Shattered Bonds-Okuyasu & Josuke

The Descend-Part 12

A week had passed since Okuyasu had returned home, and the beginning of the school year was now in full swing. The days blurred together, a mix of routine and tension as Okuyasu tried to navigate his way through a new reality. His relationship with his dad was slightly better—still fragile, but there was a tentative understanding between them. They spoke more, even if the conversations were strained and awkward. But underneath it all, Okuyasu carried a heavy, festering resentment, a bitterness that was directed squarely at Josuke.

Josuke had hurt him deeply, and now, whenever Okuyasu saw him at school, surrounded by friends, laughing and acting as if nothing had happened, the anger inside him flared up. It was as if the pain Okuyasu had felt, the betrayal, had meant nothing to Josuke. The sight of him, so effortlessly blending back into the school's social scene, twisted the knife further.

Okuyasu found himself spending more time alone, especially during lunch. He sat by himself in the cafeteria, picking at his food and trying to block out the world around him. The noise of chatter, laughter, and the clattering of trays all blurred together as he brooded, his eyes occasionally darting toward Josuke's table. Josuke was as popular as ever, surrounded by people, his easy smile and confident demeanor making him the center of attention. Every laugh, every joke, felt like a personal jab to Okuyasu. As he sat there, lost in thought, a voice broke through his internal storm.

"Mind if I sit here?"

Okuyasu looked up to see a girl standing beside his table, her expression warm and inviting. He recognized her—her name was Reimi, a girl from his year who he had seen around but had never really spoken to. She had a quiet presence, not someone who drew much attention, but there was something genuine in her smile that made Okuyasu nod, grateful for the company.

"Sure, go ahead," he said, trying to muster some semblance of normalcy.

Reimi slid into the seat across from him, setting her tray down with a light clatter. There was a moment of silence as she started to eat, and Okuyasu braced himself for the usual awkwardness. But instead, Reimi spoke up, her tone casual yet caring.

"I've noticed you've been sitting alone a lot lately," she said, her eyes meeting his. "Everything okay?"

Okuyasu shrugged, not really wanting to get into it, but there was something about Reimi's presence that was oddly comforting. "Yeah, just... you know, things have been a little rough."

She nodded, not pressing for details, and instead shifted the conversation to something lighter. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm around. Besides, schools just started—we might as well try to survive it together, right?"

Okuyasu couldn't help but smile, even if it was small. "Yeah, I guess."

The conversation flowed more easily after that. They talked about classes, shared complaints about homework, and even laughed about some of the teachers. Okuyasu found himself relaxing, the heavy weight on his shoulders lightening just a bit. Reimi had a way of making him feel at ease, and he was grateful for the distraction

When the bell rang, signalling the end of lunch, Reimi suggested they walk home together. Okuyasu agreed, thinking it would be better than walking alone, and they left the school grounds side by side.

As they walked, Okuyasu kept glancing around, his mind still partly occupied with thoughts of Josuke. And then, as if summoned by his own thoughts, he saw him—Josuke was across the street, chatting with a group of friends, looking as carefree as ever. The sight of him laughing, enjoying himself while Okuyasu was struggling, sent a fresh wave of anger through him.

Without thinking, Okuyasu reached out and grabbed Reimi's hand, clutching it tightly as they walked. He didn't say anything, just kept his eyes on Josuke, hoping that he would see, hoping that it would make him feel some of the hurt Okuyasu was feeling.