The feeling returned.
Stronger than before.
Yamabuki stopped mid-step in the hallway.
"…Again."
That presence.
Cold.
Watching.
Not imagination.
Not coincidence.
"…Come out."
Silence.
Students walked past like nothing was wrong.
Laughing. Talking.
Normal.
But behind that normal—
Something was wrong.
"…Tch."
He turned sharply—
Nothing.
"…If you're watching, at least show your face."
"Careful what you wish for."
A voice.
Right behind him.
Yamabuki's eyes widened—
He turned instantly.
But—
No one.
"…What the hell…"
A chill ran down his spine.
After School
The sky turned orange.
Then slowly darker.
Yamabuki walked out of school—
This time more alert.
More aware.
"…Show yourself already."
"Still so confident."
That voice again.
Closer.
And then—
A figure stepped out from the shadows.
Tall.
Calm.
Unfamiliar.
But their eyes—
Locked directly onto Yamabuki.
"…So you're the one."
"…Who are you?"
The figure smiled faintly.
"…Someone you shouldn't be involved with."
"Tch… speak clearly."
"…You're close to Naya."
Yamabuki's expression hardened.
"…What about it."
"…That's a mistake."
"…Says who?"
"…Me."
Silence.
Tension filled the air.
"…Listen carefully," the figure continued,
"…you don't belong in her world."
"…And you do?"
"…More than you ever will."
Yamabuki stepped forward.
"…Then explain it properly."
"…No."
"…Then stop talking like you know everything."
The figure's smile faded slightly.
"…You're bold."
"…You're annoying."
"…You should walk away."
"…Not happening."
Pressure
The air changed.
Heavier.
Dangerous.
"…You don't understand," the figure said quietly,
"…getting close to her won't just hurt you."
"…It'll destroy you."
"…Try me."
For a moment—
Silence.
Then—
The figure sighed.
"…I was hoping you'd be smarter."
The Warning
Without warning—
The figure stepped closer.
Fast.
Too fast.
Yamabuki barely reacted—
But still didn't step back.
"…Last chance."
"…No."
Their eyes locked.
Cold vs stubborn.
"…Fine."
The figure leaned slightly closer—
Voice low.
"…Then remember this moment."
"…What—"
"…Because after this…"
A pause.
"…you won't get another warning."
Interruption
"Yamabuki!"
Both turned.
Naya.
Standing a few meters away.
Breathing slightly fast—
Like she ran.
"…Stop."
Her voice—
Different.
Not calm.
Not teasing.
Serious.
The figure stepped back.
"…You came."
"…Leave."
"…You know I can't do that."
"…I said leave."
For the first time—
There was tension in Naya's voice.
Real tension.
"…You shouldn't have involved him,
the figure said.
"…I didn't."
"…Then why is he here."
Silence.
Yamabuki looked between them.
"…Oi."
No response.
"…Explain what's going on."
Naya didn't look at him.
"…Later."
"…No. Now."
"…Please."
That word—
Stopped him.
"…Tch…"
The Truth Cracks
"…You always do this," the figure said softly,
"…get close to people you shouldn't."
"…It's none of your business."
"…It becomes my business when they get hurt."
"…He won't."
"…You can't promise that."
Silence.
Heavy.
Painful.
Yamabuki Steps In
"…Enough."
Both looked at him.
"…Stop talking like I'm not here."
"…You're not part of this," the figure said coldly.
"…Then make me understand."
"…You don't want to understand."
"…Try me."
The figure stared at him—
Long.
Carefully.
Then—
A small smile.
"…You really are different."
"…And you're really annoying."
Exit
"…This isn't over," the figure said,
stepping back into the shadows.
"…Stay away from her."
"…No."
"…Then next time…"
A pause.
"…I won't be this polite."
And just like that—
They disappeared.
Aftermath
Silence.
Only Yamabuki and Naya remained.
"…Who was that?"
Naya didn't answer.
"…Naya."
Still nothing.
"…Tch."
He stepped closer.
"…You said you'd tell me later."
"…I did."
"…Then tell me."
She looked at him.
Finally.
Her eyes—
Shaking.
"…You're already in danger."
"…I don't care."
"…I do."
That—
Was new.
"…Then explain."
Silence.
Then—
"…If I tell you…"
"…Yeah?"
"…You won't be able to walk away."
Yamabuki didn't hesitate.
"…I already said that."
Final Line
Naya closed her eyes for a second.
Then—
Looked at him.
"…Then don't regret it."