𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓.

── .✦ 21

It had been several days since Y/n visited the Saikou estate. Winter break loomed close, and the classrooms at Akademi were gradually emptying of urgency. The once lively clamor of exams and lectures had faded to idle chatter and half-hearted review sessions. Teachers barely gave any tasks anymore—students came in for the sake of attendance, their minds already halfway out the school gates.

On one particularly quiet morning, Y/n found herself skipping her designated class. Not out of rebellion, but out of quiet necessity. She wasn't in the mood to smile at classmates or fake interest in a wrap-up lecture she wouldn't remember. Instead, she made her way to the garden, her usual sanctuary. The once-green hedges had turned brittle, kissed by the cold. Fallen amber leaves rustled against the stone path, and the breeze carried the sharp, crisp scent of the shifting season.

She found her favorite bench—chilled, but familiar. Her winter uniform's thick sleeves helped stave off the cold as she tucked her hands beneath her arms. Y/n tilted her head back and closed her eyes, breathing in the silence.

A gentle tap on her shoulder disrupted the stillness.

Her eyes fluttered open as she looked over, surprised to find an old friend.

Taeko Yamada stood there, smiling softly.

"Can I sit with you? Just for a bit?" Taeko asked, her tone unsure, her posture hesitant.

Y/n hesitated for a beat, then gave a small nod. She shifted, offering space.

Taeko sat beside her, tucking her hands into her sleeves. The silence between them felt like paper-thin ice, fragile and trembling.

"How have you been?" Taeko asked first, voice quiet.

Y/n let out a breath, mist curling in the cold air. "I've been well. Just... existing, I guess."

Taeko stared ahead, eyes unfocused. "I've been thinking a lot lately. About... everything. About how I wasn't there for you. When Osano died, when you needed someone—I should've been there."

Y/n remained silent. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came. So Taeko continued.

"I didn't know how to handle it. Seeing that—what happened to Osano. I couldn't process it. I just... shut down. It was easier to talk to strangers, or stay in my room. I didn't want to see anyone who reminded me of it. I didn't want to see you. And I hate that."

Still, Y/n said nothing. Her face remained unreadable, her eyes trained on the dead leaves swirling beneath their feet.

"I know this might sound shameless," Taeko added, voice trembling, "but I want to say it anyway. If after I say this you don't want to be friends anymore... I'd understand."

Y/n slowly turned her head to look at her. "Go on."

Taeko inhaled deeply, then exhaled like it might be her last. "I like Ayato Aishi. I've liked him for a long time. And I thought—I thought maybe I should tell you."

A pause. Y/n's face betrayed nothing. Her hands rested in her lap, still as stone.

Taeko panicked slightly. "Y/n, say something. Please."

Finally, Y/n smiled. But it wasn't a bright smile. It was the kind people wear when they want to stop themselves from crying.

She looked down. "It's okay. That's how it was supposed to be anyway, right? You and him. I think... I always knew."

"Are you sure?" Taeko asked, voice breaking.

"Yes. And I want to make amends too, Taeko. I don't want to hold anything over your head. You have my blessing if it ever happens between you and Ayato."