The next day, Horohoro returned to school and acted as if nothing really had happened. He laughed and talked, he did his best in class, and he continued to be the star of the school. However, Ren was no longer at his side, and instead, he hung out with Hao more and more.

When someone would ask, "What happen to that Ren kid?" Horohoro would give a simple reply.

"I don't need him anymore."

Lunch was spent like any day before the incidents with Ren, except Hao was the only one left to talk with him. It was like nothing had ever changed between him and Ren. His heart was ice, he no longer felt anything for Ren except for scorn.

"What'd you do with the witch?" Hao asked. "You said you'd kill him."

"I did say that," Horohoro replied coldly. "But I didn't do it."

"Why not?"

Horohoro placed his fist on the table. "Because I didn't want to dirty my hands with his filthy witch blood. That's all there is to it." He stood up. "I'll do it eventually. Don't nag me."

School let out, and Horohoro walked home by himself. It felt strange, walking alone. Usually, Ren would be with him. On snowy days such as this one, he always felt happy. Today was different. His heart was colder than the weather.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement. He turned his head towards the alley at his left. There was a boy there, huddled up and shivering violently. His clothing was splashed with blood, a fresh wound on his face. A man was standing in front of him, whom Horohoro recognized as the person who had attacked Ren a few days ago.

"C'mon, old man," Horohoro shouted to him. "What're you doing? Just go and beat the crap out of the kid, will you?"

Ren looked up. His eyes grew wide, and he quickly looked away.

The man looked at Horohoro with a strange expression on his face. He turned around quickly hurried away, disappearing down the alley.

"Geez, people around here are so useless," Horohoro said. "Can't even do anything to a homeless kid." He approached Ren, who instinctively shrank away. "How're you doing, Ren?" he asked, grinning unpleasantly. "Are you cold?"

"Horohoro..." Ren looked up at the Ainu. "Why are you here? Please, just leave me alone."

Horohoro ignored him. "You're pathetic," he scoffed. "Reduced to a homeless beggar. To think I actually loved you at one point. It disgusts me." He laughed. "What about you, Ren? What do you think?"

"Horohoro...I loved you too. Y-You may have thought otherwise...and even though you did terrible things to me...I still...I think I still love you."

"That's rubbish. Witches don't feel emotion."

"I'm not a witch."

"I'm sick of your lies, Ren." He turned away to leave. "By the way, it's chilly, isn't it? I come from Hokkaido, I know lots about the cold." He smiled at Ren. "I'm pretty sure you won't last much more than a day at this rate. The temperature is dropping rapidly. You're going to suffer, and I'm really glad for that."

"Have fun!" he laughed before walking away.

Boy, did he love the cold.

Ren was going to die. He was sure of it. He was pleased with the thought as he entered the apartment complex.

Back outside, Ren couldn't help but let out some tears. Horohoro had called him a witch again. Horohoro wanted him to die.

Ren buried his face in his arms. He didn't mind so much anymore. After all, dying would be much better than living like this. And if it was all he could do to make Horohoro happy, then so be it.