By lunchtime, I had become famous.
Not the kind of famous people admired.
The kind they despised.
As I walked through the corridor, whispers followed me like a curse.
"That's him."
"The guy from the rumors."
"I heard he's manipulating Aizawa-san."
I clenched my fists and kept walking.
Ignore them.
That was easier said than done.
My phone buzzed.
School Forum – Trending Post
With a sinking feeling, I opened it.
Title: "The Truth About the Invisible Boy."
Attached was a photo of me sitting beside Reina. But this time, it was edited. The lighting was darkened, and a misleading caption was plastered across it.
'Aizawa Reina Forced to Sit with Him.'
Below it were dozens—no, hundreds—of comments.
"He's creepy."
"Someone report him."
"How did a nobody get close to her?"
"This is disgusting."
"He must be blackmailing her."
My fingers trembled as I scrolled.
Each word struck like a blade.
So this is what hatred feels like.
"Don't read it."
A gentle voice pulled me back.
I looked up.
Aizawa Reina stood beside me, her expression calm but her eyes filled with concern.
"You saw it too?" I asked quietly.
She nodded. "Yes. And it's clearly fabricated."
"But everyone believes it," I muttered.
Her gaze softened. "Truth doesn't disappear just because lies are louder."
Before I could respond, a group of students approached us.
At their head stood a tall boy with a smug smile.
Takeda Ren.
The most popular guy in our year—and Kurosaki Yuna's rumored admirer.
"So it's true," he said mockingly. "You've been bothering Aizawa-san."
"I haven't," I replied firmly.
"Then why is she always with you?" he challenged.
Reina stepped forward. "Because I choose to be."
Takeda chuckled. "You don't have to defend him, Aizawa-san. We're only trying to protect you."
Her expression hardened. "I don't need protection."
The corridor fell silent.
Takeda's smile faded slightly, irritation flickering in his eyes.
"Be careful," he warned me coldly. "Not everyone here is as patient as I am."
With that, he turned and walked away with his group.
The tension lingered long after they left.
"…This is getting worse," I whispered.
"Yes," Reina admitted softly. "But running away will only make things harder."
I nodded, though unease gnawed at my chest.
After School*
The sun dipped low, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson.
As I changed into my outdoor shoes, I noticed a folded paper inside my locker.
Frowning, I opened it.
"Meet me on the rooftop.
Come alone."
No name.
No explanation.
Just those chilling words.
A cold sensation crept up my spine.
This felt like a trap.
But if I ignored it, the rumors would only grow.
Taking a deep breath, I headed toward the stairs
The Rooftop*
The wind greeted me as I stepped outside.
The rooftop was empty—except for one person.
Kurosaki Yuna.
Her long hair swayed gently in the breeze as she stood near the railing, gazing at the setting sun.
"You came," she said without turning around.
*+4362415 aura*
"So it was you," I replied cautiously.
She faced me, her sharp eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.
"Tell me," she said, folding her arms. "Are you enjoying your newfound fame?"
"If this is a joke, it's not funny."
"I never joke," she replied coldly.
A tense silence followed.
"Why did you call me here?" I asked.
Her lips curved into a faint smile.
"To warn you."
"Warn me?"
"Yes." She stepped closer, her presence overwhelming. "You've attracted attention you cannot handle."
"I didn't ask for any of this."
"No," she admitted. "But you accepted it when you stayed by Aizawa Reina's side."
Her gaze sharpened.
"This school is a battlefield of pride and reputation. Weak people are crushed without mercy."
Her words sent a chill through me.
"So what do you want from me?"
Yuna's expression softened—just slightly.
"Stay away from her," she said quietly. "If you value your peace."
My heart pounded.
Was this a threat… or a warning?
"I can't do that," I replied.
Her eyes widened for a split second.
"Why?"
"Because she treated me like a normal person," I said firmly. "And I won't abandon her because of rumors."
The wind howled between us.
For the first time, genuine interest flickered in Yuna's eyes.
"…How foolish," she murmured.
Yet her lips curved into a faint smile.
"Very well. Let's see how long you can endure."
She turned and walked past me, her voice drifting through the air.
"The storm has only just begun."
I stood there in silence, watching the sun disappear beyond the horizon.
Deep down, I knew—
My peaceful life was gone.
And there was no turning back.
End of Chapter 4
Preview of Chapter 5:
A shocking truth about the anonymous post is uncovered
Reina invites the protagonist to walk home together
Yuna reveals an unexpected side of herself