Secret Story [Completed]

Hanashi 14 (B) - Freedom At Last

Atsuko is seized by sudden laughter, and it catches Kenzo off guard. She doubles over and continues to laugh uncontrollably, holding her stomach. Kenzo looks at her, puzzled and somewhat embarrassed. He is not used to being the source of someone's amusement.

"What's so funny, Atsuko? Did I say something amusing?" Kenzo asks, looking confused.

Atsuko composes herself and says, "No, Kenzo. I cannot stay with you and become your one and only. It wouldn't be wise. I barely know you, and this is all just a dream."

Atsuko's epiphany is thanks to Leonarda's occasional appearances in her dreams. Kenzo is speechless and deeply upset, no longer his charming self. The sky turns a shade of crimson red, and the castle, which had previously been beautiful both inside and out, now appears the opposite.

Kenzo's expression darkens, and he says, "You should leave now. I will give you a head start."

Atsuko backs away, feeling uneasy, and runs off. She exits the courtyard and returns to the castle, where she runs into Hideo. "Where are you going?" He growls, his appearance looks to be full Daten-shi.

Despite her fear, Atsuko takes a deep breath and runs towards Hideo, who is taken aback and lets her pass. Hideo no longer pays attention to her and notices Kenzo's brooding appearance. In a way, Kenzo wishes Hideo had stopped Atsuko.

As Atsuko emerges from the castle, she doesn't slow down; instead, she dashes away, thoughts racing in her mind. She can't help but wonder why Kenzo didn't put up a fight. Meanwhile, back inside the castle, Kenzo and Hideo are confronted by the sudden appearance of a bright white silhouette. Trembling and scowling in fear, they recognize the voice from the light but can't quite place it.

"Kenzo, Atsuko doesn't belong to you. You're just wasting time!" the voice declares before disappearing.

Kenzo exits the castle in frustration, hoping to find Atsuko. Ms. Lia is waiting at the bottom of the black staircase, relieved that Atsuko has managed to escape. However, she can't help but feel envious, wishing she had been in Atsuko's shoes.

Atsuko, on the other hand, has made her way to the Weavers' Dream forest, though she can't quite recall how. She stands before a beautiful and ornate building that she recognizes as one where she used to hang out with Jun. The familiarity of it brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to her.

As she approaches the front doors, they open on their own, causing her heart to race. Jun emerges from the building to greet her, "It took you a while." Jun remarks, "How have you been holding up?"

Overcome with emotion, Atsuko bursts into tears and embraces him. Memories both sweet and bitter flood her mind, giving her a clearer understanding of the situation. However, before she can even utter a word, she is overcome with pain and falls to the ground. Blood begins to seep from her eyes, nose, and ears.

Holding her in his arms, Jun looks distressed,

"Stay with me! Atsuko! Please!" He urges.

Atsuko closes her eyes and drifts into a deep sleep, leaving Jun to worry over her condition.

Jun is well aware of Atsuko's predicament. She has fallen prey to Kenzo's poisonous influence, and this has been reflected in her real-life behavior as well. Given that she has spent more time than Jun in the sleeping pod, she is particularly vulnerable to Kenzo's poison.