Chapter 16: The Return of Kazuma

The sky was that washed-out blue that always made me think something bad was about to happen. Not storm clouds, not glaring sunshine—just this dull, pale color, like a scene waiting for its tension to kick in.

It was lunchtime, and I’d just stepped out into the courtyard to grab some air when the whispers started.

> “Is that… a parent?”

“No way. He’s too young.”

“He’s handsome, though…”

“Wait… is he talking to Asuka-sensei?”

That last one hit me in the gut. My head turned automatically, scanning the small cluster of students huddled by the school gates.

And there he was.

A man, maybe late twenties, tall with that too-perfect posture guys get when they know they’re being looked at. Neatly styled black hair, sharp jawline, and a smile that wasn’t friendly—it was the kind that could cut glass.

Standing right in front of him was Asuka-sensei.

She looked… tense. The way her hands gripped the strap of her bag told me she’d rather be anywhere else.

My steps slowed, but my eyes locked on the guy. And then—like he’d felt me looking—he turned.

Our gazes met.

He didn’t just look. He smirked.

That tiny curl of his lips said I know who you are. I know what you want. And I’m already ahead of you.

Something burned in my chest. My fists slipped into my pockets because if they didn’t, I might’ve done something stupid.

(Inner thought) This guy… I already hate him. And I don’t even know him.

---

[Flashback ]

It had been two years ago.

The rain had been falling for hours, drumming against the tiny apartment’s windows, the room dim except for the lamp in the corner. Yume was asleep in the bedroom.

Kazuma stood near the door, coat on, bag slung over his shoulder. He wasn’t yelling. That was the worst part—he was calm.

> “Asuka, I can’t keep doing this.”

I stood there, clutching the dish towel like it might anchor me to the floor.

> “Doing what?”

> “This… half-life. You, the kid, the bills, the endless stress. I didn’t sign up to raise someone else’s child.”

My chest had gone cold.

> “She’s my child. You said you loved her. You—”

> “I thought I did.” His voice didn’t even waver. “But I don’t want to live like this. You’re always tired, always… boring now. This isn’t the life I want.”

Something inside me snapped then, but my voice came out steady.

> “Then go.”

He blinked. Like he expected me to beg.

> “Asuka, you’re being irrational—”

> “No. I’m being done. Get out.”

Kazuma’s eyes hardened. He didn’t argue again. The door shut behind him, and the rain kept falling.

I’d sat down at the kitchen table, alone, and told myself over and over: Don’t cry. Don’t cry. He’s not worth it.

---

[Present —]

From where I stood, I couldn’t hear what they were saying. But I saw the way Asuka’s shoulders stiffened. I saw the little shake of her head.

Kazuma leaned in a little, too close. I took one step forward before I caught myself.

The school bell rang, and Asuka walked away without looking back. Kazuma stayed where he was, eyes still on me from across the courtyard. Like he wanted me to know he’d noticed.

---

The rest of the day was a blur. I barely heard a word in class.

By the time the final bell rang, I found myself at the teacher’s lounge door. Asuka was inside, organizing papers.

She looked up when I knocked. “Reiji? Did you need something?”

I stepped in, shut the door behind me. “Who was that guy?”

Her hands froze for half a second before she went back to stacking papers. “…No one you need to worry about.”

“That ‘no one’ looked like he knew you pretty well.”

She sighed. “He’s… Yume’s father.”

It felt like someone had punched me in the stomach.

“You mean—”

“My ex,” she cut in. “His name’s Kazuma. And before you start—yes, I know he’s bad news. That’s why I want you to stay out of it.”

I stared at her. “You really think I’m gonna just watch him walk back into your life?”

She gave me a tired smile. “Reiji… not everything is yours to protect.”

“Maybe not,” I said, stepping closer. “But you are.”

Her breath caught for a moment, but she shook her head. “Don’t. It’s… complicated.”

“I don’t care how complicated it is.” My voice came out low, steady. “If he tries to hurt you again, I’m not just gonna stand there.”

For a moment, we just looked at each other. There was something in her eyes—something I couldn’t name.

She turned away first. “Go home, Reiji.”

---

That night, I lay awake staring at the ceiling.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Kazuma’s smirk.

Every time I tried to think about something else, I heard Asuka’s voice saying ‘Don’t. It’s complicated.’

But all I could think was—

If he tries to hurt her again… I’ll break him.