Part 9: Tangled Bonds

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As we reached the school gates, my attention was suddenly drawn to a striking figure standing ahead. She stood there, donning the same school uniform as Ayanokouji and myself. Her long, light-brown hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her radiant smile illuminated the surrounding space. It was a face I had never seen before, but the way she addressed Ayanokouji with familiarity sent a jolt of surprise through me.

 It was a face I had never seen before, but the way she addressed Ayanokouji with familiarity sent a jolt of surprise through me

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"I've missed you, Kiyotaka."

My eyes widened in disbelief as I witnessed their interaction. Who was this girl, and why was she acting so close to Ayanokouji? Thoughts raced through my mind, trying to piece together the puzzle of their relationship. I couldn't help but feel a pang of unease, a hint of jealousy creeping into my thoughts.

Ayanokouji's response was as emotionless as ever, simply uttering a single word in reply.

"Yuki."

I watched them, my curiosity piqued. There was an undeniable connection between them, one that seemed to stretch beyond the boundaries of ordinary acquaintances. The air between them carried a weight of history, a shared past that I couldn't comprehend.

I couldn't hold back my curiosity any longer, and with a hint of nervousness, I finally mustered the courage to ask Ayanokouji about the mysterious girl's identity. My voice quivered slightly as I spoke, "Ayanokouji, who is she?"

Ayanokouji's calm facade faltered for a moment, his gaze shifting away before he answered, "She's a childhood friend of mine."

I felt a mixture of relief and intrigue upon hearing his response. A childhood friend? That explained the familiarity between them, but it also raised more questions. Why did she address him with such affection? And what kind of bond did they share?

Before I could delve further into my thoughts, Yuki, the enigmatic girl, turned her attention towards me. Her eyes gleamed with a hint of possessiveness as she posed her question, "And what is your relationship with Kiyotaka?"

Ayanokouji's voice remained unchanged, void of any emotional inflection, as he replied,

"Karuizawa is just a friend."

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of discontent upon hearing his words. The word "just" echoed in my mind, causing a subtle sting. It was clear that Ayanokouji didn't see me in the same light as Yuki, and the realization left me feeling unsettled. However, I masked my emotions behind a polite smile, determined not to show my disappointment.

Yuki's smile then widened as she looked at Ayanokouji, a hint of possessiveness creeping into her voice. "Kiyotaka, I didn't know you had made new friends. It seems like you've been keeping secrets from me."

I noticed the sudden shift in her demeanor, her words laced with a subtle hint of jealousy. I couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension, unsure of how to respond.

Ayanokouji remained stoic, his voice monotone as he replied, "Karuizawa is just a classmate. Nothing more."

Yuki's eyes narrowed at his response, her voice becoming more insistent. "But you never mentioned her to me. Why didn't you tell me about her?"

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