Kenji had immense pride. From the very beginning, he knew Sayuri liked Jun and worse… he knew Jun felt something for her too.
But accept that?
Never.
Being pushed aside like that… being made a fool of…
It was something he couldn't stand. That night, he didn't sleep. He just stared at the ceiling, replaying every detail.
Until an idea came to him, and slowly, a smile formed on his lips.
"Of course…" he murmured softly.
He turned to his side, resting his arm under his head.
"If they want to hide… then I'll expose it."
But not in the obvious way—the right way.
He let out a short laugh.
"I just need to flip the game."
The next day, he would tell the truth—or at least a convenient version of it.
That he never liked Sayuri and that everything was just a provocation, a stupid game.
And Jun?
Kenji narrowed his eyes.
Jun had known from the start. So he wouldn't have a choice—he'd confirm everything.
"In the end…" he murmured, closing his eyes, "the one who comes out on top… is me."
When morning came, Kenji acted naturally, as if nothing had happened. He asked the maids for a proper breakfast and then went upstairs to wake the others.
Jun was first.
Then Yume.
"You guys can go ahead," he said. "I'll wake Sayuri."
Knock, knock, knock.
"Hey, sleeping beauty… time to wake up."
"Hmm… I don't want to…" she mumbled, turning in bed.
"Come on, Say. Everyone's waiting for breakfast."
She let out a dramatic sigh.
"Okay, okay… give me a minute."
"I'll be waiting downstairs."
Sayuri was so lazy she didn't even try to get ready properly.
She washed her face, tied her hair up messily, and went downstairs still half asleep.
As soon as she walked into the kitchen—
"WHAT IS THAT?!" Yume exclaimed before bursting into laughter. "Girl… have you even looked in the mirror?"
"Huh…?"
Jun started laughing too, but he found it charming, while Kenji had no reaction at all. He just kept spreading butter on his bread as if nothing around him really mattered.
While they were having breakfast, Kenji leaned in and whispered in Sayuri's ear.
"I need to talk to you."
She turned to him, curious.
"Today?"
"After breakfast. Let's take a walk—I have something to tell you."
Thinking it was another confession, Sayuri grew uneasy, but since she also had something to say, she felt that moment would be perfect.
"Okay…" she replied with a smile. "I just need to change. I can't go like this in pajamas."
Kenji didn't return the smile. He quickly looked away and took another sip of his coffee. He was different, and she noticed.
Sayuri went upstairs to get ready. Jun, curious about what Kenji had said, tried to act casual… but ended up going upstairs too.
"Baby… open up."
She opened the door quickly and pulled him in by his shirt.
"Come in."
Jun was surprised by her attitude.
"Wow…"
"He wants to go for a walk," she said while fixing her hair in the mirror. "Said he has something important to tell me."
Jun leaned against the wall, attentive.
"And what are you going to do?"
Sayuri took a deep breath, finishing getting ready.
"I'm going to tell him everything, Jun… it's the perfect opportunity. I want to get this weight off my chest."
He scratched his head, thinking.
"Are you sure? Do you want me to go with you? I can help you tell him."
She stepped closer and held his hand.
"No need. I'm sure he'll understand."
Jun pulled her into a hug.
"Alright… if anything happens, call me, okay?"
"I will. Now you should go."
He didn't let go.
"Jun…" she laughed. "You can let go."
"Hmm… I don't want to."
"Come on…" she said, laughing as she pushed him out of the room.
Sayuri went downstairs, her heart racing. She was worried, but still determined.
Kenji was already waiting by the door.
"Ready?"
She nodded.
The two of them walked to a frozen lake, surrounded by tall pine trees. The silence between them was strange. Neither seemed to know where to start.
"Let's sit over there," Kenji suggested, pointing to a log.
Sayuri agreed.
As she sat down, she took a deep breath.
"Kenji…"
"Wait," he interrupted softly. "Please… don't say anything yet."
He ran a hand over his face, as if preparing himself.
"I just need you not to get mad at what I'm about to say."
Her heart tightened.
"Promise?"
"I promise."
Kenji let out a slow breath.
"I know this might sound strange… or even cruel."
A pause.
"But I did it for a reason."
She frowned, confused.
"From the beginning… I knew."
"Knew… what?"
He looked at her.
"That Jun liked you…"
Her expression changed completely.
"So I… just helped things happen."
"Helped… how?"
Kenji gave a slight sideways smile.
"By getting close to you so he could see what he would lose if he didn't admit it…"
The shock hit instantly.
"I don't understand," she said, processing his words.
"I never liked you that way," he continued, as if it were nothing. "It was just…"
He shrugged.
"Convenient."
"But you kissed me!"
"Well… I took advantage of the moment," he replied casually. "I'm a man."
Sayuri stood up abruptly.
"I can't believe this…"
Her voice faltered.
"You played with me this whole time?"
Kenji stood up too but remained calm.
"I thought I was helping you."
"No!" she placed a hand on her forehead, nervous. "I felt guilty… hiding things from you… and you…"
She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, then looked at him.
"Does Jun know about this?"
Silence.
She stepped closer.
"Does he know?"
Kenji hesitated for a second.
"He does."
That was enough.
"Since when?"
"From the beginning."
Sayuri shook her head in disbelief.
"No… no, that doesn't make sense. Jun wouldn't do that to me. He wouldn't hide it… not knowing how I felt."
"I'm sorry, Sayuri…" Kenji said, with almost cold calmness. "Maybe we went a little too far."
A pause.
"But look at the bright side."
She stared at him, stunned.
"You're together now… isn't that what you wanted?"
Sayuri swallowed hard.
"I want to go back now!"
Her voice came out firm.
"I need to talk to him, I need to hear this from him."
Kenji nodded calmly.
"Of course."
As they walked back, a faint smile appeared on his face—a smile of satisfaction.