was swallowed in light.

Kaito froze. "No…"

Haruto reached for him. "Move!"

The circle expanded, consuming desks, walls, and windows.

The world cracked.

And everything —

Turned white.

End of Chapter