Part 4: The Reflection That Spoke
Knock, Knock.
A sharp, unexpected tap on his window.
Not the door.
Not the hallway.
The window.
Haruto slowly turned his head.
The room was quiet. The window curtains swayed slightly.
Another knock.
Soft. Slow.
Right against the glass.
Haruto froze, his futon and pillow clutched tightly in his arms.
His heart began to pound so loudly he was sure it could be heard.
"W-Who's there…?" he asked, his voice shaky.
For a moment, there was no answer.
Then a voice came from outside the window.
"I'm friendly," it said calmly.
"I just want to talk."
Haruto swallowed hard.
The voice sounded… familiar.
Too familiar.
Slowly, with trembling hands, he slid the window open.
And his breath stopped.
Standing outside was a boy who looked exactly like him.
Same face.
Same build.
Same eyes staring back at him.
"L-Listen—" the boy started.
Haruto cut him off immediately.
"Why do you look like me?"
The boy's expression grew serious.
"We don't have time," he said. "Listen carefully."
Haruto felt cold all over.
"Hunters will attack," the boy continued quietly.
"And Ayame will die because of it."
Haruto's chest tightened.
"I want you to protect her," the boy said. "You have to."
Haruto shook his head slightly. "What… what are you talking about?"
"If you fail," the boy went on, his voice firm, "you'll do what you always do.
You'll lock yourself away.
You'll cry alone."
Haruto's hands trembled.
"And if you do that," the boy said, looking straight into his eyes,
"I'll come and beat you up."
Haruto blinked.
"…What?"
The boy sighed.
"Not with fists," he said. "I mean I won't let you break like that again."
Haruto's voice cracked.
"How do you know all this? Who are you?"
The boy turned his back to him, the night wind brushing past.
"I don't know everything," he said. "But I know this will happen."
He glanced back over his shoulder.
"Don't tell anyone I warned you, Haruto. I trust you."
A small smile appeared.
"And I know you can protect her."
He stepped back.
"My name is Itachi."
And then—he was gone.