Chapter 3: Unraveling the Truth
In the days that followed, Nagatoro's world crumbled around her. The realization that her constant teasing and bullying had driven Senpai to leave, and ultimately to his tragic end, was a weight too heavy to bear.
Nagatoro became a shadow of her former self. Gone was the teasing and the mocking smiles, replaced by an overwhelming sense of guilt and sorrow. She withdrew from her friends, from school, from everything.
NAGATORO (broken)
I... I never knew... I never knew it would end like this…
Misaki tried her best to console her sister, but the damage was done. Nagatoro's love for Senpai, buried beneath layers of teasing and mischievousness, had been genuine all along.
MISAKI (softly)
Hayase, he loved you too, you know...
Nagatoro's tear-filled eyes met her sister's, a glimmer of hope flickering in her heart.
NAGATORO (whispering)
He... he did?
MISAKI
Absolutely. I sensed it the day he dropped by to see you. He'd get all flustered whenever you came up in conversation.
– FLASHBACK START –
Senpai's gaze wandered around the living area, where he couldn't help but notice photographs of a young Nagatoro proudly displaying her Judo competition victories.
MISAKI
Someone's curious…
SENPAI
Uh…! Me…! No.. Not at all…
Senpai began to drift off in thought.
MISAKI
Earth to Senpai.. I'm waiting… Are you interested or aren't you?
SENPAI
I… Uh.. I guess so..
MISAKI
In English please.
SENPAI
I'm interested.
– FLASHBACK END –
Nagatoro's journey of self-discovery had begun, as she grappled with the consequences of her actions and the love she had never truly understood.
