Chapter 13: Behind the Closed Door
Scene 1 – Kanji's Answer
The four friends sat together in uneasy silence after hearing Kanji's story.
Iris hesitated, then asked quietly:
"Kanji… where does Ryo live?"
Kanji paused for a long moment before replying.
"… I'll give you the address. But be warned—what you'll see… isn't easy."
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Scene 2 – Arrival at the House
The camera shifted to a narrow, forgotten street.
An old house stood before them, its walls cracked, one window shattered.
Hyana trembled.
"No way… This is Ryo's house?!"
Ueno covered her mouth in shock.
"I thought… he lived better than this…"
Ron's fists tightened.
"Let's see for ourselves."
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Scene 3 – Inside the House
The door creaked loudly as they pushed it open.
The floor was littered with empty ramen cups.
Dust and mold hung heavy in the air.
The fridge swung open—filled with nothing but energy drinks.
The living room walls were pale and peeling. No real furniture, just emptiness.
Hyana pressed a hand to her chest, whispering,
"This… this is the home of someone unbearably lonely."
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Scene 4 – Ryo's Room
They opened the last door.
The room was dark, curtains tightly drawn.
Dust covered the floor.
In the corner sat a single old chair and a desk with one computer.
The screen was still glowing—filled with lines of code, half-finished games, endless research.
Iris whispered, her voice shaking:
"This… this is his entire world. Everything else around him… is dead."
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Scene 5 – Ryo's Return
Suddenly—footsteps behind them.
Ryo stood in the doorway, his eyes wide with shock before hardening into his usual coldness.
"Who gave you permission to enter…?"
The four froze, guilt heavy in their hearts.
Ron took a step forward.
"Ryo, we just—"
"Save it," Ryo cut him off sharply, his voice like ice.
"I don't need anyone's pity. This… is my world. Now get out before I lose my patience."
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Scene 6 – The Dramatic End
Slowly, the four left the house, their hearts breaking in silence.
The camera lingered on Iris, tears streaming down her face as she whispered his name.
The final shot showed Ryo sitting at his chair, staring at the glowing screen.
His hand trembled… then he shut the computer off.
Darkness swallowed the room.
End of Episode 13.