[Airi on the phone with Takamura]
"Don't worry," Takamura's voice came through the receiver, calm and confident. "I've got some clues. I'll find her address. Tomorrow's the vote—I'll make her confess the truth before then."
"But even if everyone votes against you," he continued, "there's no need to find her. It's already decided."
"I know, Takamura," Airi replied quietly. "But… we have to find the real culprit."
"...Okay, Airi. I have to get ready for school. You're coming too, right?"
"Yeah… I'm coming."
Airi ended the call and sighed deeply, letting her body sink into the bed.
---
[Takamura's side]
He smiled to himself in the quiet of his room.
"Finally… after tomorrow, she'll be mine. Airi will be… mine."
---
[At School – Classroom Scene]
The classroom buzzed with gossip, every student chatting about the vote happening tomorrow.
Airi sat at her desk, her eyes distant, lost in thought.
Please, Takamura… find her fast. I want to know why the culprit is doing this to me.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
Saya and Yuuta walked in—holding hands.
Gasps filled the room.
"Huh?! Are they dating now?"
"Poor Airi…"
"She deserves it."
Yuuta casually turned to Saya and said, "Let's go on a date after school."
"Okay, Yuuta~" Saya replied with a sweet smile and walked to her desk.
Airi didn't turn around. She faced away from them, pretending like nothing had happened—but her hands trembled.
Just then, the classroom door opened again.
A tall, handsome senior boy stepped inside.
Students began whispering instantly.
"Whoa… who's that? Is he a new senpai?"
"Wait, why's he looking for Yuuta?"
Yuuta stood up. "Big brother! You finally came!"
A chorus of gasps echoed through the class.
"Haaa?!"
"Aaaaaaaah?!"
Yuuta scratched his head. "Oops, I forgot to introduce him. Everyone—this is my big brother, Kaito Kanzaki. President of the Student Council. Smart, handsome, top grades… basically the opposite of me."
"HEY! Who are you calling dumb?!" Yuuta snapped at the narrator.
Kaito gave his brother a flat look. "Yuuta. Why did you call me here?"
Yuuta grinned. "Something I need to ask you. Let's talk outside."
The two brothers stepped out of the classroom.
Inside, Sakura leaned toward Renji. "You knew Yuuta's brother was the student council president?"
Renji nodded. "Yeah. We've known each other since childhood—me, Yuuta, and his brother."
Airi sat still, watching silently.
So… he didn't even think it was important to tell me he had a brother. Did Saya know?
Her eyes narrowed, glaring at Saya's back.
Yuuta returned and sat at his desk. Renji immediately approached.
"Yuuta… what's going on? Why's Kaito here?"
"Nothing big. I just needed to ask him something," Yuuta replied casually.
Renji sighed. "I don't get what you're doing anymore. Yesterday, you confessed to Saya. I didn't say anything 'cause I thought you were trying to help Airi… but now—"
He stopped himself.
"You don't have to worry, Renji," Yuuta said with a calm smile.
"...Haaah… Yuuta," Renji muttered, backing away to his seat. "Fine. Do whatever you want."
---
[After School – Airi's POV]
Airi tried calling Takamura again.
No answer.
Maybe he's busy chasing clues.
She sighed.
"Airi~"
A sharp voice called her name.
She turned to see four girls standing nearby.
"Look, look~! It's Airi the assaulter!" one of them mocked.
"She acts like a hero saving others," another added, "but she's just a violent freak!"
The others snickered.
Airi tried to walk past them, ignoring everything—but one of the girls shoved her.
She stumbled, hitting the ground. A scratch formed on her forehead.
"Awww~ is the baby gonna cry?" one sneered. "Tomorrow I'm voting against you. Enjoy your expulsion!"
They laughed and walked away.
Airi slowly picked up the books that had fallen from her bag, her hands trembling.
From a distance, Yuuta watched silently.
These girls… I remember them from my world.
Airi reported them for bullying. They got suspended for a week. Since then, they've hated her.
She had too many friends… but just as many enemies.
And now, even her friends turned their backs.
She's going to lose the vote.
But this has nothing to do with me.
Yuuta walked past her without even a glance.
Airi stood up, her eyes stinging.
Now you don't even care what happens to me…
---
[Evening – Yuuta & Saya's Date]
Yuuta waited by the road until Saya arrived.
"Sorry I'm not too late," she said.
"You're right on time," Yuuta smiled. "Let's start our date."
The two walked through the city—visiting a cat café, shopping at the mall, singing at karaoke.
As the sun began to set, the streets glowed golden.
"Thanks, Yuuta," Saya said. "I haven't had this much fun in… ever."
"I know. You're always working so hard, showing everyone your perfect side. But deep down… you want to be seen, right? You want your efforts to be appreciated."
Yuuta smiled. "That's what I like about you."
Saya's cheeks turned red. "Everyone sees me as the perfect class rep… but Yuuta, you really see me. Thank you."
"It's okay. After all… you're my girlfriend now," Yuuta said with a gentle grin.
Saya smiled back, then…
Yuuta's eyes clouded with a sudden thought.
"...But Airi is cute too. She worked hard. She always helped others. She trusted me. She stood by my side..."
He stopped, looked at his watch.
"...Sorry, Saya. I have urgent business."
Saya blinked. "Don't worry, Yuuta. I'll head home myself."
"Thanks. I owe you."
Yuuta waved goodbye and rushed off.
Saya stood still, watching his back disappear.
Then she pulled out her phone, dialed a number.
A quiet voice escaped her lips.
> "This wasn't supposed to happen… but I really do love him."
"I love Yuuta Kanzaki."
---
To be continued…
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