Unspoken Lies

(At school)

Park: What are you doing today, Kaito?

Kaito: I’m going to study with Rin and Misaki.

Park: Oh, then your grades are guaranteed. Lucky.

Kaito: It’s not luck, it’s hard work.

Park: Really? Then let me study with you. I’ll get better grades than you.

Kaito: Okay, but they need to agree too.

Park: They’ll definitely say yes.

Kaito: Then let’s go to the library...

(thinking) I’m still thinking about what happened during the camping trip. Who was that girl Misaki kept repeating? And is it related to what happened that day?

---

(At the library)

Rin (waving): Over here! Oh, you brought a friend too.

Misaki: I just had time for one more idiot.

Park: No, I’m not an idiot like Kaito. I’ll study seriously, please!

Kaito: I’m not an idiot either.

Misaki: Then sit down, I don’t have time.

Rin: Do you have something to do?

Misaki: Yes.

Kaito: Then we better start.

(After half an hour, Misaki receives a message)

Misaki: Sorry, I have to go.

Rin: Alright.

Kaito: I have something to do too.

---

(Misaki waits in the garden)

Bully Leader: So, you came.

(Misaki glares at him)

Bully Leader: Oh, scary. I like that look. So, have you made your decision?

Misaki: Yes. I won’t pay you anything for a photo I already have.

Bully Leader: So, you have the photo? My friend found nothing. But those aren’t the only ones—we found two. One taken here, and the other as you were leaving the hospital.

Misaki: What? That photo still exists?

Bully: Didn’t you know? Now I’m raising the price to $350.

Misaki: It was already hard enough getting $300!

Bully Leader: Yes, due to high demand.

Misaki: Prove to me you actually have them.

Bully Leader: What?

Misaki: Prove it.

Bully Leader: Here they are.

Misaki: Then I’ll take them by force.

Bully Leader: Just like last time, huh? I heard your dad is a big businessman. What if these photos, with some captions, spread online—connected to Oja Global? That could ruin the upcoming contract in two months.

Misaki: So you studied everything about me?

Bully Leader: Of course.

Misaki: Why not go to my father? He can pay more.

Bully Leader: First, it’s about revenge. Second, I need a middleman—and that’s you.

Misaki: What do you mean?

Bully Leader: The president shows no interest due to the American contract. But his daughter can intervene. I’ll get what I want, and revenge.

Misaki: So what do you need from me? An apology?

Bully Leader: No. You’ll know soon. But for now—what do you say?

Misaki: Fine, just leave my father out of this. Give me the photos.

Bully Leader: Got the money already?

Misaki: I have $250, I’ll get the rest.

Bully Leader: You’ll get the photos only after paying in full.

Misaki: I said I will!

Bully Leader: Keep your money until you bring the full amount. Oh, and my name’s Shiguro.

Misaki: Why are you telling me that?

Shiguro: Because I want to date you.

Misaki: What nonsense are you talking now?

Shiguro: Think about it—two months, you’ll have the money, and the contract will be signed. Think about it.

---

(Back home)

Misaki: I’m home.

Misaki's Mom: Welcome back.

Misaki: I’m going to my room.

Misaki's Mom: Don’t you want dinner?

Misaki: I’m not hungry.

(Misaki enters her room, her heart aching)

Misaki: What should I do... those photos weren’t destroyed. But I can’t confront or face them... Iroha.

---

Kaito: Why do I have to do the dishes?

Kaito’s Sister: Because it’s your turn.

(Narration: I have a sister four years older than me. Her name is Mizuhara. I call her the Lazy Panda.)

Mizuhara: What did you call me?

Kaito: I didn’t say anything.

Mizuhara: You didn’t say it, but I know that look on your face! (hits him)

Kaito: Why do you always hit me?

Mizuhara: Because I weigh 67 kilos—perfect for beautiful girls. And I was the one who looked after you even during my studies until I went to college.

Kaito: I won’t deny that. But you were sweet in elementary school—now you’re like... (gets something shoved in his mouth) a gorilla!

Mizuhara: One more word and you’re done.

(Kaito nods like a scared cat)

Mizuhara: So, what happened with that girl?

Kaito: You mean Misaki?

Mizuhara: Yes, she’s been on your mind a lot.

Kaito: You noticed?

Mizuhara: Of course.

Kaito: I feel like something bad is going to happen to her.

Mizuhara: You told me, and I believe you. If you need help, I’m here. But first, figure out what’s going to happen, then save her, then confess, then marry her.

Kaito: Are you joking now?

Mizuhara: Yes, your big head suggests it.

Kaito: I don’t like her—I already have someone I love.

Mizuhara: And who’s that?

Kaito: Rin.

Mizuhara: So you’re planning a double relationship, you trickster!

Kaito: No! Rin is my first love—the one I want to stay with. Misaki is just a friend like the others. But can you believe I had a dream she was completely broken? I don’t want that for any of my friends. That’s why I’m helping her.

Mizuhara: Sounds like you do want a double love.

Kaito (throws a pillow): Stop it!

Mizuhara: Oh, did I just touch your heart? Don’t worry, I support you.

Kaito: Stop it already!

Mizuhara: Hahaha!

---

(At Misaki's house)

Misaki: Mom, are you going to the family meeting again?

Misaki’s Mom: Yes, dear. Why do you ask? Afraid of the dark?

Misaki: No, I’m a grown-up now.

Misaki’s Mom: That’s what I want to hear.

Misaki: Mom, please make time for me. There’s something I want to talk about.

Misaki’s Mom: Okay, when I get back.

---

(At the school field)

Park: Kaito, aren’t you coming to play? You’re just sitting there.

Kaito: I don’t feel like playing. I’m thinking.

Park: About Misaki, right?

Kaito: No... about Iroha, Misaki’s friend. Why was Misaki acting so strange?

Park: Acting how?

Kaito: I don’t know...

(Park throws a ball at him)

Park: Then let’s play and clear your mind.

Kaito: Okay.

Park: Still on team A?

Kaito (looking): You’ve got to be kidding. We’re definitely losing.

Park: I didn’t make the team!

Kaito: You sly dog.

Park: Let’s play!

Kaito: Even with this team, I’ll win.

Park: We’ll see!

---

Rin: Misaki, want to study together tonight?

Misaki: Don’t act like Kaito.

Rin: No one’s as dumb as him.

Misaki: True. Fine, I’ll see if I have time.

Rin: Oh, thank you!

Misaki: Why are you hugging me? We’re just studying.

Rin: Because I won’t sleep while you’re studying with me.

Misaki (smiling): You’re so childish.

Rin: Yep!

---

(After school)

(Misaki spots the bully)

Misaki: Rin, I have something to do. I’ll come to your house after.

Rin: Okay, I’ll wait for you.

---

(Back at the park)

Shiguro (the bully): This is where the two friends used to play and laugh, right?

Misaki: Give me the photos. I have the money.

Shiguro: Alright. But one more thing.

Misaki: What now?

Shiguro: Date me.

Misaki: Dream on. I have the money. Give me the photos.

Shiguro: So cold... but I’ll be nice. I’ll give you one and a half photos.

(He tears one in half)

Misaki: Stop! We didn’t agree on that!

Shiguro: I gave you half since you paid half. Fair?

Misaki: What do you want from dating me? There’s just one month until the contract is signed.

Shiguro: I want something, actually...

---

(After the conversation)

Misaki (calls Rin): Hey, I’m coming. Are you asleep?

Rin: No, I’m studying. But beware who you study with...

Misaki: What do you mean?

(She’s at Rin’s door)

Misaki: Rin, open up.

Rin: Okay, come in. You’re late.

Misaki: I had some stuff to do.

(Misaki walks into Rin’s room)

Misaki: So the idiot came again.

Kaito: I’m not an idiot! Park invited himself!

(Misaki glares at Rin)

Rin: I couldn’t say no!

Misaki: Let’s just study and get it over with.

(After studying)

Kaito: Finally done.

Park: Now I understand why they’re called geniuses.

Misaki: Yep. I’m heading out.

Park: Me too.

(As Misaki stands, a photo falls)

(Kaito picks it up. He runs after her)

Kaito: Misaki, wait!

Misaki: Kaito? What is it?

Kaito: You dropped this.

Misaki: Thank you.

Kaito: No need to hide it. It’s just a photo. That’s Iroha, right?

Misaki (surprised): How did you know?

Kaito: During the dare game, when Eri tried to scare us, she wore the same outfit and said her name.

Misaki: So that’s how you figured it out... listen—

Kaito: You don’t have to say anything now. Just say it when you’re ready.

Misaki (laughing): You’re not cool at all.

Kaito: Huh?

Misaki: When you talk, you sound like a medieval guy. (mocking) “I shall wait for you, my princess.”

Kaito: I’m teaching you how to be serious in serious moments!

Misaki: Yeah, sure... pffft—hahaha!

Kaito: So, you can smile.

Misaki: You perv. Anyway, thanks for returning it—and for understanding. Bye.

Kaito: Bye.

---

(At Misaki’s house)

Misaki: Mom’s not home... I’ll hide the photo.

(After hiding it, she dreams of her friend)

Iroha: Misaki, look! An ant nest!

Misaki: Stay away. Red ants sting really badly.

Iroha: You’re no fun. Ooh, the swing! Misaki, let’s jump from the swing!

Misaki: No, you’re sick. That’s not good for you.

Iroha: There you go again! Yeah, I’m sick, but that doesn’t mean I can’t jump better than you!

(She jumps and lands near the ant nest)

Iroha: See?

Misaki: I’ll jump too! (lands just short of the nest)

Misaki: I jumped farther!

(They keep swinging and jumping to see who jumps higher...)

Iroha: I’ll go even higher now! (jumps)

Misaki: Iroha! Watch out, the ant nest—

(A dog bark saves her)

That's why you were lying there. You're lucky he saved you from the ant nest.

Iroha (smiling): Yes, I'm lucky… right, Misa?

Misaki (concerned): Are you okay, Iroha?

Iroha: Yes, no need to worry like that.

(Misaki wakes up to the sound of the alarm and a message. Her eyes and cheeks are wet with tears.)

Misaki: Ugh… what time is it?

(Meanwhile, at Kaito's house, his sister tries to wake him up.)

Mizuhara: Hey! Kaito! Wake up, you idiot!

Kaito: Huh? What’s going on, Mizuhara?

Mizuhara: I’ve been trying to wake you up all morning so we can go shopping like we agreed!

Kaito: Like we agreed?

Mizuhara: Huh? Don’t you remember?

(Flashback to last night)

Mizuhara: I’m back. Get ready. We’re going shopping tomorrow.

Kaito: Yeah, yeah…

(Back to the present)

Kaito (trying to remember): I never said that…

Mizuhara (angrily hits him in the stomach): I said wake up!!

Kaito: Ouchhh!!

Mizuhara: I’ll wait for you in the car. Hurry up!

(At the store)

Kaito: So, what do we need?

Mizuhara: Eggs, meat, and some carbs. My brother’s been eating a lot to build muscles, but he forgot to grow a brain.

Kaito: I eat to stay in shape, not because I’m brainless!

(Kaito walks out of the store during an argument with his sister while she’s paying. He notices Misaki.)

Kaito: Huh… Misaki? And who’s that?

(A bully is talking to Misaki.)

Bully: So, just like we agreed.

Kaito (from behind): Hey, back off!

Misaki (turns): Kaito…

Kaito: Is he bothering you? Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.

Misaki: No, wait—

Bully: Hey, can’t you see I’m talking to her? Back off!

Kaito: Oh really? Then allow me to congratulate you!

(Kaito attempts to punch him.)

Misaki stops him: Stop! Listen to me! We’re dating.

Kaito (shocked): What?

Bully: Just like she said—we're dating. So keep your hands off my girlfriend.

(Kaito steps back, looking at Misaki.)

Kaito: Sorry for bothering you. I’ll go now.

Bully: Yeah, leave. You already ruined our date.

(A little later, after walking away from Kaito)

Misaki: We’ve done our part of the deal. Give us the photo.

Bully: No, it’s not over. I haven’t gotten my revenge on him yet. We’re just getting started