𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓.

── .✦ 9

The rooftop was bathed in the soft, early autumn sun, the gentle breeze ruffling Y/n's hair as she absentmindedly adjusted Akira's flannel around her shoulders. Ayato glanced at it again, his gaze darkening slightly, but he kept his usual emotionless expression intact. He didn't bring it up, though it clearly irked him that she was wearing another guy's clothes.

The three of them—Ayato, Y/n, and Taeko—sat around their usual spot on the rooftop, their lunch spread out in front of them. Taeko was animated, excitedly talking about the movie they had watched yesterday. Her chopsticks waved in the air as she spoke, her bright energy contrasting with the more subdued vibes of her two companions.

"That part where the hero finally faced his nemesis! Ugh, it gave me chills!" Taeko exclaimed, her eyes wide as she relived the scene. She took a bite of her bento, still grinning from ear to ear.

Y/n smiled, nodding along as she munched on her sandwich. "Yeah, it was so good! I loved how the whole theater just erupted during that scene. The atmosphere was incredible."

Ayato, who had been quieter than usual, merely hummed in agreement, poking at his lunch with his chopsticks. His mind was elsewhere, thinking about Osano and the plan he had set into motion. He had been careful—there wouldn't be any loose ends—but that didn't stop him from feeling the tension simmering beneath the surface. He had gone to visit Osano that morning, ensuring that everything would go smoothly when he released him.

His eyes drifted back to Y/n, who was laughing at something Taeko had said. She looked carefree, completely unaware of the dark undercurrents that ran beneath the surface of Ayato's life. He felt a strange mix of emotions—frustration, and something else he couldn't quite name.

Taeko, sensing Ayato's lack of input, leaned toward him playfully. "You've been awfully more quiet today, Ayato. Something on your mind?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Ayato blinked, brought out of his thoughts by her voice. "Just thinking," he said in his usual flat tone.

Taeko pouted slightly but didn't press further. "Well, don't overthink it. We're supposed to be having fun, remember?"

Y/n glanced at Ayato, her smile softening as she caught a glimpse of his usual distant expression. "Yeah, you've been kind of spaced out today. Everything okay?" she asked, her tone light but with a touch of concern.

Ayato met her gaze and shrugged. "I'm fine. Just tired." He paused, his eyes briefly flicking to the blue flannel she wore. "What about you? How's.... that jacket? Comfortable?"

Y/n didn't notice the slight bitterness in his voice, instead laughing softly. "Oh, yeah. It's actually really cozy. I'm thinking of returning it tomorrow, though." She pulled the sleeves up slightly, glancing down at it. "I'm starting to feel bad keeping it this long."

Ayato didn't respond, but his grip on his chopsticks tightened briefly before he relaxed again. Whatever, he had other things to focus on. Like making sure Osano's release went smoothly.

"Right," he said, turning his attention back to his lunch.

⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖

The atmosphere on the rooftop shifted in an instant as the screams echoed from below. Conversations died out, and the students gathered at the railings, their curiosity piqued. Y/n and Taeko shared a concerned glance, their lightheartedness now replaced by unease. Without a word, they both stood up, abandoning their lunch, and walked toward the edge to see what had caused the commotion. Ayato followed quietly behind them, his expression as unreadable as ever.

When they reached the railing, the sight that greeted them made Y/n's stomach churn.

Y/n's breath hitched in her throat as her eyes locked on the horrific sight unfolding beneath them. Down below, near the school's main gate, Osano Najimi stood with a bloodied knife in his hand. His shirt was stained crimson, his expression wild, and below him—Aoi Ryugoku, her body lifeless near the main gate, a pool of blood forming around her.