Late afternoon of Tuesday, 4th week of May.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaWokNraTk
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5:06 p.m.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD1yuVesGK
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About ten minutes ago, at the train station, Runa and Kuroiwa-san arrived. I couldn’t let Kuroiwa-san continue his careless plans so I pushed and dropped him and he ended up kissing the floor. Then I sat on top of his back so he couldn’t move. Afterwards, I called the staff working at the station and told them that he was a stalker. Then they detained him and sent him back home. The end.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2JrIquXqy
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Sigh…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9vaRb9UFD
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Who was I kidding? I wished that was actually what happened, but I wouldn’t really want to attract unnecessary attention to myself. And besides, I didn’t think I was strong enough to pull it off. But honestly, that would have been the best solution. Instead, I tried talking sense to Kuroiwa-san. I told him that he was being irresponsible. That he was not thinking about the consequences that might happen to Runa. If Runa’s mother found out that her daughter was still meeting him in secret, she would definitely be furious. But Kuroiwa-san only answered me with his usual dull voice and said, ‘I know.’ And when we finally exited the train station, all I could do was stare in disbelief.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2FBOy5625
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After a while, we just found ourselves watching Kuroiwa-san’s back as he led us slowly toward our downfall. Runa and I let him take a few steps in front while we matched his speed because moving slow would at least delay the inevitable. I was hoping that at least this guy actually knew what he was doing…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1U5UUim1p
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But how could Kuroiwa-san think of having to do this now when exams start tomorrow?37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy90YGI4iWP
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And also… Did this guy even know where he was going…?37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR2OcCpcP6
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“What do I do?” Runa muttered to herself but I heard it.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o5kZwnyVB
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“I told you to ditch him, right?” I said slightly louder than Runa’s whisper. We had a few meters between us and Kuroiwa-san so I wasn’t worried that he would be able to hear us.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEkW4yj6Au
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“I’m sorry, I just couldn’t.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4ycs8c6AS
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“Why?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO6nOcX1Uw
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“Because…”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnI8r6sMC4
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“Because what?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ELvn7Ucu6
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“...I don’t know.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ23zwfZuGU
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I exhaled a breath.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQHH5J4Gu1
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“Did you even try stopping him?” I asked.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZCh143cHG
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“I did! I honestly did,” Runa replied. “But he wasn’t listening and I couldn’t change his mind.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzuph54Njc
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“That’s why you should have—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeUt9Gtzqm
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“You know that won’t do. If leaving him behind would’ve stopped him, then we’re all going home safe, without worries.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCmi80yilP
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“So, what now? Just watch him lead us to your doom?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMVACrlSqH
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“...No.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A4cBU1HxK
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“Then try to talk some sense into him.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec1seNO3Ci
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“Weren’t you listening? I already tried.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBKRDMgFTi
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“Well… you could always try again!?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulakdZhdEH
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“How? You already lectured him back in the station!”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe8VuQYqa6
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“But that was me trying. Clearly you two are on better terms than me and him.” I insisted. This was not the time for Runa to be indecisive. She needed to act now.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdxPc7NzFT
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Runa looked down and started biting her lips.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WLpCUjkvH
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“Runa!?” I continued with firm urgency.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp5jQ7hNpZ
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“Fine,” Runa replied. She walked faster to catch up to Kuroiwa-san. She tapped his back and they talked for about five exchanges… Then she came back to my side. When I glanced at her, she turned her head slightly to the right to avoid my eyes.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TW2s5UERZ
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That didn’t look promising…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96gnfFuN9D
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“So?” I asked. “Why are we still walking forward?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r7D9dSo7c
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“Umm…” Runa said hesitantly, “I told him ‘Maybe this is not a good idea?’ He said, ‘It’ll be fine.’ I said, ‘Do you really have to go talk to Mom?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Okay.’ And now I’m here.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcMSvimPhs
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“That’s it?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK4xT8KMbD
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“Yes.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQKH52aVEl
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“Can you even call that trying?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0VROWUm55
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“I mean, I really tried harder back in his apartment. But Kuroiwa-kun, if he said he’s going to do something, he’s definitely going to do it.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWzxbcYwyw
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“Even so—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHUlkf1EiG
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“If he said it’ll be fine, then I don’t have a choice but to believe in him. Whatever happens later then… it is what it is. If… Mom gets angry at me again… I’ll just have to bite my lips for a second night, right?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViJbHiyNIo
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I tried to say something, but I just left my mouth hanging. The words stifled inside my throat after I saw the determination in Runa’s eyes. Even with her small, uncertain smile, her words carried absolute certainty. I closed my mouth and turned my head toward the ground. I was still trying to search for ways to make Kuroiwa-san stop, or think of how to help Runa. But I was just repeating everything she had just said in my head. Was it really okay to just let this all happen?37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCiWPh3Wjt
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“I don’t understand you. Earlier you were just worried, and now you’re accepting whatever happens.” I finally said. “How could you trust him so easily?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhlpLP6RGr
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I glanced at Runa and she was trying to think.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qGrRbZao8
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“Hmm… it’s probably because he helped me gain a lot of confidence when it comes to studying.” Runa finally answered. “Don’t get me wrong though, I am still a little worried. But having studied with him in the past few days, I got the feeling that I might actually pass.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZw0qIaxQ8
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“I don’t think that answers my question,” I said.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRNoVhBdJR
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“I guess it isn’t. Hehe…” Runa replied with a silly smile.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzmfIJ1g1z
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We let the silence grow for a while as we continued walking. I internalized everything that she just said. It was not like I had already given up, but it was more like, if I did more then I would just move in the wrong direction. Just like what happened on the rooftop last week. And I don’t really want to repeat what happened back then, at least not right now.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAUHfhaHPn
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“But you know, don’t you think last week felt like a dream. Like, at the beginning, everything didn’t feel real,” Runa continued. “And then, as the week went on, everything started to add up. Well, the week ended badly,” she giggled. “But even so, you helped me.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtiOWWEySq
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Runa turned her head toward me and she started smiling, more genuine than earlier.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvPAGRztjv
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“I wouldn’t have helped you if I knew it would cause you more trouble like now, you know,” I said. Even though deep down I knew I was partly to blame. Maybe if I hadn’t told Kuroiwa-san about what happened to Runa. Maybe—37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItO6CexvAU
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“True.” Runa interrupted my thoughts while she chuckled at what I said. Afterwards, she stared into the ground looking like she was contemplating if she was to say something else. But then she continued. “Do you know what I saw the first time I went to Kuroiwa-kun’s apartment?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHiAKfim8c
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“What?” I asked curiously.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqGvaSNOYi
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“He showed me his room.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1htlBgERr
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“That doesn’t sound right.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgNBSh8kY9
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“Just listen…”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5iQ5f4EcL
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“Fine…”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4pBOhRs7d
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“You know, that room. There were a lot of things in it. A computer with three huge monitors,” Runa started to gesture what she saw. I knew she was exaggerating the sizes of the monitors by how she drew a picture of them in the air with both her hands, but I just let her be. “A guitar here, an electric piano there, and there’s this small board that has a lot of buttons on it,” she pointed at the road as if she was exactly inside the room showing me where those items were supposedly placed. “There were also a lot of papers scattered around the floor, and his desk is messy, like super messy.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmkaXXtzKS
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“Is he trying to become a musician?” I asked. Somehow I thought that room fit him. It’s a messy room and I always pictured him to be somewhat of a slob based on how he always left his hair unkempt. But a computer, instruments, papers scattered, and a messy desk. It sounded like he was focused and busy rather than someone who was just lazy. Maybe I was—37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASawkfPO1Z
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“He told me no…” she giggled. Why? “But you know what, that room when I saw it. It kind of reminded me of your room.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAVnWutaYd
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“Haa? My room isn’t that messy!” I protested and frowned.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXShZSyCBL
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“I know, mostly your room was clean and everything was in order.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSjAUxDIbw
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“Then don’t compare the mess you saw from his room to mine.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHn2H9fJ7Z
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“But that’s not what I mean. You see, whenever I visited you by surprise back when we were kids, your mom would let me in and I would just go inside your room without knocking. And there would be crumpled papers on the floor. I would go peek at what you were doing and you wouldn’t notice until I talked or poked your cheeks.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71ghgjWk2c
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“That— That’s different.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPsLly27Yn
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“Yeah, in a way it is different. His room was messier. But you know what I mean, right? Whenever you study, you put a lot of time into it, you get serious and all. That mess in his room was five times more than yours, and I could tell, and I know you can too, that he definitely was spending most of his time in that room.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT1gmsYrHh
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I looked at her and just listened.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ02YRSVZ4
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“Kuroiwa-kun said he was still just learning. But learning all of that at the same time, don’t you think that’s amazing, along with the fact that he got a perfect score in our practice exams? I don’t know if I could even achieve half of what he was doing.” Runa continued. Her eyes softened as she watched every step she made. “Maybe he was working toward a dream or a goal. Maybe he was just doing it as a hobby. But either way, he decided to set them all aside for now. Just so he could help me.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJECJEM0vL
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“I—” I said then stopped. I tried to say something… but what?37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0XWdl0cha
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“I know,” Runa replied. “I told him that he didn’t need to do all that for me, but he said it was necessary for him to focus on helping me reach top ten by the end of the year. And I thought he was crazy,” she giggled. “But I couldn’t help but want to believe what he said, after all, that’s a huge sacrifice to make and he sounded very serious. So I went back and then he greeted me with the materials he had written without sleeping, gave them to me, then sent me home.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9niyklz6x
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I found the absurdity of it all to be funny, so I chuckled.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB1t1cehSh
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“I really was scared of him,” Runa paused and she looked up toward the sky.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjU5O7mVtP
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“I was too,” I said.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT1a3oHaMt
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“Yeah, and I was really surprised you were even able to scold him back at the station like you were trying to scold Yui.” Runa giggled.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYhmVDe3OD
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“He wasn’t listening though.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRijjyBMxk
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“I don’t know. Maybe he was. But, I think that’s just how he is. I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do, but since he already decided, he’s going through with it.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBcmriAl6c
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“You sound like you’ve known him for a long time.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjnTVGB9BD
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“No, I don’t know much about him. But after seeing how sure he looked when you were talking to him, and how sure he sounded when I talked to him again earlier, it’s more like I am choosing to believe in him than knowing what he was actually thinking. Besides, except for one thing, I don’t think he has ever let me down… at least not yet...”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFm6HVe1Ng
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Sigh…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TX2TRdO9F
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“You’re so reckless.” I replied.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuJOSFbdgA
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“Yeah, so let’s see what’s going to happen next.” Runa said finally sounding relaxed.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPMOsSDMOs
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I stared, wondering if her calmness was genuine or not. But she just smiled at me. “I swear, your excessive curiosity is going to be your downfall one day,” I said.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GlI9hp8bh
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Runa chuckled a little. “Maybe it’s going to lead me to my downfall tonight.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxttQVbJJ2
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“That’s not funny.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FChBWFwVQ
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“I know,” Runa said. “But I’m glad I am this curious, otherwise we wouldn’t have ended up being friends until now.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6U4YuvIz5
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A smile formed on my lips. It’s true, she was the one who always tried to play with me when we were still just kids. She was persistent and in the end we became inseparable. Although we went to different schools in elementary and middle school, we always hung out all the time. And we have stayed as best friends ever since.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa09nzlXaJ
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“You’re ri—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWcEwHPB7j
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I was looking down but when I was about to reply to Runa and looked up, I hit my nose and bumped into something in front of me. I covered my nose with my hand and looked around. We were at an intersection. And Kuroiwa-san was standing in front of me.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbQ5zIZDXg
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“Why did you suddenly stop!?” I reflexively yelled at him. “At least you could’ve said something!”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxb8GdTmXh
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“I did,” Kuroiwa-san said. “I was asking which way to go.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv24FCyZLEP
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Did he? I couldn’t tell. I didn’t know if he really was saying something.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle9COrwgkM
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“You should’ve shouted.” I replied.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8ZZOjRQhK
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“I did,” Kuroiwa-san said.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgaXzIVYrj
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I took a long breath then I heard Runa laughing beside me.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefHlgt2J4e
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“That wasn’t funny,” I told her.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgyosgF4nF
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“I know, I’m sorry,” Runa said. “But I just couldn’t help it, I mean, I saw him do something when we were still far behind him. I just realized he was actually shouting.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuQcQzzKdW
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Oh, I thought Runa was laughing about me bumping into Kuroiwa-san.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3INPe62zQw
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“Anyways, come follow me,” Runa guided Kuroiwa-san this time instead of letting him lead us to nowhere.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXYYnDJnlw
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“Runa,” I called out to her before she started walking. “I won’t go home yet. I’ll stay with you,” I said.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EC0pqmdln
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“You don’t need—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xP3RmIqMn
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrsnOJ4sNA
“I need to…”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrhTNfbSZL
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosUATsMyZZ
“Okay,” she said and smiled at me.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDR4gAPM0O
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ9gPxMP4A
I let Runa and Kuroiwa-san walk ahead before I followed. I gathered all the courage I could muster. After all, facing Runa’s mother when I knew she was going to become angry wasn’t something I was looking forward to. But I decided to see all this through, so I shouldn’t be doubting myself.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUN0gk47Hn
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwRuIzM7Tf
I stared at Runa and Kuroiwa-san’s backs. I noticed there seemed to be much more of a gap when they were walking beside each other. Unlike when I walked with him yesterday. Yet they were talking to each other comfortably.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3Md5FeKol
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I looked down.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3oPEbXfWG
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And for some reason, I felt uneasy.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKIKbyQo8u
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTh822wxSd
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KYt64kcHV
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SnaYEFVqs
I checked my phone to look at the time. It was already 5:28 p.m. when we finally arrived at Runa’s house. Right in front of the door, I could see Runa’s face had tensed up. Kuroiwa-san didn’t particularly show any expressions like always. As for me, I was trying to calm down, but as soon as Runa opened the door, I got nervous and I felt my hands tremble a little.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8nFLChY0z
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKpxHPactv
As soon as we went inside, Runa announced our arrival.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI4yONd78n
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“I’m home!” Runa shouted.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WrfXqxPsC
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5RCZlF4kU
“Oh, welcome home,” Shizuna-san’s voice called out from inside. I heard her footsteps come in close and soon enough she appeared from the doorway of their living room. “Can I ask you to go buy some soy sauce from the grocery—” she said as she was walking but interrupted herself when she saw us at the main entrance. “Oh my, Mika, nice to have you visit us,” she said as she looked at me.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEax4mJblL
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HWbj704BM
Shizuna-san turned her glance toward Kuroiwa-san and she stopped for a moment. My heart started beating faster as I saw her eyes flare up with suspicion.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqPkm2G9cX
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0viLdQhsl
“Hmm, we have another guest,” Shizuna-san finally said. “I’m afraid I’ve never met you before,” she remarked toward Kuroiwa-san. “And it’s a boy,” she continued while glancing toward Runa.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk49MqadU6
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCSMj1Xuw7
Runa avoided Shizuna-san’s stare, which made Shizuna-san even more suspicious. I held my breath for a second then let it all out before I decided to speak.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQXTFLrztO
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpoQzePpkW
“Good after—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUjCVIY0va
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuKK3wPSc2
“Let me introduce myself,” Kuroiwa-san interrupted me before I could finish greeting Shizuna-san. “My name is Kuroiwa Rei. I am a classmate of your daughter and Tojo-san.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eMf9hwLVq
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH4x0ONicB
Kuroiwa-san bowed after introducing himself to Shizuna-san. I couldn’t do anything but stare. It took me a lot of courage to try saying something and he just interrupted me like that. But that was not the reason why. It was that when he decided to speak, I felt like the thing I was being nervous about was going to start.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLJSBKgd44
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGKzjMk9u2
Shizuna-san crossed her arms. “Might I ask… What is your relationship with my daughter?” she asked.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclaMk8OLa1
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kWn0O8RBm
“Moooom, is Runa-nee back?” Rurika peeked from the doorway then gasped when she saw us.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr5HXKLNeb
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ9CTjtslE
“Rurika, stay in the living room. Close the door after,” Shizuna-san firmly told Rurika.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFxJ8Yootl
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMc2d3CmD6
Rurika nodded silently then did what her mother asked her to. Shizuna-san then glared toward Runa for a moment before going back to staring at Kuroiwa-san.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4p42zvlX6
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SASwYijJH
“I am the one who was teaching your daughter,” Kuroiwa-san calmly answered.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ429pMtNOhV
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8FYMEOnUx
Shizuna-san closed her eyes and blew out a breath. When she finally opened her eyes, she frowned and her stare intensified at Kuroiwa-san. I looked at him but he didn’t seem to be bothered. He was still his usual calm and unreadable self. She turned her gaze toward me and I reflexively turned away. I was guessing if she was thinking if I knew everything about this. And me looking guilty would have shown that I did. I was not sure at all, but either way, her eyes were just too intimidating for me.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUki2QrYdw
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXPgOtEGnH
“Runa,” Shizuna-san said. “Go to your room.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpgoB4d5UH
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBc3nFKq3y
“...No,” Runa replied.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFpRtXScG0
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“I said go to your room!” Shizuna-san’s voice got louder and sharper. And even though she was trying to direct her daughter, her glare never left Kuroiwa-san.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyIajA6k7W
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnxvK91tdh
“I’m staying here,” Runa said defiantly. “I’m sorry.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6EUXtTJ0m
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuctP7flSGB
“Fine… but we’ll talk later,” Shizuna-san replied to her daughter, still not looking at her. “So, what are you doing here?” she asked Kuroiwa-san.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRF6ZoyF5S
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46HQZNZqgZ
“Miyase-san,” Kuroiwa-san said. “I am here to tell you about your daughter’s progression from our study session together.” He paused and went into his bag to get something out. “I have here the results of—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIV6sOZ9S8
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmtYPAm4hl
“Tell me what you’re really here for.” Shizuna-san cut Kuroiwa-san off and insisted on a more direct answer from him.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7yvHM2pdF
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HDvQ2K2pP
Kuroiwa-san finally found what he was searching for in his bag. He held them with his right hand as he continued to meet Shizuna-san’s gaze. They were test papers. And I could see from where I was, which was behind him, that they were from our practice exams a few weeks ago. But the stack didn’t make sense, there were supposed to be six test papers. But even if I didn’t count, what he was holding had more.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycUlZjChh3
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Txsfrx2wZ
“I am here to convince you to—” 37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV98F7QKBxD
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbcLouBH1W
Smack*37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZEoSTfoXH
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vDgf8uzTp
A sharp and heavy slap interrupted Kuroiwa-san. The sound echoed inside the hallway, thundering inside my already distressed heart. The silence that followed just added more to what was already a very heavy atmosphere. I kept a hand on the doorknob. The thought of running away came to mind, but I held the doorknob so I could prevent myself from falling, since my knees started feeling weak. I looked at Runa and her eyes were wide and her mouth was covered with her hands. Her bag fell to the floor. I checked to see if mine had also dropped, but I noticed that my hand holding its handle was gripping it very tightly. I never even had the opportunity to let it fall.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1174wwpE4
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiyTjgURNF
“How dare you try to manipulate me into your scheme!” Runa’s mother shouted at Kuroiwa-san. I looked at him and I only saw his face turned opposite of where Shizuna-san’s hand came from when she slapped him. He finally covered his red cheek with his hand, but never verbalized his reaction. I couldn’t even properly see his expression. “You have already tricked my daughter into coming to your apartment alone and now you’re trying to convince me? Convince me of what? Continue to deceive my daughter?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEddscnrP6U
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH7U1wfZz6
Runa’s mother raised her right hand again.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq6k38okdx
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRTAT8IqG8
“Mom, stop!” Runa shouted. “Please just listen to him!”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qjSEra4Fu
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF6jeqUJAg
“Don’t defend him!” Shizuna-san shouted back. “Runa, you lied to me! I told you to never go to this guy’s apartment again!”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQPPGmwjHS
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7Jxdgpadu
“But I needed to—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLtl0xZzTh
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“Miyase-san,” Kuroiwa-san finally said.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7zV9y6kY4
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjVlqLoGU1
“What!?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe34p0HZ6w0
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“Yes?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9RR4iaN1A
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Both Runa and her mother replied. Kuroiwa-san glanced at both of them simultaneously looking confused. I, on the other hand, just noticed I was holding my breath so I let it go.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ruuMDOG37
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R07FsEyLt
“R-Runa-san,” Kuroiwa-san corrected himself.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XUEuemIHH
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4AZRU8OFU
“Kuroi—Rei-kun?” Runa replied.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdMjOEoP1D
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffZVdWGzxE
I, despite feeling horrified by what was happening, had noticed how both Runa and Kuroiwa-san started calling each other by their first names. I understood why Kuroiwa-san had to do it, but Runa, for some reason, changed how to address him.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPfnMCrUL3
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RyZ02kc1c
“Your mother is right, you don’t need to defend me,” Kuroiwa-san said to Runa.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmrsAEvOmP
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstOecOSY5f
“Why?” Runa asked.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jYf6nYuBx
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoCoMWhzly
“I came here prepared for what needs to happen to me. I need to talk to your mother, not to convince her, but to show what you have achieved."37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGOABvwGRH
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnZRKmfbL1
This was the first time I saw Kuroiwa-san change his expression. His relaxed unchanging face started showing conviction. His dull lifeless eyes stared at Runa with determination. And Runa was staring straight into those eyes.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtmLBego4v
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“...Okay,” Runa replied.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBJXv7clwa
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I glanced toward Shizuna-san and I saw her eyes shifting back and forth, glancing toward the side and then looking toward Runa and Kuroiwa-san. She was biting her lip, but she didn’t interrupt them. But her hands were still tightly closed. She crossed her arms after a while and turned her attention toward Kuroiwa-san again.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOUTT7XmJY
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3SUC9Jb0S
“Miyase-san,” Kuroiwa-san said. He reached out his right hand toward Runa’s mother. The same right hand that was holding those test papers. “If you could only just—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tLe2YsUFz
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5C7RDf4d8
“Get out,” Shizuna-san calmly said.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡts7r44DY6l
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“I just need you to—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRB1txqOR0
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“I told you to get out!” Shizuna-san interrupted Kuroiwa-san a second time. This time her voice started to sound fierce again. “I don’t want you to convince me about anything. I need you to stay away from my daughter!”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLyECCnuzo
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Noggyoebj
“Miyase-san—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzvMtuxQRj
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU87DnjbyID
“GET OUT!” Shizuna-san pushed Kuroiwa-san toward the door. He went out of balance and started falling backward.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcRzsWtgZX
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDfSJDQxbl
“Kuroiwa-san!” I yelled.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8ek07wW4p
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Crash*37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ilq9KuT4j
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I tried to catch him on reflex, but we both ended up falling together. My back hit the door behind me and his weight fell onto my legs. The last thing I saw before that was the test papers scattered in the air and now resting on the floor.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaOodOsIMH
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ851zOoPFuA
“Ow!” I cried in pain.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxWKq3M1VE
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm297NrJ6HW
“I’m sorry!” Shizuna-san said.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNDYwmRlDj
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“Mika!?” Runa yelled.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ4yBmMH3Z
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Kuroiwa-san immediately composed himself as he knelt down on the floor and faced me.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOpHC7IsvW
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“Are you okay?” Kuroiwa-san asked.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbdgQ1GEKB
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I inspected myself for a moment. “I’m fine, it hurts a little, but I don’t think I got injured.” I answered.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg7N9Y0UiN
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I saw Runa reaching her hand out to me. I grabbed it and we both pulled together for me to stand up.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUAebGuZGY
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“I’m glad you're okay,” Runa said as she hugged me.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDI6nYwxQC
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7ARDTH8VH
“I’m fine, don’t worry,” I said, patting her back. I turned toward Kuroiwa-san. “How about you?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1PtfmnGal
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He only nodded.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuSrU5e1OZ
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“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,” Shizuna-san continued to apologize. Her hands covered her mouth and they were shaking a little bit.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmlMNjKJis
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMUlLXu6ao
“Shizuna-san, I’m okay, you don’t need to worry,” I assured her, smiling even though I still couldn’t help but be intimidated.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbCcABVq1I
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Of course I still was! She looked terrifying just a few seconds ago.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvO2sp3QrW
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKhrFAkO7r
I heard papers shuffling below me so I looked. It was Kuroiwa-san collecting the test papers that were on the floor. I was about to crouch to help him, but Runa did it first. And before I could even try again, they were both done. I reached out my hand to help Runa stand, she took it, and after she stood, we both reached out our hands for Kuroiwa-san.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZJXfJvTOi
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvn06GoKWt
“It’s okay,” he replied to our gesture.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh6TgPETVf
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Kuroiwa-san turned toward Shizuna-san. He bowed slightly then stretched both his hands that were carefully holding the test papers toward her.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DdJPRbB1o
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3quVRvzvmB
“Miyase-san,” Kuroiwa-san said. “I don’t understand what you are accusing me of. All I came here for was to show you these.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToOeFEDbtj
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd0pVLlWBd
Shizuna-san slowly turned her stare from me to Kuroiwa-san. I still saw doubt in her eyes. She stepped back once after a moment of pause. “Have you done anything to Runa?” she asked Kuroiwa-san. Her voice sounded careful.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GfF66JR5S
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“We only studied,” Kuroiwa answered.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpIZ22cH2G
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“You are not trying to manipulate her?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffgvFWjVte
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“I had no such intentions.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqNpXBADgM
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Shizuna-san hesitated but eventually stepped forward and reached toward the test papers. She inspected the ones that were in the front and then she turned her gaze to Runa.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDs6oFDbTY
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYuDmulIEv
“Runa… are these…?” Shizuna-san asked.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZK7iVfxK8
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Runa avoided her gaze. “I’m sorry,” she answered her mother.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn1KFLBF33
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYVaqA6t5L
“As you can see, the first six test papers are the result of the practice exams that happened a few weeks ago,” Kuroiwa-san explained. “Runa got 26 in English, 24 in Science, 18 in Math, 27 in History, 31 in Japanese Literature, and 28 in Social Studies. They were all way below the average scores, which meant she failed all of her subjects.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5VriVpKEr
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5U80aPnEZ
“Rei-kun!” Runa loudly whispered. “You didn’t need to elaborate on my scores!” She looked at Kuroiwa-san, who was still bowing his head. And when she noticed he wasn’t paying attention to her, she pouted. “You didn’t even need to emphasize I failed,” she whispered a little quieter.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJnBFLu9qM
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My first thought was… She really was now committed to calling Kuroiwa-san by his first name.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFCPbN4L3h
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWn66ZK94Fu
“But,” Kuroiwa-san continued. “If you look at the ones that are in the back, you will see different scores. Those are the ones I made her take before we got here.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRyB2iFrxm
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSpXPIytQb
Shizuna-san shuffled through the test papers and her eyes widened.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqbUF2tMNO
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHg0Yb86Qr
“English 58, Science 68, Math 73, History 62, Japanese Literature 71, and Social Studies 67.” Kuroiwa-san again elaborated. “As you can see, all have significant increases. They are all way above the average score. They may not look great right now and the real midterm exams are definitely going to be harder. But those scores are the result of her own hard work.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa91TSmeWJs
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Kuroiwa-san placed his hands on his thighs, palms open, and fingers pointed at the opposite hand. He folded his elbow to form a slight V-shape, just like someone who was holding their hips. Except for him, he was bowing.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8NmGGEaBA
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“I did not come here to convince you I wasn’t a bad guy, I did not come here to show you evidence of something I cannot prove. I came here to just show you those test papers. To show you the result of her efforts. She worked hard for them. And even if I could visibly see her struggling, she never gave up.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOZWZbB6pK
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I didn’t know where Runa and Shizuna-san were staring. But I knew my eyes never left him. I listened to everything he said. And every word that he spoke, I felt his sincerity.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0viQgW4KgE
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“I told her that I would help her become a top ten student in our grade by the end of the year. I had all the intentions to do just that. So… please… let me continue to teach her.” He slowly leaned forward and bowed until his forehead touched the ground.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUj80vFmIb
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My eyes widened at the sight of him grovelling in front of Shizuna-san. After he was slapped by her, after he was pushed away, he was still here not taking advantage of Shizuna-san’s impulsiveness and shock. He was begging her. All to keep a promise that he made when we first talked to him. He really meant that. And after hearing the scores that Runa got…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKXAKr6bWp
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I never thought of Kuroiwa-san as a miracle worker. In fact, if he were to succeed in helping Runa pass, I would expect him to get her at least a few points above the passing score. But those scores were the scores of an average student, not someone who was struggling.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ6z6BkX4L
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A thought came into my mind.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7etReWhAAm
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If he could turn around Runa’s scores like that… maybe he can also…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc8oiDaeaw
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“Mom, please,” Runa said. And she walked toward Kuroiwa-san. She was about to kneel down when her mother grabbed her arms and pulled her back up.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG4HXtqA99
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“I know,” Shizuna-san said. “And I’m sorry.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wqZKdEyop
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“Mom…”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOHRK7dd0S
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“You really didn’t do anything else besides studying?” Shizuna-san tried to confirm.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY2ZKRw75m
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“We didn’t, I swear,” Runa answered.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcpqi93FM4
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Shizuna-san hugged Runa. “I’m really sorry for doubting you… You were working hard, but I was jumping to conclusions without even listening to you. I was trying to protect you, but I failed you instead. I’m really sorry… I hope you can forgive me…”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxqXy24ols
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“I know, Mom. I understand,” Runa replied. “I… I don’t think there’s anything to forgive.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM5o9CighB
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“Thank you,” Shizuna-san said. She let go of the hug and placed her hands on Runa’s shoulders. “But couldn’t you at least study elsewhere? Like in the library or at school? Or even here at home? Why did it have to be just you and him in his apartment?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFSF5jmhFI
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“Erm… well…” Runa hesitated to answer her mother.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0ZwRkq8FE
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“It is important because the isolation and silence are good for her concentration. She wouldn’t have progressed this much if there were any distractions.” Kuroiwa-san answered Shizuna-san’s question while still grovelling on the floor.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rw9yi1CVh
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Shizuna-san pursed her lips, still not buying Kuroiwa-san’s excuses.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReVJTj9T42
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“Kuroiwa-kun,” Shizuna-san said. “You can stand up now.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ndIcawQVz
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Kuroiwa-san stood up slowly and turned toward Shizuna-san.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy8mq0jnPl
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“I still don’t trust you fully,” Shizuna-san continued. “But I understand what you are saying.” She turned her gaze toward Runa. “I will not be against you and him studying together.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQffVr7gMC
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“Mom, thank you,” Runa replied.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah79NVlMAs
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“But on one condition,” Shizuna-san said firmly. “I don’t want you two to be alone in his apartment.” 37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxPxJWOoxQ
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“Impossible,” Kuroiwa-san replied.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5dJacrfMd
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I sighed. Everything was going smoothly, and then this guy had to ruin it.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawmGfpUOax
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“Like I said, the isolation and si—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YbRhwyZ9R
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“If you are going to insist on that, then I won’t approve,” Shizuna-san interrupted Kuroiwa-san.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQMYV3TuNc
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“But—”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYz3DCdJIr
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“I’ll go with them,” I said, interrupting Kuroiwa-san before he could say anything stupid. I never intended to get myself involved but…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2b6oYNMR5
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“If Mika is going, then it’s fine,” Shizuna-san replied.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZD0inOv1B
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I looked at Kuroiwa-san. By the way he remained silent, I had a feeling that he didn’t seem to approve. “Is there really no other choice?” he asked.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLz4NWIat4
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Shizuna-san stared at him with one of her eyebrows raised. “There is another option. You can just study in our house, I promise I won't disturb you.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZYSv1P9Kw
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Kuroiwa-san sighed. “Then perhaps I would take Tojo-san’s suggestion instead.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGApn7jE8X
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“Alright then,” Shizuna-san replied.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQvUyAAcF7
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“If that’s the case, I would like to take my leave,” Kuroiwa-san continued. He bowed slightly in front of Shizuna-san. “Excuse me for intruding. And I’m sorry for troubling you.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdPo0ZApkx
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Shizuna-san didn’t reply. Instead she took a deep breath and exhaled.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuzrvFo4rx
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“If you’ll excuse me…” Kuroiwa-san said.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF2WaRN3GH
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“Wait, I’ll walk you to the station,” Runa told him.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCrCRDrApc
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“No need. I’ll be fine,” he replied, then opened the door and left.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dFA57FAg1
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There was a bit of silence for a moment as we all watched the door close behind him.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9myOoEcexU
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“He’s weird…” Shizuna-san said.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TLNzq4nn9
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“Yep… he is…” Runa chuckled.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcxvUUmepf
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I let out a sigh of relief. Finally everything was settled. But…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0r6BosUpD
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I held a deep thought. The things that I had witnessed just now, I knew would linger in my mind for a while.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjljgmWb5w
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…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD96lUVhGb
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…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCzfr67mBi
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…37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcMRbyQa4a
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I wondered if tonight… I would be able to focus on studying...37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aEGUSTkwv
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