Early winter this year was colder than in previous years.
Walking out of the warm, air-conditioned cafe into the biting wind and fine snow, even with hands tucked in pockets, couldn't withstand the bone-chilling damp cold of Jiangnan.
But when bidding farewell to Haruko and facing the cold wind alone, Ichiko felt a different kind of ease.
Her nerves were too taut.
Since the scene in the basement, everything seemed to have changed.
Her liking, her madness, her obsession.
The light and shadow from scattered words in conversations gradually overlapped alternately with the rooftop and the basement.
The strange smell still made her feel nauseous, but her body had unconsciously grown used to it.
Haruko was contradictory.
When you went along with her, she would show a healing and adorable smile; her dependence was delightful.
But her sensitivity far outweighed this cuteness.
A gesture, a word, or even a look could trigger a reaction in her.
It was clearly she who was seriously ill, and she who was wrong, but unconsciously, everyone around her leaned towards her.
Dr. Kaito, Shin, Yuri, her roommates, and even Lala who bullied her – anyone who knew about her relationship with Haruko to some extent, favored her.
The key was how Sento compared to Haruko in their eyes.
Gender aside, Haruko's attitude towards her, Ichiko, seemed to completely overpower Sento's.
—Even though she was seriously ill.
Since Haruko wasn't wrong, was I the one who was wrong?
The pressure was like a large hand gripping her neck, tightening little by little, making it hard for her to breathe, increasing her pain.
Her physical exhaustion was relieved, but what about her mental state?
It was like a thin thread hanging over her forehead, incredibly taut.
When normal, Haruko was lively, adorable, docile, and gentle.
She could very carefully sense Ichiko's mood, provide a certain amount of emotional value, and make her happy.
She seemed perfect and very relaxing, didn't she?
But by her side, Ichiko had to constantly keep her nerves taut, watch her words and actions, constantly think about how to soothe her reactions, and always be prepared for her abrupt, seemingly insecure questions.
Saying words of liking against her will.
Not just Haruko, but even her surrounding life was giving her pressure.
The Teacher's excessively high expectations for her, the warm-hearted affection from her classmates, being held high and watched by all because she was pretty, her every move under the spotlight was seen by many students.
There was also working part-time, making money, studying, living...
Haruko gave the most pressure, but she was also the only one who could relieve it.
By her side, she could occasionally recall the past and enjoy peaceful warmth.
Cold, clear water was cupped in her hands and splashed onto her face.
Ichiko walked out of the public restroom, feeling much more relaxed.
She didn't know how to deal with Haruko, and she didn't dare to truly listen to Dr. Kaito and enjoy the yandere behavior.
She was afraid, so how could she enjoy it?
"Is not dealing with it the best way to deal with it?"
The thought of escape rose in her heart. Ichiko tucked her slightly reddened, frozen hands into her pockets and slowly walked towards where Haruko was.
She wanted time to think.
But heaven did not grant her wish.
Sento arrived.
And got into an argument with Haruko.
A gleaming small knife emitted a cold light.
Hidden behind a tree in their blind spot, she saw everything clearly.
"You say~ if I were injured, or stabbed, who would have done it?"
"Sento, it just so happens that I can't make Ichiko stay away from you and hate you, you came... just in time~"
Haruko's voice became hoarse and frantic.
Ichiko knew that Haruko had entered her yandere state.
Sento had provoked her, and her reason was gone.
Is Haruko waiting for me to appear, then hurt herself and frame Sento to gain my sympathy?
If I don't come out, what will happen?
Ichiko leaned against the tree, looking up at the sky. Fine snow landed on the corner of her lips, bringing a bitter smile.
"So that's what Yuri and Dr. Kaito meant by 'choice'."
It wasn't choosing between Sento and Haruko.
But.
—Accept her.
Or.
—Abandon her.
If I just ran away like this, what would become of them?
Maybe I just shouldn't show up.
Right, she always gives choices like this; if it happens once, it will happen countless times. I just need to run away.
Just run away!
If I just leave, there won't be this painful struggle anymore.
Taking a step out, Ichiko stopped blankly.
It was as if a voice deep in her heart was asking her.
Do you really want to run away like this?
But isn't she the sister you care about the most?
Wasn't she the only one who accompanied you throughout your childhood and supported you in moving forward?
Suddenly, Sento's ferocious roar came from beside her ear, "Haruko, are you crazy!"
There was little time left to choose.
Ichiko mechanically poked her head out, her pupils contracting sharply.
She saw Haruko standing in front of Sento, clutching her abdomen in pain. Bright red blood continuously dripped onto the ground, melting the fine snow.
Whether it was intentional by Haruko or due to the large movement, Sento, who was close to her, couldn't help but get splattered with quite a bit of crimson.
From a distance, it really looked like he had struck ruthlessly, intending to leave Haruko in this snowy field forever.
The clouds covered the last bit of sun, and gloom crept onto Sento's face. "You lunatic, do you think you can capture Ichiko like this? Standing before me looking so weak, aren't you afraid I'll just kill you right here!"
He reached out, seemingly about to snatch the fruit knife from Haruko's hand.
Haruko's smile became increasingly eerie, and she was about to speak.
Suddenly, the System's voice rang out in her mind.
[Host, calm down. Ichiko is back and watching from nearby!]
Haruko's pupils contracted slightly. The pain, which even the pain reduction skill couldn't completely alleviate, made her calmer.
A thought flashed through her mind, and she changed her original words.
Instead, she glared fiercely at Sento. "Don't think I don't know. Sento, you know Ichiko's true identity, right? Aren't you approaching her just to use her!"
"What are you even talking..."
Before he could finish, he was interrupted by Haruko's even fiercer voice. "I will never allow you to hurt Ichiko, and I will never allow you to get close to her!"
Sento's anger increased, a sinister smile on his lips. He instructed the bodyguard beside him, "Go find Ichiko, stop her for me, don't let her come over here."
"As for you, Haruko!" Sento clenched his fist. "Since you're so eager to threaten me with injuries, I'll make sure you stay here forever!"
The furious voice reached Ichiko's ears.
She knew she couldn't wait any longer.
"Haruko, is your love really that heavy?"
Her chapped lips, dry from the cold, parted slightly. Ichiko slowly walked out from beside the tree.
Like she had just arrived, her extremely haggard face displayed unusually poor acting.
Ichiko's lips trembled as she asked softly, "Sento... what are you doing?"
From beginning to end, she had no choice.
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