Chapter 3 — The Cracks Begin to Show
The morning lights of Kiyora City filtered through the thin curtains of my apartment, turning the room pale and quiet. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my hands. They trembled again. I clenched them instantly. No one could see this—no one could ever know that I wasn't as perfect or emotionless as they all believed.
At the academy, everyone thought I was calm, cold, and controlled… like a mannequin.
And maybe that was the point.
That was the version of me I created—
the version that wouldn't cry, wouldn't break, wouldn't need anyone.
But that morning, something felt different. My chest felt heavy, like someone had placed stones inside me overnight.
When I reached campus, the hallway buzzed with the usual chatter. Students rushed to their classes, their laughter echoing off the walls. I moved through them silently, unnoticed as always. But today… someone noticed.
A hand stopped just inches from my arm.
"Wait," a voice said softly.
I turned. It was Riku—the new transfer student. His black hair fell over his eyes, and for some reason, he always looked like he was studying the world a little too carefully.
"You dropped this," he said, holding out a small silver pin. It was mine—one I used to keep my wig in place. My heartbeat slammed inside my chest.
I snatched it quickly. "Thank you."
Riku didn't walk away. He tilted his head slightly, observing me the way people study something they've seen before—but can't remember where.
"You're… different," he said quietly, almost to himself.
My throat tightened. "Different how?"
He shook his head. "I don't know yet."
I walked away before he could say anything else. My legs felt weak. Why did he look at me like that? Why did it feel like he could see through the shell I'd built?
The rest of the day passed in a blur of classes and fake smiles. Every time I felt Riku's eyes on me, I pretended not to notice. But inside, fear twisted like a blade.
By the time evening arrived, the city lights painted everything gold and blue. I sat alone on a rooftop, hugging my knees to my chest. This was the only place where I could breathe without pretending.
"I'm fine," I whispered to myself. "I'm supposed to be fine."
But the truth slipped through the cracks.
I wasn't fine.
I wasn't calm.
And the life I created—this quiet mannequin existence—was starting to crack open.
I didn't hear footsteps until someone sat beside me.
It was Riku.
"You always hide up here?" he asked softly.
I froze.
"Don't worry," he added. "I won't tell anyone."
The wind blew lightly, carrying the truth I couldn't speak.
He looked at me—really looked—and said,
"You don't have to pretend with me."
My breath caught.
Because for the first time…
someone had seen the girl behind the mask.
And that terrified me more than anything