It only took a smile - Chapter 13- Reunion-1

A few days had passed since then.

Chihiro’s life… had slowly returned to normal.

No bullying. No drama. No pain. No stares.

It felt as if the world itself was beginning to heal around her.

Takuya still hadn’t returned to class, nor had his friends. With the way Haruto had snapped their bones, it was clear they’d be gone for a while.

Satomi acted as if Chihiro didn’t exist—like she had never once tormented her, like Chihiro had simply taken what belonged to her and left it at that.

Ikue too had gone silent. After going bald for reasons no one quite understood, she no longer spoke a word.

Ever since the transfer student walked into the classroom, Chihiro had been living a strangely peaceful life.

She could finally focus on her studies, pick up her brush again after so long, and even allow herself to smile.

But deep inside, fear still lingered. A fear that this bright dream could collapse at any moment—that these happy days might be stolen from her again.

So she tried to hold back her smiles. She tried to smother the fragile hope that had been growing in her heart these past few days.

Because the less you expect… the less it hurts when it’s taken away.

“Good morning, deskmate.”

She was greeted with his warm smile as she walked to her seat.

Chihiro gave a small nod before slipping into her chair.

Lately, they had started exchanging a few words here and there. She would help him with little things, but she never allowed herself to get too close. Both because she sensed he might come from a dangerous background, and because of her own past.

Today, though, he started a conversation out of the blue.

“Do you usually arrive early?”

Chihiro blinked, then nodded. “Yes… I wake up early.”

In truth, she used to arrive late—back when Ikue always walked with her. But now that they no longer came to school together, and because she didn’t want to draw any attention, she made it a point to come early.

He hummed thoughtfully. “I’ve often seen you reading stories. Do you have a favorite genre? I like romantic comedy.”

Her brows lifted before she blurted out, “That’s strange.”

Haruto gave a wry smile. “I get that a lot.”

Most boys—especially someone like him—would usually prefer fantasy novels. But Haruto didn’t seem like the usual kind.

“Can you suggest me—” he began, but stopped when someone tapped on their desk.

Chihiro flinched as her eyes darted upward.

Haruto turned, meeting the gaze of the red-haired girl he recognized.

“Can I do something for you?” he asked calmly.

Satomi nodded. “Can we talk? Just for a moment?”

Haruto narrowed his eyes, but quickly eased his expression, keeping his friendly aura. He gave a nod and stood up.

Chihiro’s chest tightened. Anxiety stirred inside her at the sight of Satomi. The past they shared was enough to make her freeze.

But stopping Haruto would only bring Satomi’s wrath back onto her.

All she could do was watch their backs as they walked away.

….

Haruto was led to the rooftop by Satomi, even though he knew it was off-limits.

Rich kids really do have it easy, he thought.

The wind ripped at his clothes, sharp and cold, and the sky was dark, heavy with clouds.

Satomi stood stiffly, her face flushed. “I’ve never done this before… but I can’t hold it in anymore.”

Haruto, already guessing where this was headed, said, “Go on.”

She fidgeted, gaze darting away.

Then, in a low, trembling voice, she asked, “Would you… die for me?”

Haruto’s senses screamed. He ducked instinctively.

“Ah!” A metal rod slammed into the space where he had been standing.

*Thud.*

Satomi collapsed to the ground being struck by the object, and Haruto spun on his heel, kicking the attacker’s feet out from under him.

“Fuck!” The blond delinquent cursed, but before he could recover, Haruto seized him by the tie, yanking him close. The tie bit into the boy’s neck as Haruto twisted sharply, snapping his wrist with a sickening crack.

The other four delinquents froze, their weapons raised, but Haruto’s crimson eyes were already scanning them.

“Tell me who sent you,” he growled. “And I promise nothing would break.”

One of them lunged, desperate. “To hell with your—”

Haruto didn’t wait. He threw the boy in his grip like a ragdoll into the attacker, throwing them off balance before Haruto delivered a strong kick, making them fall atop each other.

The others charged, but Haruto moved like lightning. A stomp to the knee, a sharp elbow to the jaw, before the boy fell to the ground.

One grabbed a bat, swinging wildly—Haruto caught it mid-swing, twisted it, and slammed it into the attacker’s ribs.

“Khuak!” The boy groaned before Haruto grabbed his wrist and slammed his arm under his elbow, dislocating his shoulder.

“Fucccck!” The boy staggered back with a cry.

Another came at him from the side. Haruto caught his wrist, spun, and drove his knee into the boy’s stomach. He doubled over in agony, and Haruto’s fist connected with the jaw, cracking it with surgical precision.

The last one froze, eyes wide. Haruto didn’t hesitate. A single step, a swift punch to the chest, and the boy collapsed. Blood welled in his mouth as he gasped for air.

Satomi’s eyes were wide. She looked terrified…he could easily handle those many all alone?!

Haruto heaved a sigh and approached her.

A shudder ran down her spine as he knelt and clutched her hair.

“I guess you won’t be telling me his name either?”

Satomi sealed her lips.

Saying that name means worse than death.

Haruto pulled her head back before slamming her face against the concrete.

Getting up, he tidied his uniform and muttered, “Guess, it’s about time we meet.”

*******

A/N:- Yes, yes, it’s about time.