(A/N: After a long while, I am finally back in action. For any of the fans who stayed, I just wanted to say thank you. You've tolerated the inconsistency and the learning curve I went through. I appreciate that, hence why next week, there will be my first ever mass release. See until then. Happy Reading Everybody!)
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Kaien strolled with no particular destination in mind, the situation with Shouko weighing on his thoughts. It was even heavier than the noise the other children were making. Kids blurred past him, but he noticed how they changed course beforehand.
This begged the question: How could he make allies in a field of enemies?
I mean, her enemies are probably mine now. And Shouko will be the most resented person in this school.
He paused at that thought. Kaien began evaluating some of his classmates. They were having the time of their lives—unaware of a predator in their midst. The playground was colourful. Kids swung through the air as the wind pulled at their cheeks.
How do you help someone fight against their own fate? No… the better question is whether fate is fixed or malleable.
He turned his head and noticed a wooden bench. He plopped onto it as the sky came into view. Kaien felt the rigid surface against his back. The bench was indeed empty and deprived of warmth.
"If fate is something fixed, then the poor girl will be isolated. That life leaves you in self-torment, because we tend to be our own ruthless executors."
He gazed at the pavement, noticing that it was the same shade of grey as his hair. It probably had a voice louder than Shouko's. However, the more he stared, the more entranced he became.
A tap reached his ears, and his muscles tensed.
"Hello, Tsukihara-san."
With a tilt of the head, he fixed his eyes on the opportunity that came running his way instead.
Gentle, emerald eyes locked onto his. They flickered with an indescribable flare. Her black hair was kept short. She wore a blue, short-sleeved shirt and denim shorts. Kaien would have mistaken her for a boy, but her features were feminine.
"Please, you have the privilege to call me by name. Otherwise, our little chat will be awkward."
He patted the vacant spot on the bench. She sat without much thought.
Miyoko Sahara — a girl who was his only beacon of hope, however small it may be. She was one of the people who would stand on Shouko's side anytime, but too cowardly to stand firm. Even now, she probably didn't feel too proud of herself.
It was quiet for some time, but he didn't have to wait long. Her lips parted, her voice struggling to break free from her throat. Kaien's eyes gained a sharp glint, but he did not dare interrupt.
I'll give her a few seconds to start a conversation. If she doesn't…
"How is Nishimiya-san?"
"I think you're asking the wrong person, since we're no longer friends."
Miyoko shook her head at the claim. "You usually glance at a few people, and it's always brief. But you glance at Shouko more than others."
It was clear as day to her. Despite the fact that Kaien had been avoiding Shouko for days, he never really stopped thinking about her.
With each word, his gaze turned cold. He was starting to wonder if Miyoko was this perceptive in canon. She was a passive individual, but with a caring heart.
A caring heart… Hold on…
"I guess you would've noticed it since you feel pity for her, don't you?"
"…"
She couldn't bring herself to answer his question. She exhaled deeply, then turned her gaze to match his eye level—only to delve into uncharted territory.
The look in his eyes made her shrink back—hollow and devoid of light. Her eyes widened, but she failed to tear her gaze away. When the throbbing in her heart became unbearable, only then did she look away.
"I have one question. If you truly wanted to get close to Shouko, then why do you keep running away from her?"
There was no hostility in his expression. Far from it. The tone in his voice was the red flag.
It was too low, too drained to be resentment.
It was disappointment, and that hurt a lot more.
Miyoko was somewhat responsible for what had been happening to Shouko. She didn't want to hide from that anymore.
"I've been trying to the best of my ability to be there for Shouko, but I'm scared…"
"I see… Why would you be scared?"
Her ears twitched at how soft his voice had become. It was almost as if all her sins were forgotten — but were they forgiven?
She turned to Kaien and saw how his lips stretched into a breathtaking smirk. His eyes shined brightly for the first time since they met.
"I don't have the courage, and I'm not that strong."
"You may be weak on your own, but you could be stronger. All you need—"
Her heart raced. Her throat grew dry.
The surprise showed in her widened eyes. Miyoko tried to speak, but every utterance felt wrong. She flinched as Kaien stretched his hand in her direction.
She closed her eyes. She felt warmth on her right shoulder.
"—is to stop searching the end of the world for allies when they're in front of you."
She opened her eyes, and his laughter eroded away the image she had in her mind. His eyes were crescents. His guard was completely down, and for the first time, Miyoko felt appreciated by someone in this school.
And what's worse, he was definitely a wolf… and didn't mind hiding it.
…
After Kaien had spoken, he couldn't help but notice a few kids giggling as they dashed past them. Their conversation had dissipated into the chaos of the playground—or so he thought. Miyoko whispered, but it was enough to cut through the noise.
"I'm sorry…"
Her eyes were resolute while the grey-haired boy maintained his silence.
His smile twitched from time to time. He tilted his head slightly, but his attention remained on her. Regarding his intentions, he had been planning on making her feel insecure about her actions.
An apology wasn't part of the plan.
Feeling as if she didn't deserve to see the world anymore, she lowered her head.
"I was afraid of what people would think of me. I thought it would be difficult. My mother always said I should put my friends first… yet I put other people's opinions ahead of Shouko's suffering. So please… forgive me."
"No need. I think you should try to befriend Shouko if you truly want to make it up to us."
Hearing her plea for forgiveness, he could only comfort her. Ironically, as he lightly tapped her back, it only served to make things worse. Kaien noticed a single tear racing down her cheek.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. I'm just glad you would be Shouko's friend."
And just like that, the matter between Shouko and Miyoko had been resolved. He was willing to bet on fate being open to a better script.
In the end though, none of that mattered… He had achieved what Shouko ultimately needed: a friend too kind to abandon her.
"Uhm… are you gonna be okay, Miyoko?"
After he asked, she simply nodded.
"Well, just to be safe…"
Kaien wrapped his arms around her, making sure he was careful. She flinched, but this was what she wanted. In fact, she didn't give it much thought when he made the offer.
It felt strange, but one thing could be said with certainty:
She felt safe in his presence. The world didn't seem as harsh as she made it out to be.
Her facial contours visibly relaxed. A smile was plastered on her face. As they separated, she found herself looking at Kaien in a new light.
Even if she was vulnerable at that moment — even if what they did would probably spread rumours…
She felt strangely content, because Shouko deserved better than what Miyoko had offered her.