Late afternoon of Tuesday, 4th week of May.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv86AXO5LLp
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5:06 p.m.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSnaZVRX59
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCA39JA4jXC
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Sigh…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm8EUanHId
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrI6qBHPkR
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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…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeWIvZ0xrF
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But how could Kuroiwa-san think of having to do this now when exams start tomorrow?12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR7E09h6GS
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And also… Did this guy even know where he was going…?12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwKyh0qmoA
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“What do I do?” Runa muttered to herself but I heard it.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc2qVGK6rK
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJwJ5NTpTO
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“I’m sorry, I just couldn’t.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2lrTSKzfp
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“Why?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FGNRf0Wco
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“Because…”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqtW0hTkYR
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“Because what?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnk8zXPKjM
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“...I don’t know.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELDQMg3TVm
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I exhaled a breath.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xLdTat40g
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“Did you even try stopping him?” I asked.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtHGocg9oK
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“I did! I honestly did,” Runa replied. “But he wasn’t listening and I couldn’t change his mind.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNk1aFeRrn
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“That’s why you should have—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8nrxb00fl
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigYgvfzLJQ
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“So, what now? Just watch him lead us to your doom?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQlh1bJye8
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“...No.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu739CxjYI7
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“Then try to talk some sense into him.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumNwUK6lNB
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“Weren’t you listening? I already tried.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4fLmE46qC
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“Well… you could always try again!?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LcXaPEeEm
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“How? You already lectured him back in the station!”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9njzDsydtt
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0LxHYQCkq
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Runa looked down and started biting her lips.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GtYyfo0k7
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“Runa!?” I continued with firm urgency.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvm3n3d1Cv
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHZE8B7jLW
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That didn’t look promising…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJhl63yS4b
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“So?” I asked. “Why are we still walking forward?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitCLvAVMeu
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1627G6dvPI
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“That’s it?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0dE7eHPfs
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“Yes.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKsb1YsKTR
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“Can you even call that trying?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOb78gJC0D
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGai8Dp7ta
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“Even so—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNNK3tFIcr
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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?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF4KD3Bykm
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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?12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eEt9xruXi
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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?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOlzFqMCFc
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I glanced at Runa and she was trying to think.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClnLEHP2ml
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNck2lDcWgI
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“I don’t think that answers my question,” I said.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZwKd7bjgO
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“I guess it isn’t. Hehe…” Runa replied with a silly smile.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6ygNtgFd7
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO2KXZJbyZ
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTZCDTtvvP
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Runa turned her head toward me and she started smiling, more genuine than earlier.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94pvP4JoyA
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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—12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUDfAFiPDo
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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?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9b3CQI0ls
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“What?” I asked curiously.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jR6XOwnUu
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“He showed me his room.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxaOrYe2X8
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“That doesn’t sound right.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aCp6mYCZA
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“Just listen…”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnlQUo73hD
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“Fine…”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkanZ5TiFm
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85eVyPErRo
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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—12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN9mUkqYkA
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1CdyWUr4a
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“Haa? My room isn’t that messy!” I protested and frowned.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6zruBkgom
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“I know, mostly your room was clean and everything was in order.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE1zfYCZZ2
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“Then don’t compare the mess you saw from his room to mine.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjmJt1efPx
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSz6E7hGw3
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“That— That’s different.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjtyyJFKGW
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YT21fqLjo
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I looked at her and just listened.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqarcmmw1Og
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpE2MVEF5E
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“I—” I said then stopped. I tried to say something… but what?12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULAhj0Ue2M
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QI66II1Wq
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I found the absurdity of it all to be funny, so I chuckled.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgsXksDlCs
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“I really was scared of him,” Runa paused and she looked up toward the sky.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8gOJftHxy
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“I was too,” I said.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhwYLMSnIq
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk1dE2xrFq
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“He wasn’t listening though.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZZCVIksah
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeIhtKh5ir
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“You sound like you’ve known him for a long time.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHyq5qGCqe
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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...”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VIYhwxZum
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Sigh…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4GXJk5zWZ
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“You’re so reckless.” I replied.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6VIN7BQhv
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“Yeah, so let’s see what’s going to happen next.” Runa said finally sounding relaxed.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKwVtwPmis
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNU5cliH0U
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Runa chuckled a little. “Maybe it’s going to lead me to my downfall tonight.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IPajPFgdN
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“That’s not funny.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoHnCVUZUl
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0Du4zsr9P
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOCxHKaFBM
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“You’re ri—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFirptqkAX
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99bGKhd3cI
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“Why did you suddenly stop!?” I reflexively yelled at him. “At least you could’ve said something!”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NXNLs4kFu
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“I did,” Kuroiwa-san said. “I was asking which way to go.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgXJwIH9cR
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Did he? I couldn’t tell. I didn’t know if he really was saying something.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34ktgTUxag
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“You should’ve shouted.” I replied.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZGLaIxyYP
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“I did,” Kuroiwa-san said.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgllL6neZh
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I took a long breath then I heard Runa laughing beside me.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nIwp9mELl
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“That wasn’t funny,” I told her.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrL63B5Q4H
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zzEwkZPsG
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Oh, I thought Runa was laughing about me bumping into Kuroiwa-san.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyHnbQKBII
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“Anyways, come follow me,” Runa guided Kuroiwa-san this time instead of letting him lead us to nowhere.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwp2wrC432
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzuBLg7lvk
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“You don’t need—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpiaVS0WbA
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“I need to…”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuVDmd3ZAS
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“Okay,” she said and smiled at me.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB9hagB74C
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiomFxulCaV
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnjT3U18E4
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I looked down.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MEnbje4d6
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And for some reason, I felt uneasy.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphnO5NqPbr
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—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxBDUCwmbL
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03d6yvgNH3
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As soon as we went inside, Runa announced our arrival.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNoGNBeaL5
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“I’m home!” Runa shouted.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVOufkZzLn
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“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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYx7QWV0QN
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkCyfSMKea
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“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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡre5AxP7gIL
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhpYUA2fHI
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“Good after—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePJ3Madxdi
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“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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3y4kxBApx
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LszZameUt
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Shizuna-san crossed her arms. “Might I ask… What is your relationship with my daughter?” she asked.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55dWraKlfx
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“Moooom, is Runa-nee back?” Rurika peeked from the doorway then gasped when she saw us.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0DKdRK44H
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“Rurika, stay in the living room. Close the door after,” Shizuna-san firmly told Rurika.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi8iFAl5kn
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9UsdHRTqJ
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“I am the one who was teaching your daughter,” Kuroiwa-san calmly answered.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQDPYn26cM
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDctjqjoOrl
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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wODtgXgw1
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“Runa,” Shizuna-san said. “Go to your room.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOIct1wMX6
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“...No,” Runa replied.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmlnSuJdvv
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvtbOz1zL9
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“I’m staying here,” Runa said defiantly. “I’m sorry.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpD75a6dyk
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“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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWkne7IOcv
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kxx5rkCZP
“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—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCHkGISKdb
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN8GTGESqx
“Tell me what you’re really here for.” Shizuna-san cut Kuroiwa-san off and insisted on a more direct answer from him.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOlLF9QpBC
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2STXMotPcB
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“I am here to convince you to—” 12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPJNYrSWX1
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Smack*12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6J0t1oQYd
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJqqsFJjUX
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“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?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJDeGtNJjT
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Runa’s mother raised her right hand again.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKS4bT30p4
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“Mom, stop!” Runa shouted. “Please just listen to him!”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ONymYBaEu
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“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!”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiiapnAMcR
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“But I needed to—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W43TMPJJm
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“Miyase-san,” Kuroiwa-san finally said.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnLQgD5VfJ
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“What!?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2frDaX49C
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“Yes?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPCtbiRb7K
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT38pRmdzdJ
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“R-Runa-san,” Kuroiwa-san corrected himself.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BV42yYnMB
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“Kuroi—Rei-kun?” Runa replied.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1M9PMpUM4
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvXXOKL8bj
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“Your mother is right, you don’t need to defend me,” Kuroiwa-san said to Runa.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNMJgo4JtE
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“Why?” Runa asked.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuVahNgrJ4
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“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."12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLu8Izckdo
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwJdlGaG3j
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“...Okay,” Runa replied.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS9vUUBrED
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFluVWfm1im
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“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—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuc8JRGd4e
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“Get out,” Shizuna-san calmly said.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd3mH4BuTP
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“I just need you to—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P0LyM7aG8
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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!”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjSOkWZu01
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“Miyase-san—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS13GPrPb1
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“GET OUT!” Shizuna-san pushed Kuroiwa-san toward the door. He went out of balance and started falling backward.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM3Xo24taI
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“Kuroiwa-san!” I yelled.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipocxcELEE
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Crash*12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQsdq3Pg1F
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ5ocSi9Lz
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“Ow!” I cried in pain.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUzs6jWZuw
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“I’m sorry!” Shizuna-san said.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5UCPX8ACd
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“Mika!?” Runa yelled.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsDzWvuh1i
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Kuroiwa-san immediately composed himself as he knelt down on the floor and faced me.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvFOIE2Ml9
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“Are you okay?” Kuroiwa-san asked.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTavcGfFpfL
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HlEyE5lPe
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76bSdxTC7A
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“I’m glad you're okay,” Runa said as she hugged me.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY126hAlOj
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“I’m fine, don’t worry,” I said, patting her back. I turned toward Kuroiwa-san. “How about you?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aOUqrJGfJ
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He only nodded.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nrIv2G5sh
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSAXP3ES92
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“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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kbtix2tBX
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Of course I still was! She looked terrifying just a few seconds ago.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP56Glr91Qt
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih72ewHGdQ
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“It’s okay,” he replied to our gesture.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvOgGUNNUW
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE1GDlKBrN
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“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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa97cmdaS4M
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL0jelbTeW
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“We only studied,” Kuroiwa answered.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jFpOlcNSy
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“You are not trying to manipulate her?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eN8bZA68M
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“I had no such intentions.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk25v7wWVS9
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM1MptClbR
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“Runa… are these…?” Shizuna-san asked.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s06JbM2Vg
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Runa avoided her gaze. “I’m sorry,” she answered her mother.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6MXUk25L9
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“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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf21kgtDUl
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“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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLaLnJ902K
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My first thought was… She really was now committed to calling Kuroiwa-san by his first name.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7D9wQINqg
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“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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzqGedtWEF
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Shizuna-san shuffled through the test papers and her eyes widened.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRkF5bzKR6
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“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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ103FmG69Gg
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvbtcKbDQB
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw525PW9WU
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVUf4e1iZJ
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioDUeYRSYj
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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…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUFgfbXlUh
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGBz5Z24wj
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A thought came into my mind.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3DDNWLhII
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If he could turn around Runa’s scores like that… maybe he can also…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC7j5fYrRJ
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFHu6Mld6N
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“I know,” Shizuna-san said. “And I’m sorry.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz8sef5ozl
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“Mom…”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uOedYKN7l
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“You really didn’t do anything else besides studying?” Shizuna-san tried to confirm.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMDHBKKQE7
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“We didn’t, I swear,” Runa answered.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFcfbljKCd
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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…”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFdsLQ7vmk
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“I know, Mom. I understand,” Runa replied. “I… I don’t think there’s anything to forgive.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vAvDESlij
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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?”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbtuiLZMkM
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“Erm… well…” Runa hesitated to answer her mother.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayBMsOR5hX
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOh5WHTlqq
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Shizuna-san pursed her lips, still not buying Kuroiwa-san’s excuses.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoPEYaU1bi
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“Kuroiwa-kun,” Shizuna-san said. “You can stand up now.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuusu2085z
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Kuroiwa-san stood up slowly and turned toward Shizuna-san.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrSKV3LEw2
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8rEhjDsgA
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“Mom, thank you,” Runa replied.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6e2UeeIv6
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“But on one condition,” Shizuna-san said firmly. “I don’t want you two to be alone in his apartment.” 12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6xjJB5TZF
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“Impossible,” Kuroiwa-san replied.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ29EYoKoQR
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I sighed. Everything was going smoothly, and then this guy had to ruin it.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozZ4ruPABk
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“Like I said, the isolation and si—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdXelwZ040
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“If you are going to insist on that, then I won’t approve,” Shizuna-san interrupted Kuroiwa-san.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4u4fPSiR3
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“But—”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupMQgcxwv2
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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…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcZYekjqKg
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“If Mika is going, then it’s fine,” Shizuna-san replied.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBStBiz7bw
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lpToVgAlo
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5z4IaDv9b
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Kuroiwa-san sighed. “Then perhaps I would take Tojo-san’s suggestion instead.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9HC7su0LX
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“Alright then,” Shizuna-san replied.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVHCJFCwIV
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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.”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4agMXIXoJG
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Shizuna-san didn’t reply. Instead she took a deep breath and exhaled.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2BgzrM7Qo
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“If you’ll excuse me…” Kuroiwa-san said.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7ThuigMRf
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“Wait, I’ll walk you to the station,” Runa told him.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHHPIQeK6a
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“No need. I’ll be fine,” he replied, then opened the door and left.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QHhaOzguV
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There was a bit of silence for a moment as we all watched the door close behind him.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA5erDoiGn
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“He’s weird…” Shizuna-san said.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8GTssyUpy
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“Yep… he is…” Runa chuckled.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnniG45nzB
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I let out a sigh of relief. Finally everything was settled. But…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxauOzHTT1
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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.12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33zQyPujHX
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…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQBgv84LAj
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…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1COPJdjPn
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…12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnFESpYk6m
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I wondered if tonight… I would be able to focus on studying...12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWWqyGxDRC
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