Chapter 12: The Hidden Truth
Scene 1 – At School
The four friends—Iris, Ueno, Hyana, and Ron—sat together, voices sharp with tension.
Iris slammed her hands against the desk.
"Why would Ryo defend a man like that?!"
Ron clenched his fist and struck the wall.
"Because he's drowning in his past… But if anyone knows more, it's Teacher Kazuki!"
Determination sparked between them. They had to confront him.
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Scene 2 – Kazuki's Office
They burst into the office, their expressions filled with anger and desperation.
Ueno stepped forward.
"Sensei! Tell us everything. Who is Kanji? And why is Ryo protecting him?"
Kazuki sighed deeply, turning his face away as if the weight of the world pressed on his shoulders.
"…I can't," he said quietly. "Not all truths are mine to tell."
Ron's voice shook with fury.
"You're hiding the truth from us! This is unfair to Ryo!"
Kazuki fell silent. After a long pause, he whispered,
"Kanji made me promise… and I must keep that promise."
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Scene 3 – School Garden – Sunset
The four sat on a bench, shadows stretching long across the garden. The air was heavy, filled with frustration and confusion.
Iris's voice trembled.
"If even Sensei hides it from us… then who's going to tell us the truth?"
Just then, a familiar voice broke the silence.
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Scene 4 – Kanji Appears
Kanji stood at the garden's entrance, a calm smile playing on his lips.
"I think it's time," he said softly. "You deserve to know Ryo's story."
They all shot up, tense and wary.
Hyana shouted, "Why now?!"
Kanji walked forward slowly, taking a seat on the bench across from them.
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Scene 5 – The Story Begins
"Ryo was never an ordinary child," Kanji began, his tone almost nostalgic.
"His father was a successful businessman, his mother from a noble family. But when they were murdered… they left behind a vast fortune—and little Ryo."
Iris's eyes widened.
"So… Ryo is the heir to a powerful family?!"
Kanji nodded.
"Yes. But the tragedy twisted everything. They accused me—of kidnapping him, of murdering his parents for money. I had no choice but to run. And so, Ryo grew up under my care, far away from the world that should have been his."
Ueno bit her lip hard.
"So that's why he's cold… why he carries so much pain inside."
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Scene 6 – The Ominous End
Kanji stood slowly, his shadow stretching in the fading light.
"Now you know the truth. But the real question is… will you still stand by him after all this?"
He walked away, swallowed by the darkness, leaving only silence behind.
The camera lingered on Iris. She stared at the ground, tears slipping down her cheeks.
Ryo… how much have you suffered alone?
The screen faded to black.
To be continued…