Haruto slid the clinic's door open, his voice calm and polite. "Excuse me, someone needs treatment," he called out.
When no one responded, he carried Mari over to one of the beds and gently set her down.
"It looks like no one's here. I'll grab the first aid kit," he said, moving to the cupboard filled with medical supplies.
After gathering antiseptic, bandages, and cotton, he returned to Mari, placing everything neatly on the nearby table.
Mari raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Do you even know how to use all that? If not, I'll just do it myself."
Haruto chuckled, pulling up a chair beside her. "Of course I can. It's something everyone should know."
The truth was, Haruto had patched himself up countless times. His body bore the marks of fights and struggles, each wound teaching him the basics of first aid through sheer necessity.
He picked up the antiseptic, soaking a piece of cotton before gently dabbing it onto Mari's scraped knee. She winced slightly but didn't pull away.
"Hah, that idiot really went too far," Mari grumbled, her tone sharp as she watched Haruto work.
"If this turns into a scar, I'll punch him myself."
But Haruto's keen eyes caught the faint tremble in her hands, betraying her words of courage. She was putting up a tough front, but fear lingered just beneath the surface.
"Don't be like that—it's not very ladylike," Haruto teased, flashing a playful grin.
"Besides, you've got a boyfriend. Shouldn't you rely on him more? He might cry if you don't."
He exaggerated a pout, feigning dramatic sadness.
Mari huffed, crossing her arms. "What kind of boyfriend gives up on his girlfriend so easily?"
Her words hit harder than she might have intended. Haruto's smile faltered for a moment before he sighed deeply.
"You're right, Mari. I'm sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I see now that I was wrong."
Mari's expression softened slightly, but her gaze dropped to her hands, now clasped tightly in her lap.
"You're strong, Haruto. You could've just pummeled Kota yourself, but instead, I had to step in. That's something I never understand and it hurts me."
"And... At that time, when he pulled my hand, it scared me. What if he had hurt me? What if no one had been there?"
Her voice cracked, her hands curling into fists as she hugged herself tightly. "What would've happened to me then?"
Haruto paused, her words striking a chord deep within him. He knew all too well the fear of helplessness, the despair of being overpowered. Find your next read on empire
"Annoying? Condescending? Snobbish?" he supplied, smirking.
She laughed softly, nodding. "Exactly. But he always thought no one wanted to be his friend because he was ugly. I didn't think that was the case, though."
She sighed, her smile fading. "I noticed something about him."
"His parents never showed up—whether it was sports day or parent-teacher meetings. He was always alone. I felt sorry for him and wanted to be his friend."
Mari's gaze dropped to her hands as she confessed, "I thought I was helping him... but I guess I only made things worse."
Haruto gently took her hand in his, his touch firm yet comforting. "Is that why you kept quiet about Kota's obsession? You felt responsible?"
She nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Hey," Haruto said gently, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand.
"That's not on you. Kota's actions are his own. He's an asshole—plain and simple. None of this is your fault, alright?"
Mari looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with gratitude, though a trace of doubt lingered.
"I know... but I still hope this changes him. I don't want this to just break Kota—I want him to realize his mistakes and become better."
Haruto couldn't help but smile at her. Even after everything, her compassion shone through.
Despite her fear, her desperation, and the pain she endured, she still found it in her heart to care.
She was remarkable.
A kind, wonderful woman.
The thought left a bittersweet taste in his mouth. Haruto felt a pang of guilt as he realized how much he had taken advantage of her sincerity.
'I need to stop this. I need to be sincere with her.'
The sharp ring of the school bell shattered the moment, signaling the start of the next class.
"Let's go. The teacher's waiting for us," Haruto said, standing and extending a hand to help her up.
But Mari didn't budge. Her fingers tightened around his, her eyes pleading.
"Why can't we stay here a little longer?" she whispered, her voice soft and vulnerable.
"I missed you... I just want to be close to you for a bit more."