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This content contains sensitive themes, including substance abuse, SA, and underage involvement in dangerous situations. It may be distressing for some viewers. If you or someone you know is affected by these topics, please consider your mental and emotional wellbeing before proceed
Support Resources:
Substance Abuse: SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)SA: National Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)Child Abuse: Childhelp Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
Take care and seek support if needed.
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The school day felt like it stretched on forever. Each class dragged, but my mind was anywhere but on the lessons. I couldn't stop thinking about the plan Kaito and I had set in motion. We were drawing closer to a dangerous line, but I couldn't let Isamu fall deeper into whatever mess he was caught in. If I told him what we were planning, I knew he'd pull away—he wouldn't want me involved in something so risky, so underhanded.
I had to keep my secret.
At the same time, something inside me nagged. Was I doing this for him, or was I doing it for me? It felt like there was something more—something I couldn't quite explain—that kept pulling me toward him.
The bell rang, signalling the end of the first period, and I grabbed my books, moving with the flow of students in the crowded hallway. As soon as I entered the next class, I saw Aiko waiting by my desk, her usual, annoying smile plastered on her face.
"Taichiiiiiii," she said sweetly dragging my name, but her voice had that edge to it. "Are you really sure? He's been acting so... different lately. I don't know if it's a good idea for you to be around him so much."
I swallowed, trying to mask the tension in my chest. Aiko knew nothing. I wasn't about to let her distract me.
"Aiko, we've talked about this," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "Isamu's my friend. I'm not into him at all. You should know that by now."
Her lips curled up, but it wasn't a smile—it was more like a challenge. "I just think you're getting too close to something you wouldn't want to be involved in. You know, the kind of thing that could mess up your life for good."
I looked away, pretending to focus on the teacher entering the room. "I'll be fine, Aiko."
She didn't respond, but I could feel her eyes burning into the back of my head as I settled into my seat.
The rest of the day was a blur of half-heard conversations and the ticking of the clock. At lunch, I didn't even have time to grab my usual sandwich before I found myself dragged into a conversation with Aiko again. This time, she was standing way too close, her voice low and persistent.
"You know, Taichi," she began, leaning in a bit too much, "you're always so concerned about Isamu, but have you ever wondered what he really thinks about you?"
I frowned, shaking my head. "Aiko, this isn't about me."
She smirked knowingly. "Oh, I get it. But you've been around him a lot lately. Maybe you're starting to develop... feelings?, and I'm warning to, those feeling should stay deep inside."
I flinched, not expecting her to go there. I opened my mouth to respond, but Aiko was already backing off, laughing softly to herself as she walked away.
