Confrontation

The silence was sharp enough to cut.
Hayato took a cautious step forward, his expression shifting from surprise to confusion.“Shiromi… what are you doing here?”
She froze, the dim light revealing the tension in her jaw.“I… could ask you the same,” she replied, forcing her tone to stay calm.
Hayato frowned. “So it was you who followed me, didn’t you?”
Her heartbeat spiked, but she didn’t flinch. “You’re acting suspicious. I wanted to know why.”
Hayato exhaled softly, setting down the photo frame in his hand. “So you *were* following me.” His voice wasn’t angry—just tired. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“Why?” she shot back. “Because this place is part of your family’s secret?”
That made him stop. He looked at her differently now, eyes narrowing. “You… know about my family?”
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The dust hung in the air between them like time had stopped.
Shiromi’s hand clenched at her side.“I know enough,” she said quietly. “Enough to wonder what kind of man your father really was.”
Hayato’s gaze darkened.“My father…” he murmured. “Everyone thinks he was a criminal. But I don’t believe it. He disappeared after my mother died. The police said he ran away, but I know he didn’t. Someone *framed* him.”
Her breath caught.“Framed?”
Hayato nodded slowly. “I’ve been trying to find proof. My mom’s death wasn’t random… and neither was what happened to your family.”
Shiromi’s eyes widened. “What did you just say?”
Hayato met her gaze directly. “Your family. The Yano family. I know about them.”
It felt like the ground disappeared under her feet.He knew.
“You…” her voice shook. “How much do you know?”
Hayato looked away, guilt flickering in his eyes. “Enough to know your family didn’t deserve what happened. And… enough to know my father might not be who you think he is.”
For the first time, Shiromi didn’t know whether to draw closer or back away. The boy she thought was her enemy might be the only person who understood the truth.
But trust was a luxury she couldn’t afford.
She took a step back toward the door.“If you’re lying…” she warned, her voice low, “I’ll destroy everything you’re hiding.”
Hayato didn’t move.“I’m not lying. But if you really want the truth, then help me find it.”
Her hand trembled on the doorknob.
The offer hung in the air like a spark in dry wood—dangerous, and impossible to ignore.