Unraveling the calm

Chapter IV

Ayano couldn't shake the encounter with Budo. His words echoed in her mind, unraveling her careful plans and twisting her sense of control. She had always seen herself as the hunter, the one who could manipulate others without ever being suspected. But Budo—he was different. He was sharp, too perceptive, and far too close to her secret.

The next day, Ayano tried to refocus on her usual routines. She followed Taro through the halls, keeping her distance, her expression as neutral as always. But she couldn't concentrate. Her mind was clouded, haunted by the memory of Budo's intense gaze and his haunting words: I know what you're capable of.

As the school day ended, Ayano lingered near the Martial Arts Clubroom, waiting for Taro to leave. She knew Budo would be there, too, but she was determined not to let him shake her resolve.

After what felt like an eternity, Taro left the room, heading toward the main building. Ayano slipped from the shadows, ready to follow him—until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She froze, her pulse spiking as she turned to see Budo standing behind her, his eyes dark and unreadable.

"Spying again?" he asked, his voice quiet but firm.

Ayano yanked her shoulder free, glaring up at him. "Mind your own business."

Budo's lips curled into a smirk, and he stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "You think you're in control, don't you? You think you can just follow Taro around without anyone noticing?"

Ayano clenched her fists, forcing herself to keep her expression calm. "You're the only one who's noticed, Budo. No one else cares."

"Oh, I care, alright," he replied, his voice low and intense. "I care about what you're hiding. And I'm going to find out what it is."

Ayano felt a surge of irritation, but also a thrill she couldn't deny. Budo's persistence, his dark gaze, the way he challenged her—it was infuriating, yet exhilarating.

"What do you want from me?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Budo's smirk faded, and his expression turned serious. "I want you to be honest with me. You don't fool me, Ayano. You're obsessed with Taro, and you'll do anything to get him. Don't deny it."

Ayano's heart raced, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. She couldn't afford to show weakness, not now. "And what if I am?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "What does it matter to you?"

Budo's eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer, his face inches from hers. "Because I understand what it's like to want something so badly you'd do anything to get it."

Ayano's breath caught in her throat. The intensity in his voice, the darkness in his gaze—it was almost as if he were confessing something. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized the truth: Budo wasn't just interested in protecting Taro. He was drawn to her, to her darkness, to her obsession.

In that moment, the line between hunter and prey blurred, and Ayano felt an overwhelming urge to test him, to see how far he was willing to go. She took a step closer, her face only inches from his.

"Then maybe you understand me better than I thought," she murmured, her voice soft, almost daring.

Budo's eyes darkened, and for a moment, Ayano thought he might reach out, might give in to whatever tension was crackling between them. But he pulled back, his expression unreadable.

"Careful, Ayano," he said, his voice low. "You're not the only one who can play this game."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Ayano standing there, her pulse racing, her mind spinning. She watched him go, a twisted thrill surging through her.

She had never met someone like Budo before—someone who saw through her, who challenged her, who understood her. And as much as it unnerved her, she couldn't deny the thrill it brought.

This was a game, and Budo had just raised the stakes. Ayano didn't know how it would end, but one thing was certain: she was willing to go as far as it took.

TO BE CONTINUED